WELCOME GUIDE 2020-2021
2 Table of Contents | Oregon State University 2020-2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS CHECKLIST
Visa and Passport
To obtain your F-1 student visa, you must
receive your I-20; pay the SEVIS I-901 fee;
conrm that your passport will not expire
within six months of your expected entry date
to the US; and schedule a visa application
interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. An
overview of the visa application process can be
found on page 4.
Submit Health Information
Submit your required immunization and
health forms via the OSU Patient Portal:
studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/new-students/
new-international-students. For a full list of
what you need, see pages 6 and 7.
Book Travel
Find suggested airports and temporary
accommodation information on page 8.
Find Housing
Review your options for on-campus and
o-campus housing on page 12 and secure
housing arrangements prior to arriving in the
US. For students living on campus, you must pay
your deposit, complete and submit your housing
application via myuhds.oregonstate.edu, and
submit your arrival details in order to receive
your room conrmation.
Collect Your Documents
Students must provide the following
documentation to the Oce of International
Admissions via mail or at orientation. If you
have any questions about these documents
please email [email protected].
• Ocial Documents: ocial high school or
university transcripts and nal certicate/
diploma/degree certicates, must be in
a sealed, unopened envelope. English
translations of these documents must also
be submitted as ocial documents.
• Ocial TOEFL score submitted online via
ETS directly to OSU (OSU College Code: 4586)
• Ocial results of any other English
language tests
Travel and Arrival Details
Send us your travel itinerary and ight arrival
details so we can schedule your airport transfer
via www.INTOarrivals.com/osu. Find more
information on page 10 and 11.
Check Your Finances
Bring enough US currency for the rst few
weeks and nd out how you will transfer
money from your home country to a US bank
account. For more information, see page 18.
Open Your OSU Email Account
Go to onid.oregonstate.edu and follow the
instructions to sign up for your ONID (OSU
Network ID) email. Write down your password
and bring it with you.
Follow us on Social Media
Learn more about OSU and INTO OSU by
following us on all our social media channels.
Submit Photo
Submit a passport photo before you arrive so
we can get your OSU ID card ready. Use your
ONID login to upload your photo via this link:
fa.oregonstate.edu/business-affairs/id-
center/photo-upload
Parents’ guide to studying abroad
Learn about all the ways we’ll support your student at www.intostudy.com/parents
We look forward to having you join our campus community. To help you have a smooth transition, we have
collected important information and recommendations for you to review as you prepare for your studies
in the US. We encourage you to read each section carefully and reach out to us if you have any questions.
OSU is pleased to provide an additional level of service and support to international students to ensure
a smooth transition and long-term success at OSU. These support services are provided by INTO OSU,
which is a partnership between Oregon State University and INTO University Partnerships. You will see
these services identified throughout the Welcome Guide.
Please make sure you have completed everything on this checklist before you leave home.
What to Pack
Campus
Resources
Contact
Information
Getting Your
Student Visa
Arriving in
the US
Airport Transfer
Service
Health and Safety
Frequently
Asked Questions
Medical
Information
Housing
and Dining
Money
and Banking
Campus Map
Book Travel
Orientation
Transportation
4
10 11
16
21
6
12
18
22
8
14
19
9
15
20
4 Student Visa | Oregon State University 2020-2021 Welcome Guide | Student Visa 5
GETTING YOUR STUDENT VISA
1
Obtain the form I-20 from the university
With your confirmation package, you should
have received the form I-20. Carefully read the
instructions included with the I-20 before visiting
the US Embassy or Consulate for your F-1 student
visa. Keep this document in a safe place because
you will need to bring the original signed form for
your visa interview.
2
Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
The I-901 fee is required to get the F-1 visa. At
least three business days before you schedule
your visa interview, you will need to pay the
SEVIS I-901 fee at www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/
index.html. You must follow the instructions to
pay the SEVIS fee and print the receipt. This fee is
not the same as the visa application fee.
You will need your SEVIS ID number when you
pay the fee. It can be found on the top right-hand
side of your I-20. You will also need the university
school code, which is below:
OSU school code: POO214F00002000
3
Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa
Application, Form DS-160
After paying the SEVIS I-901 fee, you must
complete the online visa application, form
DS-160. When you have completed and have
submitted the application, print the DS-160
bar code page and conrmation page. Please
note you will need to upload a photo during this
process, so ensure that you have one ready that
meets requirements.
