Are there students at Cal Poly from my country?
There are 37 countries represented by Cal Poly students:

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Lebanon, Macau, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Vietnam.

This list changes every quarter, so contact Susan Tripp for the listed information.

How much does it cost to live in San Luis Obispo?
Refer to the International Admissions Budget web page for information on tuition and living expenses at Cal Poly. Refer to the Cal Poly Housing web page for housing costs on and off-campus.

How much does tuition cost?
Quarterly fees for tuition and payment schedules can be found online.

What student housing options are there?
Refer to the Cal Poly Housing Page for information. There is on-campus housing in residence halls and in student apartments. Students in residence halls are required to purchase a meal plan. There are also apartments and rooms to rent close to campus.

What are the health insurance requirements?
International students must have a health insurance policy that meets certain criteria. For more information on the requirements, go to the IEP health insurance web page.

How do I establish a U.S. bank account?
Many banks require a Social Security Number, and some do not. See the listing of local banks and credit unions in the International Student Handbook and contact them for their account requirements.

I just got accepted! What do I need to do now?
The International Education and Programs office will mail an orientation packet to you with welcome information and the mandatory orientation session, health insurance information, the International Student Handbook, a class schedule for your first quarter, and registration information. New students should read the new student registration information provided by the Office of Academic Records.

How do I get my I-20?
Admissions will issue your I-20 to you. Contact your admissions associate to let them know the address you wish to have your I-20 mailed to. If you are transferring from another U.S. institution, see the Admissions transfer checklist.

How do I get a student visa?
Information on obtaining a student visa is on the IEP web page.

How do I register for classes?
New students should read the new student registration information provided by the Office of Academic Records. If you still have trouble, contact the Office of Academic Records at 805-756-2531 or e-mail Susan Tripp in International Education and Programs.

What is the SEVIS Fee and do I need to pay it?
Before students apply for their first J-1 or F-1 visa, most are subject to paying the FMJ fee, also known as the “SEVIS Fee.” Information on the SEVIS fee, who needs to pay it, and how to pay it are found on the IEP web page: Obtaining a Visa to Study in the U.S. and on the Department of Homeland Security web page of I-901 Instructions.

How do I maintain status?
See the Maintaining Status section of the International Student Handbook and the Responsibilities of F-1 Visa Holder and Responsibilities of F-1 Visa Holder pages on the IEP web site.

What do I do if I move?
If you move, you need to notify the IEP office within 10 days. You may do this by e-mailing your new address to Susan Tripp, by filling out the data form in the IEP office (38-108), or by updating the personal information channel in My.CalPoly.edu.

What is Priority Registration and how do I use it?
Undergraduate students are eligible to use a total of three terms of Priority Registration during their career at Cal Poly. New students are eligible to registration as New Students their first quarter. In subsequent years, they must use one of 3 priority registration allocations. Transfer students are eligible to use a priority for their second term of enrollment. As only three terms of Priority Registration are allowed, students are cautioned to plan accordingly. Exchange students register as Exceptions each quarter. Please refer to the my.calpoly.edu 'Registration and Status Channel' to check for available/remaining priorities. If priority terms are available, you will have access to register during the appropriate registration time-frame during the Priority Registration window (See the Current Registration Rotation Schedule for dates) and you will be prompted as to whether you would like to use a 'priority'.

How do I set up an account in the web portal, MyCalPoly.edu?
For information on the Cal Poly web portal, how to access it, customize it, and use it, please see the ITS My Cal Poly Support web page. If you applied for regular admission through the Admissions Office, then Admissions will set up your portal access. If you are an exchange participant and are having trouble accessing the portal, contact Susan Tripp for your user name and temporary password. Your temporary password expires after seven days, so please log in promptly and create a permanent password.

How do I activate my Cal Poly e-mail account?
For information on your Cal Poly e-mail account, how to activate it and create your password, please see the ITS New Account page.

How do I get a Cal Poly ID card?
Once you have enrolled in classes, you may get your Poly Card. Use this card for access to the library, health center, and recreation (rec) center.

How do I check out books in the library?
Use your Poly Card to check out books. See the Kennedy Library web page for more information on using the library.

How do I contact an academic advisor?
There is an advising center in every college at Cal Poly except for the College of Agriculture. Agriculture students should enquire at their department office. If you are an exchange student, you should contact your Faculty Exchange Coordinator at Cal Poly for academic advising and help selecting classes.

