International Student Orientation

Hi, welcome to Saginaw Valley State University pre-orientation checklist. It’s great that you’ve decided to come and study with us at SVSU and we’re really looking forward to meeting you!

Michigan is a popular destination for international students from around the world. We have an excellent education system and we’re sure you will benefit from studying at our school. We know that travelling to a new country can be scary so this website is designed to help you be prepared.

Important Documents to Bring

•   Passport (valid for at least 6 months past the date you plan to leave the U.S.)
•   I-20 form
•   Financial evidence to show you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses
•   I-94 (arrival / departure document issued on the plane) or 6059B customs form (issued on the plane)
•   Original score sheet from tests required such as TOEFL or IELTS
•   Transcripts and diplomas from institutions you have attended
•   Name and addresses of your emergency contact
•   Evidence of Health Insurance

Important Items to Review

• Review of SVSU campus map at http://www.svsu.edu/visit/campusmaps/
• Review International Student handbook at http://www.svsu.edu/media/officeofinternationalprograms/International%20Student%20Handbook%202012-2013.pdf
• Review English Language Program (ELP) Student Handbook (if applicable)
• Review ELP Sample Tests at http://www.svsu.edu/media/oipnew/elpplacement/W2013%20Orientation%20Testing%20Hints%20for%20Students-2.pdf
• Review SVSU 2012-2013 Student Handbook (Code of Student Conduct) at http://www.svsu.edu/media/studentconduct/docs/2012-2013%20SVSU%20STUDENT%20HANDBOOK.pdf
• Review On-Campus Housing Student Handbook at http://www.svsu.edu/media/residentiallife/housing/docs/residentiallifepdf/ResidentStudentHandbook_FA12WI13_081712_Final.pdf
• On-Campus Housing Application http://www.svsu.edu/oip/internationaladmissions/undergraduate/housingapplication/
• On-campus Housing Contract at http://www.svsu.edu/media/residentiallife/housing/docs/residentiallifepdf/Housing_Contract_12_13.pdf
• Housing Frequently Asked Questions at http://svsu.edu/livingoncampus/frequentlyaskedquestions/#d.en.29597
• Review University Health Center at http://svsu.edu/universityhealthcenter/
• Information about Tuberculosis (TB) testing http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/testing/default.htm
• Review SVSU payment of tuition and fees at http://www.svsu.edu/oip/internationaladmissions/undergraduate/costs/
• CFSC (Cashier’s Office) at http://svsu.edu/cfsc/departmentalcashservices/
• Review Payment Methods in International Student Handbook page 15
• peerTransfer at https://www.peertransfer.com/school/svsu
• Money Wiring Instructions; Credit Card Payments
• Review University Police services at http://www.svsu.edu/universitypolice/services/
• Review Zahnow Library at http://www.svsu.edu/library/
• Writing Center at http://www.svsu.edu/writingcenter/whyvisitus/ and http://www.svsu.edu/writingcenter/onlinewritingcenter/
• Center for Academic Achievement at http://www.svsu.edu/tutor/
• Review Ryder Center for Health & Physical Education at http://svsu.edu/rydercenter/
• Review Student Counseling Center at http://svsu.edu/studentcounselingcenter/
• Review Ombudsman Office at http://svsu.edu/ombudsman/
• Review Study Abroad Office at http://svsu.edu/studyabroad/
• Review of on-campus Independent Bank information at http://www.independentbank.com/Telephone 1.989.797.4634
• Review Student Organization at http://svsu.orgsync.com/
• OrgSync is the base for student organizations where individuals may learn about the numerous organizations on the SVSU campus, request membership, and follow events.

If you have any questions please contact our office at  989-964-4473 or oip@svsu.edu

Updated 12/18/2012

Travel Information

The Office of international Programs will be happy to pick up new international students who arrive at MBS Airport in Saginaw, Michigan. You may make your arrangements to be met at the airport by sending an email to: oip(at)svsu.edu or by faxing the arrival information sheet that came in your admission packet to 989-964-6066. In order for us to meet you at the MBS Airport you must send to us the date, time and flight number for your arrival to MBS Airport.

If for some reason there is not someone at the airport to meet you please see Airport Security. They have our contact information and will be able to contact someone from our office to meet you and bring you to campus.

We CANNOT meet students and supply transportation from the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). If you arrive to DTW you will have to make your own arrangements to get to campus. There is a greyhound bus station located in Detroit (although it is some distance from the airport) or you can take a cab. A cab could cost up to $200 to get to SVSU.

We will also pick up new students from the Greyhound bus station if you send to us the date and time of your arrival to Saginaw and the city you are traveling from.