Important Steps - Checklist for Fall/Spring New Students

To access your MyFresnoState student portal you first need to create your personal Fresno State email. Please follow the instructions to create your account at https://fresnostate.edu/help/students/gmail/create.html or follow the prompts at https://googleapps.fresnostate.edu/signup/

Your student ID number can be found in your admissions welcome email or at the top of the Admissions letter. Once your email account is created, log into my.fresnostate.edu and check out your Student Center (within your student portal) where you can register for classes, update your address, pay your tuition and fees, and much more.  

If you forgot your Username or Password, or need to reset your password, visit https://fresnostate.edu/password. If you continue to have issues with your account and need further assistance, contact the Technology Services Help Desk.

Purchase Health Insurance Before Class Registration

As a condition of your enrollment at California State University, Fresno, you must purchase the approved insurance policy offered by JCB Gallagher. This will satisfy the California State University health insurance requirement.  

Note: you cannot register for classes until you purchase health insurance for Spring 2025. In this case, a hold called "INTL Insurance Verification" will be placed on your student portal record, preventing enrollment. The hold will be removed between 1 and 3 business days after completing your health insurance purchase.

For a step-by-step health insurance purchase guide, please go to this link.

For more information and instructions on purchasing, go to our Health Insurance page.

a) Visit the Dog Days International Orientation website for instructions and information. 

b) American English Institute (AEI) Students are not required to register for Dog Days International Orientation or pay the $70 non-refundable fee. 

If you have any questions, please email international@mail.fresnostate.edu. 

After you receive your Admission letter and I-20, you should be able to move on to apply for your student visa. Please see this link for more details https://cge.fresnostate.edu/international/admitted/visa.html

Please note that on-campus housing for Spring 2025 may be very limited. For on-campus dormitory applications, please click on the link. You are encouraged to explore off-campus housing options. 

For off-campus housing resources (that are close to campus), please click on this link.

Check and monitor your account holds and To Do List in your MyFresnoState Student Center periodically to make sure you are meeting all requirements.

IMPORTANT: THIS IS A UNIVERSITY ASSESSMENT. DO NOT CHEAT.  Help from others is NOT permitted during test, and may be reported as cheating on your record.

Undergraduate Students Only

Undergraduate transfer students who have satisfied the general education requirement of Quantitative Reasoning, GE B4 with a "C-" grade or higher may not need to take the ALEKS placement exam. Check your To-Do List on your Student Portal. If you see “INTL ALEKS Requirement” on your To-Do List, you must take the ALEKS test, and vice versa.  If you have any questions about what test you need to take to be placed in a certain level of Math classes, please reach out to your major advisor in your college advising center to confirm. General questions may be sent to the International Office at international@mail.fresnostate.edu. Make sure to include your Fresno State ID#."

For all first-time freshman, you must complete the following anytime before registering for any math course:

ALEKS Math Exam

Undergraduate students are required to place their appropriate mathematics courses through the ALEKS PPL system. ALEKS PPL is a learning and placement program. It uses adaptive questioning to determine your mathematical knowledge and skills quickly.

• Use this link to log in to the International student cohort ALEKS PPL system. Your ALEKS PPL CLASS CODE is: 6XK46-ADECA.
• Bookmark the Fresno State ALEKS PPL Portal.
• Complete the initial knowledge check. Take your time on this assessment, as the ALEKS PPL system will give you topics to study and practice which are appropriate to your skill level.
• Work in ALEKS PPL. Complete at least 70% of the ALEKS PPL pie chart before you arrive here at Fresno State. Take an additional practice placement to see your improvement.
• Proctored placement exams will be taken online through the ALKS PPL Portal. The PROCTOR PASSWORD is GOBULLDOGS1, please complete at least one practice test prior to taking the official exam.  
• For additional math placement information please visit the Math Department's Website here.

IMPORTANT ALEKS SET UP INSTRUCTIONS:

• Please note, your score will NOT be entered unless you show a picture ID when prompted. A Passport ID photo will be accepted.
• Set up a quiet place to work. Place your laptop or tablet with a webcam on a hard surface. Chromebooks will NOT work. 
• Don't lie down on a couch or bed while taking an exam. There is a greater chance you'll move out of the video frame or change your relative position to the webcam.
• TURN ON your web camera and make sure your face is clear. Light sources should come from behind the camera and in front of your face. Make sure little light comes from behind you.
• Don't take an exam in a dark room. Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats that extend beyond the forehead.
• Select a distraction-free environment for the exam. Televisions and other people in the room can draw your attention away from the screen. Other people that come into view of the webcam may also trigger flags by the automated system. Try to be in the room alone. Please inform other people that you are not to be disturbed while taking the placement.

