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 STEPS to ensure all steps have been completed in preparation for arrival. For questions or concerns, contact the International Student Services Office.
PRE-ARRIVAL STEPS
Once the I-20 or DS-2019 has been received from FHSU, go online to pay the required visa fee and SEVIS Fee (Form I-901). This must be paid before the visa appointment. Students must print and bring the receipt to the visa 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.
Action Item: Notify the International Student Services Office of your visa appointment.
The student's admissions letter contains information about their TigerNetID, which is the part of the FHSU email address before the @ symbol. A TigerNetID and 8-digit FHSU ID will be very important during your time as a student and beyond, helping you access FHSU systems.
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.
The sooner a student completes the housing contract to live on campus, the more options they will have to choose from in regards to housing type.
Dane G. Hansen Scholarship Hall serves as a living space for a select group of 33 students who have a passion for entrepreneurship. It provides individual private rooms with many amenities.
Tiger Place is a two-building complex in the heart of the Residential Life area; Heather Hall and Agnew Hall. Tiger Place residences offer suite-style living for upperclassmen as well as freshmen.
McMindes Hall is co-ed by wing and by floor, and home to approximately 575 residents. McMindes Hall is available to freshmen and upperclassmen.
Stadium Place offers students comfortable accommodations with apartment-style living for both sophomore and upperclassmen. Both two-and four-bedroom apartments are available.
Instructions for Completing the Housing Application
- Log into your Workday account (student web portal)
- Click on the "myFHSU" icon
- Select Resources at the top of the page
- Go to Additional Resources section and select "Residential Life"
- Click on "Log in to Residential Life Housing Application"
- Log in using your Workday username and password
- Read through the Housing Contract Terms & Conditions PRIOR to completing the contract and submission
- 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
- Check your FHSU email for the completion confirmation email (if you did not receive this, it is most likely not done)
- 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 linens in advanced at this website: https://www.dormroom.com/fhs9.
Make sure to use this address for delivery/shipping: 410 Agnew Lane, Hays, KS 67601. This will save space in a student's luggage.
Please Note: Students who do not purchase bedding/linens in advance are encouraged to bring a blanket and small pillow until these larger items can be purchased after arrival.
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.
- Visit the Tuberculosis & Meningitis Requirements for detailed information, complete the forms, then email to the International Student Services Office.
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Visit the FHSU Health & Wellness Services for detailed information on services provided.
Please Note: 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.
FHSU is required to have copies of your immigration documents on file as a Federal officer can visit campus and request to see any student file. Please provide a copy of your signed/dated I-20 and visa page for your student file.
I-20 Form
The I-20 form for a F1 student visa in the US is a Certificate of Eligibility issued by accredited colleges or universities in the US for international students. Make sure to review the information on page to ensure its accuracy.
Your I-20 proves that you are legally enrolled in a program of study in the United States. Therefore, it will be needed when you apply for benefits available to F1 students. If you are eligible to apply for a driver's license, a social security number, OPT, or CPT you will need a valid I-20.
Page 3 of the I-20 has important information and instructions to students. Please take time to review the information on this page.
Maintaining F-1 or J-1 Status
Students who enter the US using an I-20 or DS-2019 form have entered in an F-1 or J-1 status. There are specific regulations to these visa categories. Students are legally responsible to maintain their status and understand these regulations.
Academic Advisor
FHSU academic advisors play a crucial role in guiding students toward their academic and personal goals. They offer tailored support, helping students navigate course selection, degree planning, and academic requirements. Advisors monitor progress, provide feedback, and offer assistance when students encounter challenges.
Course Registration (Enrolling in Classes)
After visiting with your academic advisor, your next step is to explore the course options they recommended. Please log into Workday (FHSU’s student portal) to register for these courses. Follow the provided instructions to complete the registration process.
On the Workday student resources web site, you will find guidance on signing into workday, registering for courses, making payment, and other important information. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully to successfully complete the registration process.
Payment
Now that you have met with your academic advisor, explored course options, and registered in a full course load, your next step is to make payment.
Ensure timely payment by checking your official FHSU email for notifications about the payment deadline. Prompt payment is essential. If you do not make payment in a timely manner, your registered courses may be dropped from your course schedule.
The Hays Regional Airport is located only minutes away from campus. Flights from Denver, Colorado, operated by United Airlines, regularly land at this airport, making it the preferred mode of transportation to Hays. New students can take advantage of free transportation provided by the International Student Services office from the Hays Regional Airport, regardless of their flight's arrival time.
Arrival dates: January 9-12
Orientation: January 14-17
Classes Begin: January 21
Important Travel Information:
- Transportation and Arrival Information
- Preparing to Travel to Hays
- Travel Planning Form
- Flights can be booked in advance with United Airlines which connects with United Express.
Orientation is designed to answer all your questions and will provide 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!