Welcome
USF offers a dynamic learning environment that inspires innovation and creativity and — most importantly — is focused on your success. Our Orientation program is designed to prepare you for being a student at USF and living in the U.S. We have worked closely with current USF international students to design an Orientation program specific to the needs of international students like you! During your Orientation, you will interact with current Bulls, hear about USF resources, speak with an academic advisor and learn ways to get involved on campus.
Please note: The Glo-Bull Beginnings International Orientation is only available at the Tampa campus. If you are attending the St. Petersburg or Sarasota-Manatee campuses, you will reserve a standard Orientation date.
ReSERVE AN ORIENTATION DATE
Connect with fellow students, explore campus, and gain the knowledge and resources you need to start your academic journey. Reservations for Spring 2025 are open.
Contact Us
We understand that the process of going to college and moving to another country can be overwhelming for both students and family members. We are here to help! At any time in this process, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Email: myorientation@usf.edu
MyBullsPath Portal
Completing Tasks in the MyBullsPath Portal
Please make sure to complete all of your remaining tasks in the myBullsPath Portal which is linked below. Ensuring that all of these tasks are completed before coming to Orientation is vital to a successful start here at USF.
How do I use it?
Step 1: Login
Use your NetID and password to log into the myBullsPath portal.
Step 2: Complete Tasks
You will see a series of “cards.” Each card represents a task or series of tasks that you need to complete.
They are color-coded so you know which to pay attention to:
- Green means you’ve completed the task.
- Red means you need to complete the task.
- Yellow means the task is in progress.
- Gray means you will need to complete the task in the future, but not now.
Dates
Summer/Fall
Orientation dates for Summer/Fall 2025 will be posted upon the conclusion of Spring 2025 Orientation
- Please note: First-year students are pre-registered for their classes by their academic advisor.
- Please note: Overnight accommodations are not available for the Orientation experience.
Spring
Spring 2025 dates are forthcoming.
- Please note: First-year students are pre-registered for their classes by their academic advisor.
- Please note: Overnight accommodations are not available for the Orientation experience.
Students can contact our office at 813-974-3060 or email myorientation@usf.edu with any additional questions.
Fees
New undergraduate students are required to pay a $35 fee to attend Orientation upon making a reservation. Additional charges may apply for families and guests who choose to attend. Orientation is required for all new undergraduate students.
Your payment can be made with VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or e-Check in your MyOrientation account. While payment by credit card or e-Check is preferred, we can accept cash, check and money order. Please review payment instructions in our FAQs section.
Refunds are available in limited situations. Review our Refund Policy to see if your situation qualifies.
| Attendee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| International Student | $35 |
| Family or Guest | $50 |
| Children (6-12) | $35 |
Please note: Fees represent a per-person rate.
Orientation Steps
The University of South Florida Orientation experience is hosted in-person, on campus and virtually. Attendance is required. All first-year and transfer undergraduate students admitted to USF will be required to complete three parts of the Orientation experience.
Step 1: Make Your Reservation
Visit VZOrientation to reserve a date.
Step 2: Complete Academic Program Requirements
Check your USF email and complete the academic program requirements for your respective academic college. Please note: In some cases, this can be completed after the in-person Orientation session.
Step 3: Attend Orientation Session
First-Year Students: You are required to arrive in person at the Tampa campus and be visible for the whole program. This experience will include a time for students to participate in educational sessions, which will assist in their transition into the university community, complete their new student journey including picking up their ID card, clearing holds and more. Please make sure to check your USF email for more details.
Transfer Students: You are required to attend a Live Synchronous Virtual session Orientation. This program allows students to engage with a group of other incoming undergraduate transfer students and receive important information that is best delivered in a small group or discussion-based format. To participate in the Orientation, students will need to be logged into Microsoft Teams with their USF NetID and password. If you encounter any trouble, email USF Information Technology for assistance at help@usf.edu.
Be sure to continue checking your USF email, as you will receive additional details to prepare for your arrival prior to Orientation. Do not hesitate to reach out to our office by calling 813-974-3060 or emailing us at myorientation@usf.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please review this section to find answers to our commonly asked questions.
