WEEKLY UPDATE – Feb. 24

In this week's newsletter, our office is highlighting international student living and lifestyle. See the information below about both on- and off-campus housing, as well as upcoming workshops and social events! 

Student Housing is now accepting housing applications for current undergraduate and graduate students who want to live on campus during the 2025–26 academic year. The continuing student housing sign-up deadline is Saturday, March 1, at 11:59 p.m. PST. Please note that submitting a housing application confirms the student will receive a lottery room selection date/time but does not guarantee a bed space. The only exception is for rising second-year students (Class of 2028) who are guaranteed housing if they apply by the deadline and select a bedspace during room selection. It's strongly encouraged that all continuing students visit the Continuing Students web page as well as the Contracts and Documents web page to view the housing contracts associated with the application. You can email Student Housing if you have any specific questions.

If you are interested in renting an apartment in the Bay Area, the Office for Off-Campus Living (OCL) offers resources to assist you in your search. You can review rental listings on the USF rental website or research rental options using the OCL Resource web page. In addition, OCL offers one-on-one coaching appointments if you'd like to talk about your housing search process. Also, check out Off-Campus Living's Instagram for spotlights on available apartments and YouTube Channel for helpful resource videos. 

Wednesday, Feb. 26 | 5–8 p.m.
McLaren 251

Calling all students who are a part of the Black Diaspora at USF: this is your night to shine! Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with games, live performances, and karaoke that bring us ALL together. Celebrate Black History Month with the beauty, power, and diversity of Blackness in a space that’s all about YOU!

Sign up for karaoke »

Tuesday, Feb. 25 | 6–7 p.m.
UC 402/403

Do you struggle to eat healthy meals because you're on a college student budget and don't have time? Do you need some help budgeting? If so, join us for this FREE educational workshop and enjoy some snacks with us!

Register now »

ISSS has prepared some guidelines and a template letter to help students invite their family or friends to visit them or attend their commencement ceremony. Sometimes a family member or friend may want an invitation letter from the student to help verify their intentions to visit the U.S. and support their tourist visa. Students are able to write this letter themselves and can request an official certificate of enrollment verification from the Office of the University Registrar to include with their invitation letter and prove their student status.

The Office of Financial Aid provides interactive counseling tools to connect students with financial resources. They have partnered with WhichWay, a financial literacy platform designed to help students understand how to manage personal finances and money. WhichWay is a free web-based resource for students and alumni to learn the concepts important in financial literacy and wellness.

Create an account here »

Rebecca Little is a third-year computer science major with a minor in mathematics. She appreciates ISSS for its many resources. One of her go-to spots for dining is Kaiju Eats on Geary.

Kanika is a financial economics major who values ISSS for its friendly staff, resources, and events. She enjoys hiking around Lyon Street and exploring local restaurants like Lokma, NaYa’ Dessert Café, Indian Clay Oven, and Crepevine.

Mai is a graduate student in the Applied Economics program. Her favorite thing about ISSS is the weekly newsletter, as it packs in all the must-have info!

Nikita is a communications major with a minor in business. Her favorite thing about working for ISSS is meeting all the new people. She enjoys walking around Lands End on sunny days. 

During the new presidential administration, ISSS is monitoring and communicating immigration updates that may affect our international students. Visit our International Student Support web page for updates and resources.

If you are requesting an immigration document or letter from our office, remember that we request ten business days to process requests. Make sure you plan accordingly so you have enough time to receive your document before you need it. All ISSS requests should be submitted through the MyISSS student portal (log into your MyISSS account, go to Requests & Documents, and select the appropriate icon on the right side of the page). You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission.

Click the Chat with ISSS button on the bottom, right corner of any ISSS web page, and the ISSS team can assist you with your inquiry.

Appointments can be made online. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments.

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Thank you for reading the weekly ISSS newsletter! To submit content for future newsletters, please complete the ISSS Newsletter Intake Form by 10 a.m. on the Monday of the week before the newsletter's release. While all submissions will be reviewed, inclusion in the newsletter is not guaranteed.