Before You Start

Soon you will be headed to campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Prepare for a successful start by completing your on-campus or digital learning steps below.

After you receive the electronic copy of your I-20, complete the following steps before booking your visa appointment:

1. Schedule a free visa information and preparation session with your personal Enrollment Advisor.
2. Check that the details on your I-20 are correct (including your date of birth) and make sure your name is the same as it appears on your passport.
3. Prepare the documents you will need to take to the embassy when attending your visa interview.

After you complete the above steps, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible. It requires an interview with the U.S. Embassy and can sometimes take several weeks to schedule.

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• Visa appointment and processing wait time
• Visa photo requirements
• Studying in the U.S.

Once you book your flights, you must fill out the student arrival form. If your family is joining you, you must also complete the family arrival form.

• Student Arrival Form
• Family Arrival Form

For program dates, please visit the important dates page.

For discounted international travel, click here

Make your payment in full two weeks before you arrive to avoid enrollment delays and ensure an on-time start.

Follow the instructions below to submit payment for tuition and fees:

1. Flywire by Peer Transfer: Please visit LSU’s flywire portal to complete the transfer process. Please note that you cannot use a US credit card or US bank account.

You will need to complete and submit the following form before your arrival:

1. Immunization Form: Complete this mandatory health and immunization form prior to your arrival, as required by law, and bring it with you to campus.

All incoming LSU Global students are required to submit their immigration documents prior to enrolling in classes.

You must complete the following items before being permitted to begin your classes at LSU:

• Attend mandatory orientation at LSU Global (date and time are listed in your acceptance letter from LSU Global)
• Submit completed Immunization Form to LSU Global (this must be completed, signed, and stamped by your medical doctor)
• Submit proof of health insurance to LSU Global

Bring the following documents to the LSU Global orientation:

• Original valid passport
• Original Form(s) I-20
• F-1 visa (stamped on your passport)/F-2 visa (for dependents)
• Copy of your Form I-94 (to print your Form I-94, please visit i94.cbp.dhs.gov)

Note: If you have not submitted original financial documents (no photocopies) before your I-20 was issued, you will be required to bring them with you when you attend the LSU Global orientation.

There are many things to consider when preparing for university, let alone moving to a new country! To make your transition to the US easier, we’ve put together a list of everyday necessities.

Set up a US Bank Account

In collaboration with Shorelight, Ellis helps international students apply for a US bank account and international Visa debit card. With a US bank account already set up, you won’t have to worry about paying foreign transaction fees, carrying cash with you or delaying the purchase of important items. Plus, it only takes 5 mins to sign up!

Ellis Debit Cards Offer:

• No monthly fees
• No SSN required
• Withdraw money with no fees at 60,000+ in-network Allpoint ATMs
• Compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay
• No foreign transaction fees
• Bank-grade encryption account protection, all transactions verified through Visa’s fraud algorithm
• FDIC-insured accounts up to $250,000

Sign up here and get everything you need, all in one place.

Get a US SIM Card – Before you Leave Home

Sign up for a US phone plan before leaving your home country. This means that you will be able to use your cell phone the minute you land in the USA – no wi-fi or high daily rates required. Plus, it only takes 5 mins to sign up!

Ellis SIM Cards Offer:

• Ultra-fast 5G
• Pause anytime you want
• Only pay for data you use
• Low monthly prices with different sign-up options

Sign up here and get everything you need, all in one place.