General Questions
Why is there an Orientation fee?
New undergraduate students are required to pay a $35 fee to attend Orientation upon making a reservation. Additional charges may apply for families and guests who choose to attend Orientation. The fee goes toward covering the costs of providing the full Orientation experience to students, including facility rentals, meals, staffing and necessary services and expenses to ensure a successful start. If you’re experiencing financial difficulties, please contact us at myorientation@usf.edu.
What if I am unable to attend any of the Orientation sessions?
Orientation is mandatory for all new students at the University of South Florida. We strongly encourage anyone who has concerns about being able to attend an Orientation session to call us immediately at 813-974-3060. Additionally, you might consider updating your term of entry to a later term to allow you to attend a later Orientation. To do this, you would need to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 813-974-3350.
How do I request ADA accommodations to attend Orientation?
Orientation strives to provide the same experience to all participants. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we provide special accommodations to students and guests who require this to participate in the session. Requests are often submitted for assistance with mobility, vision or hearing issues.
Other requests might include special dietary concerns or special arrangements for religious observances.
If you need any type of accommodation during your session, please call our office at 813-974-3060 so we can ensure that all your needs are met. Requests should be submitted at least seven business days prior to your session. In cases of emergency situations, we will do our best to meet your needs.
Students requiring accommodations should also contact Students with Disabilities Services at 813-974-4309 for accommodations needed once classes begin.
Travel and Arrival
Where can I stay during Orientation?
There is a hotel on campus where students and their families/guests are encouraged to stay during their Orientation experiences. For more information, please refer to the contact information below:
Embassy Suites USF Hotel
3705 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612
Phone: 813-977-7066
Website: http://embassysuitesUSF.com
Where should my arrival location be?
When booking your travel, we strongly recommend that your travel itinerary concludes at Tampa International Airport (TPA). However, you will likely arrive in the United States through another airport such as Miami International Airport (MIA), New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or San Francisco International Airport (SFO). If your itinerary includes a layover at another U.S. airport, such as the ones above, you should allow at least three or four hours for Customs and Immigration processing prior to your next flight time.
Travel Suggestion: Domestic U.S. carriers (such as Southwest Airlines or JetBlue Airways) may offer more competitive pricing for your flight to TPA once you arrive in the United States. You may want to compare prices for the flight from your port of entry to TPA.
How should I travel to campus?
If you prefer to arrange for your transportation upon arrival, a shuttle service and taxis are available at all area airports in the baggage claim area. For current costs and transportation options at Tampa International Airport, visit the TPA website’s Ground Transportation information.
Reservation Information
How do I change information on my Orientation reservation or choose another date?
You can make changes to your reservation details and/or add guests by logging into your MyOrientation account. Refunds are not issued for students or guests who do not show up to their scheduled sessions. Further, reservations changed within three business days of a session or due to “no show” status may be subject to a $25 late/no show fee.
Can I change my major before I attend Orientation?
To change your major, you must submit an Application Update Form. You must also express your reason for changing your major when you contact your college.
Please note: Many academic programs at USF are limited-access majors that require very specific courses and credits in order to be admitted to these majors. We strongly recommend that you speak with an admissions recruiter prior to submitting the Application Update Form.
I am admitted to USF but will not be attending this semester. Who do I contact?
You should notify both the Office of Orientation by calling 813-974-3060 and the Office of Admissions by submitting an Application Update Form. Application Update Forms can take up to two weeks to process.
I don't see any available dates. What do I do?
While this rarely occurs, it could be due to several reasons. To troubleshoot this issue, please contact our office at myorientation@usf.edu or 813-974-3060. We will work with you to resolve the issue.
Can family members or guests attend Orientation?
Families and guests of incoming USF International students will be given the option to register for a supplemental Family and Guest Orientation Session. Your Orientation experience will be made up of an in-person, on-campus experience as well as online Orientation content via Canvas Catalog.
In-person, on-campus Orientation program
During your scheduled Orientation session, you’ll join the Orientation Team and other USF Campus Partners for a full-day event on all things USF. Campus Partners and Orientation Leaders will guide you throughout the day, providing key university information and ways for you to support your student during their transition to USF.
