Preparing to travel

Secure your housing

If you haven’t already, make sure you secure your housing! First-year undergraduate students are expected to live on campus, with the option of living off campus in your second year. Graduate students may also apply for on-campus housing, though it is not guaranteed.

Apply for housing via the ASU Housing Portal or view off-campus housing options. The deadline for self-selection of Housing Assignment is May 1 for the Fall intake. The priority application deadline for housing is May 15 for the Fall semester, and November 15 for the Spring semester.

Complete your pre-arrival checklist

You can see more details in the ASU checklist to help plan your arrival with ease.

• Provide proof of immunization
• Complete the math placement assessment (undergraduates only) 
• Register for orientation sessions
• Register for classes — you can do this before you have your visa
• Prepare for immigration questions upon arrival at the airport
• Arrange travel plans, such as flights, trains, or buses
• Join ASU pre-arrival sessions hosted by our Kaplan experts
• Check My ASU for any outstanding tasks

We also recommend giving your parents or family access to your My ASU account so they can see your academic records and tuition bills.

Join the ASU community

With over 155+ nationalities and 1,000+ student clubs, you’ll be part of a vibrant community at ASU. Here are some ways to get involved before you arrive:

• Join the Devil2Devil Discord server
• Follow ASU on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube
• Share the ASU Family Hub with your parents
• Register for the Fall 2025 Parent/Family Orientation
• Take a virtual campus tour

Prepare what you’ll need 

Before you set off, you’ll need to pack carefully! Remember to bring your important documents, such as:

• SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019
• Valid passport
• Current visa
• Copy of immunization records
• International travel coverage documents if applicable
• Any dependents’ I-20 or DS-2019 and passports if your spouse or children are travelling with you
• Laptop with webcam
• Suitable clothing
• Electrical adapter if applicable
• Any medication you need
• Mobile phone

Read these tips for talking to the US Customs and Border Protection officer

Run into any problems? You or the US CPB officer can contact the ASU International Students and Scholars Centre (ISSC). The ISSC is open Monday—Friday:

• F-1 students: +1 480-727-4776
• J-1 students: +1 480-727-7125
• 24/7 ASU support line: +1 855-278-5080

At your point of entry, the US Customs and Border Protection (CPB) officer will check your documents. You will need to:

• Present your passport, visa, and I-20 to the CPB officer
• Have your passport stamped by the port of entry officer notating F-1 D/S or J-1 D/S, date, and location of arrival in the USA
• Give clear, honest, and polite answers to any questions they may have. The questions will likely be similar to those asked in your visa interview, such as:
  • What the purpose of your visit is to the USA
  • How long you plan to visit
  • Where you will be staying
  • If you have the means to support yourself financially in the USA
  • If the documents you are presenting are compatible with the purpose and intent of your visit
  • If asked, share all social media platforms you currently or previously have used (username, screen name, handle, or other identifiers for each platform you use or have used)
  • Any email addresses and phone numbers you have used in the past five years

Maintain your US visa status

Here are some key tips and considerations for protecting your F-1 visa status:

1. You may not enter the United States more than 30 days before your program of study begins as listed on your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019. Do not enter later than the school start date as this will result in being denied entry to the USA.
2. Contact your designated school official (DSO) as soon as you arrive. You’ll also need to complete your online SEVIS check-in.
3. Start at the University that issued your I-20 — remember, your visa was granted for you to study at a specific university!
4. Stay enrolled full-time. To be considered fully enrolled, undergraduates must take at least 12 credits per term, and graduates must take at least 9 credits per term. If you can’t study full time, contact your DSO to see if you’re eligible for a reduced course load.
5. Attend all required classes as it’s important to maintain normal academic progress. You are expected to complete your program by the end date on your I-20.
6. Talk to the International Students and Scholars Center first if you want to change your major, drop classes, travel, extend your program, or have a change in funding.