International Student Orientation

International student orientation is mandatory for all incoming and transfer international students! We cover a lot of important information, including:

• How to ensure that you are staying in status with your visa
• Information on general and academic culture in the United States
• Tips on how you can be successful while you are a student at Stetson University

There will also be fun activities so you can meet and mingle with other new international students. 

Fall orientation will be held in person on Thursday and Friday, August 13-14, 2026. International students should arrive on Wednesday, August 12, 2026

This video will help you prepare for your arrival at Stetson!

Preliminary orientation schedule - will update when available August 2026

• A light jacket or sweater — it can get cold inside!
• A reusable water bottle
• Pen or pencil
• Notebook

Free transportation to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO) will be available for new international students between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. If you signed up for the shuttle, we will email you more information.

If you arrive on a different day, or outside of these hours, you will be responsible for finding your transportation to campus. Some suggestions include:

1. DeLand / Amtrak - SunRail Connection (New in Summer 2024)
   This brand-new connection opened in Summer 2024. The Amtrak station is NOT located at the airport; however, it offers an affordable way to get to Stetson University, with the Amtrak/SunRail combination allowing a convenient transfer. You can get to the SunRail station by taking Lynx Buses or using a ride-share program like Uber or Lyft. From the DeLand SunRail Station, you can take the free Voride to Stetson University or use Lyft, Uber, or a taxi. Keep in mind, SunRail operates Monday through Friday with limited hours, so check the timetable to match your travel plans.

2. DeLand Shuttle service: Voride - Operated by Votran
   For those arriving at the DeLand SunRail Station, Votran operates a shuttle service called Voride running weekdays from 6:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. on weekends, meeting most trains. This shuttle is especially helpful for travelers taking the Amtrak-SunRail connection, as it provides an easy local connection to key destinations. You can also schedule your pickup with Voride after downloading the app. If you take SunRail to DeLand, your Voride fare will be free. If you have multiple bags, specify this when scheduling Voride so they can accommodate you.

3. Train to Plane
   For those traveling to Orlando International Airport (MCO), you can easily connect to your flight via LYNX bus service, which operates approximately every 15 minutes all day and evening, Monday through Friday. This service provides a convenient link to MCO and complements the DeLand / Amtrak - SunRail connection for travelers heading to or from Stetson University.

   Transfer From SunRail
   If you're using SunRail to connect from DeLand to MCO, you can board any of these LYNX buses for a quick transfer:

   • LYNX 311: Express travel to MCO every 30 minutes all day.
   • LYNX 11: Starts at 4:39 AM, with service every 30 minutes during morning and afternoon rush hours, connecting to LYNX Central Station and Orange Avenue.
   • LYNX 42: Runs every 30 minutes and serves other key local stops to MCO.

   Show your valid SunRail Train ticket for a free LYNX transfer to Orlando International Airport

4. Lyft, or Uber (You need to get the app on your phone and link it to your credit card if you haven’t already), ride prices vary and can be about $100 each way.

5. Groome Shuttle: This is one of the more affordable options for someone traveling to campus on their own, but the bus will not drop you off directly on campus.

   • Shuttles will drop you off at Village Cafe DeLand, exit 116, 431 Orange Camp Road, but from there, you will need a taxi, Voride or Uber/Lyft to get to campus (you can call a taxi or use Voride, Uber or Lyft)

Hire a private car

• Please contact WORLD if you would like recommendations for a private car company

Rent a car from the Orlando airport and drive to campus (must be at least 21 years old and have a valid international driver’s license): 

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Student Success

Student Success is a group of administrative offices that offer resources, information and services to empower you to achieve success and significance at Stetson University and beyond. Their goal is to help you to grow as a student and as a person. They help students find ways to become civically and academically engaged critical thinkers with the confidence and abilities to meet their goals and realize their aspirations.

» More Information

Cross Cultural Center

All students graduating from Stetson University are prepared to be "at home in the world" with a greater understanding of their own complex identities, a developed sense of empathy and respect for others' identities and experiences, and a fully incorporated sense of social justice. The Cross Cultural Center achieves its mission by helping students to develop cultural competencies for success and significance in alliance with other dynamic individuals in this ever-changing world.