Check photo requirements: travel.state.gov/
content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-
resources/photos.html
Learn more about completing the DS-160:
travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/
visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-
online-nonimmigrant-visa-application.html
4
Schedule your visa appointment
To schedule your appointment, go to the US
Embassy and Consulate webpage:
www.usembassy.gov. Find the location where
you want to have an appointment, and follow the
specific instructions for scheduling.
5
Prepare for your Interview
Gather required documents
• Passport – ensure that your passport is
valid for at least 6 months beyond your
period of stay in the US (unless exempt by
country-specific agreements).
• Form DS-160 confirmation page and bar
code page
• Application Fee (I-901 fee) payment receipt
• Photo – bring a hard copy of the photo you
used for your DS-160 application form.
• Form I-20 issued to you by Oregon
State University
• Proof of funding documents that you used
during your confirmation
• Additional documents: Please see additional
documents that are required or recommended
on the Travel.State.Gov website at the top of
this page.
• Check with Embassy or Consulate where
you will be applying to see if there are
additional requirements.
Schedule a PASS welcome call
• While this is not required, it is strongly
recommended to have this call prior to your
visa interview. Please email PASS@intoglobal.
com to set up a welcome call and get
helpful support.
Transferring from Another US School
If you are transferring from another school in the
US and you already have an F-1 visa, you must
complete the F-1 Students Transfer Eligibility
form at least 15 days before the start date of your
program. If you plan to travel outside of the US
before beginning your program at OSU, please
contact OSU to obtain an I-20 for re-entry.
Visa Delays
If you are unable to obtain a visa before the start
date for which you have been admitted, contact
OSU immediately. You may defer and apply your
deposit toward the tuition for the next semester.
Questions about visas? Contact an OSU international Student Advisor at:
[email protected] or +1 541 737 6310
For information about traveling to the US: studyinthestates.dhs.gov
For information about SEVIS I-901 fee: ice.gov/sevis/i901
As an international student, you are required to have a visa that permits study in the
US. Below, we provide you with information about applying for an F-1 visa, which is a
student visa and will allow you to study at a US university. You will need to schedule an
appointment to apply for this visa at a US Embassy or Consulate in your country and
complete a visa interview.
Get additional support with PASS: Pre-Arrival Support Service
INTO OSU offers you PASS, a pre-arrival service which helps students have a better
understanding of the visa application process. Take advantage of this free service and connect
with a PASS Specialist by emailing P[email protected] to set up a welcome call and get
helpful support.
It is always important you check for any
updates and specific requirements online
at the US Embassy or Consulate near
you: www.usembassy.gov and follow the
instructions from the US Department of
State: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/
us-visas/study/student-visa.html
Steps to getting your F-1 Student Visa
Please ensure you follow the instructions from the US Department of State, the below is for
general guidance.
6 Medical Information | Oregon State University 2020-2021 Welcome Guide | Medical Information 7
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Health Information Forms
Students must complete the International
Student Health Information form and the
Immunization Documentation form. These forms
are available on the Patient Portal of the OSU
Student Health Services website:
studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/patient-portal
Students should complete and submit these
forms at least two weeks before their program
start date to avoid possible delays in class
registration and late fees.
Immunization Requirements
The State of Oregon and Oregon State University
require international students to provide proof
of multiple vaccinations before registering for
classes. Complete vaccination requirements
are explained on the health form. Please refer
to the form or patient portal for up-to-date
vaccination requirements.
Students will attend a Student Health Check-
in during Orientation. At that time, medical
staff will be available to answer questions and
students can receive vaccines if necessary. If you
need to receive required vaccines upon arrival,
the cost is covered by the OSU International
Student Health Plan.
Tuberculosis Screening
Students from countries identified as high risk
for tuberculosis (TB) are required to complete
a tuberculosis screening after arrival in the US.
You will get more information about this process
during orientation and you do not need to take
action before arriving. The cost of this is covered
by the OSU Student Health Insurance Plan.
