Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for your arrival at USF
ONBOARDING
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Underlined words or phrases in this color indicate that they are links, and you can click on them to access the content!
TERMS VOCABULARY
Freshman is a first-year undergraduate student in college or university.
First Time in College (FTIC) - students who are attending a college or university for the first time, typically as freshmen.
Recommended but Voluntary - means that something is advised or suggested, but participation or compliance is optional. Individuals have the choice to follow it or not.
iStart – USF system for accessing all Immigration information, forms and contacting Immigration officers.
ONBOARDING GAME CHECKLIST
Complete the checklist to track your progress and unlock prizes upon completing the entire game
Explore the “MyBullspath” portal
Complete iStart
Pre-Arrival Checklist
Submit admissions deposit
Submit transcripts,
test scores & exam credits
Sign up & pay for the orientation
Complete
Immunization requirements
Apply for housing
ADMISSIONS DEPOSIT
Freshmen admitted to the University of South Florida are required to submit a $200 non-refundable admission deposit by May 1 for either Summer or Fall, or by November 1 for Spring admission.
The admission deposit will be credited to the student’s account and applied toward their first-semester tuition. The admission deposit will be waived for admitted freshmen who demonstrate significant financial need on a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) submitted by USF’s priority deadline.
Admitted freshmen are encouraged to pay the deposit online via OASIS (USF’s Online Access Student Information System). Online payment is the University’s preferred payment method. Checks and money orders submitted to the Cashier’s Office (SVC 1039) are also acceptable forms of payment.
Resources:
ADMISSIONS
International students may contact the Office of International Admissions at international@usf.edu if they have questions about their:
.
admissions' application
admissions' scholarships
Florida residency status
.
.
Submission of Transcripts
Test Scores
Exam Credits to USF
Freshman Students Only
Freshman students must submit a final high school transcript and any college transcripts from dual enrollment courses immediately after their high school graduation marks are included in their transcript.
Admission to USF depends upon the receipt of students’ final transcripts.
USF can cancel a student’s admission offer and/or withhold financial aid (including Bright Futures) if this information is not received by the first day of class.
Final transcripts must include the following:
Original documents in the native language they were issued in,
Final diploma or statement of completion,
Certified English translations if applicable,
Any final exam certificates or marksheets. Some common foreign exam scores include: AP, IB, GCSE/IGCSE, CSEC/CAPE, CBSE, and WAEC.
Students may contact the International Admissions Team at international@usf.edu with questions about their final transcripts.
For assistance in translating documents into English, the Office of International Services recommends using the American Translators Association at https://www.atanet.org/.
ORIENTATION SIGN UP
SIGN UP
Orientation is required for all First Time in College (FTIC) and Transfer students. During orientation, students will meet their USF faculty and staff, and learn about academic expectations, insurance and immunization requirements, as well as health and safety resources on campus. Orientation helps to prepare students for their first year at USF, easing their transition to the university.
Be sure to review the Office of Orientation’s website to find upcoming orientation dates.
For any Orientation-related questions, please contact myorientation@usf.edu.
MyBullspath is a one-stop onboarding portal that allows students to complete their tasks all in one place (like registering for orientation or applying for housing).
The portal is designed for newly admitted undergraduate students, both domestic and international, for all three USF campuses
(Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee).
Follow these steps to access MyBullsPath
Students must use their NetID and password to log into the MyBullsPath portal.
Students will then see a series of "cards." Each card represents a task or series of tasks that students need to complete. These cards are color-coded, showing students which tasks they still need to complete:
- Green means the task has been completed.
- Red means the task needs to be completed.
- Yellow means the task is in progress.
- Gray means the task will need to be completed in the future.
Follow the steps in the portal to complete any necessary tasks.
IMMUNIZATIONS
IMMUNIZATIONS
All students must provide proof of immunization requirements to be in compliance with the USF Student Health & Wellness Center and the state of Florida.
These requirements include:
Mandatory: Two Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccines or a blood titer test received within five years of the student’s program start date, showing immunity to measles and rubella.
