Next Steps: Before You Arrive to Campus

Arrival and Orientation Dates

FALL 2025

University Housing (dormitory) Early Check-in Dates:

August 8-12, 2025*

*If you are on the PSU shuttle from the Joplin Regional Airport and you have a dormitory room assignment, the driver will take you directly to your dorm room.

University Housing Check-In: To check in to your room upon arrival, you must submit a housing application in advance and have received a room assignment prior to arrival. There is a $10 per night early check-in fee each night. If you arrive outside of the check-in times, you will need to stay at the hotel at your own expense until the next available check-in time.

Please note: All dates and times are subject to change.

Arrival and Orientation Dates

SPRING 2025

University Housing (dormitory) Early Check-in Dates:

January 11-15, 2025*

*If you are on the PSU shuttle from the Joplin Regional Airport and you have a dormitory room assignment, the driver will take you directly to your dorm room.

University Housing Check-In: To check in to your room upon arrival, you must submit a housing application in advance and have received a room assignment prior to arrival. There is a $10 per night early check-in fee each night. If you arrive outside of the check-in times, you will need to stay at the hotel at your own expense until the next available check-in time.

Please note: All dates and times are subject to change.

Next Steps: Pre-Arrival Checklist

IMPORTANT: All new international students are required to attend each day of the mandatory Orientation Program. Students will not be permitted to enroll in classes until they have completed the Orientation Program.

Once you have been admitted to the university, PSU will mail you the official admission packet which will contain your admission letter and immigration document (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019).

To prepare for your arrival on campus, please do the following:

1. PAY SEVIS FEE

Once you receive the I-20 or DS-2019 from PSU, please go online and pay the required SEVIS Fee (Form I-901). This must be paid before your visa appointment. You must bring the receipt with you to the visa appointment.

SEVIS Fee (F1 Visa): $350 (degree-seeking students)
SEVIS Fee (J1 Visa): $220 (exchange students)

Pay the SEVIS Fee Here

2. COMPLETE VISA APPLICATION AND SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

Please complete the online visa application (Form DS-160), pay the visa application fee, and schedule a visa appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible. Please check with the US Embassy or Consulate in your country for additional guidance and steps.

Resources: Student Visa Information and Applying for the Student Visa

Visa Application Fee: $185

Visa Application Form

3. SCHEDULE YOUR FLIGHT

Please schedule your flight to the Joplin Regional Airport (JLN). This is the closest airport to campus. PSU provides free shuttle service from the Joplin Regional Airport only.

We highly recommend that you fly to the Joplin Regional Airport (JLN). PSU only provides transportation from the Joplin Regional Airport. However, here are some other airport options. Please note that you will have to arrange your own transportation at your own expense if you fly to a different airport other than Joplin Regional Airport.

• Joplin Regional Airport (JLN) - 30-minute drive to campus (FREE SHUTTLE)
• Kansas City International Airport (MCI) - 2-hour drive to campus (no shuttle)
• Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) - 2-hour drive to campus (no shuttle)
• Tulsa International Airport (TUL) - 2-hour drive to campus (no shuttle)
• Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) - 2-hour drive to campus (no shuttle)

If you fly to the Kansas City International Airport (MCI), here is the Kansas City shuttle option at your own expense.

HOTEL: For those needing temporary accommodations, PSU will provide transportation to and from the LaQuinta Inn and Suites. It is the closest hotel to campus. Students will need to stay in a hotel if they arrive on campus after 4:30 p.m. or arrive on Saturday or Sunday.

4. JOPLIN AIRPORT SHUTTLE RESERVATION

PSU will pick you up from the Joplin Regional Airport on predetermined dates. (See airport pick-up dates at the top of this page.) This service is free for new students. Please complete the shuttle reservation form with your flight information.

Airport Shuttle Reservation Form

5. APPLY FOR ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

PSU recommends that all new international students live on-campus in University Housing. For those under the age of 21, it is mandatory to live on-campus in University Housing. Please complete the Housing Application.

*For those needing off-campus housing, a list of apartments and rental houses can be requested by emailing iss@pittstate.edu. Also, assistance will be given upon arrival for those needing help finding housing. Students should be prepared to stay in the hotel temporarily while searching for off-campus housing.

University Housing Application

6. MEDICAL FORMS REQUIRED

Please complete the following required medical forms:

Proof of Immunization Compliance Form

*This completed form must be submitted before you will be permitted to enroll in classes. Please email the completed form and all immunization records to immunizations@pittstate.edu. 

Medical History & Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Form

*This form should be completed by you and does not require a doctor's signature. Please submit this before you arrive to campus. Upon your arrival to PSU, the Student Health Center will give you a TB (tuberculosis) blood test. All new international students are required by the State of Kansas to be screened for TB before they are permitted to enroll in classes.

7. ORIENTATION REGISTRATION FORM

Please complete the Orientation Registration Form (REQUIRED). Orientation is mandatory. If this form is not submitted prior to arrival, your I20 or DS2019 could be terminated for failure to enroll. This form will serve as confirmation that you will be attending PSU. Enrollment in classes will take place during orientation.

Orientation Registration Form

8. HEALTH INSURANCE

Health (Medical) Insurance is required for all international students enrolled at PSU. You will be required to purchase health insurance directly from PSU. PSU will automatically register you for health insurance and you will pay the insurance fee upon your arrival to the university.

Health Insurance Information

9. PAY SCHOOL FEES

It is important that you are prepared to pay your school fees (tuition, university housing, health insurance) immediately upon your arrival. Your bill will appear in your GUS portal after you are enrolled in classes during orientation. Visit the Cashier's Office webpage for information on paying your tuition and fees. If you need a bank wire letter with wiring instructions and estimated costs, please email iss@pittstate.edu.

10. VISA INFORMATION

Arrival Grace Period: F1 & J1 students may enter the U.S. 30 days before the start of term on the I20 or DS2019. Departure Grace Period: F1 students have 60 days to exit the U.S. from the last day of the academic program. J1 students have 30 days to exit the U.S. from the last day of the academic program.

Additional Visa Information

Need help?
If you need assistance or have questions, please feel free to contact the International Programs and Services Office at iss@pittstate.edu.