Frequently Asked Questions
Class Registration
- When can I register for classes?
- Who can help me pick courses?
- How do I register for classes?
- What’s a measles hold?
Housing
- What are the housing options at WSU?
- How can I apply for on-campus housing?
- Can I move into my dorm (Residence Hall) as soon as I arrive in Pullman?
- How can I find housing off-campus?
- What should I do if I don’t have housing when I arrive
Orientation
- When does the orientation start?
- Do I have to attend the orientation?
- Do I need to take the writing/math placement exams?
- What should I do if I cannot arrive before the orientation starts?
Travel
- How can I get to Pullman?
- What documents are required for entering the U.S.?
- What should I do if I encounter some problems at the U.S. customs?
- I need a ride from the airport. What should I do?
Transfer Students
- When do I get a WSU I-20?
- Do I need to renew my F-1 visa to attend WSU?
- How do I know which credits from my community college will be transferable?
Money Matters
- When should I pay the tuition?
- How do I pay the tuition?
- How should I bring money from home for tuition and living?
- How can I open a bank account in Pullman?
Other Questions
- Do I have to purchase the WSU medical insurance?
- What should I do if I want to wait one semester before starting at WSU?
- How can I get in contact with other students from my country/region?
- What is the weather like in Pullman?
Class Registration
A: See the chart below.
Undergraduate students |
Office that helps with academic advising |
Registration Holds |
Notes |
All degree-seeking (both F-1 and J-1) |
Advising hold to be lifted by academic advisor assigned through SALC. |
||
J-1 exchange through Office of Education Abroad |
|
||
Other J-1 non-degree (e.g. IREX, ACTR, etc.) |
Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) |
Participating in the Non-degree Session during orientation will allow you to register for classes earlier than those who do not attend. |
|
F-1 non-degree (e.g. Kansai Gaidai, etc.) |
OISS |
Graduate students should consult the graduate coordinator in their department to select courses.
When can I register for classes?
A: You may register for classes on or after your registration time (determined by the Office of Registrar for undergrads) and when all your registration holds are lifted.
A: WSU requires that all incoming students meet the immunization requirements prior to class registration. The Health and Wellness Services (HWS) oversees the measles hold. In order to get the measles hold lifted, students must either provide HWS with documentation of immunity or receive a vaccine shot. For more information, please visit HWS on-line.
Please do not send measles documentation to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).
How do I register for classes?
A: Once you get all registration holds lifted, you can register for classes on-line with a WSU Network ID and password.
Housing
What are the housing options at WSU?
A: There are several housing options at WSU. Please see the OISS Housing and Dining page for more information.
There is no established host family program in the Pullman area.
How can I apply for university housing?
A: Once you are admitted to WSU, you may apply for university housing. Application forms are available at Housing and Dining Services on-line. For on-line application, a WSU Network ID and password are required.
Can I move into my dorm (Residence Hall) as soon as I arrive in Pullman?
A: Please see the OISS Housing and Dining page for more information.
How can I find housing off-campus?
A: Please visit the Pullman Chamber of Commerce on-line for useful resources and local rental listings.
Another place to look for off-campus apartments and roommates is in The Daily Evergreen (WSU student newspaper) under the classifieds
What should I do if I don’t have housing when I arrive?
A: You should arrange housing before arriving at WSU. Otherwise, expect to spend $50-80 per night at local hotels. You may also contact current members of the International Students’ Council and ask if anybody is willing to put you up for a night or two while you look for housing.
Orientation
When does the New International Student Orientation begin?
A: The orientation starts during the week before classes begin. OISS will provide transportation from Pullman Airport to the WSU campus only during the two days before orientation begins. Please arrange your itinerary to arrive no later than the day before the first day of orientation.
Do I have to attend the orientation?
A: Yes! All incoming F-1 and J-1 students are required to attend the orientation.
Do I need to take the writing/math placement exams?
A: Many incoming undergraduate students are required to take the writing and/or math placement exams. Learn more about the writing and math placement exams before you arrive at WSU.
What should I do if I cannot arrive before the orientation starts?
A: The Immigration Services requires that you report to OISS upon arrival at WSU. If you miss the orientation, please come to OISS at Bryan Hall 108 as soon as you arrive in Pullman.
Travel
A: We highly recommend that you fly into Pullman. Horizon Air provides flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport. Ground transportation from Seattle or Spokane to Pullman is very limited and unreliable under snowy/icy winter conditions.