Health Insurance
OSU requires international students and their
dependents to be covered by health insurance
which meets requirements of the US Government,
State of Oregon and Oregon State University. You
will automatically receive OSU Student Health
Insurance Plan. The cost of the health insurance
plan will be charged to your OSU student account
each term upon registration.
Health Insurance for Your Family
If you are bringing your family to the US, you
must apply for coverage for family members after
you arrive. All dependents are required to have
health insurance:
studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/insurance/
international-student-insurance-plan
Family members cannot receive medical care on
campus. After arriving, you should find a local
doctor for your dependents.
Other Health Insurance Plans
International students will be automatically
charged for the OSU Student Health Insurance
Plan unless they show proof of other health
insurance which meets OSU standards for
coverage. You will need to submit a waiver form
and a summary of your insurance coverage to the
OSU Insurance Office. You can find a waiver form
to print and more information:
studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/insurance/
international-student-insurance-plan
Travel Insurance
The OSU Student Health Insurance Plan includes
coverage for travel periods five days before and
after the study plan start and end dates. Students
may purchase additional travel insurance if
desired, but travel insurance plans can never be
substituted for the OSU Student Health Insurance
Plan. Please do not purchase insurance in your
home country without carefully checking OSU
waiver requirements.
Prescriptions
Bring a copy of all prescriptions for medicines,
eyeglasses and contact lenses with you to the US.
The prescriptions should be written in English.
Cost of Services
In addition to the cost of the OSU Student Health
Insurance Plan, medical services or doctor’s
visits may require additional payment. Students
can receive many services at the student health
center on campus without additional charge. Most
off-campus visits will require payment for services.
More information on the US healthcare system and
insurance systems will be provided at orientation.
International Student Health Information Form
OSU Student Health Services Patient Portal
For more information about insurance,
medical services, and wellness, please visit:
intoosu.oregonstate.edu/wellness-health-
insurance
Visit OSU’s Student Health Services website
to see all information for new international
students:
studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/students/
new-international-students
8 Book Travel | Oregon State University 2020-2021 Welcome Guide | What to Pack 9
BOOK TRAVEL WHAT TO PACK
Book Your Flight
As an F-1 student, you are allowed to enter the
US no earlier than 30 days before the program
start date listed on your I-20. If you arrive after
the start date listed on your I-20, you may be
denied entry to the US.
When booking your flights, remember that you
should arrive in Corvallis at least one day before
your program start date. If you are living on
campus, you may check in to your residence hall
one day before orientation begins. All students
are expected to arrive at Portland International
Airport (PDX).
Weather
Students at OSU enjoy four distinct seasons in
Oregon and dress very casually. Summer and
fall are generally sunny and warm; students can
be seen wearing shorts, jeans and T-shirts. The
spring and winter seasons bring lots of rain.
Occasionally, it will snow in the winter.
Clothing
Due to weather changes, you will need clothing
for both warm and cold seasons as well as rainy
weather. All of these items are available for
purchase in Corvallis upon arrival, so only pack
what you need for the first few months after you
arrive. We recommend to bring a good coat and
shoes for the rain as well as other warm clothes like
sweaters, scarves and gloves.
Room Essentials and Decorations
Consider bringing decorations for your room that
will remind you of home such as photos, books,
music, recipes and items associated with a hobby
or sport you enjoy. Many students also choose to
bring items of cultural significance such as their
national dress. If you live on campus you will
receive bed linens and towels.
What to Carry on the Plane
• Original I-20
• Valid passport and F-1 visa
• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
• Evidence of funding for your tuition fees and
living costs, including sponsor letter
• Health forms and
immunization documentation
• All medical prescriptions written in English
• Official transcripts or test scores
• Insurance documents
• Laptop computer
Appliances
US electrical outlets are 110 volts AC and use a
NEMA electrical socket. You may need an adapter
to use electronics from home. Appliances
with exposed heating elements are prohibited
in residence halls. Purchase appliances after
you arrive.
Cell Phones
If you plan to get a US SIM card after arrival,
be sure your phone is unlocked. Or, you can
purchase a new phone after arrival. You will
receive more information at orientation.