Online Orientation content via Canvas Catalog
The Canvas Catalog has a wealth of content for families and guests about USF resources that will help you support your student during their academic journey. Registered families and guests can log in and access the portal at their own pace. If you need any technical assistance in accessing this course, please email help@usf.edu. Registered families and guests will be emailed instructions on how to access the Canvas Catalog portal.
Please note: Live Synchronous (Virtual) Orientation sessions for transfer students do not have a family and guest component. First-year and Transfer in-person, on-campus Orientation sessions have a family and guest component.
How can a family member or guest be added to an Orientation session?
Students may add a family member/guest to attend the Family/Guest Orientation session by logging back into their Orientation reservation by 10 a.m. on their desired session date. Log into your student reservation with your NetID and password, scroll to the section that states “Add a Guest” and pay the additional $35 fee per family member. Once reservations are closed, a family member or guest may contact the Office of Orientation via email or phone to be added to the session date.
Payments
Can I pay for Orientation with check or money order?
While we prefer that you pay for your Orientation with a credit card or e-Check, we can accept checks or money orders. Student reservations are not confirmed until payment is received, so please note that this method will delay your confirmation.
To pay with a check or money order, please log into your Orientation reservation and complete the reservation process up to the point of submitting payment. Then, complete the Cashier Payment Form and mail it to the address listed on the form. You should also then email myorientation@usf.edu to let us know that you submitted payment. We will need to manually confirm your reservation.
Can I charge my Orientation fee to my student account?
Students choosing this option of payment are fully responsible for the Orientation fees. Financial aid may or may not cover these charges. By submitting this form, the student agrees to pay Orientation fees within other University tuition and fee deadlines.
At this time guest fees will not be charged to a student’s account. Guests may register and pay for Orientation at any time including check-in (if space is available).
Is it possible to obtain a refund for an Orientation session?
Refunds are available only in specific situations. Click here to request a refund. For more information, contact our office.
Preparing for Orientation Day
How do I print my Orientation parking permit?
During the reservation process, you were given the opportunity for a parking permit for each student and guest. The parking permit will be included in your e-confirmation packet. If you do not have your e-confirmation packet, log back into your MyOrientation account and download the PDF from the My Reservation tab.
Please note: Your parking permit can only be found in your reservation for Orientation, so please make sure to log back into your Orientation account to access the permit.
If you did not receive a parking permit in your e-confirmation packet, you can log into your Orientation reservation and request a permit under the Student tab or for a guest under the Guests tab.
Do I have to bring my unofficial transcripts with me to Orientation?
Knowing the specific classes you have taken and/or being able to provide an expected AP/IB score will assist in choosing the right classes. To support this, we encourage you to bring your unofficial transcripts with you to Orientation to assist you with your course registration. However, this is not required. An unofficial transcript can be a document from your high school/college or something you print from your school’s online site.
Bringing unofficial transcripts is especially important for students starting in the summer when final transcripts are not yet available. Your academic advisor will work with you if your final transcripts or scores later indicate a change that impacts your pre-requisites.
What technology is needed to attend a virtual Orientation session?
To ensure you have a seamless virtual session day, please be sure that you have access to:
- Reliable Internet Connection
- Laptop or Desktop Computer
- Webcam and Microphone
If you cannot access any of these required items, please contact the Office of Orientation immediately by emailing us at myorientation@usf.edu.
Transfer Students
When will I receive academic advising?
All transfer students who receive confirmation they have been admitted to USF and have registered for their USF Orientation will receive an email from their academic advisor informing them of the action to take to receive advising and register for classes. You can anticipate receiving the email from your advisor within 15 business days after registering for your USF orientation. Please check your USF email and be sure to follow the instructions from your advisor.
When should I make an appointment to see my academic advisor?
After you are admitted to USF and registered for your USF Orientation, you will receive an email from your advisor. Within the email, your advisor will prompt you to make an advising appointment via Archivum. If you can make an advising appointment prior to the date of your USF Orientation, this will be referred to as “preadvising”. Once you complete your USF Orientation and receive preadvising or advising, you can register for classes.
