Admitted International Students/Pre-Arrival Information
Congratulations on your admission to Youngstown State University (YSU)! Below you will find information that will assist you as you prepare for your arrival in Youngstown to begin your academic life at YSU. Everyone at the International Programs Office (IPO) is looking forward to welcoming you to campus.
Important dates, and items, for the Fall 2025 semester:
- Arrange housing now- BEFORE arriving: Complete the Residence Hall application – if choosing to live on campus: Students who are starting at YSU in the Fall 2025 semester are strongly encouraged, though not required, to live on campus in the Residence Halls.
- Tuesday August 12, 2025 – Residence Halls available for OPTIONAL early arrival.
- Residence Halls are available for OPTIONAL early arrival as of Tuesday, August 12, 2025; this is only available to students who have signed their contract to live in the Residence Halls for the 2025-2026 academic year, and there is a per night fee.
- Thursday, August 14, 2025 – Arrival Day
- If living in the YSU Residence Halls, may move in this day with NO additional fees.
- YSU will offer airport pickup from Pittsburgh International Airport on August 14, 2025 at 12:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 10:30 p.m. To register for YSU airport pickup, please follow this link: YSU Airport Pick-up Registration. Once you register, you will be required to follow this link to pay the $40 Airport Pickup Fee to confirm your reservation.
- The deadline to register for Airport Pickup is Friday, August 8, 2025. If you will be arriving on another day/time and require airport transportation to Youngstown from the nearest airports:
- Friday August 15 - August 22 Mandatory In-Person International Student Orientation
- All Students must be physically present for the entire duration of Orientation beginning on August 15. Students that are unable to attend the first day of Orientation will be required to defer their admission to a future semester.
- Students will be provided with a detailed Orientation Schedule upon arrival.
- Monday, August 25, 2025, first day of classes/courses
*More information is coming soon.
Additional information:
OBTAINING YOU F-1 OR J-1 VISA:
Please follow this link to the International Programs Office for detailed information about Obtaining your F-1 or J-1 Visa
VACCINATIONS:
It is mandatory that you provide either proof that you have had a recent negative Tuberculosis (TB) test or that you have a test once you arrive at Youngstown State University. If you do not bring proof of a negative TB test, we will arrange for this testing during Orientation.
Please see the Student Health website for a memo from the doctor on immunizations.
You will be required to have the following vaccinations and must upload proof of immunizations to Youngstown State University.
If you will live on campus, you will be required to provide documentation to the University of your meningococcal and Hepatitis B vaccination status. This is a state law of Ohio.
- T-dap: One (1) adult dose in the last 10 years
- Hepatitis B: Three (3) doses of Hepatitis B OR lab report confirming immunity
- MMR: Two (2) doses of MMR (second one must have occurred on or after first birthday) OR Two (2) doses of Measles, Two (2) doses Mumps, and One (1) dose of Rubella OR lab reporting confirming immunity for each.
- Varicella: Two (2) doses of varicella OR Lab report confirming immunity
- Polio: Four (4) doses of IPV or OPV. Only required for those students who will be younger than 18 at the start of the semester.
- Meningococcal conjugate (ACWY): One (1) dose since age 16
Placement Testing, Advising, and Registration (Undergraduate Students Only)
NOTE: Placement tests must be taken PRIOR to your arrival at YSU. Once your visa has been approved, you will be eligible to take your placement exams. You cannot register for classes without completing your required placement tests. A representative from the Testing Center will email you with more information based on your individual testing requirements. Please be patient and wait until you receive an email to schedule your placement assessments.
Placement test scores allow your academic advisor to know which Math and English classes you are prepared to take. Instructions on taking these tests will only be sent to your YSU student email.
Once your placement tests are completed and your Visa has been uploaded, notification will be sent within seven (7) business days to your YSU student email indicating your academic advisor's name and contact information. You will then be eligible to meet with an academic advisor virtually, and your advisor will help you register for classes.
Patient Consent Form (REQUIRED ONLY FOR STUDENTS UNDER THE AGE OF 18)
Wick at YSU Flyer
BSMH Patient Agreement Form
PLEASE NOTE:
This form is ONLY to be completed by students who are under the age of 18.
You must PRINT THIS FORM before your arrival to YSU and have it completed and signed by your Personal Representative (Parent or Guardian) to submit to Wick Primary Care upon your arrival.