Luggage
It is a good idea to take a picture of your suitcase
before you check it with the airline. Always label
all of your luggage clearly with your name and
new address in Corvallis. If you do not know your
address, you can use the INTO OSU Center:
INTO Oregon State University
1701 SW Western Boulevard
Corvallis, OR 97333
USA
Tell Us You Are Coming
Submit your arrival details online at:
www.INTOarrivals.com/OSU at least three
business days before arriving in the US so we
can arrange a transfer service. You will need to
provide the following information:
• Application ID
• Personal contact details
• Flight number
• Arrival date and time
This service is only available from Portland
International Airport.
Hotels in Corvallis
If you arrive before your move-in date, you will
be responsible for arranging and paying for
your temporary accommodations. Some hotels
recommended by OSU can be found here:
intoosu.oregonstate.edu/
temporary-accommodations
Hilton Garden Inn
2500 SW Western Blvd.
Corvallis, OR 97333
+1 541 752 5000
Courtyard by Marriott
400 SW 1st St.
Corvallis, OR 97333
+1 541 753 0199
University Inn
350 SW 4th St.
Corvallis, OR 97333
+1 541 753 4496
10 Arriving in the US | Oregon State University 2020-2021 Welcome Guide | Airport Transfer Service 11
ARRIVING IN THE US AIRPORT TRANSFER SERVICE
Entering the US
Be ready to present these documents at the US
port of entry:
• Original I-20
• Valid F-1 visa and passport
• SEVIS I-901 Fee payment receipt
• Proof of finances for your first year of studies
US Customs Declaration Form
You may have to complete the US Customs
Declaration form during your flight to present to
the immigration official when you enter the US.
Customs and Immigrations Tips
An immigration officer may ask you some
questions. Be prepared to answer:
• Why are you coming to the US?
• Where and what course are you studying?
• Where will you live during your studies?
• How are you going to fund your studies?
Your I-94 arrival/departure form is now a
paperless document. However, if you receive
a paper copy, do not lose it. It costs more than
$300 to replace a paper I-94.
For more information about preparing
to enter the US, visit
studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/
ice.gov/sevis/students
Airport Shuttle and Greeting Service
A one-time, one-way airport shuttle is
included for all new students from Portland
International Airport (PDX) to the OSU
campus in Corvallis. You must make a
reservation to use it by submitting your
arrival details at www.INTOarrivals.com/osu
at least three business days in advance.
The airport shuttle is provided by Groome
Transportation. To find the shuttle, go to Baggage
Claim #9, go outside, and cross the road to the
“Scheduled Buses and Vans” area. The shuttle
arrives next to the Information Booth. If you miss
your originally scheduled shuttle time, you can get
on the next available shuttle. Notify the driver and
show your shuttle ticket.
A greeting service is provided at the airport during
peak arrival times. Please check your email for
details, as greeting service times vary by term.
For Help at the Airport
If you need help during your arrival process,
please use any of the following resources:
• Information booth at PDX, across the road,
outside from baggage claim #9
• Call the Arrivals Phone at:
+1 541 224 2964
US Customs Declaration form
12 Housing and Dining | Oregon State University 2020-2021 Welcome Guide | Housing and Dining 13
HOUSING AND DINING
Living on Campus
Living on campus offers a variety of benefits, including better academic performance and more opportunities
to speak English and share your culture with US students. Students living in residence halls have access to
student lounges, free cable TV and Wi-Fi, laundry and kitchen facilities. All residence halls have a team of
24-hour live-in staff to support students and create community. Resident hall rooms include a desk, chair,
bed, drawers, linen package (mattress sheets, blanket, comforter, pillow, pillow case, towel and wash cloth)
and welcome bag (snacks, water, laundry soap, etc.).
Please carefully review the INTO OSU Accommodation Policies, available here:
https://www.intostudy.com/downloads/terms/us/INTO_OSU_Accommodation_Policies.pdf
Confirm Your Housing
In order to receive confirmation of your room type,
students need to complete the following steps:
1. Submit your Housing Preferences Form with
your signed oer letter.
2. A room type will be added to your student
invoice based on initial availability (not
guaranteed).
