Yes! The orientation is designed to assist you with transition to the university and is required for new international students. At the orientation, you will connect with other new and returning students and learn about maintaining your visa status while studying at USF. Information will be presented on a variety of topics such as housing, obtaining student identification cards, completing health insurance forms, safety and security issues, diversity and Title IX, dining and food options, class schedules, academic advising, tutoring, counseling, and wellness, and how to navigate the campus. You will have the opportunity to open an American bank account and get a cell phone or sim card during the orientation.
International students need to register for classes with his or her academic advisor before each semester starts. All international students must maintain full time status each academic term. International students should contact their academic advisor with questions related to academic advising and registering for classes.
Opening a bank account in the US allows you to establish a secure and convenient way to manage money. It may also help you to avoid paying international transaction fees that may incur with an international account. During your orientation, the International Programs Office will assist you in opening a bank account. Below are some of the banks near USF for your consideration.
Bank of America | Chase | Harris Bank |
1550 W Jefferson St. | 120 North Scott Street | 78 North Chicago Street |
If you need help with filling out some documents to open a bank account, please contact the IPO for assistance.
The social Security Number (SSN) is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). International students can contact the Social Security Administration with any questions or inquire with IPO.
International students are only allowed to work part-time on campus. They are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week when school is in session.
University of St. Francis has a Health and Wellness Center that is available for students. It is located at the USF Motherhouse.
You should look at USF’s academic calendar and book your flight home according to the dates that classes are in session. It is EXTREMELY important that you arrive on campus on time for International Student Orientation and do not leave until your classes are over. International students must notify the DSO prior to travel outside of the United States.
There are four seasons in Joliet; winter, spring, summer and fall. It can be very cold during the winter, so it is important to bring warm clothing, a winter coat, hat, gloves, scarves, mittens, etc. In the summer, it is very hot, you will want to have shorts, t-shirts, tank tops and a swimsuit if you enjoy going to beaches or pools. There are various clothing stores in the area to make purchases. You can also order items online and have them shipped to your off-campus address or residence hall.
Please complete a housing application here.
This varies based on their preferences, their funding, and our availability. Traditional freshman international and domestic students must live in Marian Hall.
Students who come to USF without family or connection should absolutely live on campus their first semester/year. For more information visit, our housing requirements page which applies to new international students. All students who contract to live on campus in the fall are contracting for a full year. If a student decides to cancel for half the year, you will be charged a $750 cancellation fee. But if they come in Spring/Summer then the contract is just for that semester.
We do not have housing for married students or people with children.
Please contact Housing and/or Cedricka (Ceddi) Carver, Director of Residence Education, at ccarver@stfrancis.edu or 815-740-4293.
The cost of your meal plan is included in your room and board charge.The money that is applied to your ID card is referred to as “Dining Dollars.” Please visit the USF Dining site for the published rates.
