Welcome to SIUE!
Thank you for choosing to study at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. This content will provide you with information regarding your arrival to the United States, including before and after you arrive on the SIUE campus. More information about Spring 2024 International Student Orientation will be shared with incoming international students in November to your SIUE email address! You can find a tentative schedule on the Orientation page. Email our staff at isss@siue.edu if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to welcoming you to campus!
Before You Arrive
- Plan your Arrival & View Important Dates - Consider ideal arrival dates, payment deadlines, move-in days, and other deadlines to prepare yourself for orientation week. Here you can find all the important dates for new international students.
- Orientation Schedule - The first week can be hectic, so make sure to get an overview of all orientation events required during your first week.
- What Visa do I Need? - Determine what Visa applies to your educational goals here at SIUE.
- Applying for a Visa - Learn in-depth about the process of applying and obtaining a U.S. visa.
- Paying the SEVIS Fee - Pay your one-time SEVIS Fee to obtain your visa.
- Activate your e-ID - Activate your e-ID to access your email and student account.
- Complete the online module for your visa type by logging into Blackboard. Instructions on how to login into Blackboard are available here. NOTE: The module is made available one month before orientation.
- Health Insurance Requirements - Immunizations are due by the first day of class. Insurance waivers are due by the 10th day of each semester.
- Housing - Explore living options on campus and begin your application here.
- Money & Items to Bring - We suggest that you review the list of recommended items to bring with you even if you don't plan to live on campus.
- Airport to SIUE - Our office (ISSS) provides airport pickup service from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) in St Louis, Missouri.
After You Arrive
- Complete the New Student Orientation Module - The module will include a First Week Checklist and explain the basics of being an international student at SIUE, and answer many questions you may have about the first week.
- Retrieve I-94 - Collect your proof of entry to the U.S. If you plan to work on campus, you will need your I-94.
- Complete the International Student Check-In - When you arrive in the US, make sure to complete the Mandatory Check-In.
- Registration - Accept the Bursar agreement and begin working with your academic advisor or program director to plan your classes for the semester.
- Obtaining an Illinois Driver’s License - View all important rules and regulations relating to driver’s licenses, local and international.
- Getting Around - SIUE and the surrounding area of Madison county offers a robust bus transit system as well as city-wide bike trails for easy navigation.
