Next Steps

International Student Next Steps | Tampa Campus

Congrats on your admission to the University of South Florida! We are so excited to welcome you to our dynamic, metropolitan Tampa campus.

Here are the next steps you will take as an international student. You can explore all required needs to enroll at USF or jump to the section relevant to you:

IMMEDIATELY UPON ADMISSION

You will be able to complete the following steps immediately after admission to USF.

Please note that activating your NetID is the first step to enrolling at USF, if you have not done so yet. 

You may complete the next steps in any order based on requirements for your student type (e.g. freshman or transfer). In this section, you’ll: Pay Your Admission Deposit - Freshmen Only Reserve a Transfer Orientation Date - Transfer Only Complete all Immigration Onboarding Tasks Through iStart Verify/Update Personal Information Submit Medical History and Immunization Form Apply for On-Campus Housing

Freshmen Only: Pay Your Admission Deposit | Required for all freshman students

This is the first official step to secure your spot at USF. You will need to submit your admission deposit to start on your next steps, like reserving an Orientation date and confirming your on-campus room assignment. 

Pay Deposit

Transfer Only: Reserve a Transfer Orientation Date | Required for all transfer students

Admitted transfer students must register for, attend and complete all Orientation requirements. At Orientation, you’ll register for courses, so be sure to sign up for the earliest Orientation date possible to benefit from increased class availability. Orientation reservations open during the following months each year based on entry term:

• Spring Semester - October
• Summer and Fall Semesters - March

If you fail to reserve and complete Orientation, your admission to USF may be canceled.

Please note: If you previously graduated from USF and are pursuing a second bachelor’s degree, you do not need to attend Orientation.

Reserve Orientation

Complete all Immigration Onboarding Tasks Through iStart - Required for all international students

All newly admitted international students must use iStart to complete the Glo-Bull Start checklist. The Glo-Bull Start checklist is designed to guide students through all of the immigration tasks they must complete as a new international student at USF.

NOTE:  You will receive an email when your Glo-Bull Start checklist is ready for you. Please allow time for the Office of International Services to create your checklist after we have been notified of your admission.

Access iStart

Verify/Update Information | Recommended for all students

Submit Medical History and Immunization Form | Required for all students

You cannot register for courses until your completed Medical History and Immunizations Form has been received, so be sure to submit it in a timely fashion. 

Please note: This form requires formal authorization from a health care provider, so please ensure you leave time to complete this task for enrollment.

Access and Print Form

Apply for Housing and Meal Plan | Recommended for all students

Living on campus is not required for freshmen but we recommend all students apply for housing at USF. Apply for housing early for your best chance of placement in the hall of your choice!

Start by reviewing your housing options and available meal plans on the Tampa campus. Then apply for housing and a meal plan. Housing applications open during the following months each year based on entry term:

• Spring Semester: October 1
• Fall Semester: Upon admission to the university
• Summer Semester: March 2025

Please note: You will not be able to select a room through Housing until you submit an admission deposit and reserve an Orientation date.

Housing Application

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FRESHMEN ONLY: AFTER ADMISSION DEPOSIT

Submitting your admission deposit informs us of your intention to attend USF. You can complete the following steps concurrently after submitting your deposit.

You may complete the next steps in any order—but we recommend applying for housing and reserving an Orientation date as soon as they each become available as space fills up quickly. In this section, you’ll: Apply for Housing and Dining - If Not Already Completed Reserve an Orientation Date Take the Math Placement Test

If Not Completed - Apply for Housing and Meal Plan | Recommended for all freshman students

Living on campus is not required for freshmen but we recommend all students apply for housing at USF. Apply for housing early for your best chance of placement in the hall of your choice!

Start by reviewing your housing options and available meal plans on the Tampa campus. Then apply for housing and a meal plan. Housing applications open during the following months each year based on entry term:

• Spring Semester: October 1
• Fall Semester: Upon admission to the university
• Summer Semester: March 2025

Please note: You will not be able to select a room through Housing until you reserve an Orientation date.

Housing Application

Reserve an Orientation Date | Required for all freshman students

Admitted freshmen must register for, attend and complete all Orientation requirements. At Orientation, you’ll register for courses, so be sure to sign up for the earliest Orientation date possible to benefit from increased class availability. Orientation reservations open during the following months each year based on entry term:

• Spring Semester - October
• Summer and Fall Semesters - March

If you fail to reserve and complete Orientation, your admission to USF may be canceled.

