LSU Global Pre-Arrival & Orientation
** Students will receive finalized schedule when they arrive to campus
Arrival Day: Friday, January 12
Orientation: Saturday, January 13 & tasks to complete the remainder of the weekend
First Day of Classes: Tuesday, January 16
Orientation Week Activities and Informational Sessions
All freshman (first year students) celebration with LSU President
English and Math Placement Test
Academics and Student Services Information
Navigating LSU Campus
Receive Class Schedule
LSU Email and Academic Platform Set-Up
Before you arrive, please review and complete the items on the list below.
- Schedule Your Visa Preparation Session
- Schedule Your Official Visa Appointment
- Obtain Your F1 Visa
- Pay Your Tuition
NOTE: You must pay your tuition and fees in full, as per the deadline on your Statement of Fees. If you do not pay on time, you will have a hold on your account and you will not be permitted to register for courses until payment has been received. - Provide Your Flight Details
- Request Transportation To/From the Airport
- Submit Your Health and Immunization Form
- Set up your US Phone
- Submit Your Transcript(s) for Credit Transfer, if applicable
NOTE: If you have obtained A-Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB), or Advanced Placement (AP) qualifications, you will need to submit your transcript confirming the subject(s), level(s), and grade(s) prior to your arrival. This is to ensure that our campus Admissions Team can apply valid exemptions and/or transfer credits before you register for courses.
If you haven’t already done so, schedule a call with your Enrollment Services Advisor, who is available to assist you and answer your questions.
Please also schedule a visa appointment immediately and inform your Enrollment Services Advisor of the date and embassy location of your appointment. Applying for and receiving a visa is a lengthy process and can sometimes take several weeks to complete. You can check Visa Appointment & Processing Wait Times for your local embassy here.
Visit the Before You Arrive webpage for additional information.
We are excited to meet you and look forward to welcoming you to campus!
Academics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the delivery of content at LSU?
LSU has announced they will be returning to normal in regards to classes being in-person.
How do I purchase textbooks for classes?
You are responsible for the cost of your textbooks for classes. The professors will post all class materials, online and/or paper texts, needed for class in the syllabus.
I need an enrollment letter/proof that I am a student at LSU for the army/my sponsor/etc. What do I do?
Email academic coordinator, McCahl Murray for a letter of enrollment. Please allow three business days for the request to be completed.
You will be advised by LSU Global Academics Advisor, McCahl Murray. All first term students at LSU have their classes pre-loaded. Your schedule will contain classes that count for your major and progression from LSU Global.
Your schedule will be created after you meet immunization requirements and have completed your placement exams. There may be some delay in creating transfer student schedules due to prior course evaluation.
You will be notified upon arrival about which placement tests you have to take. You will be registering for the courses during orientation.
Center for Academic Support on campus provides free tutoring for almost all first year courses. There are individual, small group, and class size tutoring and supplemental instruction available. See their link here: https://www.lsu.edu/cas/
Shell Study Groups are a great opportunity for students in the same course to meet with a tutor in a small group setting. These are scheduled sessions so they are offered for a variety of subjects and at multiple times, to best fit your schedule. Find out more or sign up for a group here: https://lsu.edu/cas/about/services/studygroups.php
Supplemental Instruction sessions are free and voluntary study sessions for students, led by someone who has perviously taken your course. These sessions are a great way to make friends in your class and get your questions answered in a low-stress environment. See the link here to learn more: https://lsu.edu/cas/about/services/si.php
Students will have bi-weekly appointments made based on their class schedule. Students will also have drop-in hours available throughout the week to meet for advising.
Health & COVID-19
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I report my COVID-19 Vaccination status to LSU?
You can report your vaccination status by following this link: https://lsucommunity.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eqWVJt2YqezUdE2
Visit https://www.lsu.edu/roadmap/index.php for the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 on campus.
Individuals with F-1 student visa status are required to show proof of COVID vaccination in order to enter the US. Vaccinations must align with the US’s approved list of COVID-19 vaccines. Only two exceptions apply:
- Student is from a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability (see list here ).
- Student is under 18 at the time of travel.
Effective December 06, 2021 – all international travelers (regardless of vaccination status) must show results of a negative coronavirus test taken one day prior to their flight’s departure from a foreign country traveling to the United States.
If neither vaccine exceptions apply to you and you remain unvaccinated, you may not be able to enter the US on the date of your scheduled travel.
For those passengers traveling under one of the above exceptions they must complete and present the Combined Covered Attestation Form to the airline at the time of departure. Passengers must be prepared to answer questions regarding Section 4 of the form and should have a clear understanding of their school’s COVID policies.
