Welcome to our university community. We are here to help along the way as you prepare for your visa interview and arrival to Kent State. To get started, follow these steps.
- Log into your FlashLine account.
- Request your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019).
- Apply for your student visa.
- Review the immunization and health insurance requirements.
- Share our International Parents & Families Guide with your loved ones.
- Arrange your travel dates and transportation.
- Secure your housing.
After those steps are complete, then we have more suggestions to help you get connected to our community.
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Apps for International Students
For all new international students - Download the GroupMe App
This app is exclusively for incoming international students who have already obtained their I-20 or DS-2019 immigration document. You can use GroupMe by invitation only to:
- Connect to other international students arriving for the same semester.
- Contact on-campus Student Leaders who can answer your questions.
- Get ready for upcoming student orientations.
- Chat with class members on group projects.
Contact us to get invited into the app: isss@kent.edu.
For all new students - Download the ZeeMee App
You're invited to join the 5XÉçÇø private chat community for admitted students on ZeeMee! Join this platform of over 8,000 Future Flashes to chat about anything and everything Kent State. Get involved and explore all the ways to connect:
- Chat with fellow admitted students who share your interests.
- Ask important questions with University Housing or your Admissions Counselor.
- Take the roommate quiz to find your best match for on-campus housing.
- Participate in live, social events.
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Get Ready for Student Orientations
To help set you up for success at 5XÉçÇø, all new students must take ISO International Student Orientation (ISO), which has a two parts: a virtual course and in-person program.
1. Complete the Online Orientation Program before you arrive.
Only students with a valid immigration document can participate in ISO.
Find out when you can start the hybrid ISO program.
2. Register for your in-person Kent State Orientation Program.
Depending on your status, you will also need to take one of these programs when you arrive in Ohio.
- Destination Kent State (DKS) - All new undergraduate students attend DKS which includes a special session for international students.
- Graduate Student Orientation (GSO) - All new graduate students attend GSO. Follow instructions emailed by Graduate Studies to register.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Orientation - All new ESL students register for ESL Orientation by contacting the ESL Department at eslreg@kent.edu.
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Final Steps and Arrival
There are a few more things you can do before you leave home and immediately upon arrival at Kent State.
Final steps before arrival:
Plan your class schedule.
You can make your schedule when you get to Kent State, but if you like, you can also start planning ahead by finding your academic advisor in FlashLine and scheduling your classes.
Read up on maintaining your immigration status.
We've prepared a page giving you some basic information on how to maintain your immigration status throughout your stay in the U.S. We will go through it more in depth during International Student Orientation, but it is important to have a general understanding of your legal obligations before arrival. You can also review the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more information on the steps to take as an international student studying in America.
Do some financial planning.
If you haven't already, we recommend you review these two additional resources to help you plan ahead.
Follow these steps when you arrive to Kent State:
Complete your Immigration Check-in.
You should have access to your International Student & Scholar where you requested your I-20 or DS-2019. In this portal, you will upload additional documents that will be used to complete your Immigration Check-in. Students are not required to come to the office for immigration check-in, unless we have additional questions. After we review your online Check-In Request Form, we will send you an e-mail letting you know whether your check-in is complete or if you will need to meet with an ISSS Advisor.
If you have additional questions that are not answered during the ISO Canvas course or at in-person orientation, you are welcome to meet with an ISSS Advisor. We have drop-in advising on Wednesdays from 9-11:30 AM and from 1:30 to 4:00 PM, or you can make an appointment (either in-person or virtual) with an ISSS advisor via .
Submit your official transcripts.
You can bring your documents to the International Admissions team either with the OGE Drop Box outside of Van Campen Hall or by meeting with an International Admissions Counselor in 106 Van Campen Hall. This can be done upon arrival or after the start of the semester.
Finally, settle in, join the activities during Welcome Week and start making new friends!
- Connect with a Global Student Ambassador