International Student Orientation
Winter Quarter 2025

Group of new international students on library steps

Winter Quarter New International Student Orientation has two required sessions. The first is Friday, January 3 from 2 to 4 pm online. Session 2 is Monday, January 6 from 4 to 6 pm in-person. Further details about orientation will be emailed to your SPU email account. All new undergraduate and graduate F-1 international students are required to attend both of these orientation sessions in addition to any other new student orientations.

New International Student FAQs:
 

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@achador.net, along with your passport and visa stamp. We will give more information about accessing the I-94 record during Orientation. 
 

Is Health Insurance required? How do I access and use it?

All F-1 international students are required to carry health insurance and will be enrolled automatically in the University’s insurance planOnce 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@achador.net 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 Sunday, January 5.

If you are arriving to move in to your on-campus housing at any other time, please contact Housing directly at housing@achador.net, so you can arrange a time when someone can help you receive your keys and housing assignment.
 

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 sent to your SPU email address — so please check it every day. You may reach out to the ISS Team at iss@achador.net before New International Student Orientation and the ISS team will respond at their earliest convenience.  

 

Questions about your F-1 visa? Check out the ISS Webpage or contact us directly: iss@achador.net.

 

*Schedule subject to change.