STEP 1: Immunization Records

Immunizations are required of all students entering universities in South Dakota. Because students are eating, living, and studying in small spaces, immunizations maintain a safe and secure learning environment for all students. Per South Dakota State law, all students must document TWO (2) Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) vaccinations. If you do not or cannot document these vaccinations, they can be administered when you arrive for approximately $100 per vaccination. Document your health history and Immunizations using the Immunization Form. Once completed, please email to international@bhsu.edu.

STEP 2: Housing Reservations

BHSU residence halls offer a comfortable, convenient, and economical way for students to stay close to campus. For more information about living on campus, including pictures and videos of housing facilities, please see the Residence Life website. To request your room reservation, complete the short online form, and then submit your $100 housing deposit.

***Note: South Dakota Board of Regent Policy requires unmarried students to live-on campus during their first two years of school except upon appeal.

STEP 3: Registering for classes

The International Relations and Global Engagement Office will guide you through the process of registering for courses prior to arriving on campus. In order to register for classes, you will need to meet (virtually) with your academic adviser. These appointments will be arranged for you approximately 1-2 months before the beginning of the semester. You can begin searching for classes that interest you using the links below. We will reach out to you to schedule the advising appointment with your advisor soon.

View all courses

See Course Availability and Class Schedules

STEP 4: Health Insurance

South Dakota State law requires all F-1 and J-1 visa holders to possess an approved health insurance policy. In order to comply with State law, and Federal law governing J-1 visa holders, you must enroll in and purchase the State of South Dakota Board of Regents' health insurance policy for international students each year. You can learn more about the insurance requirements by going to the Current Student website.

STEP 1: Book your Flight and Request Airport Pick-up

We offer complimentary pick-up at the Rapid City Regional Airport prior to the start of each semester (Fall and Spring) and before the start of the new student orientation.

If you wish to take advantage of our complimentary airport pick-up service, you must arrive at Rapid City Regional Airport on the dates specified below, and confirm your pick-up time and date with the International Relations and Global Engagement Office. You will receive communications from our office via email about this service, so check your email regularly!

Upcoming Services:

STEP 2: Clearing US Customs and Passport Control

We recognize your initial arrival in the United States may be stressful! The better prepared you are to talk with the Customs and Border Patrol agent upon your arrival at the US Port of Entry (usually, this will be the airport you arrive to from your international flight), the less stressful it will be. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Review the Study in the States website to learn about the arrival process and requirements.
• Ensure you have with (NOT in your checked baggage!) the following documents:
  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity
  • US visa (F-1 or J-1)
  • Original, signed I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1)
  • Financial documents (recommended)
  • University admission letter (recommended)
  • Contact information for your DSO at BHSU (recommended)
• If you have not visited the US before, it might be helpful to watch this video to give you an idea of what to expect as you proceed through US customs and passport control upon arrival at the US port of entry.

We know students will rely on their friends, family, and other social networks to gather information about what it is like to study and live in the US. We encourage you to use this information to help prepare for your arrival, but we also know a lot of misinformation is shared through personal networks and the “stories” people tell. In addition to your personal contacts, we suggest you take advantage of these official resources in preparing for your studies in the US: