INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENT CHECKLIST
University of Missouri (Mizzou) Fall 2026 · Compiled by AGPSA
What to do, where, and when — with official links. Items marked MANDATORY are required by the university.
BEFORE ARRIVAL (1–2 WEEKS BEFORE COMING)
1. Activate your MU accounts
What: Set up your MU username, password, and myZou/email access
Where: Online — doit.missouri.edu/students
When: Before arrival
2. Review the International Student Welcome Guide
What: Overview of arrival steps, visa rules, and orientation
Where: Online — international.missouri.edu/orientation/international-student-welcome-guide
When: Before arrival
3. Pay SEVIS fee & apply for your visa
What: SEVIS I-901 fee + F-1/J-1 visa application
Where: Nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
When: As soon as you have your I-20/DS-2019
4. Secure housing
What: On-campus or off-campus housing
Where: On-campus — housing.missouri.edu/international-students
Where: Off-campus — Off-Campus Student Services
When: Before arrival
5. Budget for arrival
What: Bring a minimum of $800 USD for your first few weeks (housing setup, meals, essentials)
Tip: Use an ATM/debit or credit card rather than carrying large amounts of cash
Note : This is just an estimation made based on Tara's housing cost.
UPON ARRIVAL — FIRST WEEK
1. Immigration check-in with ISSS MANDATORY
What: Required within 30 days of your program start date to maintain immigration status
Where: Sign up in MU Connect; upload passport, visa, I-94 in myStatus
When: Fall 2026 sessions: Mon., July 20 – Fri., Sept. 4 (dates include Aug. 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28)
2. Graduate School Orientation MANDATORY
What: Required welcome for all incoming graduate students
Where: Jesse Auditorium, Jesse Hall
When: Mon., Aug. 17, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
3. International Student Welcome MANDATORY
What: Required orientation for all new international students
Where: Stotler Lounge, Memorial Union
When: Kick-off Aug. 17, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. · Full orientation & lunch Tue., Aug. 18, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
4. Medical Visit (Immunization Session) MANDATORY
What: Required health screening & immunization review for every new international student
Where: Student Health Center — call 573-882-7481 after your check-in session to schedule
When: Before classes begin
Note: A registration hold blocks future enrollment until this is complete — bring your immunization records
5. Get your MU Student ID card
What: Official student ID, needed for campus access, library, and more
Where: The Mizzou Store, MU Student Center — bring your passport
When: First few days
6. Open a bank account
What: U.S. checking account for stipend/paycheck deposits
Where: A local bank or credit union (not on campus) — see ISSS's Money & Banking page for options.
Alternatively, there is USBANK at the Student Center.
When: First week
7. Meet your Academic Advisor
What: Course planning and program guidance
Where: Your department — check myZou if you don't know who this is
When: First week
8. Know your International Student Advisor (ISSS)
What: Your assigned adviser for all immigration and visa matters (SEVIS, travel, work authorization). Every student must know who theirs is
Where: international.missouri.edu/isss/advising/people/
When: First week
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS & LEGAL STEPS
Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
What: Required if you have a job (TA/RA/on-campus work). You need a job offer first — without one, you cannot apply
Where: Employer signs SSA Employment Verification form → request Social Security letter in myStatus → ISSS co-signs → apply in person at the Columbia SSA office, 3402 Buttonwood Drive
When: Wait two full weeks after your U.S. entry date — applying earlier adds 6 weeks–3 months of delay
Get a Missouri nondriver ID or driver's license
What: Useful legal ID even before you have an SSN — a nondriver ID can help open a bank account
Where: Columbia License Office, 403 Vandiver Drive, Suite B
When: Within first month
ACADEMIC & CAMPUS REQUIREMENTS
Attend Graduate Teaching Orientation (GTO) MANDATORY
What: Required for every graduate student teaching at Mizzou for the first time
Where: Organized by the Graduate School / your department
When: Start of each fall and spring semester
Register for classes
What: Enroll in courses
Where: myZou — registrar.missouri.edu
When: Before the semester begins
Get your textbooks
Where: The Mizzou Store, MU Student Center — themizzoustore.com
When: First week of classes
HEALTH & SAFETY
Enroll in / confirm health insurance
What: Insurance enrollment alongside your immunization/medical visit
Where: Student Health Center / myZou
When: Before classes begin
Sign up for MU Alert
What: Campus emergency notification system (text, email, app alerts)
Where: mualert.missouri.edu
When: First week
DAILY LIFE SETUP
Get a phone plan
What: U.S. SIM/phone plan
Where: See ISSS's Communication page for carrier options
When: First week
Learn transportation options
What: Tiger Line — Mizzou's free student shuttle, runs 7 days/week fall & spring
Where: tigerline.missouri.edu
Also: GoCOMO — free city bus service around Columbia
Groceries & essentials
Where: Walmart, Target, Aldi
When: First week
🤝 COMMUNITY & NETWORKING
For African graduate & professional students at Mizzou — connect with people who get it.
Instagram: @mizzouagpsa WhatsApp Forum
Scan to connect with AGPSA
Join the WhatsApp Forum for questions and advice from current students and follow us for events and updates.
Instagram / X / Threads: @mizzouagpsa
Email: agpsamizzou@gmail.com
Join MU Engage
What: Explore and join student organizations, including AGPSA
Where: missouri.campuslabs.com/engage
When: First 2–3 weeks
Attend welcome events
What: Orientation mixers and cultural events
Where: International Center / campus-wide
PRO TIPS
● Always carry copies of your passport, visa, and I-20/DS-2019
● Check your Mizzou email daily
● Know both of your advisors — academic and ISSS — before week two
● Ask questions early — ISSS and AGPSA are both here to help. Don't wait until something becomes urgent
Compiled by the AGPSA PRO Office · agpsamizzou@gmail.com · Sources: International Student and Scholar Services (international.missouri.edu), MU Registrar, MU Graduate School, MU Alert, Mizzou Parking & Transportation