What documents are required for entering the U.S.?
A: You should carry the following items with you when traveling to the U.S. Do not pack them in check-in luggage!
- Valid passport
- Valid F-1/J-1 visa (except for Canadian citizens)
- Valid WSU I-20/DS-2019
- SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt (if applicable)
- Financial verification (e.g. assistantship letter, bank statement, scholarship letter, etc.)
What should I do if I encounter some problems upon entry to the U.S.?
A: The OISS emergency phone number is 509-335-4509. Please carry this number with you when you travel. If you encounter some problems at the port of entry, a customs officer can reach an OISS advisor at this number during the day and evening.
I need a ride from the airport. What should I do?
A: OISS will provide transportation from Pullman Airport only. For dates of airport pickup, please see the orientation website.
If you need a ride during airport pick-up, please indicate on the Arrival Notification Form your flight arrival time and date.
If you arrive on a day that airport pick-up is not provided or at another airport, you will need to arrange transportation to Pullman on your own.
Taxi Service (in Pullman area)
Wheatland Express Airport Shuttle from Spokane Airport to Pullman)
WSU International Students’ Council
Transfer Students
A: If you are going to travel out of the U.S. before arriving at WSU, OISS will issue you a transfer-pending I-20. This is a temporary document for travel and re-entry. Please complete an on-line form to request a transfer I-20 from WSU. Please remember that OISS cannot issue you a transfer I-20 until your immigration (SEVIS) record has been released to WSU and your Transfer-in Form is completed confirming your eligibility for school transfer.
If you will not travel out of country before arriving at WSU, you will obtain a permanent WSU I-20 once you complete the immigration check-in with OISS during the orientation.
Do I need to renew my F-1 visa to attend WSU?
A: Not necessarily. Your F-1 visa stamp is permission to enter the country. It does not determine your length of stay in the U.S. or which school you can attend. As long as your visa was once used to attend the school whose name is annotated on the visa, there is no need to obtain a new F-1 visa until your current one expires.
How do I know which credits from my previous school will be transferable?
A: WSU Transfer Center assists undergraduate students with transfer credit questions.
Graduate students should consult their major professor in their department.
Money Matters
When should I pay the tuition?
A: Tuition and other mandatory fees are due the first day of class. Late fees are assessed on unpaid tuition and fees.
A: WSU Student Accounts accepts various methods of payment.
How should I bring money from home for tuition and living?
A: Do not carry large sums of cash with you when you travel. Traveler’s checks are a secure way of transporting money.
If you carry more than $10,000 worth of money, you will be required to declare at customs upon entry to the country.
Also, read some useful tips on arrangements with your bank in the home country.
How can I open a bank account in Pullman?
A: Opening a bank account is fairly easy. There are several banks to choose from in Pullman. Banking is one of many topics that will be covered during the New International Student Orientation.
Until you arrive at WSU, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the banking system in the U.S.
Other Questions
Do I have to purchase the WSU medical insurance?
A: WSU has very strict medical insurance requirements for international students. Most international students are automatically billed the WSU insurance premium when they register for classes.
Students who are exempt from the requirements:
- Graduate students with half-time graduate assistantship.
- Canadian citizens.
- Some exchange students.
Students who may be eligible for exemption but must request a waiver through WSU Health and Wellness Services:
- Students who have insurance provided by a U.S. employer (i.e. through a spouse working for a U.S. employer.)
- Students whose medical insurance is equal to or better than that of WSU plan
What should I do if I want to wait one semester before starting at WSU?
A: You will need to re-apply for the term you would like to attend. Updated official transcripts and financial documentations may be required.
If you have already been issued a WSU I-20 and would like to defer attendance, please contact OISS to find out how you can obtain an updated I-20.
How can I get in contact with other students from my country/region?
A: Contact the International Students’ Council, the umbrella organization that represents international concerns and interests under ASWSU (student government). Someone within ISC will be able to help you get in contact with WSU’s Registered Student Organizations.
What is the weather like in Pullman?
A: The climate is temperate. July and August are hottest months in the Pullman area with average high temperature 83 °F (28 °C) and average low 50 °F (10 °C).During the months of December and January in Pullman, the average high temperature is 35 °F (2 °C) and the average low is 24 °F (-4 °C). There may be snow and ice on the ground. Be prepared and bring a heavy coat and warm clothing. When spring arrives around April, it starts to warm up.
Page Updated: June 9, 2008