3. Pay the Housing Deposit.
4. Complete the Oregon State University
housing contract online via your MyUHDS
account, myuhds.oregonstate.edu. You will
receive more information about this step via
email.
5. After the contract is completed, UHDS will
assign the actual room according to the timeline
below. (Please note that actual room assigned
may not match invoiced room type. If necessary,
invoice will be adjusted for assigned room type.)
Housing Move-in
Your move-in date will be emailed to you with
confirmation of your housing reservation. The
move-in date is usually one to two days before
your program start date. If you arrive before your
assigned move-in date, you will need to make
arrangements to stay in a hotel at your expense.
(See page 8.)
Don’t forget to submit your arrival information
three working days in advance of your arrival
to receive a free, one time shuttle ticket from
Portland International Airport (PDX) to Corvallis.
Off-campus Housing
Students who are eligible to live off campus can
find useful resources at
intoosu.oregonstate.edu/off-campus
If you plan to live off campus, you should arrive
one to two weeks before your program start date
and bring enough money to cover the cost of
setting up your new home, at least $2,500.
Dining on Campus
Meal plans are automatically included for all
students with on-campus housing. The cash value
of your meal plan will be added onto your OSU
ID card. You will then use your OSU ID card as a
debit card to pay for á la carte style meals. OSU
has three main dining centers, as well as many
convenience stores, coffee shops and other cafés
on campus. Dietary needs, such as Halal food,
are accommodated in all dining centers. There
is also a marketplace on campus where you can
purchase fresh produce and groceries, including
international spices. For more information on
dining on campus: uhds.oregonstate.edu/dining
Sample bedroom Common areas in the International Living-Learning Center
For more housing information, please visit:
intoosu.oregonstate.edu/student-services/
housing-arrivals
To learn more about living and learning in
Corvallis, view our City Guide:
intostudy.com/osu/living
Room Assignment Timeline
FALL TERM WINTER TERM
ALL STEPS COMPLETED BY ROOM ASSIGNED BY ALL STEPS COMPLETED BY ROOM ASSIGNED BY
August 1st August 31st December 1st December 15th
After August 1st Rolling basis After December 1st December 28th
SPRING AND SUMMER TERMS*
ALL STEPS COMPLETED BY ROOM ASSIGNED BY
More than 1 month in advance of term start 2 weeks in advance of start date (to the extent possible)
*Due to very tight turnaround times between terms in Spring and Summer, assignments are made as early as possible, but may not be finalized until students arrive
on campus to move in.
14 Orientation | Oregon State University 2020-2021 Welcome Guide | Campus Resources 15
ORIENTATION SUPPORT AND SERVICES
Your First Day and Orientation
You should arrive in Corvallis at least one
day before your program start date (refer to
brochure or I-20 for start date). The orientation
start time and location will be emailed to you
before your first day. Do not be late! Orientation
sessions include:
• Information for students who are new to OSU
and Corvallis
• Campus tour
• Visa session
• Document checks (with Admissions, Finance
and Immigration Teams)
• Student health clinic (for any required
vaccinations and TB tests)
• Placement or math testing
• Registration
Placement Testing
Academic English students will be tested upon
arrival to determine class level.
Registration
You will be registered for classes and receive your
class schedule during Orientation. You can use
your class schedule to find your textbooks from
the OSU Beaver Store.
You cannot register for classes until you
have submitted, either before you arrive or
at Orientation:
• Health and Immunization Forms
• Payment, if needed
• Official Documents: Official high school or
university transcripts in a sealed, unopened
envelope and final certificate/diploma/
degree certificates. English translations of
these documents must also be submitted as
official documents.
Bring to Orientation
Passport and all I-20s
Your ONID email password
Health and Immunization Forms
Official documents for Admissions
ALEKS Math Placement Test
All undergraduate students must take the test
as soon as possible after confirming their study
plan to determine their math level and register to
the correct math course. Taking the test less than
two weeks prior to arrival at OSU could result in
delays in registration and missed classes.
You should have received information for
completing the ALEKS Placement Test in your
confirmation letter packet. You can access the
test on the OSU website. If you want to prepare
for the placement test, you can take the ALEKS
learning modules prior to taking the test.