» More Information

duPont-Ball Library

The duPont-Ball Library provides countless resources to expand knowledge and research, empowering the university's students to succeed academically. Our students consult with librarians for assistance in research and scholarly projects, broadening Stetson University's dynamic learning environment.

» More Information

Student Development and Campus Vibrancy

The Office of Student Development and Campus Vibrancy collaborates with students, faculty and the community to create an atmosphere that engages students. The office will connect you with leadership opportunities, campus organizations, fraternities and sororities ("Greek" social organizations), Hatter Productions (Stetson University's student-run event planning committee), Market Day, off-campus fun, and numerous other opportunities to get involved.

» More Information

Center for Community Engagement

Learning through engagement with local and global communities is deeply embedded in the university's mission, values and character. The Center for Community Engagement provides a wide variety of opportunities for students to work with members of the community to build capacity and make a difference in communities near and far. Its mission is to develop, implement and promote lifelong commitments to social responsibility and social justice throughout the world.

» More Information

Department of Residential Living and Learning

The Department of Residential Living and Learning is committed to providing a healthy, inclusive and safe environment that encourages the development and personal growth of all students.

» More Information

Other On-Campus Resources

• The Student Counseling Services
• Stetson Health Service
• Tutoring
• University Events to help keep academics and leisure in your life balanced.
• The Writing Center

Refer to the Campus Life and Student Success portal for a comprehensive guide to student resources and services.

All international students who live on campus are automatically assigned a campus mailbox number. You will go to the campus post office and show your student ID; then the staff will give you the four-digit number and mailing address format.

All mail should be addressed in this format:

John Doe
421 N. Woodland Blvd.
Unit ####
DeLand, FL 32723

#### is your four-digit mailbox number. To avoid delays, put your mailbox number on all incoming mail and packages.

It is not a good idea to keep large amounts of cash in your dorm room or apartment or to carry it with you all the time. So, it is recommended to set up a local bank account on your arrival. 

Banks near campus

• Bank of America
• Wells Fargo
• PNC Bank
• TD Bank
• Fifth Third Bank

*It is recommended to make an appointment before heading to the bank.

Documents needed to open an account

• Your valid passport with an F-1 visa
• Your I-20
• A letter of acceptance from Stetson University
• Stetson student ID card
• Proof of residence, such as an official letter or bill mailed to your U.S. address

A wire transfer is an electronic transfer of money from a bank account in one country to an account in another country. It is a secure, fast way to send and receive funds. If you would like to pay your Stetson bill by wire transfer, please contact the Student Accounts office for the information you need to make the transfer.

Sending money

You need:

• Your account number
• The recipient's name
• The recipient's bank name and address
• The recipient's bank identifying code
• The recipient's bank account number
• Any additional information your bank requests

Receiving money

You need to give the sender:

• Your name
• Your bank name and address
• Your bank identifying code or SWIFT number
• Your bank account number
• Any additional information the sender's bank requests

Wire transfer tips

• Be aware of monetary exchange ($20, £20, and ¥20 are all different amounts of money)
• Be aware of transaction fees
• Avoid making typos
• Avoid sending cash more often or more quickly than necessary

Because rates change constantly, students are encouraged to search online for the latest updates and promotions to find the best deals. Here are a few plan options to suit your needs.

• AT&T
• Verizon
• T-Mobile
• Cricket Wireless
• Mint Mobile
• FreedomPop

Intercity bus

We recommend booking and paying for tickets in advance.

• Greyhound
• Megabus

Local public bus

• Votran

Intercity Train

• SunRail
• Amtrak

Taxi

• Uber
• Lyft
• VoRide

International students who want to obtain a Florida driver's license or identification card (ID card) must go to a DMV office with the following required documents: 

• Your valid passport with an F-1 visa
• Proof of Social Security
• Your I-94 (retrieve this online: I94 - Official Website)
• Your I-20
• Two proofs of residence. 
  • Contact Res Life for proof of address (if on-campus)
  • Bank Statements or Stetson Pay Stubs
• Valid driver's license from your country. If you plan to get a Florida driver's license and already have a driver's license from your home country, bring it. You may be exempt from the Drug and Alcohol Traffic Awareness (DATA) course and other DMV-required tests. 

We recommend making an appointment online at any DMV office. Find out more information at the Non-Immigrant - Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.