All students in the U.S. must enroll full-time (12 credit hours for undergraduate—Bachelors—or 9 units for graduate—Masters) with only one (1-3 units) online/web course to count toward full-time enrollment requirements for maintaining their F-1/J-1 student status. 

All other classes must be in person. Failure to meet the requirement will result in the termination of the student’s SEVIS immigration record.

Before enrolling in classes, you need to complete 4 steps listed below with instructions. 

1. Create your Fresno State student account link

2. Register for the International Dog Day orientation  link

3. Purchase international student health insurance link

4. For undergraduate students only. Take Aleks test link; please follow the instructions on item 7 about Aleks tests

After you complete these 4 steps above, please contact your academic advisor. 

Graduate (Master level) Students:

For graduate (Master level) student class enrollment,  you MUST contact your graduate coordinator directly through this link.

Undergraduate (Bachelor level) Students:

Important Note: Students are responsible for choosing and enrolling in their own classes. 

• Class enrollment begins - Date to be determined.
• To meet with your academic advising center virtually, go to Major Advising Centers. If you do not know what college your major falls under, go to Major/Minors by College. 
• Students are required to enroll in General Education (GE) courses in order to receive their degree. Most first-time freshman take a minimum of three general education classes each semester during their first year. To meet the GE courses that are required by your major, please consult with your major advising center. 
• It’s an important reminder again that for all first-time freshmen, you must complete the ALEKS Math test before registering for any math course which is required to be completed within your first year at Fresno State. 

For technical steps on how to enroll your desired classes in the university system, you may click on this step-by-step instructions link on how to enroll in a class. We used the class of “University 1” as an example.

Click here for helpful videos to assist with registration and other online services.

• Tuition Deadline is January 13, 2025. You won’t need to pay your tuition until you are registered for classes. For class enrollment instructions, please refer to 9) Register for Classes instructions
• If you enroll in classes before Jan 13, your tuition fee is due on Jan 13, 2025. 
• If you enroll in classes after Jan 13, your tuition is due within 24 hours
  • if you don’t pay within 24 hours, you will receive a financial hold
    but your classes will NOT be dropped 
• International students can pay fees using Fresno State’s payments platform after login to your Fresno State student account at https://ps.fresnostate.edu/.
• International Payments
  • International payments are processed by Convera. This allows you, your parents, and sponsors to pay student fees in the currency of your choice and provides you with a simple and secure way to initiate a payment. Watch the video through this link to help you learn how to make a payment. Click here for Step-by Step-Instructions paying tuition by Convera.
  • For questions or the status on your international payment through Convera, connect with the Student Support Center: Convera GlobalPay 
• If paying the fees all at once is a lot for you, here are the Payment Plan instructions to pay in 3 installments.
• To review all fee payment options, please click on this link. 
• If you have difficulty making the payment by the deadline, please contact your international student advisor for other possible options. 
• IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you are enrolled and decide not to attend Fresno State, it is your responsibility to drop your classes. For a full refund, you must drop all your classes by the first day of instruction. 
• For important dates, please click on this link. 

If you remain enrolled in Spring 2025 after January 16, 2025, even if you are not attending classes, you will still be responsible for paying the Fresno State tuition fees. You can always check your class enrollment by logging into your My Fresno State portal

The following official documents must be delivered to the International Office Admissions Team by Thursday, May 2, 2025:

1. Official Transcripts
2. Official English Proficiency Exam
3. Official Graduation Certificate

Failure to provide official documents will result in an international hold on your account and will prevent you from enrolling in classes for your following semester.

If you are accepted to the university, please bring or mail your official final documents to:

California State University, Fresno
International Office
Attention: International Admissions
5150 N. Maple Ave. M/S JA56
Fresno, California 93740 USA

Submit Immunization Documentation

All incoming students will need to submit proof of immunizations listed on the Immunization Requirements handout. You must submit proof of your immunizations before you will be allowed to register for your second semester. Please review the Immunization Requirements new students along with the directions on how to upload your Immunization records. 

