Welcome to Cal Poly
New Student Information
Arrival and Welcome Guide
Housing
Welcome Guide
Download our International Student Welcome Guide for information about San Luis Obispo, student life, and campus resources
Arrival Check-in
After you arrive in San Luis Obispo, you will be required to complete an Online Arrival Check-In via your International Student Hub.
Student Visas
Get step-by-step guides for applying for an F-1 visa, a J-1 visa, or transferring your F-1 SEVIS record to Cal Poly.
Health Insurance
All F-1 and J-1 visa students will be enrolled in the Cal Poly International Student Health Insurance Plan.
Entering the U.S.
Be prepared for arrival. Learn when to arrive, the documents to carry with you and what to expect at the port of entry.
Campus Life
Immerse yourself in campus life and adapt to life at Cal Poly; participate in international student programs, join a club, or get involved in student government.
Banking
Learn about banking institutions in and around San Luis Obispo as well as financial services, such as accounts, safe deposit boxes, foreign currency conversion, international money orders, and electronic wire transfers.
Orientation Programs
Campus Orientation Programs
Visit Cal Poly New Student and Transition Programs for information on the three orientation programs they offer; Open House, SLO Days and Week of Welcome (WoW)
New Student & Transition Programs
Visit Cal Poly Graduate Education for information on New Graduate Student Orientation.
Online F-1 and J-1 Visa Student Orientation
The International Student Online Orientation is REQUIRED for all new incoming international students with an F-1 or J-1 visa. Even if you are not new to the USA, you still must still complete the online orientation course, which will be customized for your program and visa type. When the course is available, it will appear on your portal as a Canvas course, and instructions will be e-mailed to you. This course is designed to provide you with important information you will need during your time at Cal Poly. Completion all modules of the online orientation course is necessary in order to proceed with your arrival check-in at Cal Poly.
International Student Orientation Programs
Fall
International Student Orientation for fall takes place in two parts: first we will have a mandatory virtual orientation in July via Zoom during which we’ll go over important information such as health insurance, arrival check-in, and visa status requirements. The mandatory online orientation course is required before arriving at Cal Poly. An in-person Meet & Greet event is held in August. Details about all orientation programs will be emailed to you over the summer.
Spring
The mandatory online orientation course is required before arriving at Cal Poly. About a month prior to the start of classes, look for an email to your Cal Poly email address regarding details of the mandatory online course, virtual pre-arrival orientation, and the in-person meet and greet event.
International Student Fee
Fee Amount and Assessment
$450 per semester will be charged to F-1 degree-seeking students along with tuition fees for each semester of enrollment.
What’s Covered?
- Issuing I-20 documents
- Advising students regarding visa regulations, work authorization, health insurance, and cross-cultural adjustment
- Orientation, activities, and programs