Congratulations and welcome to Bemidji State University!

Now that you have been admitted, it’s time to start focusing on your next steps to becoming a student at BSU! The International Program Center is here to help you make the most of your experience at BSU, offering guidance at every step along the way.

Before You Arrive

Once admitted, we will send you your welcome packet (.pdf) along with your I-20 or DS-2019 and letter of admission. Once you receive this packet, you will need to:

  1. Sign your I-20/DS-2019.
  2. Pay your SEVIS fee. This should be done as soon as possible to ensure that you have enough time to obtain your visa and make travel arrangements. All F-1 and J-1 visa applicants are required to pay this fee.
  3. Apply for your student visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
  4. Make flight arrangements for travel to Bemidji, Minnesota (airport code is BJI), to arrive BEFORE the orientation program start date (located on admission letter).
  5. Complete and return (email to our office) the Arrival Notification Form. We provide free airport pickup from the Bemidji airport only, and only for students who have registered for on-campus housing.
  6. Set up StarID (if you haven’t already done so) and MyBSU e-mail account.
  7. Sign up for residence hall and dining service through your MyBSU account. You are required to live on campus your first year at BSU, or until you are at least 21 years old. Please note that you are not required to submit the $150 prepayment for housing.
  8. Bring immunization records with you to take to the BSU Student Center for Health and Counseling once you arrive and fill out the immunization form.
A snowkiter on a frozen Lake Bemidji
Living in Bemidji
Two paddleboarders on a lake with green plants
Visas
Bemidji State aerial with campus and lake
Housing
Two dragon boat teams racing on Lake Bemidji
English Requirements

Upon Arrival

  1. Attend the international student orientation program, which includes an Academic American English assessment and math placement test. Orientation is mandatory for all new international students, undergraduate and graduate levels.
  2. Purchase the mandatory health insurance. Please see UnitedHealthcare (works best with Chrome browser) for general information. See UHC’s “Bemidji State University” page for more detailed information.
  3. Have a test for tuberculosis, which is administered by the Student Center for Health and Counseling.
  4. Make your payments. The first two payments for new international students are due the Friday before classes begin. They are: 1) the total amount of your health insurance, and 2) a $300 down payment on tuition and fees OR enrollment in our payment plan. This deadline is meant to give you time to learn about our payment procedures and ask questions. In future semesters, your bills will be due 15 business days prior to the semester start date.

International Student Orientation

International Student Orientation is a two day event full of activities, new friendships, and preparations to start your life at Bemidji State. As such, we require all new international students to attend the full orientation session in order to attend classes.

Orientation Schedule