International Student Orientation

The Office of International Affairs hosts a mandatory International Student Orientation to provide essential information to prepare for life at SDSU. During orientation, you will:

• Meet the International Affairs staff
• Meet other international and American students
• Learn about Brookings, South Dakota
• Get information about your visa and how to remain in legal immigration status
• Get a student ID, complete your health screening, finalize housing arrangements and more

For transportation from the Sioux Falls Regional Airport to SDSU in Brookings:

• Schedule arrival by January 1, 2024.
• Note: orientation begins January 2, 2024.
• Submit your Arrival Details.
• Request confirmation that transportation is arranged.

• International Pre-Arrival Checklist
• Important Visa Information
• Sample U.S. Interview Questions
• Travel Checklist

Check-in will be completed during orientation. Arriving early? Check-in at the Office of International Affairs, Hilton M. Briggs Library 119. Attend New International Student Orientation from January 2-5.

You will need:

• Passport
• Visa
• I-20 or DS2019
• I-94 (typically stapled in your passport)
• Graduate Assistant Offer Letter
• SDSU Admission Letter

You will also need to complete an address form and the Statement of Responsibility. Graduate students who have been offered a Graduate Assistantship will be given information on obtaining a social security number at check-in.

NOTE: You must complete your check-in process with the Office of International Affairs no later than 30 days after your program start date. If you do not, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to register you in the SEVIS system in a timely manner. If this is not done, you will lose your legal status in the U.S.

• Let us know that you have received your visa.
• Complete Placement Testing –
  • If you have SAT scores, please follow the instructions to send SAT scores directly to SDSU using school code 6653. If you have ACT scores, please follow the instructions to send ACT scores directly to SDSU using school code 3924.
    • Students without ACT or SAT Scores will take an Accuplacer Placement Exam to ensure they register for English or Reading class that align with their skills in those areas. You will receive an email from international admissions providing instructions on how to sign up for an Accuplacer exam time through Examity proctoring service.
    • Students with an ACT or SAT score will not need to complete Placement Testing. You will receive an invitation to sign up for an NSO Session. During an NSO session, you will learn more about SDSU and meet with an academic advisor to register for classes.
• Make Payment Arrangements – Tuition and Fees – Please review the tuition and fees rates. International students will be charged a $150 International Student Fee per semester to support the university’s efforts to represent international student interests to university offices, state government and the federal government (e.g. compliance with non-immigrant visa status requirements).
  • Students should make plans to pay their bills using one of the following methods:
    • In-person with check or cash on the SDSU campus in Morrill Hall, Room 136
    • Over the phone with an e-check (checking account number and routing number)
    • Online on SDePay with a credit card, debit card and e-check
    • International Payments through Flywire
    • Students may also arrange for a Payment Plan.
• Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.

• Check expiration date of current visa.
• Email Kirsten to have class registration opened and get connected with an academic advisor.
• Make Payment Arrangements – Tuition and Fees – Please review the tuition and fees rates. International students will be charged a $150 International Student Fee per semester to support the university’s efforts to represent international student interests to university offices, state government and the federal government (e.g. compliance with non-immigrant visa status requirements).
  • Students should make plans to pay their bills using one of the following methods:
    • In-person with check or cash on the SDSU campus in Morrill Hall, Room 136
    • Over the phone with an e-check (checking account number and routing number)
    • Online on SDePay with a credit card, debit card and e-check
    • International Payments through Flywire
    • Students may also arrange for a Payment Plan.
• Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.

• Submit Official College Transcripts to our International Admissions Team.
• Transfer Your SEVIS Record
  • SDSU does not have a SEVIS Transfer Form. As a result, please take the following information to your current international advisor to request your SEVIS transfer:
    • SDSU acceptance letter
    • SDSU SEVIS School Code: SPM214F00264000
    • Contact Information:
      • Office of International Affairs
      • Email: SDSU.IntlStud@sdstate.edu
      • Telephone: 605-688-4122
      • Address: 1300 N Campus Dr., Hilton M. Briggs Library Suite 119, Brookings, SD, 57007
  • You will receive an email invitation to sign up for an NSO session to learn more about SDSU and meet with an academic advisor to register for classes.
• Make Payment Arrangements – Tuition and Fees – Please review the tuition and fees rates. International students will be charged a $150 International Student Fee per semester to support the university’s efforts to represent international student interests to university offices, state government, and the federal government (e.g. compliance with non-immigrant visa status requirements).
  • Students should make plans to pay their bills using one of the following methods:
    • In-person with check or cash on the SDSU campus in Morrill Hall, Room 136
    • Over the phone with an e-check (checking account number and routing number)
    • Online on SDePay with a credit card, debit card and e-check
    • International Payments through Flywire
    • Students may also arrange for a Payment Plan.
• Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.