Please note: If you received an Admission Deposit Waiver, you will need to click “Commit to Attending USF” through the “Pay Admission Deposit” tile on myBullsPath to reserve an Orientation date.

Reserve Orientation

Take the Math Placement Test | Recommended for all freshman students

USF uses your SAT/ACT/CLT Math scores for placement in the appropriate math courses. However, you may not have earned your best possible score while taking the SAT/ACT/CLT. To ensure you are enrolled in the correct math course, we encourage you to take the placement test as soon as possible, preferably before you are registered for courses. 

Please note: Students with a SAT Math 670+ or ACT Math 29+ do not need to take the test.

Take Math Placement Test

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AFTER LAST SEMESTER COMPLETION

After completing your last semester of high school or at your previous college/university, you must complete the following items based on your student type (e.g. freshman or transfer).

In this section, you’ll: Submit Final High School Transcript(s) - Freshmen Only Submit Final College Transcript(s) - Transfer Only

Freshmen Only: Submit Final High School Transcript - Required for all freshman students

Immediately after your high school graduation date is reflected on your transcript, you must submit a final high school transcript and any college transcripts from dual enrollment courses. Your admission is contingent upon submitting final transcripts, and we may rescind your admission offer and financial aid (including Bright Futures) will not disburse if they are not received by the first day of class.

Submit Final Transcript

 

Transfer Only: Submit Final College Transcripts | Required for all transfer students

Once you complete your final semester at your previous institution, you will need to submit your final transcripts from each institution attended.

Your admission is contingent on submitting final transcripts, and we may place a hold on your account to register for future courses if transcripts are not received prior to the first day of class. Use OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) to check the status of all essential admissions documents.

Submit Transcripts

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AFTER ATTENDING ORIENTATION 

You may complete the next steps in any order—along with the steps in the “Before the First Day of Classes” section.  In this section, you’ll: Purchase a USFCard Purchase a Parking Permit

Purchase a USFCard - Required for all students

Your USFCard will be used while you are on campus, including at dining locations and to verify your identity. Request a USFCard before you start at USF.

Request a USFCard

Purchase a Parking Permit - Required for students parking on campus

Parking permits are required on campus 24/7. Make sure to register your vehicle and pay for your decal before the semester begins.

Purchase Parking Permit

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BEFORE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES

You may complete the next steps in any order.

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Step 1: Determine Your Student Visa Type

Most international students come to USF on F-1 or J-1 student visas. Eligibility documents — 1-20s or DS 2019s — are required to apply for an F-1 visa or J-1 visa respectively.

The F-1 Visa

The F-1 is the most common student visa. Students must have a valid educational purpose for coming to the U.S., be a full-time student and provide proof of their ability to fund their education. Upon admission to a USF program and receipt of financial documentation, the student is issued an I-20 to be used to obtain the F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The spouse or children of an F-1 student enter the U.S. on F-2 visas and are not eligible to attend university or work in the U.S.

The J-1 Visa

The J-1 visa is an “exchange visitor” visa that is managed under the auspices of the Exchange Visitor Program of the U.S. Department of State. The J-1 visa is used primarily by exchange students (nondegree-seeking) and students sponsored by U.S. government agencies. Students who meet the criteria for the J-1 visa will be issued a DS-2019 by USF or by a U.S. government agency. The spouse or children of a J-1 student enter the U.S. on a J-2 visa. Spouses in J-2 status may apply to USCIS for permission to work after their arrival in the U.S. Spouses and children may also attend school.

Students who do not hold an F-1 (student) or J-1 visa status may study at USF if their current visa status permits study in a degree-seeking program.

Please note that individuals in F-2 and B-1/B-2 (visitor) status are PROHIBITED from studying in a degree-seeking program. 

For more information about non-immigrant visas, visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Step 2: Activate Your NetID and USF Email Address

If you have not already, make sure to activate your NetID and USF email address to access the necessary portals to complete your onboarding tasks.

You should have received an email from USF Information Technology after you applied with information on how to activate your NetID. The link to activate expires after 7 days, so if you need help with activation, email USF Information Technology at help@usf.edu.

Step 3: Review Your Admission Checklist and OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) information

To stay on track, be sure to complete these critical tasks. Use your NetID to log in to your Admission Checklist to view a personalized list of initial steps you need to complete.

