Admitted International Students

Congratulations on your decision to join us at Puget Sound!

We have provided the information below to help prepare for your arrival on campus. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Student Visa

Once you are admitted to Puget Sound, you will receive form I-20 from the International Programs Office along with information for obtaining an F-1 student visa. International exchange students will receive form DS-2019 to obtain a J-1 Exchange visa. Please consult the U.S. embassy in your home country for the visa application procedure. All international students coming to Puget Sound must have a valid student visa before entering the U.S.  Take a look at this webpage for more information on applying for your Visa.

Note: International students transferring from another U.S. institution will need to complete the International Student Transfer-In Form before receiving a Puget Sound I-20.

Medical Health Insurance

Medical health insurance is required for all international students. Puget Sound registers students in the LewerMark Insurance plan through the International Programs Office. Students are billed through their Puget Sound financial account. 

If you are covered by a comparable health insurance plan, you can request a waiver for the International Student Health Insurance Plan by providing documentation of comparable primary insurance.

Housing and Registration

Housing and registration information can be found on your Cascade account. We encourage you to make housing arrangements and register for classes as soon as possible, as spaces fill up quickly.

Orientation

Give yourself plenty of time to pack and make airplane reservations, and let us know when you are coming. International students usually arrive on campus one to two weeks prior to the start of the school year to participate in our orientation week.  On Thursday, August 22nd, international students can move in to their on campus housing arrangements.  Friday, August 23rd is mandatory international student orientation.  Download the International Student Orientation Schedule here.

I-Connect Program

Studying in the U.S. is both exciting and challenging. We understand your transition to Puget Sound will offer new adventures and cultural experiences. Our I-Connect program partners each incoming international student with a current Puget Sound student to ease your transition to the campus community and provide support and encouragement for life at Puget Sound.

Arriving on Campus

International Programs can help provide transportation upon your arrival.  If you're arriving within normal business hours, an International Programs staff can pick you up at the airport.  Outside of regular business hours, International Programs can help arrange a shuttle service for you.  Contact Allyson Lindsley with your specific flight arrangements.

Upon arrival on campus, please see the International Student Advisor in the International Programs Office, Howarth 215, to check in, validate your visa documents and complete the Intake Form. International Student Move-In Day is August 22nd.  Mandatory International Student Orientation starts on Friday, August 23rd.

You can find further helpful information regarding your visa status, academics, practical matters, etc. in the International Student Handbook.