Pre-Arrival Checklist
We’re excited to welcome you to Boise State! There are a few important items that you may need to complete prior to the start of your first semester. Please review this checklist thoroughly.
1. Apply for Housing
Living on campus is convenient and is perhaps the easiest way to meet new people and feel connected to the culture of Boise State’s campus. On-campus housing at Boise State is limited, so it’s important to apply as soon as possible.
Residence halls officially open on the Friday before fall semester or the Saturday before spring semester. Since International Student Orientation occurs prior to that, you’ll need to sign up to move in early to your residence hall. Early Arrival Applications become available in May for Fall semester and in November for Spring semester.
Learn More about On-Campus Housing
If you decide to live off-campus, you can review a list of off-campus housing options.
2. Complete Your Visa Application Process
Most international students studying at Boise State are on F-1 student visas or J-1 student exchange visas. It is important to start the process early and review the requirements thoroughly to avoid delays or problems in your application process.
3. Make Travel Arrangements
Flight Considerations
- You must plan to arrive in Boise on the designated arrival days or no later than the mandatory International Student Orientation. International Student Orientation dates are typically announced about two months before the start of the semester.
- Boise Airport (BOI) is a small international airport located about four miles (ten minutes by car) from campus. Be sure to book your flight to the correct airport.
- You cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.
Getting to Campus
- There are several options for getting to campus from the airport. Taxis are available outside of the baggage claim area. A typical fare will cost about $15 and it is customary to tip taxi drivers an additional 10-15% of the total fare.
- Lyft and Uber both operate in Boise. These options will require a smart phone with a U.S. data plan. Fares are typically $10 – 12.
Hotel Information
- If you arrive for orientation and have not yet arranged for on- or off-campus housing, you may wish to stay in a local hotel until making living arrangements. There are many hotels within walking distance and many more just a short bike or car ride away from campus.
- Some hotels will offer a Boise State rate to students and may offer shuttle service to and from the Boise Airport or Boise State’s campus. Please ask about these options when making your reservation.
4. Register for Mandatory International Student Orientation
International Student Orientation is mandatory for all new international students. During orientation, you will have a chance to meet your peers, learn about campus, and get all the information you need to prepare for the semester.
You will receive an email with information on how to sign up for International Student Orientation.
5. Prepare Your Finances
Planning your finances in advance will help you avoid possible complications after arriving in Boise. Here are a few things to think about prior to your arrival on campus.
- Tuition. You will be charged non-resident tuition unless you have been awarded a non-resident tuition waiver, scholarship, or other funding. Official tuition rates, per credit hour costs, and Boise State policies can be found on the Financial Services website.
- Fees & Insurance. All students will be billed for a variety of student fees (e.g. student activity fee). All international students will be billed for mandatory student health insurance.
- Payments. The easiest way to pay your bill is to log onto myBoiseState and make a payment with a credit card. You may also pay your bill at the Payment & Disbursement Center using cash or check. Boise State University has partnered with FlyWire to make international payments as simple as possible.
- Fee Payment Plan. You have the option to pay your fees in three equal installments. The enroll in the fee payment plan, complete an application on myBoiseState. A $30 non-refundable application fee will be charged to use the plan. More information about the Fee Payment Plan can be found through Financial Services.
- Customs Declaration. If you are carrying more than $10,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency), you will be required to complete the Customs and Border Protection Declaration Form 6059B when you enter the U.S. More information can be found on the CBP website.
- Currency Exchange. We recommend that you exchange at least some of your currency to U.S. dollars in your home country in case currency exchanges are closed when you arrive. Banks in Boise will exchange your currency during regular business hours.
6. Make Copies of Your Immigration Documents
Prior to departing your home country, ensure that you have copies of all of your documents in your carry-on luggage so that you’re prepared to enter the U.S.
You also must being to orientation copies of:
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- Passport name page
- Visa
- I-20 (first page only)
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We recommend that you make at least one extra copy of each document for your personal records.
7. Connect with International Student Services
Boise State’s International Student Services Office will be your resource for nearly everything during your time on campus. From social events to immigration regulation support, they will ensure you have the help you need.
Visit their website and connect with their social media to find out more about ISS!