OSU is pleased to provide an additional level of
service and support to international students
to ensure a smooth transition and long-term
success at OSU. These support services are
provided by INTO OSU, which is a partnership
between Oregon State University and INTO
University Partnerships. These services include:
Enhanced Academic Support
• Individualized academic advising
• Guided registration with personalized study plan
• Academic support resources designed
specifically for international students
• INTO OSU Learning Center
Student Services
• Arrival support and airport transfer service
• Welcome Desk one-stop-shop for
any questions
• On-campus housing support
• Language and Culture Advisors
• Care and Conduct Specialist
• Trips and activities
Let us know if we can help!
+1 541 737 2464
The INTO OSU Welcome Desk is open
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
Information for Students with Families
Family Resource Center
The Family Resource Center is your first stop for
information about OSU and Corvallis resources for
children. They can answer your questions about
childcare, schools, insurance, and more.
+1 541 737 4906
familyresources.oregonstate.edu
familyresources@oregonstate.edu
Childcare
Childcare in Corvallis for children age 0-5 is very
limited and expensive. It is important to get on the
waiting list for those childcare centers as soon as
possible (even before you arrive in the US). For a list
of childcare centers in Corvallis, please visit
familyresources.oregonstate.edu/child-care-centers
It is important to bring enough money to pay for
the cost of childcare, which costs $800-$1,300 per
month per child, depending on age and type of care.
All students must attend orientation in its entirety. During orientation, each student
will complete all requirements needed to register for classes. Students will meet
with academic advisors, take a tour of campus, and have a chance to meet lots of
other students. Although orientation can be long, the information you receive is very
important for your success as a new student.
If you have questions about orientation,
please email
For more information, please visit:
intoosu.oregonstate.edu/future-students
intoosu.oregonstate.edu/orientation
16 Health and Safety | Oregon State University 2020-2021 Welcome Guide | Health and Safety 17
HEALTH AND SAFETY
OSU Student Health Services (SHS)
The best place for OSU students to get medical
services is Student Health Services. There are
two locations on campus. Many services are
free to students. Make an appointment by
calling +1 541 737 9355 or via the Patient Portal
at bewell.oregonstate.edu.
Plageman Building
+1 541 737 9355
Mon-Fri 9 am–6 am
Sat 10 am-3 pm (during the school year)
Same-Day Clinic, Tebeau Hall
Located near the ILLC
Call +1 541 737 9355 for appointments.
Mon-Fri 9 am–4:30 pm
Closed from 12 pm-1 pm for lunch.
OSU Health Insurance Office
You can visit the Insurance Office to ask
questions or get help.
110 Plageman Building, Corvallis, OR
+1 541 737 7600
Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm
Between terms Mon-Fri 9 am-12 pm
Health and Safety Support
For more helpful information, please visit
intoosu.oregonstate.edu/medical-services-
corvallis or come see the Care and Conduct
Specialist after you arrive. Our staff can help you
navigate the US healthcare system.
Urgent or Emergency Medical Care
If you have an urgent medical problem and SHS is
closed, you have several options but these types
of medical services cost much more. You should
only use these services in serious situations.
Bring your insurance card with you.
QuickCare
2001 NW Monroe, Suite 104, Corvallis, OR
+1 541 768 4970
Mon-Sun 7 am–7 pm
Samaritan Urgent Care Center
5234 SW Philomath Blvd., Corvallis, OR
+1 541 768 4970
Mon-Fri 8 am–8 pm
Sat 9 am–6 pm
Sun 10 am–6 pm
Emergency Room (most expensive)
3600 NW Samaritan Dr., Corvallis, OR
Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Call 911 (most expensive)
911 can send an ambulance to you, or help
you with any emergency situation. You can
call this number anytime.
Corvallis Safety Information
Corvallis and Oregon State University are very
safe and welcoming places. There are security
personnel and police on campus at all times as
well as many other services to ensure student
safety. Blue emergency lights are located across
campus. These lights allow you to press a button
to speak directly to a police officer if you are
feeling unsafe.
SafeRide
OSU also has a service called SafeRide.
