New International Students Important Dates

First-Year (Freshman) Orientation Sessions:

See Orientation Dates

New Transfer Orientation Sessions

See Orientation Dates

New Student Orientation (Undergraduate students only)

Undergraduate students must attend New Student Orientation either online or in-person to register for classes.

Sign up and pay for the New Student Orientation at New Student Orientation | New Student & Family Programs (sfsu.edu)

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 (In-person half day)
 

International Student Orientation (ISO)

All F-1 international undergraduate and graduate students.  

Reasons to attend International Student Orientation

• You will learn about the Division of International Education (formerly Office of International Programs) and campus services
• You will meet your international student advisors and have a chance to ask questions
• You will connect with other international & exchange students and learn about various international student organizations at SF State

How to attend

Instructions will be emailed to students in early August 2025 (after the AAO deadline)

All F-1 international undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to attend.

Topics:
1 - Document check-in
2 - Maintaining F-1 status in the U.S.
3 - U.S. work authorization
4 - Career & Leadership Development presentation
5 - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

• First day of instruction 
• International students must arrive in the U.S. by this date. No late arrival.

• Last Day to Drop/Withdraw Classes without a "W" grade
• F-1 international students must enroll in a full-time course load (at least 12 units for undergraduate and 8 units for graduate) by this date
   

Final exams week

Wednesday, August 21 (In-person, all students)

Thursday, August 22 (Day 2 Zoom orientation)

International Student Orientation (ISO)

(All undergraduate and graduate international students).  

Reasons to attend International Student Orientation:

• You will learn about the Division of International Education (formerly Office of International Programs) and campus services
• You will meet your international student advisors and have a chance to ask questions
• You will connect with other international & exchange students and learn about various international student organizations at SF State

How to attend: See the orientation page