Next Steps

International Student Next Steps | Tampa Campus

Three international ±«Óătv students studying together.

Congrats on your admission to the ±«Óătv! We are so excited to welcome you to our dynamic, metropolitan Tampa campus.

Here are the next steps you will take as an international student. You can explore all required needs to enroll at ±«Óătv or jump to the section relevant to you:

IMMEDIATELY UPON ADMISSION

You will be able to complete the following steps immediately after admission to ±«Óătv.

Please note that is the first step to enrolling at ±«Óătv, if you have not done so yet. 

You may complete the next steps in any order based on requirements for your student type (e.g. freshman or transfer). In this section, you’ll:

  • Pay Your Admission Deposit - Freshmen Only
  • Reserve a Transfer Orientation Date - Transfer Only
  • Complete all Immigration Onboarding Tasks Through iStart
  • Verify/Update Personal Information
  • Submit Medical History and Immunization Form
  • Apply for On-Campus Housing

Freshmen Only: Pay Your Admission Deposit | Required for all freshman students

This is the first official step to secure your spot at ±«Óătv. You will need to submit your admission deposit to start on your next steps, like reserving an Orientation date and confirming your on-campus room assignment. 

More Details

Freshmen are required to pay a nonrefundable admission deposit of $200. The deposit will be applied toward your first semester’s tuition charge. The deposit is due by May 15 for students admitted for the summer or fall term.

This nonrefundable deposit will both confirm and reserve your place in the class and is separate from the housing prepayment. Failure to pay the deposit by the deadline may result in the cancellation of your admission offer and admissions scholarships.

Deposit Waiver Request

If you think you qualify for an admissions waiver, please email admissions@usf.edu to place your request with the appropriate justification.

After your waiver is applied, you will need to log into , click on the ”Pay Admission Deposit” tile and then click on “Commit to Attending ±«Óătv”. 

Pay Deposit


Transfer Only: Reserve a Transfer Orientation Date | Required for all transfer students

Admitted transfer students must register for, attend and complete all Orientation requirements. At Orientation, you’ll register for courses, so be sure to sign up for the earliest Orientation date possible to benefit from increased class availability. Orientation reservations open during the following months each year based on entry term:

  • Spring Semester - October
  • Summer and Fall Semesters - March

If you fail to reserve and complete Orientation, your admission to ±«Óătv may be canceled.

Please note: If you previously graduated from ±«Óătv and are pursuing a second bachelor’s degree, you do not need to attend Orientation.

Reserve Orientation


Complete all Immigration Onboarding Tasks Through iStart - Required for all international students

All newly admitted international students must use iStart to complete the Glo-Bull Start checklist. The Glo-Bull Start checklist is designed to guide students through all of the immigration tasks they must complete as a new international student at ±«Óătv.

NOTE:  You will receive an email when your Glo-Bull Start checklist is ready for you. Please allow time for the Office of International Services to create your checklist after we have been notified of your admission.

Access iStart


Verify/Update Information
| Recommended for all students

Verify or Update Residency Status

  • To view your classification, log into the and your residency status should display under your “Applicant Info.”
  • Please note: all admissions scholarship disbursements are based upon residency status. If your residency status changes, your award allocation will be updated.

For full information on determining residency, check out our Residency webpage.

Verify Personal Information

  • To view/update your mailing address, telephone number and email address, log in to  and navigate to My Resources > OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024).

Accept Admissions Scholarship (Optional - As Needed)

If you were awarded an automatic admissions scholarship, please make sure to accept the Terms and Conditions of the scholarship to ensure aid disbursement.

  • Portal:
  • Navigation: my±«Óătv > My Resources > OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) > Financial Aid > My Award and Loan Information > Select Aid Year from Dropdown Menu
    • Under the “Terms & Conditions” tab, carefully review the requirements of your scholarship
    • Select “Accept” to verify that you understand the terms and conditions associated with your award

Update Campus, Term of Entry or Major (Optional - As Needed)

  • To change your term of entry, visit the , select “Forms”, and complete an Application Update Form.
  • To change your major after admission, you must reach out to the academic advisor in your new intended major for next steps.
  • To change your campus after admission, you must reach out to your academic advisor at your current campus for next steps.


Submit Medical History and Immunization Form | Required for all students

You cannot register for courses until your completed Medical History and Immunizations Form has been received, so be sure to submit it in a timely fashion. 

Please note: This form requires formal authorization from a health care provider, so please ensure you leave time to complete this task for enrollment.

How to Uploaded Completed Form

There are two methods to upload your completed form:

  1. You can log into myBullsPath using your NetID and password. After clicking on the “Submit Required Health Documents” card, you may submit your form directly through the portal. Click “Submit Medical History & Immunization Form” at the top of the page, and you will be prompted to upload your documents from your device to myBullsPath.
  2. : You may submit your form directly to Student Health Services through the web submission option.