How do I make an appointment to meet with my academic advisor so I can register for classes?
You can make an advising appointment using the online appointment scheduling system known as Archivum.
What if I want to change my major before classes start?
If you decide to change your major, you should contact both the advising office of the new major and your current major to seek guidance on whether you are eligible for the new major and how to complete the change of major process. General contact information on advising in each college can be found on our website.
What if I haven't heard from an advisor?
After you register for your university Orientation, you will receive an email from your advisor to your USF account. You can anticipate receiving the email from your advisor within 15 business days of registering for Orientation. If you find you have not received an email from your advisor after 15 business days of registering for your university Orientation, you are welcome to contact the Office of Orientation at myorientation@usf.edu or by phone at 813-974-3060.
Can I make an advising appointment on my own?
The advising community recognizes new students are eager to connect with their advisor, so we will reach out to you! After you register for your university Orientation, your advisor will begin preparing for your upcoming university orientation date. As part of that preparation, your advisor will email you within 15 business days after you register for Orientation. Be sure to check your USF email for an email from your advisor!
If you still wish to make an advising appointment, you can do so using Archivum. If you have technical difficulties with Archivum, please contact the IT helpdesk at help@usf.edu.
I've tried to make an appointment but I don't have access to Archivum. What should I do?
If you have technical difficulties with Archivum, please contact the IT helpdesk at help@usf.edu.
I applied and was admitted for summer, but I would like to start in the fall semester instead. What should I do to update my admission for the subsequent term?
You will need to complete an Application Update Form. The update form must be received by the admissions deadline for the semester. The form takes four to six weeks to process. Students who fail to register for the semester in which they were admitted will have their admission canceled. This also applies if you want to change the major you had initially indicated on your application form.
What should I do if my admission is canceled for nonenrollment?
Students who do not register for classes for the term in which they’ve been admitted will have their admission canceled. Use the Application Update Form when requesting changes to your original application information, such as term of entry, major or campus, or when submitting changes in contact information. Be sure to submit this form by the application deadline of the term in which you wish to enroll.
I have a hold on my records for immunization. Who do I talk to about this?
You will need to contact Student Health Services at 813-974-2331. You may also login to myBullsPath to review and upload required documents.
International Students
I’m a sponsored student. What do I need to do?
Sponsored international students should complete their Orientation reservation to the point of payment and then email the Office of Orientation at myorientation@usf.edu. Let us know that you are a sponsored student and include your name, UID, and date of Orientation. We will respond to confirm your Orientation date and with details about payment arrangements.
Can I attend Orientation on a different day?
All international students must attend Orientation (Glo-Bull Beginnings). This Orientation date has been chosen to correspond with the Glo-Bull Beginnings program and the arrival date on your visa. All international students must arrive at Orientation no later than the scheduled arrival date.
International students who have lived and attended school in the U.S. for at least one year may be eligible to attend another Orientation date. If you believe you meet these requirements, fill out the International Date Change Request Form.
What if I miss my Orientation due to travel delays?
We understand that sometimes weather conditions and other events may delay travel. If you are experiencing a travel delay, please contact your admissions representative and our office as soon as possible. You can email us at myorientation@usf.edu or call at 813-974-3060. We will work with you to make sure that you receive all the information you need.
How is Glo-Bull Beginnings (International Orientation) different from Orientation?
Glo-Bull Beginnings is a program for undergraduate, international students to prepare them for being a student at USF and living in the U.S. Glo-Bull Beginnings is your opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a USF student, both in and out of the classroom. In addition, this program will prepare you, as an international student, for being a student at USF and living in the U.S. Glo-Bull Beginnings includes all the information in the Orientation but offers additional information and services to assist you in your transition.
When do I complete iStart? When is it due?
iStart is an online service for international students from USF International Services. This system collects all the information needed from you and provides you with a short task list. You will need to complete most of this information before you leave to travel to the U.S. During Glo-Bull Beginnings, you will attend a Document Check where International Services will need your travel documents and will verify that all information is complete.
All of the items in Glo-Bull Start must be completed before you start classes.