TUITION & FEES:
Tuition and fees are calculated after you are registered for classes. Upon registration, an invoice will be sent to your YSU email account. You will be responsible for paying that invoice soon after receipt. The preferred method of payment by YSU is via an international wire transfer. For international transfers, YSU has two options. (1) Transfer Mate and (2) Flywire.
If you wish to bring a bank draft, use the tuition estimator for an estimate of your tuition costs. NOTE: The actual cost of tuition may vary depending on how many credits you register for and lab/course fees. You must be prepared to pay the difference upon arrival to campus and course registration.
HEALTH INSURANCE
All international students are required to purchase the YSU International Student Health Insurance Plan as a condition of enrollment at the university and will not be permitted to waive the coverage. Exceptions may apply for international students who are covered under a government sponsor or a select international organization, or who are covered as a US-based employee or a dependent of a US-based employee, with US-based health insurance provided through that employment.
The student health insurance will automatically be charged to the student’s account upon registration for classes.
ACCEPTING FINANCIAL AID AWARDS:
If you have been awarded an International Housing Award or Honors Award, you must accept your award through Financial Aid. To accept your award, follow the steps below.
Printable Version*
Official documents, required to maintain enrollment:
The university must receive official paper copies of new student transcripts, and degree certificates, so students may maintain enrollment with Youngstown State University.
Important notes about official documents:
- Certified English translation: If an Official transcript or Degree/Certificate is issued in a language other than English, it must be submitted with a certified English translation. This means will submit BOTH the official document in the language of the institution the document is from, AND the certified English translation.
- Documents must come in a sealed envelope… with an official seal/stamp/signature on the envelope flap.
- If the English proficiency has not been waived … Request the test center to send the official Language Test Report directly to YSU Office of International Admissions (code: 1975)
Students may pack and bring official documents with them to orientation … or mail/post the official documents, to the International Programs Office (IPO).
Mail-in Address (for international students only):
Office of International Admissions
Jones Hall 1042
1 Tressel Way,
Youngstown, OH 44555, USA
IPO Phone: +1 (330) 941-2336
Important- Official documents are needed to maintain enrollment: If students fail to submit official transcripts and certificates/diplomas before the last day to withdraw from the term, they will be administratively withdrawn from the University. All scholarships awarded will be rescinded and the student’s SEVIS record will be terminated. They will no longer be a student at YSU.
International Student Pre-Arrival Checklist: Fall 2025
- You have registered for Mandatory In-Person International Student Orientation beginning on August 15.
- Based on your individual testing requirements, you have taken your required Math and English Placement Tests (Undergraduate Students Only).
- You have met with your YSU academic advisor and registered for classes.
- If you are living in YSU Campus Housing, you have enrolled in a YSU payment plan or have paid your YSU bill in full to be eligible to move into your room. If you are living off-campus, you should have already made living arrangements. IPO does not provide assistance with off-campus housing.
- If you are living off-campus, you understand that you are responsible for providing your own meals. If you live off-campus, you can purchase a YSU Meal Plan by visiting Guest Services located in Kilcawley Center.
- You have followed the steps to create your YSU Identification Card, including uploading a photo to the ID card portal.
- Your vaccinations are up to date, and you have uploaded them to MedProctor. For more information about immunizations and instructions for uploading your records please follow this link: YSU Immunization and Vaccination Information.
- You have made financial arrangements to cover your Fall Semester costs to attend YSU.
Accepted payment methods include U.S. certified bank drafts, wire transfers using Flywire/Transfer Mate, or enrollment in a YSU payment plan. The cashier’s office does not accept cash, no exceptions. - If you will arrive on August 14 at the Pittsburgh International Airport and require transportation to YSU, you have registered for the YSU airport pick-up shuttle available at 12:30pm, 6:30pm, and 10:30pm. If you arrive before August 14, you must arrange your own transportation. Please note that YSU will only offer transportation on August 14 from the Pittsburgh International Airport.
- Your immigration documents required for travel and entry to the U.S. are organized in a travel folder. These documents include your passport, visa, and I-20. They should be kept in a safe place to prevent them from being lost during your travel. Please also ensure that you have signed and dated your I-20 at the bottom of Page 1 before entering the U.S.
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