Pre-Arrival Information for Newly Admitted International Students

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.    

PAY SEVIS FEE   

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.  

VISA APPLICATION PROCESS 

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.  

ACTIVATE  TIGERNETID   

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  

1. Log into your Workday account (student web portal)     
2. Click on the "myFHSU" icon
3. Select Resources at the top of the page
4. Go to Additional Resources section and select "Residential Life"
5. Click on "Log in to Residential Life Housing Application"
6. Log in using your Workday username and password
7. Read through the Housing Contract Terms & Conditions PRIOR to completing the contract and submission   
8. 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  
9. Check your FHSU email for the completion confirmation email (if you did not receive this, it is most likely not done)
10. 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!