Student Health
LSU Student Health Center is available during business hours on-campus. The SHC is considered in-network for the health insurance provided by LSU Global. Here is a link for their website and all services offered. https://lsu.edu/shc/
Accidents happen, and we’ll get a little sick from time to time. That’s why here at LSU Global we have composed a comprehensive guide on how to get reimbursed for the prescriptions you might need to feel better. There are two guides available, one for our LSU Global students with the Wellfleet Insurance and another for our international students with the Unitedhealthcare Insurance.
For Wellfleet policyholders click these links
How to Submit a Prescription Drug Insurance Claim, Wellfleet Insurance
Wellfleet Prescription Reimbursement Request Form
For UnitedHealthcare policyholders click these links:
How to Submit a Prescription Drug Insurance Claim, UnitedHealthcare
Immigration
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drop below full-time for classes?
No, you must remain in 12 credit hours for fall and spring semester to maintain legal status for your F-1 visas. If there is an extreme circumstance for dropping below 12 hours, McCahl Murray, the academics advisor will work with you.
Do I need a new travel signature on my I-20 every time I travel?
Travel signatures are required for re-entry to the United States, they need to be updated every 12 months. Student may contact isoglobal@lsu.edu to get the signature on their I-20.
During your stay in the U.S. in F-1 status, you are subject to many complex immigration law and regulations that relate to your legal status here. Advisors at International Services are available to assist you and answer your questions about your immigration status, but it is your responsibility to know and abide by the law in order to maintain valid legal status. It is to your benefit to make sure to maintain legal status throughout the duration of your stay in the U.S.
Abby Messing is the International Services Advisor for LSU Global Students. She can be reached by email at isoglobal@lsu.edu.
Job & Career Support
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a Social Security Number (SSN)?
You may apply for a social security number ONLY if you have been offered a job on-campus or if you have been granted practical training (CPT or OPT) employment authorization (keep in mind that practical training options are generally not available to new students). An SSN will be given to you for employment purposes only, NOT for purposes such as applying for credit cards, renting an apartment, etc. If you do have a job offer and need an SSN, you must apply for a social security number through your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. If the SSN is for an on-campus job you must first bring your offer letter to International Services because an International Services staff member must sign off on the letter from your hiring department. For the SSA location nearest you, please visit the Office of Social Security and type in your zip code. You may also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit International Students and Social Security. You may download the social security application (Form SS-5) online.
How many hours can I work on-campus?
You are able to work 20 hours on campus while classes are in session. When not enrolled in classes, during school breaks, you are able to work full time, 40 hours.
Can I work more than one place on-campus?
Yes, you are able to work more than one place on-campus, but you cannot exceed the maximum hours allowed.
How can I find out more about CPT/OPT?
This is the link to International Service’s page about CPT/OPT. They will add a date for an informational session(s) during the semester. https://www.lsu.edu/intlpro/is/employment/student/cpt.php
Virtual Internships + Professional Certificates
Master the in-demand skills global employers seek that you won’t learn in the classroom. Boost your portfolio — and save money — with certifications and projects that demonstrate your new qualifications and make you a competitive candidate in today’s job market.
Enroll today for an incredible value: Many bootcamps and courses can range up to $14,000 per course* — but with LSU Global you can upskill in as many available courses as you like during your studies, all included in your enrollment fee!
Professional Certificates
Designed for computer science, engineering, and business students, each certificate program was inspired by elite university preparatory programs tailored for growing careers. Student internship projects have included software development, website design, virtual reality, digital content creation, project management, AI, and more at leading employers.
Certification 1 : Design Thinking – develop effective approaches to problem-solving
Designed for business/MBA, computer science, data science, engineering, information systems, and marketing majors
Certification 2 : Social Entrepreneurship** – foster widespread positive change
Designed for business/MBA, engineering, entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing majors
Certification 3 : Global Citizenship** – thrive in diverse environments
Designed for business/MBA, computer science, engineering, finance, and international business majors
Completed internships include
Credentials + certification prep offered include
- Agile
- Scrum
- PMP
- Java, Python, PHP, C++ , Ruby
- AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure
- DP-203 Microsoft Exam dp-203
- Site Reliability Engineering
- Security Operations
- Reverse, Social, Chaos and Network Engineering
- Consulting
- Project Management
- Marketing
- Software Developer
- UX Designer
- Mobile App Developer
- Information Security Analyst
- Systems Architect
- Video Game Developer
- AI Engineer
- Engineering Manager
- Product Engineer
- Data Engineering
- Mechanical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
*Stanford Executive Education Design Thinking Bootcamp
**Endorsed by the University of Peace – UN Charter
At LSU, the Olinde Career Center can help students with all career related questions. Their office is located in the LSU Student Union, just around the corner from the LSU Global Office. All services and events can be found on their website that is linked here: https://www.lsu.edu/careercenter/index.php
Scholarships & Finances
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay my tuition and fees?