In the Admission Checklist, you will be able to complete the following tasks:

1. Verify your contact information.
2. See missing items attached to your record for admission.
3. Upload requested information, like residency documentation.
4. Complete any student forms, such as the International Student Health Insurance Agreement Form, Immunization History Form and others.  
5. Pay your admission deposit (first-year students only).
• First-Year Students: Please note that submitting your admission deposit is your way of committing to USF. By doing so, you will be able to start on other important next steps, like reserving Housing, Orientation and more. This step is critical to unlock next steps toward enrollment.

If you are receiving an admissions scholarship, learn more about how to accept your award.

Step 4: Log In to myBullsPath

Once you’re admitted to USF, we encourage you to move on to the next phase of your journey. Use your NetID to login to myBullsPath to view a personalized list of steps you need to complete to enroll at USF. In myBullsPath, you will be able to: 

1. Reserve your seat at Orientation.
2. Purchase a USF ID card.
3. Apply for housing and select your on-campus room.
4. Submit your immunization records, medical history and proof of health insurance.

Step 5: Complete Orientation (Glo-Bull Beginnings)

Your Orientation is an introduction to life as a USF Bull. You will have an opportunity to meet your peers, learn about the USF community and receive tips on reaching your academic goals and finding support. During orientation, you will learn about academic program requirements from your academic college/academic advising department, and upon completing Orientation, you will be able to register for courses and/or adjust course schedules. If you have any questions about Orientation, please email globullbeginnings@usf.edu.

Step 6: Complete Immunization Forms

If you haven’t already, complete the Student Health Services (SHS) and insurance requirements and provide necessary paperwork. This will include having any existing holds cleared before you are able to register for classes. Failure to comply with the USF Immunization policy by the first day of class could result in the cancellation of your classes. Visit the myBullsPath portal to determine what’s outstanding.

Step 7: Apply for Housing

Apply for housing via your myBullsPath portal. You must also fill out this survey to indicate your housing preference.

Step 8: Log Into iStart for Pre-Arrival Tasks

All new international students must use iStart to complete the Glo-Bull Start checklist. This checklist is designed to guide you through all the tasks you must complete as a new international student. After the Office of International Services is notified of your admission, you will receive an email asking you to begin your Glo-Bull Start checklist. See an overview of iStart.

Step 9: Prepare to Start Classes

After attending Orientation, it’s time to prepare for the start of your collegiate experience! Check out details on how to complete these steps prior to the first day of class. You will need your NetID/USF email address and password to complete some of these steps.

1. Complete the required Life Skills modules (availability of modules subject to change).

• • Portal: USF Canvas; Navigation: Once logged in, click on the course titled Life Skills Module.

2. View your course schedule (once you’ve met with your academic program).

• • Portal: OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024); Navigation: MyUSF > My Resources > OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) > Student > Registration > Week at a Glance OR Student Detail Schedule
    • Week at a Glance = calendar view of times/days of the week
    • Student Detail Schedule = list of courses

3. Review and pay your tuition, fees and charges.

• • Portal: OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024); Navigation: MyUSF > My Resources > OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) > Student > Tuition, Fees & Payment

4. Subscribe to eDeposit.

• • Portal: OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024); Navigation: MyUSF > My Resources > OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) > Student > Tuition, Fees & Payment

5. Complete any unsatisfied requirements and accept financial aid awards.

• • Portal: OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024); Navigation: MyUSF > My Resources > OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) > Financial Aid

6. Connect to campus:

• • Download USF apps: MyUSF Mobile app & Student/Family Guide within the Go Bulls Guides app.
  • Explore the Week of Welcome and semester event schedule.

7. Familiarize yourself with:

• • CANVAS and review your course syllabi.
  • USF important dates.
  • USF’s bill due date schedule.
  • Campus move-in process.
  • Key USF policies, including the Code of Conduct.

8. Purchase your course supplies and textbooks.

9. Apply for accommodations for which you are eligible.

10. Purchase your parking permit (if you plan to have a car on campus).

11. Review Tampa campus resources.

Note that students who can obtain necessary immigration paperwork should arrive to campus no later than the first week of the semester (add/drop week). Students must complete their Immigration Document Check and enroll in courses. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of the admissions application.

Step 10: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you have questions, we have answers! Check out our FAQs for international students or contact us for personalized support.