New Students

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Welcome to Sam Houston State University! We are happy to have you as part of the international Bearkat community. Please click on the links below to see what you need to do before you arrive and after you arrive.

Before you Arrive

Receive Your SHSU I-20

Prepare for Your Visa Interview

Register for Airport Pickup

Register for New International Student Orientation

Complete Your TB Questionnaire

Submit Your Bacterial Meningitis Form
(Students under 22)

Activate Your SHSU Email

Apply for On-Campus Housing

Search for Off-Campus Housing

Meet with an Academic Advisor

Register for Courses

After you Arrive

Check-in at the Global Engagement Center

Pay Your Tuition Fee Statment

Get Your Bearkat OneCard

Take the TSI Exam
(new freshmen only)

Set up a Bank Account

Get Your Driver's License

Purchase a Parking Permit

International Student Spotlight

Doreen Muthee,
from Kenya
Major: Business Administration
Language: Swahili
Favorite Food from Home: Nyama Choma (Kenyan Barbeque)

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?
"President ISO (2021-2022), SHSU Raven Scholar ‘21 and being the Keynote speaker at the International Student Dinner ’21."

Aakanksha,
from India
Major: Computing and Information Science
Language: Hindi
Favorite Food from Home: Roti and Paneer Butter Masala

Why did you choose SHSU?
"SHSU provides a wonderful mixture of theoretical exposure and practical nuances of study (knowledge) for graduate student that makes it a great place to study. In addition to that, excellent faculties will help me enhance my learning and exposure to the latest trends."

Isaac Ogbogo,
from Nigeria
Major: Chemistry
Language: Igede
Favorite Food from Home: Pounded Yam with Eguisi Soup

What advice do you have for new international students?
"SHSU is another home from home. Everyone that I met on campus when I first arrived was just willing to put me through one thing or the other. Therefore, I encourage every international student not to be afraid of feeling lonely or helpless in SHSU. They can be rest assured that they are in the best environment away from home."

Oluwole Akintoye,
from Nigeria
Major: Computer and Information Science
Language: Yoruba
Favorite Food from Home: Amala with Ewedu soup

What do you enjoy most about SHSU?
"SHSU creates an environment that respects and values individual differences along varying dimensions... These in effect encourage people of different backgrounds to peacefully co-exist and succeed."