Congratulations on your acceptance to East Tennessee State University!
We are looking forward to welcoming you to our campus here in Johnson City, Tennessee. Between now and the time you arrive on campus, there are a variety of next steps that you need to complete. Please review this website often and let us know if you have any questions. We're here to help!
Next Steps for Admitted International Students
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Step 1: Activate Your ETSU Account
Visit www.etsu.edu/activate to activate your ETSU account. You will need your ETSU E-Number which was in your acceptance letter. Account activation will give you access to your ETSU email account and other student resources.
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Step 2: Request Your ETSU I-20 or DS-2019
Within a few days of your offer of admission, you will receive an email regarding your ETSU I-20. This email contains a personalized link for you to request your I-20 which you will need for your visa appointment (see Step #4). We recommend starting this process as soon as possible. If you need us to resend this email, please contact us at international@etsu.edu or send a WhatsApp message to +1 423-439-6699.
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Step 3: Apply for Housing
International students can apply for on-campus housing or search for off-campus apartments. The ETSU Department of Housing and Residence life offers 10 different on-campus housing options for you to choose from! Housing placements are made on a first-come, first-serve basis so please don't delay!
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Step 4: Schedule Your Visa Interview Appointment
You can start the student visa application process as soon as you have your ETSU I-20 or DS-2019.. Please visit this website to schedule a visa interview in the city closest to you. Please keep in mind that wait times for appointments vary greatly by country. We recommend scheduling your appointment as quickly as possible after receiving your I-20 or DS-2019.
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Step 5: Submit Test Scores or Take the Accuplacer Exam (Undergraduate Students)
Undergraduate students who are admitted without qualifying test scores (ACT/SAT) are required to take the Accuplacer exam prior to registering for classes. This exam is used to ensure you are placed in the most appropriate classes at ETSU. The Accuplacer exam can be taken remotely and we recommend you complete this exam prior to arriving at ETSU to ensure a smooth process of registering for classes.
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Step 6: Send Immunization Records
All ETSU students must submit immunization records prior to registering for full-time classes. These records must be translated into English and submitted directly to the University Health Center. Please send these records as soon as possible to ensure a smooth class registration process.
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Step 7: Purchase Health Insurance
All international students on F-1 or J-1 visas must have and maintain health insurance to be enrolled at East Tennessee State University. East Tennessee State University partners with LewerMark Student Insurance to offer health insurance to enrolled international students. Insurance coverage must be confirmed prior to initial enrollment for new students.
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Step 8: Register for New Student Orientation
Undergraduate Students: Admitted undergraduate students can register for International Student Orientation by visiting this website: www.etsu.edu/orientation. You will be notified by email when registration is open. Registration generally opens in November for students starting in the Spring semester and in February for students starting in the Fall.
Graduate Students: Admitted graduate students will receive an email notifying them of orientaiton dates. Please check this website often for updated information regarding these events.
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Step 9: Sign up for International Buccaneer Buddies (IBB)
International Buccaneer Buddies (IBB) is a program to help international students adjust positively to life here at ETSU. The program promotes friendship and international understanding. Students who apply to IBB will be paired with a volunteer student "buddy" who will assist in adjusting to new life here at ETSU. This student will help in the first month and throughout the rest of the year.
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Step 10: Plan Your Arrival
We recommend flying into the Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) 7-10 days before classes begin. This will give you plenty of time to move into your on-campus or off-campus housing arrangements. New Student Orientation traditionall begins 7 days before classes start. Please plan to arrive no later than the Monday before classes start.
Admitted Student Resources
