Frequently asked questions

Class registration

Who can help me pick courses? Undergraduate and graduate students should consult the Academic Coordinator in their department to select courses. If you're not sure who your Academic Coordinator is, then please contact Jane Kinkel.

When can I register for classes? You may register for classes when you have been admitted to the University and when all your registration holds are lifted.

What is a measles hold? WSU requires that all incoming Pullman students meet the immunization requirements prior to class registration. WSU Spokane students are not required to provide proof of this immunization. If you have a measles hold on your registration, please contact the Office of Student Affairs to have that hold lifted.

How do I register for classes? Once you get all registration holds lifted, you can register for classes online with a WSU Network ID and password.

Housing

What are the housing options at WSU Spokane? There is no on-campus housing at WSU Spokane. However, it is not difficult to find an apartment in Spokane. We offer a host family program for incoming international students. The family will pick you up at the Spokane International Airport and house you for several days while you look for an apartment. There are often other WSU Spokane students who can help you with your apartment search.

How can I find housing off-campus? Please visit the WSU Spokane housing webpage to see current student housing surveys, local apartment guides, and useful information for renting an apartment.

What should I do if I don't have housing when I arrive? You probably don't want to have housing arranged before you arrive. Students are often disappointed if they sign a housing contract for an apartment they have never seen. Leases are legal documents, and you sign a one-year lease, then you are committed to pay rent for that apartment for one year. The best option is sign up to have a host family and look carefully over the housing webpage to gather as much information as you can before you arrive in Spokane. You can make appointments to visit apartments that interest you. Most students can find an apartment in 3-4 days of searching.

Orientation

When does the New International Student Orientation begin? New International Student Orientation will be held on the Wednesday before classes begin. You will receive an email about the time and location.

Do I have to attend the orientation? Yes! All incoming F-1 and J-1 students who are new to WSU are required to attend the orientation.

What should I do if I cannot arrive before the orientation starts? The US Immigration Service requires that you report to your international student advisor upon arrival at WSU Spokane. If you miss the orientation, please come to Academic Center 130 as soon as you arrive in Spokane.

Travel

What documents are required for entering the U.S.? You should carry the following items with you when traveling to the U.S. Do not pack them in check-in luggage!

Valid passport
Valid F-1/J-1 visa (except for Canadian citizens)
Valid WSU I-20/DS-2019
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt (if applicable)
Financial verification (e.g. assistantship letter, bank statement, scholarship letter, etc.)

What should I do if I encounter some problems upon entry to the U.S.? Your international student advisor's work phone number is 509.358.7534. Emergency phone number for nights or weekends is 509.280.9757. Please carry these numbers with you when you travel. If you encounter some problems at the port of entry, a customs officer can reach your advisor at one of these numbers at any time.

Transfer Students

When do I get a WSU I-20? If you are going to travel out of the U.S. before arriving at WSU, you will be issued a transfer-pending I-20. This is a temporary document for travel and re-entry. Please contact Liz West to request a transfer I-20 from WSU. Please remember that you cannot be issued a transfer I-20 until your immigration (SEVIS) record has been released to WSU Spokane and your Transfer-in Form (PDF) is completed confirming your eligibility for school transfer. If you will not travel out of country before arriving at WSU, you will obtain a permanent WSU I-20 once you complete the immigration check-in with your international student advisor during the orientation.

Do I need to renew my F-1 visa to attend WSU? Not necessarily. Your F-1 visa stamp is permission to enter the country. It does not determine your length of stay in the U.S. or which school you can attend. As long as your visa was once used to attend the school whose name is annotated on the visa, there is no need to obtain a new F-1 visa until your current one expires.

How do I know which credits from my previous school will be transferable? Jane Kinkel assists WSU Spokane undergraduate students with transfer credit questions. Graduate students should consult their major professor in their department.

Money Matters

When should I pay the tuition? Tuition and other mandatory fees are due the first day of class. Late fees are assessed on unpaid tuition and fees and are significant. Make sure that your tuition is paid on time.

How do I pay the tuition? The Office of Student Affairs (Academic Center 130) accepts tuition payment by cash, check, e-payment, debit or credit card (MasterCard, Discover and American Express). In addition, you can pay tuition online at www.zzusis.wsu.edu . Please note that there is often a limit to the dollar amount that can be charged on a debit/credit card per day. International students often have to spread their tuition payments over a 2-3 day period, so don't wait until the last day to start paying tuition if you choose to pay by credit card!

How should I bring money from home for tuition and living? Do not carry large sums of cash with you when you travel. Traveler's checks are a secure way of transporting money. If you carry more than $10,000 worth of money, you will be required to declare at customs upon entry to the country. Also, read some useful tips on arrangements with your bank in the home country.

How can I open a bank account in Spokane? Opening a bank account is fairly easy. There are numerous banks to choose from in Spokane. Most banks require only a passport and student identification to open a bank account. Until you arrive at WSU Spokane, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the banking system in the U.S.

Future

International Students