Access and Print Form


Apply for Housing and Meal Plan | Recommended for all students

Living on campus is not required for freshmen, but if you want to live on campus, submit a housing application as soon as you're admitted. To give everyone an equal opportunity, students will be assigned randomized room selection time slots as long as they apply by the Priority deadline for each term. Check the  for the most updated information.

Review your  and  on the Tampa campus, then apply for housing and a meal plan.

Please note: You will not be able to select a room through Housing until you submit an admission deposit and reserve an Orientation date. On-campus housing is limited, so some students may end up on a standby list.


FRESHMEN ONLY: AFTER ADMISSION DEPOSIT

Submitting your admission deposit informs us of your intention to attend ±«Óătv. You can complete the following steps concurrently after submitting your deposit.

You may complete the next steps in any order—but we recommend applying for housing and reserving an Orientation date as soon as they each become available as space fills up quickly. In this section, you’ll:

  • Apply for Housing and Dining - If Not Already Completed
  • Reserve an Orientation Date
  • Take the Math Placement Test

If Not Completed - Apply for Housing and Meal Plan | Recommended for all freshman students

Living on campus is not required for freshmen, but if you want to live on campus, submit a housing application as soon as you're admitted. To give everyone an equal opportunity, students will be assigned randomized room selection time slots as long as they apply by the Priority deadline for each term. Check the  for the most updated information.

Review your  and  on the Tampa campus, then apply for housing and a meal plan.

Please note: You will not be able to select a room through Housing until you submit an admission deposit and reserve an Orientation date. On-campus housing is limited, so some students may end up on a standby list.


Reserve an Orientation Date | Required for all freshman students

Admitted freshmen must register for, attend and complete all Orientation requirements. At Orientation, you’ll register for courses, so be sure to sign up for the earliest Orientation date possible to benefit from increased class availability. Orientation reservations open during the following months each year based on entry term:

  • Spring Semester - October
  • Summer and Fall Semesters - March

If you fail to reserve and complete Orientation, your admission to ±«Óătv may be canceled.

Please note: If you received an Admission Deposit Waiver, you will need to click “Commit to Attending ±«Óătv” through the “Pay Admission Deposit” tile on to reserve an Orientation date.

Reserve Orientation


Take the Math Placement Test | Recommended for all freshman students

±«Óătv uses your SAT/ACT/CLT Math scores for placement in the appropriate math courses. However, you may not have earned your best possible score while taking the SAT/ACT/CLT. To ensure you are enrolled in the correct math course, we encourage you to take the placement test as soon as possible, preferably before you are registered for courses. 

Please note: Students with a SAT Math 670+ or ACT Math 29+ do not need to take the test.

How to Access Course in Canvas

  • Portal: Canvas, through
  • Navigation: My±«Óătv > Learning & Teaching Tools > Canvas > Courses > Math Placement Test
    • Follow the instructions on the home page, and please read the “A˛Ô˛Ô´ÇłÜ˛Ôł¦±đłľ±đ˛ÔłŮ˛ő”.


AFTER LAST SEMESTER COMPLETION

After completing your last semester of high school or at your previous college/university, you must complete the following items based on your student type (e.g. freshman or transfer).

In this section, you’ll:

  • Submit Final High School Transcript(s) - Freshmen Only
  • Submit Final College Transcript(s) - Transfer Only

Freshmen Only: Submit Final High School Transcript - Required for all freshman students

Immediately after your high school graduation date is reflected on your transcript, you must and any college transcripts from dual enrollment courses. Your admission is contingent upon submitting final transcripts, and we may rescind your admission offer and financial aid (including Bright Futures) will not disburse if they are not received by the first day of class.

 

Transfer Only: Submit Final College Transcripts | Required for all transfer students

Once you complete your final semester at your previous institution, you will need to submit your final transcripts from each institution attended.

Your admission is contingent on submitting final transcripts, and we may place a hold on your account to register for future courses if transcripts are not received prior to the first day of class. Use to check the status of all essential admissions documents.

Submit Transcripts


AFTER ATTENDING ORIENTATION 

You may complete the next steps in any order—along with the steps in the “Before the First Day of Classes” section.  In this section, you’ll:

  • Purchase a ±«ÓătvCard
  • Purchase a Parking Permit

Purchase a ±«ÓătvCard - Required for all students

Your ±«ÓătvCard will be used while you are on campus, including at dining locations and to verify your identity. Request a ±«ÓătvCard before you start at ±«Óătv.


