Planning for Stetson

Stetson University estimates that an international student should expect to spend at least $1,500 on personal expenses and $1,200 on books, study materials, and supplies per semester at Stetson University. Additional funds will be required to travel around the United States during vacation periods.  

Stetson University's accommodations are all-inclusive, giving students from all places, spaces, and backgrounds the opportunity to live together. However, some residence halls are pet-friendly, gender-neutral, and/or gender-specific.

All incoming students are guaranteed housing. Please visit Stetson’s Housing and Residential Living & Learning page to learn more about your accommodation options.

If you live on campus, you can purchase a meal plan, as room and board are combined into one contract. See the Dining Services page for details, including cost, for available meal plans. The main cafeteria is located in the Carlton Union Building (commonly called the "CUB"), located at the center of campus. You can also use your meals at the university's other dining facilities, which include the Coffee Shop and the Hat Rack, which includes Einstein's Bagels and BYOB: Build Your Own Burrito. The bookstore, also located in the CUB, sells snacks, meals to preheat, and other pantry goods.

Plan to wear very light clothing when you arrive in Florida in August. Daily temperatures in summer usually range from 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (27 to 38 degrees Celsius). Most students wear shorts, T-shirts, sandals, and sunglasses during the hot days. Stetson University's pedestrian campus makes good walking shoes a must.

The autumn months are warm, but cooler in October and November. December through March is typically colder, and you will need warm clothing (sweaters, coats, etc.). DeLand's lowest winter temperatures are typically around freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit or zero degrees Celsius). Temperatures generally stay between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 18 degrees Celsius), which for most people means a medium-weight jacket and jeans. Most students and local residents wear sandals year-round.

It warms up again in the spring months, reaching 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) by April.

After you are assigned a post office box number, you can receive mail in your own name. For delivery of large packages or luggage you wish to ship in advance, use our street address (which can be found in the "Contact" box on this page). Students usually carry all the luggage they need and buy items here as needed.

Go for it! Florida is on the eastern side of the United States, so students often travel north or south along the coastline during breaks. Students often enjoy the beaches along Florida's coast or even travel north to sightsee. Some students even return home during the holidays. Students also often stay with roommates or friends over the holidays. If you plan to travel internationally during your breaks, make sure your I-20 or DS-2019 has been signed by a DSO/RO in the WORLD Center! 

You are permitted to work on the Stetson University campus during your stay here. Campus jobs include office and cafeteria work; sometimes even a bit of tutoring. Office jobs typically require typing. Interested students should refer to the Student Employment Program's website for more information. Students are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week, at an hourly rate, on campus during the academic year. 

Studying abroad can be a fun and safe experience, but it is important to realize that you are subject to the laws and customs of another country.

Although most trips abroad are trouble-free, being prepared will help you to avoid the possibility of serious trouble. Become familiar with the basic laws and customs of the United States before you travel. Remember: Reckless behavior while in the United States can do more than ruin your experience, it can land you in jail! To have a safe trip, avoid risky behavior and plan ahead.

In addition to the information we make available to you online after you are admitted to the university, it is critical that you arrive in DeLand to attend the International Student Orientation. Attendance is mandatory and will ensure you have information on the U.S., Stetson University and life in DeLand -- all to keep you safe, as well as aid in your transition to Stetson University and life in the U.S.

The passport is the legal document issued by your country of citizenship. It must be kept valid at all times during your stay in the U.S. and must be valid for at least 6 months into the future to re-enter the U.S. or to apply for a visa. You can usually renew your passport through your country’s Embassy or one of its Consulates in the U.S.  

All international students must pay an I-901 SEVIS fee before applying for a F-visa. This is a mandatory payment required by the government and not associated with Stetson's costs. The SEVIS fee is not associated with your visa application fee. They are separate fees. You must have a receipt of payment for the SEVIS fee before applying for your visa. Without a receipt, you will not be allowed to schedule a visa interview.  

Online SEVIS Fee instructions 

• Go to: the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) SEVIS I-901 Fee processing website  
• Click on "Pay I-901 Fee"  
• It requires the SEVIS Identification Number. This # begins with an N and has 10 Digits. Stetson's School Code number is MIA214F00111000 for F-visa. 
• Check that the information on the next page is correct. 
• Use a credit card to finish the payment 
• Print out the receipt 

For additional details on SEVIS and the SEVIS fee, access the SEVIS website at I-901 SEVIS Fee FAQ 

* Citizens of Canada only:

• • No visa or visa application is required of Canadian citizens 
  • Pay the SEVIS fee as in either 3  a.i. or 3.a.ii, above and get the receipt 
  • Present the SEVIS fee payment receipt at a U.S. Port of Entry 

The I-20 (for those with F-1 status) is the document the university sends you that you must present to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad to obtain a visa and to immigration officials when entering the U.S.

If you plan to travel outside the U.S. during the program, you must have the I-20 signed for travel every 6 months to depart and reenter the U.S. in F-1 status. If you travel within the U.S., you don't need a new signature, but you should carry a copy in case you need it.  

Once you receive your I-20, please review it for errors. Make sure all the information matches your passport. After you pay the SEVIS fee and receive your I-20, you can schedule a visa appointment at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.    

Applying for your visa: 

1. Call the American Consulate for information on procedures for applying for a student visa. You may also visit the Consulate's website. For links to the various consular websites, visit US Embassy website

2. 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.  

3. All visa applicants must pay a visa fee. You usually pay this at a bank in the city where the consulate is located.  

4. Complete the visa application form, which is available online at the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160)

5. Prepare your application materials carefully to prove your visa eligibility. See US Visas - Study & Exchange for tips on student visa applications. You will need the following:

• Valid passport
• I-20
• Verification of Finances to pay for your education 
• Stetson University materials (admission letter, etc.) 
• Verification of having paid the SEVIS fee 
• Educational documents, including transcripts, diplomas, exam scores, etc. 
• Proof of close ties to your home country 
  • Proof of a home in your country that 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 
  • All types of visa support letters 
  • Evidence of intention to return to your home country after you complete your education 

Health Insurance

All international students attending Stetson University are required to have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their studies. Stetson requires coverage to ensure you have access to medical care, emergency treatment, and routine health services while in the United States. For specific plan requirements, coverage details, and billing policies, please review the Health Service Information for International Students.

Required Vaccinations

All undergraduate students must provide a completed immunization form that includes proof of immunity to the MMR vaccine (measles/mumps/rubella) before registering for classes. Exemptions to the MMR immunization policy may be granted in the event of valid medical contraindications or for religious reasons; documentation is required.  

In addition, students planning to live on campus must be immunized against hepatitis B and meningitis ACWY. The meningitis vaccine must have been administered on or after your 16th birthday or within 4 years prior to arriving at Stetson. You may sign a waiver for hepatitis B or meningitis, but opting out may result in restrictions on campus and in classes during an outbreak.COVID-19 vaccinations are also strongly recommended.