Getting Ready to Arrive at OCU
You've been admitted; your visa is approved - now it's time to prepare for your move to Oklahoma City. This page covers everything you need to do before you board that flight.
The most important thing to know: You may enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the start date printed on your I-20. Plan your travel accordingly.
Work through these tasks in the weeks before you travel. Some need to be done in a specific order.
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
Book your flight | You may enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before your I-20 program start date. Book early because flights around orientation are in high demand. |
Arrange housing | Contact OCU Housing to confirm on-campus availability and move-in dates or arrange off-campus housing before you arrive. Do not assume housing is available without confirmation. Visit Housing and Residence Life for more details. |
Pack your documents | Carry these in your carry-on bag: passport, visa, I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, OCU admission letter, financial proof. Never pack these in checked luggage. |
Set up a U.S. phone number | Consider purchasing a local SIM or an international plan before or immediately upon arrival. You will need a U.S. number for banking and campus accounts. |
Get health insurance details | All international students are automatically enrolled in OCU's SHIP health insurance plan. Review your coverage and keep the insurance card accessible. |
Notify OCU of your arrival | Email the International Office with your arrival date and flight information. This helps us prepare for your check-in and SEVIS registration. |
Register for International Student Orientation | Orientation is mandatory for all new international students. The dates of orientation are listed in your acceptance letter, and you will be notified through email about the time and location. Many departments also hold orientation events prior to the start of classes. Please be sure to check your email and to review the Stars Week Schedule for other events you may be required to attend. |
Open a U.S. bank account | Plan to do this your first week. Most banks require your passport, visa, I-20, and a U.S. address. |
What to Pack
Documents (carry-on only - never check these)
- Passport (valid for 6+ months)
- F-1 visa stamp
- Original signed I-20 form
- SEVIS fee receipt (Form I-901 confirmation)
- OCU admission letter
- Proof of financial support
- Health insurance card or enrollment confirmation
- Any prescription medications with original pharmacy labels
Practical Items to Bring or Buy on Arrival
- Unlocked smartphone (U.S. SIM cards are easy to buy on arrival)
- Adapters for U.S. outlets (Type A/B, 110V) - bring adapters, not converters, for most electronics
- A small amount of U.S. cash for your first few days
- Warm clothing - Oklahoma winters can be cold (lows below 0°C / 32°F in January–February)
- Light clothing - Oklahoma summers are very hot and humid (highs above 38°C / 100°F)
At the Airport & Port of Entry
When you land in the U.S. (whether at your destination or a connecting airport), you will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Here is what to expect at the port of entry:
| At the Port of Entry | What to Expect |
|---|---|
Have Ready | Passport with F-1 visa stamp, original signed I-20 form, SEVIS fee receipt, proof of financial support, OCU admission letter, return address for your housing in the U.S. |
The CBP Officer Will Ask | Where you are going, what you will study, how long you plan to stay. Answer honestly and briefly. Say you are an F-1 student at Oklahoma City University. |
You Will Receive | An entry stamp in your passport and sometimes an I-94 arrival record |
After Entry | check your I-94 record at i94.cbp.dhs.gov within 3 days. It should say 'D/S' (Duration of Status). If it shows a specific date instead, contact the International Office immediately. |
Is it mandatory? | Yes. All new international students must attend. |
What's covered: | U.S. immigration rules, on-campus resources, banking, transportation, health insurance overview, peer introductions |
What to bring: | Passport, visa, I-20, SEVIS receipt, OCU student ID (if already issued) |
💡 OCU Student ID will be issued at the financial services office, and the payment for that is only acceptable through Debit/Credit card.
Getting Around Oklahoma City
- OCU is located in the Uptown 23rd neighborhood of Oklahoma City, close to restaurants, shops, and public transit.
- Public transit: EMBARK OKC bus routes serve the area.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are widely available in OKC.
- Driving: Oklahoma City is a car-friendly city; many off-campus students find a car helpful. An international driving permit from your home country is accepted for a limited time - check Oklahoma's DMV rules.
BlueLink Account
BlueLink is your online information link to the university. This area gives you important information about your OCU student email account, enrollment, financial aid, announcements, and more. Additionally, important information and notices will be sent via your OCU student email account. Visit bluelink.okcu.edu regularly to ensure you do not miss any important information or deadlines.
Need help?
Please contact the Campus Technology Help desk at (405) 208-5555. *The first time you log in to BlueLink, please set up your security profile by clicking on “My Questions and Answers Profile.” If you have previously logged into BlueLink or your student email, but can't remember your password, you can reset your password at password.okcu.edu with either your username or Banner ID (B#).
University Housing
Students who are under 21 years of age are required to live on campus. Exceptions are made for those students who choose to live at home. You can apply for housing online at okcu.edu/campus/residencelife. You will use your BlueLink user ID and password to log into the housing application. Along with the housing application and questionnaire, there is a non-refundable $250 housing fee. You are encouraged to apply early.
Submit Final Documents
If you have completed any coursework since starting your application, please have your school send us your final transcript. If you submitted electronic copies of your documents, please be sure to bring your original transcripts, diplomas, and financial documents with you when you travel to OCU. If you submitted an unofficial TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT, SAT, or ACT score, be sure to request an official score be sent to OCU.
The Student Health Center requires an Immunization Record on file before August 1.
You can mail your immunization record to:
OCU International Admissions
2501 N. Blackwelder
Oklahoma City, OK 73106.
Please be sure to include your name, Student ID number, and date of birth on the records.
You can also upload it to the secure document upload site under the Financial Aid Tab within BlueLink. Please select Immunization Record when submitting your document.
Student Health Insurance Plan
Oklahoma City University now requires that all students maintain student health insurance coverage as a condition of enrollment. The insurance fee for the Oklahoma City University SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan) will be added to the student's account upon enrollment in the plan. Each student is required to waive or enroll each academic year.
If you already have health insurance coverage that meets the university's requirements, there is a SHIP waiver available, which will allow you to waive the university's SHIP and maintain your current insurance coverage.
Immunization Requirements
All students must provide or take immunizations to maintain enrollment at OCU. Here is the link (Immunization) that will help guide you through what immunizations are required. If you need a vaccination form to better assist you in getting the correct immunization within your home country here is that form Vaccination Form. Students will be able to complete immunizations on campus at the Student Health Center, but highly recommend taking these immunizations in your home country.