• Let us know that you have received your visa.
• Begin the World Education Services (WES) evaluation process.
• Submit an Official WES evaluation to the international admissions team.
• Complete Placement Testing –
  • Students without ACT or SAT Scores will take an Accuplacer Placement Exam to ensure they register for English or Reading class that align with their skills in those areas. You will receive an email from international admissions providing instructions on how to sign up for an Accuplacer exam time through Examity proctoring service.
  • Students with an ACT or SAT score will not need to complete Placement Testing. You will receive an invitation to sign up for an NSO Session. During an NSO session, you will learn more about SDSU and meet with an academic advisor to register for classes.
• Make Payment Arrangements – Tuition and Fees – Please review the tuition and fees rates. International students will be charged a $150 International Student Fee per semester to support the university’s efforts to represent international student interests to university offices, state government and the federal government (e.g. compliance with non-immigrant visa status requirements).
  • Students should make plans to pay their bills using one of the following methods:
    • In-person with check or cash on the SDSU campus in Morrill Hall, Room 136
    • Over the phone with an e-check (checking account number and routing number)
    • Online on SDePay with a credit card, debit card and e-check
    • International Payments through Flywire
    • Students may also arrange for a Payment Plan.
• Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.

• Let us know that you have received your visa.
• We will be working with you on a case-by-case basis for class registration.
• Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.

First day of classes!

Last Day to Arrive!

Last day to drop or add classes and adjust final fees.

Tuition payment and fees due.

• Let us know that you have received your visa.
• Establish contact with the Graduate School – The staff of the Graduate School will help you establish contact with your host department and navigate any bureaucracy related to your matriculation to the university.
• Make Payment Arrangements – Tuition and Fees – Please review the tuition and fees rates. International students will be charged a $150 International Student Fee per semester to support the university’s efforts to represent international student interests to university offices, state government, and the federal government (e.g. compliance with non-immigrant visa status requirements).
  • Students should make plans to pay their bills using one of the following methods:
    • In-person with check or cash on the SDSU campus in Morrill Hall, Room 136
    • Over the phone with an e-check (checking account number and routing number)
    • Online on SDePay with a credit card, debit card and e-check
    • International Payments through Flywire
    • Students may also arrange for a Payment Plan.
• Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.

• Establish contact with the Graduate School – The staff of the Graduate School will help you establish contact with your host department and navigate any bureaucracy related to your matriculation to the university.
• Submit Official College Transcripts to our Graduate School Admissions Team (if you have not done so already.)
• Transfer Your SEVIS Record
  • SDSU does not have a SEVIS Transfer Form. As a result, please take the following information to your current international advisor to request your SEVIS transfer:
    • SDSU acceptance letter
    • SDSU SEVIS School Code: SPM214F00264000
    • Contact Information:
      • Office of International Affairs
      • Email: SDSU.IntlStud@sdstate.edu
      • Telephone: 605-688-4122
      • Address: 1300 N Campus Dr., Hilton M. Briggs Library Suite 119, Brookings, SD, 57007
• Make Payment Arrangements – Tuition and Fees – Please review the tuition and fees rates. International students will be charged a $150 International Student Fee per semester to support the university’s efforts to represent international student interests to university offices, state government, and the federal government (e.g. compliance with non-immigrant visa status requirements).
  • Students should make plans to pay their bills using one of the following methods:
    • In-person with check or cash on the SDSU campus in Morrill Hall, Room 136
    • Over the phone with an e-check (checking account number and routing number)
    • Online on SDePay with a credit card, debit card and e-check
    • International Payments through Flywire
    • Students may also arrange for a Payment Plan.
• Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival –Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.

• Let us know that you have received your visa.
• Connect with – Office of International Affairs and we will help you with everything related to bureaucratic requirements. Please send her an email to introduce yourself! If you intend to study at SDSU for a degree, please send all final and official high school transcripts to Office of International Affairs.
• Make Payment Arrangements – Tuition and Fees – Please review the tuition and fees rates. International students will be charged a $150 International Student Fee per semester to support the university’s efforts to represent international student interests to university offices, state government, and the federal government (e.g. compliance with non-immigrant visa status requirements).
  • Students should make plans to pay their bills using one of the following methods:
    • In-person with check or cash on the SDSU campus in Morrill Hall, Room 136
    • Over the phone with an e-check (checking account number and routing number)
    • Online on SDePay with a credit card, debit card, and e-check
    • International Payments through Flywire
    • Students may also arrange for a Payment Plan.
• Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.

