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Guides to getting started
The checklists and tutorials below will help you prepare for your first semester as a graudate student at K-State. You may need to refer to more than one checklist, depending on your citizenship status and if you have been appointed to an assistantship.
Checklists
Requirements and guidance for international students
If you have been admitted to a study at a physical K-State campus and are not a U.S. citizen/permanent resident, the following will guide you through completing all required documentation to prepare for your entry to the U.S. and will guide you through steps to complete upon your arrival.
You may find it helpful to use a printable checklist (pdf) to keep track of your progress, but it is recommended that you also refer to the web-based list below for direct access additional web-based information.
PREPARE FOR YOUR ARRIVAL TO THE U.S.
When to Arrive to the U.S.No earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. No later than: If you are unable to arrive by the dates listed above, please notify the Graduate School admissions team at gradintladmt@ksu.edu prior to the arrival deadlines. Airport InformationThe Manhattan Regional Airport (code: MHK) will be closed May 12-August 31, 2023. Visit the MHK aiport site for more information. During this period, we recommend you book air travel to Kansas City International Airport, as there are shuttle services available from MCI to Manhattan. Please see page 7 in the International Student Guide for ground transportation options. |
Review I-20/DS-2019Review your I-20/DS-2019, confirm the information is correct, sign and date it.
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Apply for visa interviewSchedule a visa appointment for your United States student visa at your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate closest to your home residence. |
Complete Health/Medical RequirementsComplete Tuberculosis (TB) Compliance Form
MMR vaccine requirement for Manhattan on-campus students |
Get ready for next steps
Access these checklists below and review in advance to see if any tasks can be completed before you arrive and so that you know what needs to be done when you arrive to campus. |
AFTER YOU ARRIVE
Check-in with the Graduate SchoolBring your original transcripts and diploma showing previous coursework and degrees earned. The Graduate School will matriculate your record, allowing you to enroll in classes. The Graduate School is located in 113-119 Eisenhower Hall (view on a campus map). The office is open 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday-Friday, excluding holidays. |
Check-in with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
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All new graduate students - To do before your first semester
You may find it helpful to use a printable checklist (pdf) to keep track of your progress, but it is recommended that you also refer to the web-based list below for direct access additional web-based information.
Plan for enrollment and program curriculumConsult with your graduate program director or faculty advisor about the courses in which you should enroll your first semester. Once you know what classes to take, login to KSIS to enroll. The first day of classes for the Fall 2023 semester will be on August 21, 2023. |
Prepare for research, scholarly, and creative activitiesIf you will be engaging in research, scholarly, or creative activities as part of your graduate program, consult with your graduate program director or faculty advisor about any required training or other steps you need to take to prepare for these activities. |
Fulfill all university health requirementsSubmit required documentation or complete other steps to fulfill all university vaccination requirements. As part of K-State's comprehensive and proactive approach to encourage students to stay safe and healthy, K-State requires all new students to complete the web-based Alcohol and Sexual Assault Prevention Program (ASAP). After enrolling for classes, you will receive an email invite from Get Inclusive to complete the program. You will have 20 days to complete the training. |
Stay informed. Stay safe.K-State Alerts is Kansas State University's emergency notification system that gives campus authorities the ability to communicate emergency information quickly to the university community. Alerts are automatically sent to K-State email addresses, but you can also sign up to receive alerts by text or phone. |
Obtain K-State student ID cardVisit the ID Center website or visit the office in person in the K-State Student Union for instructions on how to obtain an ID card. There is a $25 fee for a new card, but if you have been appointed to a graduate assistantship, you can get an ID card for free! |
Purchase parking permit or bicycle permitIf you plan to park a vehicle on campus, visit K-State’s Parking Services website for information about parking permits and to order your parking permit through “K-State Online Parking.” If you will be using a bicycle on campus, visit Parking Services to obtain a free bicycle permit. You should also register your bicycle with Parking Services and make sure you are familiar with bicycle regulations. |
Attend welcome and orientation sessionsPrior to each fall and spring semester, the Graduate School and other K-State units coordinate informational sessions and community building activities to welcome new students and help them launch their new educational career. |
New GTAs, GRAs, and GAs - Prepare for your assistantship
If you have been appointed to a graduate assistantship (GA), graduate research assistantship (GRA), or a graduate teaching assistantship (GTA), follow these steps to get ready for your appointment.
You may find it helpful to use a printable checklist (pdf) to keep track of your progress, but it is recommended that you also refer to the web-based list below for direct access additional web-based information.
Review assistantship offerYour employing unit should have provided you a detailed assistantship offer that specifies the type of appointment (GA, GRA, or GTA), the stipend amount you will receive each semester, tuition support or other financial support provided (if any), the full-time equivalency (FTE) of your appointment, your appointment start date, and any other important details. If your assistantship offer did not include these details, or if you have questions, contact your assistantship supervisor in your academic program for clarification. Inquire about documentation needed for employment |
Obtain Social Security card(if you are not a U.S. citizen/permanent resident and do not have a Social Security Number) Obtain Employment Verification Letter from ISSS Apply for SSN and visit Social Security Office |
Complete employment paperwork with departmentWhile waiting for your Social Security card, gather and start to complete I-9 and any other paperwork required by Human Capital Services (HCS) so it will be ready as soon as your Social Security card is obtained. Bring your Social Security card and any other required documentation to the unit in which you are employed on an assistantship. Once you bring these items and complete paperwork in your department, you are eligible for payroll. |
Complete Getting Started in Your Assistantship TutorialThis online tutorial will help you prepare for your role as a graduate assistant by guiding you through topics such as expectations and responsibilities, payroll, and benefits you receive as a graduate assistant. |
Tutorials
The tutorials below provide guidance on how to complete tasks in the checklists above and also provide other important information to prepare you for the start of your graduate career.
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