International Student Orientation

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, Aug. 8, 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.

Have you completed steps #1-6? 

If you’re an undergraduate or graduate F-1 student and finished those steps, it’s time to register for classes. 

Undergraduate F-1 students

• Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor.
  F-1 undergraduate students will receive an email to their BGSU email within 3 business days of completing steps #1-6. The email will provide instructions on how to schedule an appointment. 
• Attend the virtual advising appointment, and be prepared! 
• Sign in on time. The meetings will be scheduled on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Adjust your schedule accordingly.
• Have your BGSU student ID number and passport readily available. 
• Write down any academic-related questions you may have. 

Graduate F-1 students: Contact your graduate program coordinator to register.

Exchange students: You should have filled out a Course Selection Form as a part of your exchange student application. We will work with the appropriate department to register you for your preferred courses. If you still need to complete this form, search for available classes and submit the form to edabroad@bgsu.edu. Note: ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes are available but not required for exchange students.

When you arrive at BGSU

1. Submit your immigration documents online.

2. Officially check in at the Office of International Programs and Partnerships in 301 University Hall. Bring your passport.

3. 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.

4. Attend International Student Orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

5. 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.

6. Pick up your BG1 ID card in Bowen-Thompson Student Union. The office is located outside PNC bank on the first floor.

7. 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.