International admitted to-do
To-do lists for admitted international students
Congratulations! You are well on your way to stepping into your first class at University of Idaho. Before you get started, there are just a few important steps to complete. We’ve created a to-do list to help you with keep track of those steps. Check back often to make your journey to University of Idaho as smooth as possible.
Post-arrival guide
Step 1: Check in at U of I
Upon arrival to the U.S. (or arrival to U of I for SEVIS transfer students), you must complete a mandatory SEVIS Check-in online through the iVandal electronic form no later than the first day of the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. You will find the links to the eForm in iVandal under Arrival On Campus. You can use your smartphone or computer to upload copies of your immigration documents.
You do not need to report your arrival in person to the IPO.
Step 2: Plan your first week(s) at U of I
It is important that you carefully plan and prepare for your first week(s) at U of I, before your classes begin.
There are many activities to participate in before classes start. You’ll join New International Student Orientation. Serving Your New Community is a local volunteerism event, followed by an information fair we call Palousafest on Saturday. Vandal Kick-off is an official semester start event with a photo opportunity and community picnic for all new students on Sunday.
Your first week can be busy with classes and filled with fun, optional Welcome Week events if you choose. You can even take a first day of school photo to share with your family.
Step 3: Request/obtain your VandalCard
Your VandalCard is your student ID for U of I. Once you’ve requested your VandalCard, it can be picked up in Moscow at the Student Technology Center (TLC 128), or in Boise at the Idaho Water Center.
Quick links:
Step 4: Attend New Student and mandatory International Student orientations
New students will need to arrive in time for New Student Orientation.
All international students must also attend the New International Student Orientation. This event takes place during the week before classes begin.
Step 5: Pay your bill
All semester tuition, fees, residence hall and meal plan charges for on-campus housing and health insurance must be paid at the Student Accounts Office, on MyUI, through TransferMate or via wire transfer.
Monthly payment plans are available through Student Accounts. If you are unable to pay your balance in full, you are encouraged to set up a monthly payment plan through MyUI. Payment plan enrollment is required by the first day of the semester to avoid late fees.
Most scholarships require full-time enrollment (12 credits). Billing is generated after you have registered for your classes.
Quick action links:
Fees
International Student Orientation fee ($100 one-time charge)
New international students are required to go to the International Student Orientation in addition to New Student Orientation. International students are charged a $100 orientation fee on their first university bill.
U of I international student fee ($100 semesterly fee)
If you are an international student at U of I, you will have to pay $100 for each semester or term you register for class. This fee is part of the cost of attending U of I and international students are automatically charged for it each term they are registered. You will see it on your U of I tuition bill and can pay it in MyUI or at the Cashier’s Office when you are paying your fees for the semester.
For any questions about these fees, contact ipo@uidaho.edu.
Step 6: Complete the required safety program
At University of Idaho, we all play a role in creating a safer and healthier campus community and supporting our Vandal family. The Think About It safety program for undergraduates will help you navigate challenging situations. You will receive an email invitation in your VandalMail account detailing how to access the program.
Required safety program: Voices for Change for undergraduates
Step 7: Important dates
Step 8: Explore your community
University of Idaho’s campus and Moscow are easy to navigate and are welcoming to all students. Explore the locations of your classes and other essential buildings by taking a virtual tour of the campus and discover fun and unique activities in Moscow.
Not taking classes at the Moscow campus? Get to know our Idaho centers’ facilities and communities:
Additional helpful links
Financial information
To study in the U.S., students must meet financial requirements set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Students must submit:
- A Certificate of Financial Responsibility signed by the student. If the student is being sponsored, your sponsor must also sign.
- An original bank statement or letter from an appropriate official on bank letterhead from the student or student's sponsor, showing that the necessary minimum funds are available. A copy of the student's passport.