You will need the following documents to complete your health clearance requirements:

• All immunization records from childhood and adulthood. Please visit the Student Health portal to enter your immunization information and upload your documentation.  
• Any blood test results for Tuberculosis (TB) and chest x-ray reports if you have them.
• Please complete this TB Blood Test Verification Form and bring supporting documents to the Check-In Days.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your immunization record must be in English or your immunization record with an English translation will be accepted. 

If you have questions regarding the form or the university health immunization policy, you may contact the Student Health & Counseling Center.

Fresno State students are REQUIRED to obtain the following vaccines and undergo screening/risk assessment for Tuberculosis:

You are required to arrive on campus by January 6, 2025, to attend the Mandatory Immigration Check-In on January 7 & 8, and Mandatory In-Person Dog Days International Orientation on January 9, 2025, and related welcome events before the semester starts on January 16, 2025.

Arrival

Entry to the US

Helpful tips to avoid difficulties at the US Port of Entry 

• If this is your first time arriving at Fresno State campus, make sure to bring a valid passport, valid visa, I-20 with the current semester program start date, admission letter, financial documents, unofficial Fresno State transcript if you have enrolled in classes.
• Check for any travel restrictions or requirements before your departure to see if any updated restrictions that may apply to you. 
• At the border:
  • If asked, provide answers truthfully and to the best of your knowledge. Do not volunteer unrelated or unnecessary information.
  • Remember that your main goal as an F-1 visa holder is to study, not to pursue employment in the U.S. Therefore, if asked, provide appropriate answers.
  • Make sure to carry all important documents mentioned above in carry-on luggage, not check-in luggages.
    If asked, confidently tell officials at the border that Fresno State is offering both in person and virtual courses this semester.  We are NOT a fully online university.
  • If you are traveling back to the United States and need a travel signature or new I-20 or DS-2019, don't panic! When you reach your port of entry, explain the situation to the officer, and ask the officer to admit you to the United States with an I-515A. The I-515A will allow you entry to the United States in F-1 or J-1 status for 30 days. If you get an I-515A at the port, visit the International Office, and we will help you complete the requirements.

If the U.S. port of entry requires confirmation of your information from Fresno State, you may contact the Campus Police at 559-278-8400 (24 hours/7 days a week), who would be able to get hold of the International Office staff in a timely manner. 

Getting to Fresno
You may arrive in Fresno through different ways:

Air Travel  

Fresno has its own airport coded as FAT. When you purchase the international air ticket, you may choose Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) as your destination. The international flight from your home country may be connected through airports in other cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle etc, before arriving at Fresno Yosemite International Airport which is 15 minutes by taxi or car to Fresno State campus.

Greyhound Bus

Although most students would choose to arrive by airplane, you may also have the option to arrive in Fresno by Greyhound. Greyhound buses are a convenient and cheap way to travel to other cities or states. Their terminal is located downtown at 1033 Broadway (Broadway and Tulare) in Fresno (15 minutes by taxi/car to Fresno State campus).  For fare and schedule information call 1-800-231-2222 or the Fresno terminal at 559-268-1829.  Tickets may be purchased by going online to www.greyhound.com. A variety of promotions and special prices are available on their website.

AMTRAK Train

Fresno also has a train station that you may choose to arrive at. The main train service is Amtrak, and it is located downtown at 2650 Tulare, Bldg. B (Tulare and Q Street), 15 minutes by taxi/car to Fresno State campus.  For Fresno Station information you can call 559.486.7651. For reservation and schedule information call 1-800-872-7245 or go on-line at www.amtrak.com.

If your final destination is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), the readily available transportation from the airport to your destination (dormitory/apartment/friend’s house) is taking a taxi (cab) outside the airport, or using a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft (about $15-$25).
 
Make sure you have cash (about $30) if you are taking a cab and the address to your destination. If you are staying at an apartment, make prior arrangements with the apartment manager to meet you within one or two hours of your arrival at FAT to check you into the apartment.  If you arrive after office hours, you may need to check into a hotel to spend the night. See these links for hotel choices that are close to Fresno State:

• University Square Hotel (5 - minute walk to campus) 
• University Inn (5 - minute walk to campus)          
• Holiday Inn Express (30 - minute walk to campus)