Mandatory (for all students who use an international address at the time of application): Tuberculosis screening (Skin test or blood test via T-Spot or QFT) completed within 6 months prior to the 1st semester that students physically attend classes on any of the USF campuses.
Recommended but Voluntary: Three Hepatitis B vaccines or a blood titer test received within the last five years of the student’s program start date that shows immunity. Students may also formally decline these immunizations through their OASIS accounts or via the Medical History and Immunization Form.
Recommended but Voluntary: Proof of a meningitis vaccine (received after a student’s 16th birthday), or a blood titer test received within the last five years of the student’s program start date that shows immunity. Students may also formally decline this immunization through their OASIS accounts or via the Medical History and Immunization Form.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Resources to Help Students Complete Their
USF Immunization Requirements
Students may use the Medical History and Immunization Form to submit proof of their requirements. This form requires formal authorization from a healthcare provider, so students should make sure to leave enough time to complete this task for their enrollment.
Students may also visit the Student Health Services website for more information on their USF immunization requirements.
Students may send immunization questions to Student Health Services.
Students are not permitted to register for courses until their immunization results have been received and approved by USF Health Services, so be sure to submit this information in a timely fashion.
Please allow 3-5 business days for USF Health Services to review and respond to students, following submission of immunization documents
IMMUNIZATIONS
Guidance for Uploading a Completed Immunization Form
Students may choose from the following two options to upload their completed immunization forms:
- Students may log in to MyBullsPath using their NetID and password.
- After clicking on the "Submit Required Health Documents" card, students may submit their form directly through this portal.
- Students may then Click "Submit Medical History & Immunization Form" at the top of the page. They will then be prompted to upload the documents from their device to MyBullsPath.
- Students may submit their immunization documents directly to the university through Student Health Services.
Tuberculosis Screening is required for all students who use an international address at the time of application. Screening must be completed within 6 months prior to the 1st semester you physically attend classes on any of the USF campuses.
IMMUNIZATIONS
For more information about the university's immunization requirements, please visit the Student Health Services website.
For guidance on how to complete your USF immunization requirements, please review:
HOUSI G
Housing options are LIMITED. Students should allow 5-6 months prior to their arrival to USF to research and select an on- or off-campus housing option that they believe will be safe, convenient, and comfortable to them.
Students are urged to submit their housing applications as soon as possible, as the rooms on-campus tend to fill up very quickly.
Students may contact the USF Housing and Residential Education team directly at housing@usf.edu with questions about on-campus housing.
Please visit the USF Housing and Residential website for more information for questions about their housing application and on-campus housing costs.
The links below provide students with resources to identify apartment rentals in
Tampa, Sarasota & St. Petersburg
The first site also has great additional resources like budget breakdowns, roommate considerations, and renters insurance information.
Students should consider the following issues when selecting off-campus housing:
Read and Understand the Lease: Students should always read a lease and agree to its terms before signing this legal contract. Students are encouraged to ask someone they trust about the terms of their lease agreement to ensure that they understand it.
Inspecting Rental Property: Students may also invite a trusted person to accompany them when inspecting the rental property. It is important to make note of any damage to the property before signing a lease.
Do NOT sign multiple leases. This includes signing both off-campus and on-campus housing leases. USF Housing will not allow students to breach a signed lease agreement if they sign an off-campus lease. Off-campus housing facilities will also not allow students to breach these legal contracts if they sign multiple leases.
Complete iStart
Pre-Arrival Checklist
REACHING US
Preferred: Use iStart to request travel signatures, letters, I-20 reprints, extensions, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). You can download the I-20 and letters directly from iStart. You can then print for your use. Simple and easy!
Most processes can be initiated in iStart so be sure to check there first to see if your question has a quick answer.
Attend Virtual Drop-In times via Teams (sign up: Virtual Drop-In E-Form in iStart)
Mondays – 11 AM -1 PM
Tuesdays – 11 AM – 1 PM
Wednesdays – 11 AM – 1 PM
Thursdays – 1 PM – 2 PM
Fridays – 11 AM – 1 PM