Purchase a Parking Permit - Required for students parking on campus

Parking permits are required on campus 24/7. Make sure to register your vehicle and pay for your decal before the semester begins.


BEFORE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES

You may complete the next steps in any order. 

Complete Required Course Modules

AlcoholEDU and Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates (SAPU)

Within the first few weeks of the semester starting, you should receive an email from Vector Solutions (@safecolleges.com) in your ±«Óătv Outlook email. The email will provide you with your personal link and instructions for completing these courses.

Each course consists of two parts. Part 2 of each course will open 30 days after you complete Part 1.

For more information, visit the Life Skills for Student Success website.

Career Readiness Module

  • Portal: 
  • Navigation: Once logged in, click on the course titled Career Readiness Module.

Complete Unsatisfied Requirements and Accept Financial Aid Awards

Verify if you have any unsatisfied Financial Aid requirements in OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) prior to your first day of classes.

  • Portal: 
  • Navigation: My±«Óătv > My Resources > OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) > Financial Aid

Subscribe to eDeposit

The ±«Óătv offers the electronic deposit process called eDeposit to all of our customers. eDeposit allows your net financial aid and student refunds to be directly deposited into your personal bank account.

  • Portal: 
  • Navigation: My±«Óătv > My Resources > OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) > Student > Tuition, Fees & Payment

Moving Into Housing

If you’re living on campus at ±«Óătv, you will need to consult the Move-In guide for your entry term to make sure you complete each step prior to move-in.

Check out ±«Óătv’s move-in checklist for everything you should bring with you or leave at home.

Familiarize Yourself with ±«Óătv Tools and Information

Familiarize yourself with:

  • CANVAS and review your course syllabi.
  • .
  • .
  • Key ±«Óătv policies, including the .
  • , ±«Óătv’s student engagement portal for finding events and clubs on campus.

Purchase and Organize Supplies for Courses

  • The  has a large selection of textbooks, course materials and supplies, or you can purchase from another vendor. Your course syllabi will often recommend supplies you may need for the course but a good rule of thumb is to have: note-taking supplies (pen and paper or a laptop), required textbooks and a planner to keep yourself organized.
  • The Tampa campus offers  for students, which also provides free printing and handicap-accessible computers.
  • We have  you might find useful for classes on our Admit-a-Bull blog.

Accessibility Accommodations (Optional - As Needed)

Transfer students may apply for accommodations once admitted to the University of South Florida. Students are responsible for identifying themselves to Student Accessibility Services and presenting proper medical documentation to receive academic accommodations.

Examples of accommodations can include but are not limited to:

  • Alternative Text
  • Class Notes and Note Takers
  • Test Taking Accommodations
  • Hearing Impairment Accommodations

For a full list of accommodations and how to apply, visit the Student Accessibility Services website.

Accessibility and Accommodations 

Pay Tuition and Fees (Due by First Friday of Semester, 5 p.m. ET)

  • Portal: 
  • Navigation: My±«Óătv > My Resources > OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) > Student > Tuition, Fees, & Payment

Please note: if you received a scholarship award and need assistance on Tuition Deferment, visit the Office of Financial Aid website.


Step 1: Determine Your Student Visa Type

Most international students come to ±«Óătv on F-1 or J-1 student visas. Eligibility documents — 1-20s or DS 2019s — are required to apply for an F-1 visa or J-1 visa respectively.

The F-1 Visa

The F-1 is the most common student visa. Students must have a valid educational purpose for coming to the U.S., be a full-time student and provide proof of their ability to fund their education. Upon admission to a ±«Óătv program and receipt of financial documentation, the student is issued an I-20 to be used to obtain the F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The spouse or children of an F-1 student enter the U.S. on F-2 visas and are not eligible to attend university or work in the U.S.

The J-1 Visa

The J-1 visa is an “exchange visitor” visa that is managed under the auspices of the Exchange Visitor Program of the U.S. Department of State. The J-1 visa is used primarily by exchange students (nondegree-seeking) and students sponsored by U.S. government agencies. Students who meet the criteria for the J-1 visa will be issued a DS-2019 by ±«Óătv or by a U.S. government agency. The spouse or children of a J-1 student enter the U.S. on a J-2 visa. Spouses in J-2 status may apply to USCIS for permission to work after their arrival in the U.S. Spouses and children may also attend school.

Students who do not hold an F-1 (student) or J-1 visa status may study at ±«Óătv if their current visa status permits study in a degree-seeking program.

Please note that individuals in F-2 and B-1/B-2 (visitor) status are PROHIBITED from studying in a degree-seeking program. 

For more information about non-immigrant visas, visit the website.

Step 2: Activate Your NetID and ±«Óătv Email Address

If you have not already, make sure to activate your NetID and ±«Óătv email address to access the necessary portals to complete your onboarding tasks.

