Admitted International Students

• After paying the $100 Orientation fee deposit, admitted students will receive an I-20 or DS2019 document to schedule a student visa interview. 

• Immigration instructions will be sent in an email after admission.  

• Confirm attendance with the Office of International Education once your visa is obtained. 

• Log into the Ferris360 student portal. 

• Complete the  Online Student Orientation, which will enable an academic advisor to assist you in scheduling classes.  Online Student Orientation is in addition to the required in-person International Orientation before classes begin.  

• Meet with your academic advisor virtually and register for classes.  Class registration is only to be completed once you have received your student visa and confirmed attendance with the Office of International Education.

• Reserve on-campus housing arrangements through the MyHousing portal. If you are under the age of 19, you will be required to sign up for housing BEFORE  you can register for classes.   

• Select an on-campus meal plan. 

• Review the international student health insurance requirement and policy information  

• Explore the interactive campus tour and map. 

• Explore payment options and deadlines. 

• Payments can be made through your online EBill and payment schedules are possible. 

The International Student Orientation schedule is sent to all confirmed incoming international students. The in-person orientation is mandatory for all incoming international students (Please note, doctoral students will be excused from some sessions to attend their program events). Orientation includes move-in assistance, shopping shuttles, important immigration information, exploring campus and the community, and creating friendships. 

Airport pick up 

Airport pick up is offered to incoming students during the three days leading up to international orientation. Incoming students can sign up for a shuttle pick up here.  

Move-in and Shopping 

During International Student Orientation, the Office of International Education assists in moving into Ferris on-campus housing. Shopping shuttles take groups of students to get supplies they may need for their new home.  

Connections and questions during orientation  

• Inquiries can be sent to [email protected]  

• Admitted students will receive a link to join a WhatsApp group to connect with staff and students during travel and their time at Ferris State University. 

• All admitted students are required to attend a webinar with the Office of International Education to ask questions and learn about your next steps. 

As an international student at Ferris State University, you'll find Big Rapids, Michigan to be a safe, friendly, and affordable place to live and study. This welcoming college town offers a welcoming community and opportunities for adventure. See what Big Rapids has to offer.

Ferris State University offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. Learn about the great housing options.  

• Students who live on campus enjoy convenient access to classrooms, dining facilities, recreation, and student activities.  

• Residence halls are fully furnished and include internet access, laundry facilities, and secure building access.  

• Ferris State Dining provides several meal plans to fit different student needs and dining locations across campus offer a wide range of options. 

• Students can use their meal plans at multiple campus dining locations, cafés, and convenience stores.  

International students at Ferris State University are eligible to work on campus while studying, giving them valuable opportunities to build their resume, earn money, and become involved in campus life. Ferris offers a wide variety of student employment positions across many departments and office. 

• F-1 and J-1 students are generally limited to on-campus employment. 

• Students may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and 40 hours per week during the summer break. 

• Common student jobs include positions in dining services, residence life, the recreation center, IT center, laboratories, and academic and administrative offices. 

• Job opportunities can be found on Ferris360 and student employment fairs.

Health insurance is important for all students and Ferris State University makes the process simple for international students. 

• Health insurance is required for all international students at Ferris and is billed to the student account with 100% of the charges going towards the cost of health insurance 

• International students at Ferris State University are automatically enrolled with an insurance policy from GeoBlue. 

• Each semester the student will receive an updated insurance policy card 

• Some international students may be eligible for an insurance waiver if they have comparable coverage. Waiver information and application is emailed to all international students before the start of the academic semester.  

Ferris State University provides a safe and welcoming campus environment with dedicated public safety services, emergency resources, and a supportive community focused on student well-being. 

• Ferris State University has the Ferris State University Department of Public Safety, which provides 24/7 police and emergency response services on campus  

• Students can sign up for emergency text, email, and phone alerts through the university’s emergency notification system to receive immediate updates about severe weather or safety concerns 
• Residence halls are secured, and only authorized students and staff may enter with appropriate access  
• The university offers health services, counseling, and support resources to assist students in emergencies and personal situations 
• Ferris State is committed to maintaining a welcoming and secure environment so students can focus on their academic success