Arriving at the Port-Of-Entry

When arriving at a U.S. Port-of-Entry, you will need to present your:

• Passport
• U.S. Visa (F-1)
• Valid I-20
• Current financial documents

 Be prepared for Delays. As each port-of-entry is preparing to convert to SEVIS procedures, different routing procedures will be used to admit students. Be aware that you may be directed through separate student lanes as well as through standard secondary inspection lanes. You will need to plan travel and connecting flights accordingly.

Click here for directions to Georgia Southwestern State University.

Upon Arrival to GSW

• Report to your DSO or ADSO within 3 business days of your arrival/return to Georgia Southwestern State University (Normal operating hours are 8:00AM-5:00PM, Monday-Friday). Be sure to bring all immigration documentation with you. We will need to make copies of new passports, visas, financial support letters, etc.
• Be sure that you are registered for a full course load.  If you need to add classes to meet this requirement, be sure to do so during the drop/add time period. Failure to register for the minimum amount of hours will cause you to fall out-of-status.
• Be sure to contact your DSO or ADSO if your address or contact information changes. In order to comply with immigration regulations, you will need to notify your DSO within 10 days of the change. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain a correct, valid, address at all times.

Checklist

Your first week at Georgia Southwestern State University will be a very important and very busy.  There will be a number of things you will need to do in order to make your transition here in the United States an easy one.  Use the checklist below checklist to help you organize your time and remember what must be done.  Check the Orientation schedule to see if any items can be accomplished during Orientation. Remember you will also need to accomplish items that were not checked off during orientation!

1. Contact your DSO or ADSO. You should visit your DSO within 3 days of your arrival on campus. Remember to bring all your immigration documents with you so that a copy can be placed in your file.
2.  Provide proof of Health Insurance (with an American company/agency) or purchase health insurance. 
3. Open a bank account
4. Obtain a Student Identification Card from the Office of Student Life
5. Meet with your academic advisor.  You will be assigned an academic advisor based on your declared major.  Your advisor will help you plan your academic program, select your courses and advise you on important academic matters.
6. Find out when and where Orientation Sessions are scheduled.
7.  Contact the Campus Post Office to obtain your mail box number and mailbox code.
8.  Obtain and read the GSW Weathervane Student Handbook.  This handbook will provide you with information on student activities, policies and regulations, student rights and responsibilities, problem solving resources and the academic calendar.
9. Get a TB Skin Test. 
10. Have Fun!  Make sure to take time to relax and rest up before classes begin!!!

International Student Orientation

GSW has scheduled orientation sessions to help you familiarize yourself with the area, campus, academic policies, student expectations, and other resources available to you at GSW.  In addition to these sessions, you will also attend an International Student Orientation, which will review your responsibilities as an F-1 student.  Attendance is mandatory at all orientation sessions.