New Students

Applying For Your Visa

• Call the American Consulate for information on procedures for applying for a student visa. You may also visit the Consulate's web site. For links to the various consular websites visit http://travel.state.gov/links.html
• Start early. All consulates are now requiring interviews. It may take several weeks to get an appointment. New security measures may also take additional time.
• All visa applicants must pay a visa fee. This is usually paid at a bank in the city where the consulate is located.
• Complete the visa application form which is available on-line at http://evisaforms.state.gov
• Prepare your application materials carefully to prove your visa eligibility. See http://travel.state.gov/nonimmigrantvisas.html for tips on student visa applications. You will need the following:
  • Valid Passport
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • Verification of Finances to pay for your education
  • Stetson University acceptance and scholarship letters
  • Educational Documents including transcripts, diplomas, exam scores, etc.
  • Proof of close ties to your home country
    • Evidence of intention to return to your home country after you complete your education
    • Proof of a home in your country which you will not abandon
    • Proof of a job or job offer to return home to
    • Proof of close family to return to and to provide for
    • Etc.
    • All types of visa support letters

Course Preferences/Registration

• The Course Preference Form is the first step in developing your fall class schedule.
• International Students will work closely with the advisor assigned to them by the Admissions Office to set up their first semester course schedule.
• Students planning to join the School of Business must complete the Business Course Preference Form. Students planning to join the College of Arts and Sciences need to complete the Arts and Sciences Course Preference Form. Students majoring in music do not need to submit a course preference form.

          Business Course Preference Form

          Arts and Sciences Course Preference Form

Please contact the Office of Admissions to arrange your student schedule or if you have any questions regarding the courses available to first-year students at Stetson.

Arranging Housing

On-Campus Housing: 

• Stetson University has a residency requirement which states that all students must live in residential facilities unless they meet one or more of the following requirements:

1. The student has earned sixty (60) academic hours (Junior status) by June 1.
2. The student is married.
3. The student resides with immediate family and commutes to class (members of family for this purpose are defined as parent(s), guardian, uncle, aunt, grandparent(s), or bother/sister, not enrolled at Stetson University (notarized proof will be requested)); or
4. The student has reached the age of twenty-one (21) by June 1.

• Once a student deposit's with the University a portion of that deposit will include the housing deposit. At that time the student will need to complete a Housing Agreement and a Preference form.
• They can obtain these forms on line at, www.stetson.edu/reslife or by calling the Department of Residential Life at 386-822-7201. Once the student completes the forms they will be placed in order of deposit date to the University. All students will be assigned in that order.
• Most new students who apply between Jan- June will be notified in the mid-July by our department. They can also check their Banner Web account to view their assignment and roommate information. Students who apply late in summer will be assigned when space becomes available and should continue to check the Banner Web Account.

 Off-Campus Housing

• The Deland area has several options for off-campus student living accommodations. If you plan to live off-campus, it is best to arrive in Deland several days before orientation so that you can seek out suitable housing. While you are looking for an apartment, you may need to stay in a local hotel or with another student.
• It is important for you to consider transportation concerns, as public transportation is not as readily available in Deland as in larger US cities.
• The guide to assist you in finding the right apartment:
   ApartmentRentals.doc

Traveling to Stetson

There are numerous ways to travel to Deland. A detailed list of these options is provided on our Directions page.

Orientation

Anyone new to the University and/or the United States, will needs some assistance and information to become accustomed to the methods and environment of an American academic institution. The Center for International Education provides a two-day orientation prior to the start of the semester for all new International Students. During orientation topics covered include such things as SEVIS registration, maintaining your legal status in the U.S., the academic environment at Stetson, healthcare and health insurance,  and much, much more.

Following the Fall Semester orientation, the university hosts FOCUS Orientation, which is a four day long orientation for all Beginning Freshmen (American and International) and transfer students. Focus Orientation is mandatory.

Attendance at orientation is MANDATORY for all new international students (Beginning Freshmen, Transfers, Graduate Students and Exchange Students). Students must plan their travel accordingly. Please notify the International Student Advisor if there are any conflicts you forsee in attending orientation.

The orientation schedule for the 2006/2007 Academic Year is as follows:

SPRING SEMESTER:

• International Student Orientation: January 8, 2007.

Getting Involved

For more information on clubs and organizations, visit Student Involvement.