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Welcome to California State University, Dominguez Hills! To help you better understand our campus, all new incoming international students are required to attend our mandatory VIRTUAL International Student Orientation. You will have the opportunity to meet other international students online, and learn more about the campus, life in the US, and resources available to you. For more information, please visit the Orientation Office website.
Mandatory International Student Orientation & Check-In with ISS Office
Newly admitted international students are required to attend the Mandatory International Student Orientation and check in with ISS Office
Wednesday, January 16, 2025
Click HERE to Register for Orientation before January 5, 2025 ►
What to Bring
View/Download our Orientation and Pre-Arrival Information ►
You will bring the following documents/forms to Orientation:
- New Student Check-In Form
- F-1 Student Regulations
- International Student Financial Acknowledgement
- Government Sponsored Students: Consent to Release Academic Information
- Copy of:
- Passport
- F-1 Visa
- I-94 record after arriving to the US from http://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
- CSUDH and any previous I-20s
Before Arriving in the US
We've gathered some information in order to make your move to the United States as easy as possible. Review the following tips on student visas, travel information, housing and CSUDH registration.
| Preparing Your Immigration Documents | Enrolling in Classes | |
|---|---|---|
Step 1 | Review your I-20: Contact International Student Services immediately if a correction is needed. | Log into your MyCSUDH account and review your "To Do" list and your "Holds" list. Please pay attention to all deadlines and complete items on your dashboard checklist. This website is also a helpful resource you can use to see what else you need to complete. |
Step 2 | Pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee: http://www.fmjfee.com Information: School Code: LOS214F00655000 SEVIS Identification Number: Number on top upper left side beginning with an "N." Print out two receipts and present one at the visa interview with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Keep the other receipt for your record. | Purchase Health Insurance: http://www.csuhealthlink.com |
Step 3 | Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to schedule a visa appointment: http://www.usembassy.gov | Contact your adviser for the course plan. |
Step 4 | Gather documents needed for the visa interview: Valid passport, Form I-20 from CSUDH, Print out SEVIS Fee receipt, and Financial Documents Please review the guidelines provided on the U.S. Embassy website for details. | RSVP to both the New Student Orientation and the Mandatory International Student Orientation |
Step 5 | Prepare for the interview: The visa interview is a short conversational interview. You have to explain why you want to study in the U.S., and how you will pay for school costs and living expenses. | Arrange for housing accommodations near the campus: CSUDH Housing Information |
Step 6 | Plan arrival date and place: The earliest time you can enter the U.S. 30 days prior to the program start date on you I-20. Please make travel arrangements carefully. | Arrange transportation from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to lodging: Airport Transportation Information |
Step 7 | Carry your documents with you on the airplane. Keep your passport, F-1 visa, CSUDH I-20, SEVIS I-901 fee receipt, financial document, and the admission letter from CSUDH with you. |
While You're Here
Health Insurance and Required Immunizations
The CSU requires all international students to obtain and maintain adequate insurance coverage (health, medical evacuation, and repatriation) during their period of enrollment. Health insurance protects you from having to pay, by yourself, large medical bills that can arise even from simple medical procedures.
California State University, Dominguez Hills requires all F-1 international students and J-1 exchange students to purchase and maintain adequate health insurance coverage prior to registering for classes. International students will not be able to register for classes until the Office of International Education (OIE) has received verification that you have purchased the mandatory California State University (CSU) International Student Health Insurance group policy offered through LewerMark Student Insurance. There are no exceptions to this policy. Waivers might be considered only for certain government-sponsored arrangements, and for students with a parent or spouse who has a U.S. employer-based policy that covers the student.
Purchasing Insurance
International students can click here to purchase the required insurance coverage through LewerMark Student Insurance.
Insurance Provider Contact InformationLewerMark International Student Insurance, 4534 Wornall Rd #102, Kansas City, MO 64111
lewermarksupport@lewer.com
(888) 711-6645
If you have any questions about health insurance coverage, please contact our International Student Services office at iss@54zhangmi.com
All new students are required to present proof of measles, rubella and Hepatitis B immunizations prior to enrollment. Proof of immunizations must be taken to the Health Center in person. Be sure your medical doctor of health care provider includes the day, month, and year of you immunizations. If this information is provided in a language other than English, then translations is needed. The Health Center can provide measles/rubella and Hepatitis B immunizations without cost to those students unable to obtain acceptable proof of immunizations.
Welcome Week
Welcome Week is a week-long showcase of various departments, resources and programs, helping new and returning students to connect to CSUDH. More information will be provided during the first week of each semester.
Please visit CSUDH Student Life for more info ►
Behavioral Adjustments to CSUDH: Culture Shock
CSUDH is located in the heart of Southern California, which is famous for its great weather, location, fantastic beaches, and major tourist attractions. Even with the beautiful sunshine, students may experience cultural shock due to the changes in lifestyle and environment; this affects students in various degrees and is a part of adjusting to the new culture.
- Feeling Homesick
- Feeling depressed and helpless
- Feeling overwhelmed and anxious
- Avoiding social contacts and feeling left alone
- Physically fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating
If you are having a difficult time adjusting at CSUDH, please visit the ISS office or contact Student Health & Psychological Services for help.
Opening a Bank Account
The closest bank service, Wells Fargo, is located in Loker Student Union (LSU). Students will need to carry two (2) identification documents (recommended: University ID and Passport) to open an account. Let the bank representative know that you are an international student and want to open an account. For more information on banking and how to open a bank account to manage your funds, click on How to Open a Bank Account to learn more.