Orientation
We want to help you get off to a great start as a Global Falcon!
International Student Orientation consists of:
- Online modules to complete before you arrive
- An in-person orientation once you get to Bowling Green
All students are required to complete orientation unless they previously attended BGSU.
Orientation fee: $100 - You will be charged the fee even if you fail to complete the mandatory orientation.
Spring 2026 International Student Orientation
Thursday, Janurary 8, 2025
All new international students must arrive at BGSU no later than Wednesday, Jan. 7.
See complete orientation schedule.
Your Orientation to-do list
It is important to complete all components of International Student Orientation in order to set yourself up for a successful start at BGSU.
What to do before you arrive
Complete these action items as soon as possible to prevent a delay in registering for your courses.
1. Email the International Programs and Partnerships office a copy of your visa when you receive it.
2. Complete your Falcon Health forms. We encourage you to review student health insurance and its requirements.
3. Complete an online orientation course. Online orientation course for students on an F-1 visa | Online orientation course for guest/exchange students on a J-1 visa
4. Complete your Math Placement assessment. (Undergraduate F-1 students only)
5. Complete your ESOL Placement assessment. (Undergraduate F-1 students only)
6. Complete your Financial Responsibility Agreement. It can be found in your MyBGSU to-do list.
7. Register for the in-person International Student Orientation. Undergraduate registration | Graduate/exchange student registration
8. Secure transportation to campus from the airport. You can reserve the free airport shuttle if you would like to use that service. Deadline to register for shuttles: Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Undergraduate reservations | Graduate/exchange student reservations
9. Secure on-campus or off-campus housing.
10. Review BGSU tuition and fees and prepare your finances.
What to do after you arrive at BGSU
1. Submit your immigration documents online. Undergraduate Immigration Document Upload | Graduate/Exchange Student Immigration Document Upload (Coming Soon!)
2. Complete the Emergency Contact Form online.
3. Officially check in at the Office of International Programs and Partnerships in 301 University Hall. Bring your passport. Note the office will be open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday-Friday.
4. Update your local address and phone number in your MyBGSU account.
- Log in to MyBGSU.
- Click on Student Center.
- Click your Profile.
- Click on Addresses.
- Update or Create an Address.
5. Attend International Student Orientation on Thursday, Jan. 8.
6. Set up a bank account, if necessary.
BGSU has partnered with PNC Bank to provide easy access to student banking. Students have access to:
- Checking and saving accounts
- Financial literacy resources
- The ability to link your BG1 card to your PNC bank account and use it at convenient ATMs
- Convenient locations on and near campus
- A digital banking experience to keep your money organized while you are in school.
Learn more about PNC’s services for international students, why you may want to open a bank account in the U.S. and how to do that.
7. Pick up your BG1 ID card in Bowen-Thompson Student Union. The office is located outside PNC bank on the first floor.
8. For graduate students with assistantships – All new international students who have a contract to work as a graduate assistant (GA) are required to meet with BGSU’s Student Employment Services to complete paperwork. GAs with a signed contract will receive detailed instructions to their BGSU email account on how to complete their employment paperwork electronically.
Updated: 11/24/2025 11:14AM