How can I get help improving my grades and doing better on exams?
If you feel you are having trouble in class, please let Dr. Andre know. Her office is in 38-107 and her e-mail is bandre@calpoly.edu. You should also seek help from the Academic Advising Center for your college and from tutoring centers in your college. If you are an exchange student, please contact your Faculty Exchange Coordinator.

Who is my Faculty Exchange Coordinator (FEC)?
A list of Departmental Exchanges and contacts for each program is located on the IEP Exchanges Agreements web page.

Are there tutors to help me?
There are many places to go on campus for free tutoring: The Learning Center provides free tutoring in math and physics for all majors. It is located in Bldg. 52, Rm. C20. There is also free tutoring in a variety of subjects available in Bldg. 10, Rm. 134 from 8am to 9pm. Cal Poly's Computer Science Department offers tutoring, free of charge, for all students taking CSC courses. Tutoring hours are Sunday through Thursday, 7-9pm, in 14-302. The Academic Skills Center has a tutoring referral service. The Statistics Club offers free tutoring in 52-A03. The Mathematics Tutoring Lab provides free tutoring for all lower division mathematics courses up to and including Math 242. They are also in 52-A03. The College of Business Tutoring & Peer Advisement Center in the Business Building - Room 308 (03-308) has tutoring.

I’m feeling kind of stressed out. What can I do?
The health center offers free, confidential mental health counseling services. If you feel you need some help dealing with personal issues of anxiety, stress, depression, grief, homesickness, or anything at all, go to counseling services early on. Their professional counselors will be glad to assist you and your visits and what you discuss with them is completely confidential, just between you and your counselor. The sooner you get help, the easier and quicker it will be to get you back on track and feeling good again. You may call for an appointment at 805-756-2511.

Can I work in the U.S.?
All international students may work on campus, and you may be eligible for several off-campus employment options. See the IEP Work Authorization web page for more info.

Do I need a Social Security Number? How do I get one?
If you want to work (even on campus) your employer will require that you have a Social Security Number (SSN.) If you need a Social Security Number, please request a sponsor letter from Barbara Andre in International Education and Programs, 38-107. You will then present this letter together with a letter from your employer, your DS-2019 or I-20, passport and I-94 to the local Social Security Office in San Luis Obispo. They will require you to fill out an application to obtain your Social Security number. The application takes a couple of weeks to process. After applying, show the receipt from you’re application to your employer and immediately show your employer your Social Security card once you receive it. It is your employer’s responsibility to correctly record your Social Security number on their payroll records. A Social Security Number or a letter of denial from the Social Security Administration is required to obtain a California Driver License. For more information on Social Security, please go to the Social Security Administration website.

How do I get a California Driver License or California ID card?
Students who are new to California can get information on applying for a California Driver License or ID, card, and can make an appointment by going to the DMV web page. The DMV office in San Luis Obispo is at 3190 South Higuera Street. For a list of hours see the DMV San Luis Obispo web page. Take your Social Security Card or letter of denial from Social Security, your passport, visa, I-94, and I-20 or DS-2019 with you when you go to the DMV office.

How can I arrange for my parents come to my commencement ceremony?
Dr. Barbara Andre can write a letter for your parents to take to their local U.S. Consulate or Embassy to request a temporary visa so they may attend your graduation ceremony. Dr. Andre’s office is in 38-107 and can be reached by e-mail at bandre@calpoly.edu or by phone at 805-756-5837.

How do I get my transcript?
An official transcript must be requested at the Office of Academic Records in building 001, Room 222. You may request the transcript prior to completing your final quarter. If you notify them that you are an exchange student, you will not be charged the $4.00 fee for the first copy. If you have already left Cal Poly, you may request a transcript by downloading the Transcript Request Form, filling it out, and faxing or mailing it to the Office of Academic Records. You may download an unofficial transcript by logging onto MustangInfo. For more information about transcripts, grades, and diplomas, see the Office of Academic Records FAQ page.

Where can I go to make friends and learn about American culture?
International Student Programs and Services sponsors informative sessions and social gatherings throughout the year to promote cultural exchange and awareness, and to assist you with life at Cal Poly. See the Holistic Program web page for a description of the program and for a list of upcoming events. The International Club organizes hiking trips, travel excursions, sports tournaments, barbecue’s, and other social activities. Contact Dr. Andre for information about the International Club.

Where can I find scholarships or financial aid?
Try this list of resources