Students need to pay all tuition and fees in a timely manner to avoid late fees, potential loss of scholarships, and delays in registering for classes. Click here for instructions: global.lsu.edu/welcome/#Payment.
There are limited scholarships available to international students. Once you are admitted to your senior college, you are able to apply to small amount scholarships the college emails about.
There are many U.S. Bank Account options around LSU. We work closely with Campus Federal as it is located in the LSU Student Union. You will have opportunities to obtain a U.S. Bank Account the week of orientation.
See Enrollment Contract for relevant policies and dates.
Embarking on your educational journey in the United States shouldn’t come with the roadblock of finding a co-signer for financial aid. Shorelight recognizes this hurdle and has proactively partnered with premier financing organizations such as MPower Financing, and Prodigy Finance. This strategic collaboration eliminates the traditional barriers international students face, such as the need for a co-signer, collateral, or an established US credit history, streamlining your path to securing educational funding.
Find the right loan organization for you on Shorelight.com.
Progression
As you approach the end of your LSU Global program, it is important for you to keep in mind your requirements to progress to a degree-seeking student at LSU. The requirements are listed below for the various programs.
International Direct: Meet degree specific GPA requirements, C or higher in English Composition and degree/major specific math class.
Academic and Extended Accelerator Programs: 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale, 30 credits hours earned, C or higher in English Composition and degree/major specific math class.
At the intended completion of your program, there will a progression workshop to help you prepare for life as a LSU degree-seeking student. Attendance of this workshop is required as it includes information about registering for classes, paying your fee bill, maintaining immigration status, and more.
Parking & Transport
For information about parking on-campus, please see this link: https://www.lsu.edu/parking/
How to know if you are eligible to get a driver’s license?
- Incoming and New Students: Your SEVIS record must be active before you can obtain a driver’s license, state id or Social Security number. Before you go to the OMV, wait at least 30 days after the start of the semester.
You must have at least 180 days left on your immigration document. You must also have one of the following:
- A certificate of completion of an approved driver’s education course, unless you have…
1. A valid, unexpired driver’s license from another US state or territory OR
2. A valid, unexpired driver’s license from Germany, South Korea, Switzerland, or Taiwan. The OMV has reciprocal agreements with these countries only. If you have any of these, you may go directly to the OMV and apply for a Louisiana driver’s license. If not, you must take a driver’s education course.
Where can I take a driver’s education course?
You will need to attend a driving school and take a 14-hour pre-licensing course. Before taking the course, you will have to go to the OMV and get a Temporary Instructional Permit. The course is 6 hours of class time and 8 hours of driving time, and the driving time is usually broken up into four 2-hour sessions. The school will provide the vehicle for the driving time, and some schools will pick you up at home. The average price for the course is around $400-$500, and many schools can also provide the driving skills test for an additional $40.
A link for certified driving schools is listed below, search online for the one that suits you the most. We do not endorse any driving school in any shape or form. Make all necessary questions and allow them to answer all your concerns before paying any fee. For example, ask if they are familiar with license requirements for international students, and ask how long it will take to complete the entire course. Some schools will provide the 6 hours of class time but make you wait to take the driving time, and you want to avoid this.
Here is a link for a list of certified driving schools
https://dpsweb.dps.louisiana.gov/OMVDrivingSchools.nsf/$deccityhtml?OpenView
What do I take to the OMV?
Gather all the items below before you visit the OMV:
- Passport
- I-94 (Print from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/)
- Immigration documents: I-20, DS-2019, or I-797. F-1 students on OPT must present a valid EAD card. Dependents must present their own immigration documents and their primary visa holder’s documents.
- Social Security Number: If you do not have an SSN, get an ineligibility letter from the Social Security Administration at 5455 BANKERS AVE
- You will to request an appointment with the Social Security Office before you go at 1(866)613-3070
- Bring your passport and immigration documents.
- Tiger Card or other photo ID
- Local utility bill in your name
- Certificate of completion of an approved driver’s education course OR a valid license from another US state or Germany or Switzerland
- Proof of car insurance, if you are taking the driving test at the OMV with your own vehicle
- The standard license fee is around $43.00, but additional fees may apply.
What is the process at the OMV?
When you visit the OMV you will take a number and wait for service, unless you have scheduled an appointment online. Wait times can take many hours, so be patient and bring a good book, magazine, or just watch your favorite Netflix show.
The applicant may have an interpreter to translate for him/her during the examination process.
You may take the general knowledge test and the road skills test through a driving schools and present proof of completion to the OMV, then you will only need to pass the vision test.
If you have a license from another US state, or Germany or Switzerland, you will only need to pass the vision test.
If you are taking the driving skills test at the OMV you will need to provide a vehicle. The vehicle may be yours or a friend’s, but it must have a current safety inspection sticker (brake tag), current license plate validation sticker, a current certificate of registration, and proof of liability insurance for the vehicle.
