WEEKLY UPDATE – Sept. 22

This week, we are focusing on finance and budgeting. Resources available to international students in this newsletter can also be found on ISSS's Financial Wellness web page, and as always, if you have any immigration questions or concerns, please reach out to ISSS via phone, email, or make an appointment with your ISSS adviser online.

While USF students who are in the U.S. on a student visa should typically be funded by a sponsor or other means indicated at the time of the admission and visa application, sometimes situations arise where there is a need for additional funds during your studies. The Office of Financial Aid website offers aid resources for international students, such as private loans and outside scholarships. Please note that private loans typically require that students have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-sign for the loan. Also, USF does not endorse any loan companies, and students considering loans should be sure they fully understand the terms.

The Office of the Dean of Students fosters a community of care by supporting students with their most essential needs, including food and housing resources. Their Case Management team provides guidance and referrals for mental health and wellness, while also helping students navigate challenges and find the best possible resolutions to their concerns. The office is committed to ensuring that every student feels supported and connected throughout their USF journey. If you would like to discuss your situation in more detail, please reach out to the Office of the Dean of Students. 

The university offers a significant number of student jobs on campus. It is a great option for international students as all F-1 degree-seeking students may work on campus without prior approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). J-1 degree-seeking students are usually eligible for on-campus employment but should first check with their ISSS adviser or visa sponsor to verify their eligibility.

International students are regularly hired on campus, but on-campus jobs are still competitive. Here are some tips for finding an on-campus job. Check out USFWorks for a list of available job opportunities. For more details, visit the On-Campus Employment web page »

Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 6:30–8 p.m.
McLaren Complex

Design, build, hack, or prototype solutions to sustainability challenges at USF and beyond using human-centered design, open data, and technology at the 8th annual Sustainability Design Challenge, a two-day team competition, Oct. 4–5! Attend the kickoff event on Wednesday, Sept. 24, for more information — and free pizza! This event is open to all USF students.

Register now »

Thursday, Sept. 25 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
UC 1st Floor

Career Services invites USF students to meet employers actively hiring for internships across industries, including government, business, finance, biotech, beauty/lifestyle, nonprofit, architecture, and more. This event is a chance to network with recruiters eager to connect, explore diverse career fields, and gain new industry insights. Dress is campus casual, and resumes are encouraged.  This event is open to all USF students.

Register now »

Thursday, Sept. 25 | 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Welch Field

Join the Campus Activity Board (CAB) for Field Day! Take a break between classes and enjoy fun activities like hamster ball races, soccer, and lawn games. Don’t forget to stop by our giant ball pit for the perfect photo op and a chance to relax with friends. This event is open to all USF students.

Thursday, Sept. 25 | 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
McLaren Conference Center 

Health Promotion Services invites USF students to the annual Health Fair and Flu Shot Clinic. Flu shots are free for students on the USF-endorsed Aetna health plan, while others will have the clinic fee charged to their student account, with receipts provided and support available for insurance claims. This event is open to all USF students.

Register now »

CampusSIMs: Affordable Phone Plan Option for International Students

International students have access to CampusSIMs, a low-cost cell phone service that can help reduce expenses during the school year. CampusSIMs currently offers one free month of service, even for students who already use another provider.

Students can activate a plan by downloading an e-SIM or by picking up a physical SIM card at the ISSS front desk (UC fifth floor).

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. Find upcoming workshops on the ISSS Events and Workshops calendar.

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Want to submit content for future newsletters? For a student feature, fill out this form, and for all other contributions, email our office at isss@usfca.edu for more information.