SafeRide is a free bus service which provides
transportation to and from campus from 7 pm
to 2:30 am seven days a week during the regular
school year.
asosu.oregonstate.edu/saferide
Put these important numbers in your phone as
soon as you arrive:
Campus Security (Emergency)
+1 541 737 7000
Campus Security (non-emergency)
+1 541 737 3010
Off-campus Emergency
9-1-1
INTO OSU Emergency Phone
If you have an urgent problem when the
university is closed, you can call this number to
reach someone 24 hours a day:
+1 541 602 3513
Blue Light Emergency Phone
Cash
When you arrive in the US, you should bring at
least $500 in cash to cover immediate needs such
as books, a cell phone, and other living expenses.
Cash is accepted at most locations.
• One dollar ($) is equal to 100 cents.
• Common coin amounts: quarter (25 cents),
dime (10 cents), nickel (5 cents), penny (1 cent)
• Common paper bill amounts: $100, $50, $20,
$10, $5, $1
Credit/Debit Cards
In the US, the most widely accepted bank and
credit cards are Visa and MasterCard. Bank cards
can either be debit which pulls funds from your
bank account or credit, which you pay off at the
end of each month. Apply for a credit card in your
home country before you travel since it may be
difficult for you to get one after you leave.
Bank Accounts
It is not recommended to carry large amounts of
cash with you, so once you arrive you will need
to open a bank account. To open an account,
you will need two pieces of photo identification
(passport and student ID card), your US mailing
address, phone number and money to deposit.
During Orientation, OSU can provide you
information about local banks.
Transferring Money
Before you leave your country, you need to know
your government’s regulations and your home
bank’s procedures for transferring money to the
US. Plan to transfer enough money to cover your
expenses for one semester. Consider your living
situation and lifestyle to plan ahead. Will you live
on campus? Do you like to eat at restaurants? Do
you need to buy clothes or more school supplies?
18 Money and Banking | Oregon State University 2020-2021 Welcome Guide | Transportation 19
TRANSPORTATIONMONEY AND BANKING
q
US dollars
Getting Around Campus
Beaver Bus
Free campus shuttle bus runs Monday through
Friday, 7am to 7pm. Download the OSU Mobile
app to track the buses in real time.
is.oregonstate.edu/mobile/osu-mobile
Bicycles
Many OSU students use a bike to get around
town and campus. You can rent a bicycle
from Transportation Services or use the
local bike share system, Pedal Corvallis.
transportation.oregonstate.edu zagster.com/
pedalcorvallis
Parking on Campus
If you choose to use your car to come to class,
you will have to buy a parking permit. Visit
transportation.oregonstate.edu to purchase
your permit.
Getting Around Town
CTS Buses
The city of Corvallis offers free bus transportation
throughout the town. You can use Google Maps to
plan your next trip by transit. Just enter your start
and end points, then select the transit icon.
Driving a Car
To drive a car legally in the US, you need a valid
driver’s license, insurance and registration.
You can only use your international driver’s
license for one year in Oregon. After one year
you will need to get a US driver’s license. Some
international licenses are not allowed to be used
in the US, including those from China and Saudi
Arabia. Check to see if you can use your license
in the US by visiting the Department of Motor
Vehicles (DMV) website:
www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/Pages/index.aspx
How to Get a US Driver’s License
Make an appointment for a knowledge test and
driving test with the DMV (see number to call
below). Study the Oregon Driver’s Manual to
become familiar with Oregon driving laws. For
the knowledge test, you will answer a series of
questions on road laws and safety. For the driving
test, you will need to have your own vehicle.
Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
870 NE Circle Blvd.
Corvallis, OR
+1 541 757 4191
20 Contact Information | Oregon State University 2020-2021 Welcome Guide | Frequently Asked Questions 21
CONTACT INFORMATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I don’t have housing yet; what should I do?
Contact our housing and arrivals coordinator at
[email protected] and they will be
able to help you.
I am eligible to live off campus. Where
can I live and how do I get an apartment?
If you are eligible to live off campus, you
can find useful resources on this website:
intoosu.oregonstate.edu/off-campus.
How do I reserve the free shuttle service
from PDX?
All you have to do is submit your arrival details at
www.INTOarrivals.com/osu
What do I do when I arrive at PDX Airport?
