Newly Accepted F-1 Students

All official communication will be sent to your student email and new tasks may appear in Workday that require action.

Check your student email and Workday regularly for required tasks and important updates. 

Access Student Email

Workday for Students

We use placement information to determine the courses you will take in your first semester.

All students must submit valid placement information for the subjects English, Math, and in some cases, Science. 

• Review the list of acceptable documents, test scores, and transcripts that can be used to satisfy placement requirements. 
• You cannot register for classes until your English and Math placement requirements have been satisfied. 
• It is your responsibility to ensure placement requirements have been satisfied so you can register for classes.
• If you are unsure of what placement information you need to submit, check your "My Tasks" in Workday.

Note: Non-US high school transcripts and unofficial transcripts  cannot be used for course placement or transfer credit evaluation. To have transfer credit reviewed and applied, you must submit official final transcripts for evaluation.  How to submit official transcripts

(Part 1 of 2) Online Orientation: You will receive a task in Workday to complete the online orientation for F-1 students. This self-paced orientation introduces Columbus State and connects you to key academic and personal resources. 

(Part 2 of 2) Mandatory In-person Orientation:

2027 Spring Semester In-Person Orientation Information:

To verify that you are in the U.S. and ready to start on the first day of classes, we will hold an in-person orientation session. At orientation, you will check in with our DSOs, update your information, submit any missing documents, and finalize last minute tasks such as course registration. RSVP below to attend and receive updates, including any last-minute changes.

In-person orientation for spring semester will be held on January 13, 2027 in the AEP Boardroom, Mitchell Hall from 10 am – noon. Your attendance is mandatory.

RSVP to in-person orientation

After you have submitted placement information and completed the online orientation, you will receive a task in Workday to attend a Course Registration Workshop where you will register for classes. In-person and virtual workshops are available but require registration in advance.

As an F-1 student, you must follow specific enrollment rules to maintain your immigration status. If you do not meet these requirements, your F-1 status may be terminated, which could affect your ability to stay in the U.S. and continue your studies.

Each autumn and spring semester, you must:

• Register for at least 12 credit hours.
• Take at least 9 credit hours of in-person classes.
• Take no more than 3 credit hours online or live online that count toward your required 12 credit hours.

Tip: When registering for classes, let your advisor or New Student Coach know that you are an F-1 student and you must follow these enrollment requirements. While we will do our best to assist you, it is your responsibility as the F-1 visa holder to register properly.

To connect with a New Student Coach for registration support or questions about your program, visit campus during drop-in hours. 

Contact a New Student Coach

Please note, you may be asked to register for a future Course Registration Workshop. 

Submit your Columbus State SEVIS transfer letter to your DSO. You and your DSO will set a date for your SEVIS record to be released to Columbus State. Once your record is released, you can expect to receive your new I-20 within 15 business days.

Complete any tasks in Workday such as submitting final transcripts or placement testing if transfer credit is not awarded. See "Submit Placement Information"

You must submit your final official transcript once your current term or semester ends. In-progress transcripts will not be used to determine transfer credit.

If you have attended multiple U.S. colleges, you must submit official transcripts from each institution for your credit to be considered.

How to submit official transcripts

Once your official transcript is received, Columbus State will review your coursework to determine:

• Whether your previous courses are eligible for transfer credit
• How those credits apply toward your Columbus State degree or program requirements

The evaluation process typically takes 7-10 business days. You will receive a notification in your student email account when the evaluation is complete.

F-1 visa appointment procedures vary by country and U.S. consulate. Check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you plan to apply for your visa for the most current instructions and requirements.

In general, you should expect to provide:

• Form I-20
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
• DS-160 Form
• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
• Financial documentation showing your ability to cover tuition and living expenses
• Columbus State acceptance letter
• Passport-sized photos meeting U.S. visa requirements

Always check the specific requirements of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply.

If you are entering the U.S. for the first time as an F-1 student, you may only enter during a specific period listed on your I-20.

• The earliest you are permitted entry with your valid F-1 visa is listed under the “EARLIEST ADMISSION DATE” on page 1 on your I-20.
• The last date which you are permitted entry is the “PROGRAM START DATE”

When planning your trip, ensure your U.S. entry lands between these dates.

Columbus State does not provide on-campus housing. Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. Review local housing resources before arriving in Columbus.

The Student Wellbeing Resource Center offers some housing resources.

In-person Orientation: January 13

Fee payment deadline: January 13

Semester start date: January 18

Review the Academic Calendar.