What proof of insurance do I need?
The following documents can be submitted as proof of insurance:
- A copy of the insurance policy or binder
- Copy of the I.D. card issued by the insurance company
- Copy of the declaration page
- A written statement from the insurance company or agent.
- The written statement must be on letterhead stationery, signed by a representative of the company and must include a full description of the vehicle and vehicle identification number.
Penalties for driving without insurance in Louisiana are very strict. You could face fines or even jail time. Do not take the risk of driving without being properly insured.
How can I get a Louisiana state ID?
If you are not planning to drive, state identification card is a useful form of ID. Please, do not carry your passport with you, a state ID is a safe alternative.
- To get a state ID, you must have at least 180 days left on your immigration document. Bring the following to the OMV:
- Passport
- I-94 (Print from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/)
- Immigration documents: I-20, DS-2019, or I-797. F-1 students on OPT must present a valid EAD card. Dependents must present their own immigration documents and their primary visa holder’s documents.
- Tiger Card or another photo ID
- Your local utility bill in your name
Where is the OMV?
The following offices are open Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm. Before heading to the OMV call and ask at what time they do driving tests, it can vary.
Baton Rouge: 7701 INDEPENDENCE BLVD, BATON ROUGE, LA 70806
Mental Health Resources– Off-Campus
List of free mental health resources available for our LSU global students with LSU Insurance.
List of mental health resources available for students with LSU Global insurance plan.
Transfer Students
You are able to send your official transcripts to LSU Global Managing Director, Marina Pereira; marina.pereira@lsuglobal.com
We will not be able to accurately pick your classes without your official transcipts.
Once you are admitted and arrived on campus, LSU admissions will begin evaluating transfer credits. To make this process as quick as possible, have these materials ready when you arrive to campus. LSU Global Assistant Academic Director will instruct you on where to send these. Please note, since we are not able to know the exact transfer of classes, you may be taking more general education and elective classes that will count for your degree.
Although you have already taken college coursework, we believe the orientation is critical for your transition to LSU’s campus. Be sure to mark your calendar for our arrival day so you can attend orientation and get your classes scheduled on time.
With your transfer credits in mind, the LSU Global team will offer support in course selection to ensure accurate coursework planning.
Official transcripts are required to register for a future term and for accurate coursework planning.
Center for Academic Success
A website with access to virtual tutors, career advisors, and online resources to help you throughout your university studies
Do you need help adjusting to your new life or just have a question about the courses you are enrolled in? Maybe you need to improve your academic skills or study habits or need help preparing for an exam or presentation? Perhaps you are you confused about CPT/OPT options or are confused about your major or career field?
Shorelight’s Center for Academic Success (CAS) has many free resources for you! For example, you can use the Live Chat button to reach one of our highly-trained support staff, or you can schedule a Zoom session with one of our friendly Student Success Coaches, Professional Tutors, or Career Services staff—all of whom are experts at helping international students with anything from pre-arrival support and campus life to academic subject areas and career guidance.
Maybe you would also enjoy completing a short eLearning course at your own pace? Those are available, too, on topics ranging from Citation Basics to Preparing for an Interview—and everything in between! If you’re short on time, try one of our live or recorded academic, social, or career skills webinars.
Give your learning journey the support it needs by activating your free CAS account today!
How to register:
- Click here or scan the QR code to find our Home page.
- Click the orange “Sign up now” button to request access.
- On the signup form, type your given name and family name as you are registered at your university.
- Type any email address that your university has on file for you (it can be a personal or university email).
- Create a password with at least one special character and 6-50 characters total.
- Type your password again. Write it down or save it in your browser.
- Type the full name of your university, not the abbreviation. Your status must be checked.
- Check the first box to accept the Terms & Conditions (feel free to read those first).
- Check the last box if you wish to receive emails from us.
- Click the large orange button that says, “Start your learning journey.”
After you register:
- After self-registering, you’ll receive an email within two business days to let you know that your account is approved (or if not, how to fix the problem). Just follow the link to log in!
- Check your spam folder if you don’t see our email within two days—or just return to the Home page linked above to try logging in with your email and password. If you encounter any trouble, just use the Live Chat button at the bottom of our Home page.
If you were pre-registered:
- Some students may be admin-registered at the request of their university to save you the trouble of signing up.
- If you get an email from Shorelight’s Center for Academic Success saying that your account has been created, just follow the link to complete your registration. You only need to create your password and check the boxes (Steps 5-10 above).
- If you are told that you were admin-registered, but you can’t find our welcome email, just go to our Home page, click “Sign up now” and complete Steps 3-10. If you can’t guess the right email or how your name was entered, use our LiveChat to get help.
Mental Health Resources–
Off-Campus
List of free mental health resources available for our LSU global students with LSU Insurance.
List of mental health resources available for students with LSU Global insurance plan.