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Frequently Asked Questions – International Students
- What will I do at orientation?
- Is there an orientation program for families or spouses?
- I am having trouble logging into the orientation reservation system. What can I do?
- When can I arrive on campus for orientation?
- How much does International Student Orientation cost?
- Where do I park for orientation?
- How do I access my USC computer account?
- What should I wear to orientation?
- What do I need to bring to orientation?
- What placement tests do I need to take?
- What is the Pre-Orientation Homework?
- What is passport verification?
- What is degree verification?
- How do I get immunizations and a Tuberculosis screening?
- Do I have to take an English proficiency exam?
- I am an international graduate student. Can I attend Graduate Student Orientation?
- How do I set up my university e-mail account?
- How can I find employment once I arrive to the U.S.?
- How can I obtain a Social Security Number and/or a California Driver’s License?
- I need to make a wire transfer payment. How can I do that?
- I need information on the following topics: applying for a Visa, preparing for departure to the U.S., transportation once I arrive to the U.S., and/or general information for all international students. Where can I get this information?
1. What will I do at orientation?
As a new international student, you will become acquainted with the university during orientation and learn about vital campus resources. During the orientation, you will meet with an academic advisor, register for classes, connect with fellow students, and learn key strategies to being a successful student at USC. Additionally, you will learn about American culture and living in Southern California.
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2. Is there an orientation program for families or spouses?
Family members and/or spouses are welcome to attend the International Student Orientation. Although students and guests will attend some sessions together, there will be some separate programs for the guests. Make sure you register your guests when you register for orientation.
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3. I am having trouble logging into the orientation reservation system. What can I do?
Students unable to register online should first make sure their Enrollment Commitment Deposit (Intent to Enroll form for graduate students) has been processed by the USC Admission Office and 5-7 business days has occurred following that processing. Once this has happened, students will receive an e-mail from Orientation Programs with login and reservation instructions. If students have received their welcome e-mail, click here for other troubleshooting suggestions.
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4. When can I arrive on campus for orientation?
For students admitted to the fall semester
Check-in for International Student Orientation held in August will begin at 7 a.m. in the Von KleinSmid Center (VKC) Courtyard. Students arriving early and needing housing accommodations should contact the Trojan Housing office at 213.740.2546 or 800.872.4632. Students should do this as early as possible, as early move-in is not always available.
For undergraduate students admitted to the spring semester
Undergraduate international students attend the mid-year/spring orientation session – MYO2. Click here for information on this program.
For graduate students admitted for the spring semester
Graduate international students attend a specialized International Orientation prior to the start of spring classes in January. Check-in will begin at 7 a.m. in front of Bovard Auditorium.
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5. How much does International Student Orientation cost?
There is no cost to attend the International Student Orientation. However, all new international students are charged a one-time Mandatory Orientation Fee to cover the cost of materials in their tuition bill. For information on the Mandatory Orientation Fee, click here.
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6. Where do I park for orientation?
Students and parents/guests may park at any open structure or lot on campus. Parking is $8 per day.
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7. How do I access my USC computer account?
Computer accounts are automatically created for new students upon certification (submission of your Enrollment Commitment Deposit/Intent to Enroll Form) at USC. To activate your computer account, click here. You must activate your account before making your orientation reservation.
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8. What should I wear to orientation?
Casual attire is appropriate for orientation.
For students attending the summer orientation
During the day, the weather in Los Angeles is generally warm, but early mornings and evenings can be cool – so light clothing and a jacket are suggested. The program involves a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are appropriate. Students should also bring a backpack or bag to carry materials.
For students attending the mid-year/spring orientation
During the day, the weather in Los Angeles is generally cool, and can sometimes be overcast. Early mornings and evenings can be cool – so, layered clothing and a jacket are appropriate. The program involves a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are appropriate.
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9. What do I need to bring to orientation?
Click here for a list of things to bring to the orientation session.
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10. What placement tests do I need to take?
Required placement tests are based on the major of the student and, in some cases, the student’s SAT/ACT scores. Click here to review required placement tests.
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11. What is the Pre-Orientation Homework?
Prior to coming to campus for orientation, all undergraduate students must complete their first USC homework assignment. This Pre-Orientation Homework will allow students to complete many transactional functions prior to their arrival. Click here to learn more about the required Pre-Orientation Homework.
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12. What is passport verification?
Each new international student must complete Passport Verification (PPV) prior to class registration. During the orientation session, you will have the opportunity to complete PPV. If you arrive to the U.S. prior to your orientation session, contact the Office of International Services at 213.740.2666 to schedule your PPV prior to your orientation session.
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13. What is degree verification?
All undergraduate and some graduate degrees earned overseas must be verified. You will be able to get your degree verified during orientation. Your Admission Letter describes the required documents to complete this process, such as: official transcripts, mark sheets, original diplomas/degree books or English translations. In most cases, degree verification must be completed by the end of the first semester or you will be restricted from registering for spring semester classes. Recent graduates from institutions in India will be granted an automatic extension if their last mark sheet and final degree certificate are not available until January.
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14. How do I get immunizations and a Tuberculosis screening?
All new international students must receive vaccinations for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), and must be screened for Tuberculosis (TB). The University Park Student Health Center will offer these services during orientation. Students able to provide proof of a previous TB Screening (performed in the United States or Canada) or MMR vaccinations should come prepared with photocopies of these documents. For more information, click here.
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15. Do I have to take an English proficiency exam?
With few exceptions, international students whose native language is not English and who do not have a TOEFL score of 100 or higher with no less than 20 on each of the four individual sections of the new Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) or (600 on paper-based/250 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL) must take the International Student English Examination (ISE). The USC Testing Bureau will administer the exam in late August for students beginning their studies in the fall semester; and in early January for the spring semester. To find out if you are required to take the ISE, check your letter of admission and your I-20. For more information about the ISE, click here.
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16. I am an international graduate student. Can I attend Graduate Student Orientation?
International Students do not attend the University Graduate Student Orientation. For more information, click here.
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17. How do I set up my university e-mail account?
Computer accounts are automatically created for new students upon certification (submission of your Enrollment Commitment Deposit/Intent to Enroll Form) at USC. To activate your computer account, click here. You must activate your account before making your orientation reservation.
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18. How can I find employment once I arrive to the U.S.?
For information on specific employment regulations related to international students, click here.
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19. How can I obtain a Social Security Number and/or a California Driver’s License?
For information on social security numbers and driver’s license, click here.
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20. I need to make a wire transfer payment. How can I do that?
An account has been made available to provide an additional service for the remittance of funds by bank wire transfer, especially for our international student population, as well as extra convenience and option for the payment of tuition and fees. Click here for information on the wire transfer process.
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21. I need information on the following topics: applying for a Visa, preparing for departure to the U.S., transportation once I arrive to the U.S., and/or general information for all international students. Where can I get this information?
USC has a centralized office to help you with all of your needs, both before your arrival and while you are here at the university. Contact the Office of International Services (OIS) for assistance. For information on how to contact OIS, click here.
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