• Graduate students: Please contact your academic advisor (email and telephone number listed in your acceptance letter) to develop a plan of study and register for classes for the Spring 2023 semester.
• Exchange students (Bilateral, ISEP and IREX) - We will work with you on an individual basis to help you register for classes.
• English Language and Culture Institute students: Please contact OIA.

No, there are no deposit fees required. Once you have registered for classes, a bill will be generated and you will be able to pay for tuition at that point. You can learn more about paying your bill at Billing and Payments.

• Undergraduates – Friday, January 12
• Graduates – Contact an academic advisor for permission to arrive late and have your academic advisor email his/her permission (and last date the department will allow you to arrive) to Nur Islamiah Mohamad Fuad for a late arrival letter and/or adjustment of I-20.

Information on academic scholarships can be found at Funding Your Education.

On-Campus

The Department of Residential Life provides a comfortable, safe and well-maintained living environment for all of our students. The halls are all staffed with both enthusiastic professional and student staff who are eager to assist our residents with the college transition. Our Residential Life Team includes Complex Directors, Residence Hall Directors, Graduate Assistants, Community Assistants, Living-Learning Coordinators and more.

Undergraduate International Students who have graduated from Secondary School less than two years prior to their enrollment at SDSU are required to live in university residence halls upon arrival.

To live on campus at SDSU you must submit the appropriate application along with the application fee. To access the Housing Application, please visit the link below. The following information about our Housing and Residential Life are provided for your benefit.

Students can access the online housing form to apply.

Off-Campus

Check out these sites for more information on apartments in Brookings:

• Off-Campus Housing

Disclaimer: SDSU does not manage, update, verify or recommend one rental company over another. The links listed above are solely provided for prospective students to gain insight into various housing options within the Brookings community.

If you are interested in a single-occupancy room, you will need to contact the Housing Office to see if this might be available. Housing Residential Email

• Only students who are planning to live in the residence halls during the academic year are eligible to move in upon arrival.
• Students who have completed both a housing application and an early arrival housing application prior to arrival and arrive during business hours will be able to move into their room immediately.
• Students who arrive after hours or on the weekends will need to stay in a hotel until the housing office is open. On the next available business day, our drivers will bring you to the housing office so you can complete a contract (if you have not done so already) and move in.

Local hotel rates are listed below: (When making a reservation, notify the hotel employee that you are an international student at SDSU. This will allow you to receive the discounted rate for the room – saving you money!)

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites
Address: 2515 East 6th Street, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: 605-692-3111
Email: econo@den-wil.com

• Students can reserve a standard room- double queen-sized beds
• $70.00-$101.00/night – 1-2 student staying
• Free Continental Breakfast - Open 5–9 a.m.
• Restaurant – in Hotel - Open 4 p.m.–1 a.m.

Comfort Suites University
Address: 929 25th Ave, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: 605-692-2882
Email: aaron.dos.sd107@gmail.com

• Students who plan to stay Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night – $120.00-$150.00/night
• Students who plan to stay for a week or longer (regardless of the days) – $70/night
• Students who plan to stay only on Friday and Saturday night – the rate will be discounted based on availability and any special event that may be happening in Brookings
• Free Continental Breakfast

Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available throughout campus, and Halal food has recently become available through the convenience stores operated by the dining services team at SDSU. For more information on dining service visit SDSU Dining.

Students who are currently in the US who have been attending another university will need to request their international office to transfer their SEVIS record to South Dakota State University (school code: SPM214F00264000). Typically, you will need to provide your current university with a copy of your SDSU Acceptance Letter. If you have recently graduated, your SEVIS record needs to be transferred within 60 days of your program end date at the previous institution.

Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.

Sioux Falls Regional Airport is located 50 miles south of Brookings, SD off of I-29. The Sioux Falls Regional Airport code is FSD.

Only students can stay in residence halls. Parents may wish to make reservations at one of the following Brookings hotels:

Econo Lodge Inn and Suites
Address: 2515 East 6th Street, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: 605-692-3111
Email: econolodgebrookings@hotmail.com

Comfort Suites University
Address: 929 25th Ave, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: 605-692-2882
Email: aaron.dos.sd107@gmail.com

All students – international and domestic alike – are required to provide evidence of receiving two Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations after their first birthday. Learn more about mandatory immunization.