Pre-Arrival Information for Newly Admitted International Students
Congratulations and welcome to the Tiger family! You have been accepted to FHSU and should have received your I-20 or DS-2019.
There are several items students will need to complete PRIOR to arrival. Follow the PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST to ensure all steps have been completed in preparation for arrival. For questions or concerns, contact the International Student Services Office.
PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST: (QUICK GUIDE)
STEP 1: PAY SEVIS FEE
Once the I-20 or DS-2019 has been received from FHSU, go online to pay the required SEVIS Fee (Form I-901). This must be paid BEFORE the visa appointment. Students must print and bring the receipt to the visa appointment.
STEP 2: APPLY FOR STUDENT VISA & SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
Complete the visa application (Form DS-160) and schedule a visa appointment as soon as possible. There are many resources available for students to prepare for the visa appointment. Make sure to obtain information from a trusted source, such as a government web site. The web site, Study in the States, has valuable and important information to prepare for the appointment. Take time to review and prepare for the interview. U.S. visa requirements for your country.
TAKE ACTION: Notify the International Student Services Office of your visa appointment.
STEP 3: ACTIVATE TIGERNETID
The student's admissions letter contains information about their TigerNetID, which is the part of the FHSU email address before the @ symbol. A student’s TigerNetID and 8-digit FHSU ID will be very important during your time as a student and beyond. Learn more about FHSU technology.
STEP 4: APPLY TO LIVE ON-CAMPUS
FHSU recommends all new international students live on-campus in university housing. For those who are under the age of 21, it is required to live on-campus. Living on-campus has many benefits for all students. A student’s success can be associated with campus living! Explore living on-campus.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING HOUSING APPLICATION
- Log into your Workday account (student web portal)
- Click on the "myFHSU" icon
- Select Resources at the top of the page
- Go to Additional Resources section and select "Residential Life"
- Click on "Log in to Residential Life Housing Application"
- Log in using your Workday username and password
- Read through the Housing Contract Terms & Conditions PRIOR to completing the contract and submission
- Once the steps listed above are done, complete all the questions, sign the contract, pay the $40 contract fee, and submit the contract through the system
- Check your FHSU email for the completion confirmation email (if you did not receive this, it is most likely not done)
- For questions regarding the Housing Contract, contact Student Residential Life
Residential Life staff do their best to accommodate a student’s needs based on circumstances and conditions when possible.
Bedding/linens--Bedding (sheets, blanket, pillow, etc.) and linens (bath towels, hand towels, wash towels, etc.) are NOT provided by the university. Students who wish to have bedding upon arrival are encouraged to order their bedding and linens prior to the deadline--OCM Linen Brochure. This will save space in a student's luggage. The student’s order will be placed in their room.
NOTE: students who do not purchase bedding/linens in advance are encouraged to bring until this can be purchased after arrival.
STEP 5: MEDICAL FORMS REQUIRED
All students are required to provide medical information. FHSU Health & Wellness Services is located on-campus to provide students with medical care as needed. Prior to arrival, complete the following required medical forms and email them to the International Student Services Office.
Tuberculosis (TB) Screen Form - complete form attached to welcome email
Meningitis Waiver Form - complete form attached to welcome email
Visit the Tuberculosis & Meningitis Requirements for detailed information.
Visit the FHSU Health & Wellness Services for detailed information on services provided.
Health insurance is required for all international students registered at FHSU. Health insurance charges are automatically charged to a student’ s account along with tuition and fees.
STEP 6: TRAVEL PLANNING TO THE U.S.
The Hays Regional Airport is located only minutes away from campus. Flights arrive at the Hays Regional Airport from Denver, Colorado on United Airlines and is the preferred method of transportation to Hays. The International Student Services office will provide free transportation from the Hays Regional Airport for new students, no matter what time the flight arrives!
Fall 2022 arrival dates are August 12-14, 2022.
Important Travel Information:
Transportation and Arrival Information
Preparing to Travel to Hays
Flights can be booked in advance with United Airlines which connects with United Express.
Hays Regional Airport
TAKE ACTION: Complete the TRAVEL PLANNING FORM then email the form as soon as you have booked travel. This form must be returned NO LATER THAN July 5, 2022.
STEP 7: LIVE ZOOM SESSIONS, PRE-ORIENTATION MODULES
FHSU will provide live Zoom sessions for students to meet the International Student Services staff, get information about arrival, and ask questions! In the weeks prior to arrival, there will be various formats of information provided to prepare and welcome students to campus. Watch for more information. We are excited to have you on campus!
The Zoom link and other information will be emailed to students.
STEP 8: ATTEND ON-CAMPUS ORIENTATION
Orientation is designed to answer all your questions. During orientation students will be provided useful information:
- Connect with other new students and international welcome leaders
- Learn about FHSU resources
- Meet faculty and staff
- Complete various tasks
- Discuss Immigration requirements
Contact the International Student Services Office for any questions or concerns. The office staff is ready to assist you -- Welcome to our university community and Tiger family!