New International Student FAQs:
Is health insurance required? How do I access it?
All F-1 international students are required to carry health insurance and will be enrolled automatically in the University’s insurance plan. Once enrolled, Student Financial Services will add the cost of insurance coverage to your quarterly bill.
You can start learning more about your insurance card, coverage, how to find a doctor, and more on the LewerMark website.
What if I already have health insurance? Is there a waiver for LewerMark Insurance?
You may already have other health insurance coverage for various reasons. If you want to request an insurance waiver you can email iss@spu.edu to learn more about how to qualify. There are only limited circumstances where a student can waive the University health insurance.
When can I move into my on-campus housing?
Residence halls open at 1pm on Tuesday, March 25. New students should go to the Office of Safety and Security between 1 and 5 to pick up their keys and their Falcon Card. You should plan to check into housing after international student orientation ends.
If you are arriving to move in to your on-campus housing at any other time, please contact Housing directly at housing@spu.edu, so you can arrange a time when someone can help you receive your keys and housing assignment.
How do I get my Falcon Card (SPU ID)?
You will need your Falcon Card to access many SPU buildings and buy food around campus. You will first need to upload a photo and then schedule an appointment to pick up your card (except for residential students who will receive their card at check-in). We recommend you do this as soon as possible. All of the instructions are found on the Falcon Card Services website.
I received information about new student orientation as well. Do I need to register for that?
Yes! All undergraduate students should attend BOTH international student orientation and new student orientation. All new undergraduate students are invited to an in-person welcome program on Tuesday, March 25, 5-6:30pm in Eaton Hall 112. The program will include student services presentations, dinner, and giveaways. Please register for the welcome program and keep an eye on your email for more details. Register Here
What is the best way to contact International Student Services if I have any more questions before Orientation day?
All information from ISS will be send to your SPU email address, so please check it regularly. You may reach out to the ISS team at iss@spu.edu if you have any additional questions.
What is my I-94 and where do I find it?
Your I-94 is your arrival/departure record. It is an electronic record maintained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is not available until after you arrive in the U.S. Click on “get most recent I-94” in the bar near the top. Follow the prompts from there. (Your “document number” is your passport number.)
Please save a screenshot to your phone and email it to iss@spu.edu, along with your passport and visa stamp. We will give more information about accessing the I-94 record during Orientation.