Guides to getting started

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:
May 17, 2023 if admitted for the Summer 2023 term
August 11, 2023 if admitted for the Fall 2023 term

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 Information

The 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-2019

Review your I-20/DS-2019, confirm the information is correct, sign and date it.

• It is important you are entering your name consistently on your immigration documents as well as school documents to assist in processes such as obtaining an SSN or driver’s license, and being placed on payrol.
• If you see any mistakes, please notify the Graduate School's international admissions specialist (gradintladmt@ksu.edu) as soon as possible to make corrections.
• Pay your SEVIS I-901 fee. You will need the receipt for your visa interview.

Apply for visa interview

Schedule a visa appointment for your United States student visa at your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate closest to your home residence.

• If you have an I-20, you should apply for an F-1 visa.
• If you have a DS-2019, you should apply for a J-1 visa.

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Complete Health/Medical Requirements

Complete Tuberculosis (TB) Compliance Form
All newly admitted international students are required to complete TB questionnaire prior to arriving in the U.S. Direct questions about the Tuberculosis (TB) Compliance Form to Lafene Health Center at lafene@ksu.edu or by sending a message to a nurse through the myLafene+ patient portal.

• Login to the myLafene+ patient portal using your K-State eid and password
• Confirm your date of birth and proceed
• Select “Medical Clearances”
• Select and complete the “Tuberculosis (TB) Questionnaire”

MMR vaccine requirement for Manhattan on-campus students
Kansas State University requires students to provide proof of 2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccines or a lab report confirming immunity. You can upload a copy of your immunization record via the myLafene+ patient portal to be compliant with the requirement. A signed vaccine waiver may be used in place of vaccination. The waiver can be completed on the myLafene+ patient portal under Downloadable Forms.

Get ready for next steps

• Also refer to the checklist for All new graduate students (accessible below) for additional items to do before your first semester of graduate study.
• If you have been appointed to a graduate assistantship, graduate research assistantship, or graduate teaching assistantship, you will also need to complete steps in the checklist for New GAs, GRAs, and GTAs (accessible below).

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.

Check-in with the Graduate School

Bring 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)

• Have your immigration documents scanned and saved for uploading purposes. Documents include passport (pages with photo and expiration date), I-94, I-20, or DS-2019. You will upload these documents in the ISSS check-in survey.
• Know the U.S. address where you will be currently staying, even if it is a temporary address.

Plan for enrollment and program curriculum

Consult 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.

Prepare for research, scholarly, and creative activities

If 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 requirements

Submit 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 card

Visit 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 permit

If 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 sessions

Prior 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.

Review assistantship offer

Your 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
Consult with your hiring unit about any documentation you need to provide in order to complete employment paperwork. If you will be coming to Manhattan from another state or country, you'll want to be sure to bring any required documentation with you.

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
Your hiring department must complete and sign the “Verification of
Employment and Employment Eligibility for Social Security Administration” and submit to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). ISSS will then issue to you a letter confirming full-time enrollment that you will need to take to the Social Security office.

Apply for SSN and visit Social Security Office
Ten days after entering the U.S., complete the online application for a social security number. Then, you will need to visit Manhattan’s Social Security office (877-840-5741, view the office on a map) to provide required documentation and complete the application process. International Student and Scholar Services will provide you with instructions on what documentation must be provided at the Social Security Office, and you can find more information on the ISSS website.

Complete employment paperwork with department

While 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 Tutorial

This 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.