Pre-arrival guide

After you confirm your offer, you will receive an email from a Hofstra team member with your Student ID number. Once you have this, follow the instructions in the email to activate your Hofstra Portal. Log in to your Hofstra email daily and turn on notifications to respond to important emails. You can also forward your Hofstra emails to your personal email address to make sure you don’t miss important information.

We offer a variety of visa support services through PASS, our Pre-arrival Success Services program. If you are applying for an F-1 visa for the first time, we recommend you join a PASS webinar and then sign up for a 1:1 PASS session. These sessions are required for Chinese students and are recommended for students from other countries.

How can PASS help you?

1. Attend one of our information and preparatory workshops. We offer different types of virtual webinars and workshops about the F-1 visa process. For more information, check out our events page.

2. Register for a one-on-one visa interview prep with a PASS advisor.

3. Read more about the steps to applying for a US F-1 visa.

Living on campus? If you are interested in living in campus housing, please reach out to INTOHofstra@hofstra.edu. A deposit will be required.

Want to know your residence hall assignment? In order to get your housing assignment details, you need to submit your flight details through the arrivals portal. Your residence hall assignment will be sent to you in an email confirming your arrival prior to orientation.

Living off campus? Students are responsible for securing their own off-campus housing. For more information, please visit the Hofstra off-campus housing website. There's a lot involved in moving into a new place. We strongly suggest that students living off campus move into their residence before their program start date.

1. Visit the Hofstra Student Health page to read about required immunizations and COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.

2. Log in to your Hofstra Portal, find the App Menu on the top right and select the Medicat App. Then, select Immunizations and upload your immunization records.

To attend Hofstra University, you must have:

• Proof of vaccination against or documented immunity to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

• Proof of vaccination against, documented immunity to or declination of meningitis.

All immunization and vaccination records must be in English and must be uploaded prior to arrival in the US. Documents need to be reviewed and then approved by Hofstra’s Student Health services for students to continue their studies. This takes several days, so please allow time for this process. Some students may need to get vaccinations after they arrive, so upload the documents as early as you can.

Pay your full tuition before arrival. For online payment and wire information, please refer to the links on your offer letter or go here.

To support your arrival, please submit your flight details on the arrivals portal. Here, you will also be able to indicate if you would like us to provide you with an airport transfer to campus. This is available to you at no cost. If you indicate that you need to be picked up, a Hofstra team member will contact you to provide pick-up details.

If you require airport transportation, please download WhatsApp and message the International Programs team at (516) 736-1285.

Arriving early? If you are arriving early and would like to book a hotel, this website has a list of recommended hotels close to the Hofstra campus.

The math placement test will cover basic algebra and pre-calculus. STEM majors will receive details on the math placement test as part of their pre-arrival communication.

New York has four distinct seasons, with average temperatures ranging from about 0–5°C in January to around 24–28°C in July. Winters can be cold and snowy, while summers are warm and humid. Spring and fall bring mild, comfortable weather, though temperatures can change quickly. It’s best to pack clothes for both warm and cool weather. You’ll be close to plenty of stores and malls, so you can easily buy extra clothing or essentials once you arrive.

You must have hard copies of the following documents. Electronic copies are not accepted at the Port of Entry. Keep your mobile phone in your backpack, not in your pocket or in your hands.  

• Original Form I-20 

• Valid passport with a valid F-1 visa stamp 

• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt 

• Proof of Funding for your tuition fees and living costs (including sponsor letter if applicable)  

• Updated billing statement from the university showing fees have been paid for the semester/term 

• Health forms and immunization documentation 

• All medical prescriptions written in English 

• Official transcripts or test scores 

• Laptop computer (turned off)

If you are unable to obtain a visa before the start date for which you have been admitted, email us immediately. You may defer your start to another intake and apply your deposit to the next semester, or you may request a refund if your visa was denied.  

You should arrive during move-in week.  

Timing requirements for F-1 students:  

Arriving early: as an F-1 student, you are allowed to enter the US up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20. Check your I-20 for the earliest arrival date. If you arrive early, you will need to arrange your own transportation and accommodation.  

Arriving late: if you arrive after the start date listed on your I-20, you may be denied entry to the US. A late arrival letter may be issued to you from your university, but this does not guarantee entry. When booking your flights, remember to plan around your move-in date.  

We’re here for you. Our Student Services team is experienced in helping international students transition to living and learning in the US. Come talk to us anytime.