First-Week Campus Registration Guide
Everything you need to do during your first week on campus: check-in, orientation, ID card, and more.
Last updated: March 1, 2026
Your first week on campus can feel overwhelming, but most schools have a structured process for international students. Here's a checklist to make sure you don't miss anything.
Step-by-step registration
This is usually mandatory within the first few days. Bring your passport, I-20, and I-94 record. They'll verify your arrival and activate your SEVIS record.
Most schools require this. You'll learn about campus resources, legal responsibilities, and meet other international students. Don't skip it!
Your student ID is your key to everything — library, gym, dining halls, building access, and student discounts around town.
Activate your school email, learning management system (Canvas/Blackboard), and student portal. Your email is used for all official communication.
Meet with your academic advisor to finalize your course schedule. F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment (usually 12+ credits for undergrad, 9+ for grad).
Many schools offer discounted or free transit passes. If driving, register your car and get a parking permit early — they sell out.
⚠️F-1 students must be enrolled full-time every semester. Dropping below full-time status without ISO approval can put your visa in jeopardy. Always talk to your ISO before dropping a class.
Important campus resources to locate
- International Student Office — your lifeline for visa and immigration questions
- Student Health Center — where to go when you're sick (usually free or low-cost)
- Counseling Center — free mental health support, often with multilingual counselors
- Writing Center — free help with papers and assignments in English
- Campus Safety / Police — save their number in your phone
- Library — not just books: free printing, study rooms, laptop loans, and research help
💡Most campus services are included in your tuition and fees — you've already paid for them! Take advantage of free tutoring, career counseling, gym access, and student events.
Related Guides
Understanding Your I-20 and SEVIS Record
Your I-20 is one of the most important documents you'll carry in the US. Here's what you need to know to keep it valid.
Working in the US: CPT, OPT, and On-Campus Jobs
F-1 students can work in the US, but there are strict rules. Here's what you need to know about CPT, OPT, and on-campus employment.