Airport transportation is included for all new
students. See page 11 for more information on
how to find the shuttle. If you don’t know what
to do, call our arrivals phone on +1 541 224 2964
and someone can help you 24 hours a day.
What clothing should I wear upon arrival?
Depending on the time of year you arrive,
the weather can vary. Wear good shoes for
walking and carrying your luggage, and bring a
warm sweater or jacket with you for arriving at
Portland Airport.
How can I get to a grocery store?
When you get here, come to the welcome desk
and get a bus route map. a welcome desk staff
member can help you find the store you need and
what bus to take. If the welcome desk is closed,
the RA in your residence hall can help you.
How do I set up a bank account?
There are a few local bank options where you
can set up an account. Each bank is a little bit
different, so make sure you ask a lot of questions
so you understand what your account provides or
doesn’t provide.
How do I get a cell phone?
There are several different cell phone companies
in the US. Each company offers different plans
and prices, so take a look online first, and ask lots
of questions to find out which is the best plan for
you. Check out our website for more information:
intoosu.oregonstate.edu/life-corvallis
I have a driver’s license from my country; that
should work in the US right?
No. Not all international licenses are valid in the
US. If you want to drive in the US, you must get
a US driver’s license. The welcome desk has copies
of the Oregon driver’s manual so you can learn
the rules of the road. You will also be required to
purchase insurance if you buy a car to drive here.
Useful Resources
OSU International Admissions website
admissions.oregonstate.edu/international
INTO OSU
intoosu.oregonstate.edu/
Arrivals Phone
+1 541 224 2964
Use this phone number to contact us during your
travel to and arrival in Oregon and Corvallis. Please
notify us immediately of flight delays, lost luggage or
if you cannot find the airport shuttle service.
Housing Questions
Finance Questions
Orientation Questions
Immigration Questions
INTO OSU Welcome Desk
+1 541 737 2464
The INTO OSU Welcome Desk is open
Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm.
More useful information for new students is
available at:
intoosu.oregonstate.edu/orientation
Connect with Us!
facebook.com/osubeavers
facebook.com/into.oregonstate
twitter.com/OregonState
twitter.com/INTO_OSU
myin.to/OSU_YouTube
www.youtube.com/user/OregonStateUniv
instagram.com/INTOoregonstate
instagram.com/oregonstate
WeChat ID: OregonStateUni
myin.to/linkedin_osu
www.linkedin.com/school/oregon-state-university/
is.oregonstate.edu/mobile/osu-mobile
22 Campus Map | Oregon State University 2020-2021 Welcome Guide | Campus Map 23
CAMPUS MAP
No Smoking
Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the OSU campus. Learn more at: oregonstate.edu/tobaccofree
HFC
SSC
ILLC
Parking
Garage
Stud Exp
Cntr
Austin
Hall
APCC
Univ. Plaza
Bookstore
SW 16TH ST
T
B
O
LI
Center
Student Experience Center
Tebeau Hall Same-Day Clinic
Memorial Union
Hilton Garden Inn Hotel / Airport Shuttle Stop
Dixon Recreation Center
Bookstore
Marketplace West
LaSells Stewart Center
Kerr Administration Building
Valley Library
McNary Dining
Southside Station at Arnold
INTO OSU
Office of International Services
Student Health Services
Through innovative partnerships with leading universities,
we expand opportunities for higher education, ensuring
success and transforming the lives of our students and staff.
INTO Oregon State University 2020-2021 Welcome Guide
© 2020 INTO USA, LLC. All rights reserved. INTO and the INTO roundel are registered trademarks of INTO University Partnerships Ltd.
is.oregonstate.edu/mobile/osu-mobile
facebook.com/INTO.oregonstate
facebook.com/osubeavers
twitter.com/INTO_OSU
twitter.com/OregonState
instagram.com/INTOoregonstate
instagram.com/oregonstate
myin.to/OSU_YouTube
myin.to/user/OregonStateUniv
myin.to/linkedin_osu
linkedin.com/school/oregon-state-university/
For the most up-to-date
information visit:
www.intostudy.com/osu
www.intostudy.com/chat-osu