Temporary Accommodations

1. Holiday Inn Express (30 - minute walk to campus, bus available)
   888.465.4329
   650 West Shaw Avenue, Clovis, CA 93612
   Ask for Special Fresno State Rate
2. Sonesta ES Suites Fresno (Bus to campus)
   559.222.8900
   5322 North Diana Ave, Fresno, CA 93710
   For Special Fresno State Rate provide PROMO CODE either online or over the phone: FRSA
3. TownePlace Suites Fresno Clovis (25 - minute walk to campus)
   559.251.7800
   580 W Shaw Ave
   Clovis, CA 93612
4. Hilton Garden Inn Clovis (30 - minute walk to campus)
   559.299.2203
   520 W Shaw Ave
   Clovis, CA 93612

For a list of other hotels and view hotel rates in the vicinity, check this link: 

https://www.hotels-rates.com/poi/us-ca-fresno-5765.html

Check-In

All new students need to complete a mandatory check-in regardless if you are here in the US or you wish to take online classes overseas. The check-in is mandatory by the US government. Not completing the check-in link may result in severe immigration consequences, such as I-20 termination.    

Documents to upload during Check-In:

• Copy of passport
• Copy of I-20
• Copy of Visa if available 
• Copy of I-94

Spring 2025 New International Student Mandatory Immigration Check-in will be held In-Person. The time and date will be 9am - 4pm on either January 7th or January 8th at the Library Room 2206 (click the link for the campus map). The In-Person Check-In includes:

1) Assistance to ensure smooth completion of mandatory check-in

2) Aleks Math and English placement instructions for undergraduate students

3) Class registration information and assistance

4) Immunization requirements

5) Submit official transcripts

6) Creating Fresno State account and campus ID card information

7) Don’t forget to pick up your welcome bag with goodies and info.

8) Join the International Student Association (optional and encouraged)

9) Opening a US bank account (optional)

Completion of check-in with the university is required to maintain your legal F-1 or J-1 status.

Submitting your official admission documents. 

Submit your required official admission documents to the International Office, located in the Joyal Administration building, Room 256 (see map): 

• Official Transcripts
• Official English Proficiency Exam
• Official Graduation Certificate

The deadline to provide official documents is Tuesday, December 1, 2024. Failure to provide official documents will result in an international hold on your account at the beginning of your second semester.

In-Person Spring 2025 Dog Days International Orientation for new students on Thursday, January 9, from 8 am - 5 pm.  The location is University Dining Hall (click the link for the location map). Students are required to arrive at 8:15 am on orientation day.

For more details Go to Dog Days International Orientation website link.

You will receive a link via your Fresno State email account to upload your photo AFTER you have completed the following steps: 

STEP 1: Make your Fresno State email account. 
STEP 2: Enroll in classes. 

Visit the Bulldog ID Card website for more information. 

Banking for International Students

This guide covers the basics of banking, credit cards, and finance for international students. 

Additionally, we have provided information and local banking options below.

How to open a bank account? 

To open an account at a bank, you will need to provide necessary identification, such as your passport and, sometimes, another form of identification, such as a student ID card.  Take your passport and other ID to the bank and tell a bank employee you would like to open an account. Make sure to mention that you are a student because many banks offer Free Banking for students. 

It’s a good idea to open a bank account in a bank close to where you live or your school for more convenience. However, banks might offer a variety of interest on saving accounts or different charges for money transfer and other services. Be sure to be informed and know which one suits you the best before opening your bank account.  

Checks

If you decide to write checks, try to record all the checks you write. Also, try to ask for a receipt from the person or company that you are writing the checks to. Below you can see how to fill out a check correctly:

Banks Close to Fresno State

Below you can find a few banks that are relatively close to Fresno State. They also don’t require a Social Security Number for you to open a bank account. Some other banks may ask for Social Security Number which most new international students don’t have.

It’s required by the U.S. government that all the address changes in the U.S. need to be reported to the University within 10 days of change.  

As soon as you have any address changes throughout your education at Fresno State, follow these steps to comply with the immigration requirements:

• Go to my.csufresno.edu website and log in.
• Once you log in, click on Student Self Service and then click on Student Center.
• On your Student Center, under the heading labeled Personal Information, you can change either your Home Address or your Mailing Address by clicking directly on the address link.
• Select the "Edit" button for the Address Type(s) you wish to change.
• Enter your new address information and click "OK".
• Verify the new address(es) and click SAVE.
• A confirmation message will appear indicating "The Save was successful"

Please make sure to update your local US cell phone number on your student portal with the same process.

After you arrive on campus, if you would like to get a local phone number SIM card, you may visit the International Office (Joyal Administration, Room 256) to get a SIM card. The plan details are listed here. Choosing this SIM card is completely optional.