You should have received an email from ±«Óătv Information Technology after you applied with information on how to activate your NetID. The link to activate expires after 7 days, so if you need help with activation, email ±«Óătv Information Technology at help@usf.edu.

Step 3: Review Your Admission Checklist and OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) information

To stay on track, be sure to complete these critical tasks. Use your NetID to log in to your  to view a personalized list of initial steps you need to complete.

In the Admission Checklist, you will be able to complete the following tasks:

  1. Verify your contact information.
  2. See missing items attached to your record for admission.
  3. Upload requested information, like residency documentation.
  4. Complete any student forms, such as the International Student Health Insurance Agreement Form, Immunization History Form and others.  
  5. Pay your admission deposit (first-year students only).
    • First-Year Students: Please note that submitting your admission deposit is your way of committing to ±«Óătv. By doing so, you will be able to start on other important next steps, like reserving Housing, Orientation and more. This step is critical to unlock next steps toward enrollment.

If you are receiving an admissions scholarship, learn more about how to accept your award.

Step 4: Log In to myBullsPath

Once you’re admitted to ±«Óătv, we encourage you to move on to the next phase of your journey. Use your NetID to login to to view a personalized list of steps you need to complete to enroll at ±«Óătv. In myBullsPath, you will be able to: 

  1. Reserve your seat at Orientation.
  2. Purchase a ±«Óătv ID card.
  3. Apply for housing and select your on-campus room.
  4. Submit your immunization records, medical history and proof of health insurance.

Step 5: Complete Orientation (Glo-Bull Beginnings)

Your Orientation is an introduction to life as a ±«Óătv Bull. You will have an opportunity to meet your peers, learn about the ±«Óătv community and receive tips on reaching your academic goals and finding support. During orientation, you will learn about academic program requirements from your academic college/academic advising department, and upon completing Orientation, you will be able to register for courses and/or adjust course schedules. If you have any questions about Orientation, please email globullbeginnings@usf.edu.

Step 6: Complete Immunization Forms

If you haven’t already, complete the Student Health Services (SHS) and insurance requirements and provide necessary paperwork. This will include having any existing holds cleared before you are able to register for classes. Failure to comply with the ±«Óătv Immunization policy by the first day of class could result in the cancellation of your classes. Visit the portal to determine what’s outstanding.

Step 7: Apply for Housing

Apply for housing via your portal. You must also fill out to indicate your housing preference.

Step 8: Log Into iStart for Pre-Arrival Tasks

All new international students must use to complete the Glo-Bull Start checklist. This checklist is designed to guide you through all the tasks you must complete as a new international student. After the Office of International Services is notified of your admission, you will receive an email asking you to begin your Glo-Bull Start checklist. See an overview of iStart.

Step 9: Prepare to Start Classes

After attending Orientation, it’s time to prepare for the start of your collegiate experience! Check out details on how to complete these steps prior to the first day of class. You will need your NetID/±«Óătv email address and password to complete some of these steps.

1. Complete the required Life Skills modules (availability of modules subject to change).

    • Portal: ; Navigation: Once logged in, click on the course titled Life Skills Module.

2. View your course schedule (once you’ve met with your academic program).

    • Portal: ; Navigation: My±«Óătv > My Resources > OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) > Student > Registration > Week at a Glance OR Student Detail Schedule
      • Week at a Glance = calendar view of times/days of the week
      • Student Detail Schedule = list of courses

3. Review and pay your tuition, fees and charges.

    • Portal: ; Navigation: My±«Óătv > My Resources > OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) > Student > Tuition, Fees & Payment

4. Subscribe to eDeposit.

    • Portal: ; Navigation: My±«Óătv > My Resources > OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) > Student > Tuition, Fees & Payment

5. Complete any unsatisfied requirements and accept financial aid awards.

    • Portal: ; Navigation: My±«Óătv > My Resources > OASIS (Student Self-Service after Fall 2024) > Financial Aid

6. Connect to campus:

    • Download ±«Óătv apps: My±«Óătv Mobile app & Student/Family Guide within the Go Bulls Guides app.
    • Explore the Week of Welcome and semester event schedule.

7. Familiarize yourself with:

8. Purchase your course supplies and .

9. Apply for accommodations for which you are eligible.

10. Purchase your parking permit (if you plan to have a car on campus).

11. Review Tampa campus resources.

Note that students who can obtain necessary immigration paperwork should arrive to campus no later than the first week of the semester (add/drop week). Students must complete their Immigration Document Check and enroll in courses. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of the admissions application.

Step 10: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you have questions, we have answers! Check out our FAQs for international students or contact us for personalized support.