First Things Once You Get To NC State

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all international travelers get a COVID-19 test between days 3-5 following international travel, regardless of your vaccination status. NC State will no longer provide COVID-19 testing on-campus as of Spring 2023 but you may be able to order free at-home test kits from the Campus Health Pharmacy.

All students must complete the immigration check-in process with OIS as soon as possible after arriving in the U.S. OIS Check-in is mandatory for all new international students. Through the check-in process, OIS will capture important information, acquire scans of immigration documents, and provide important information regarding your immigration status in the United States.

Registration is required. More information is posted on our OIS Check-in webpage, including the steps required to complete the check-in process.

All students who are registered for at least one class the semester they arrive will be able to get their Wolfpack One Card upon arrival. Instructions can be found on the One Card webpage. Be prepared to provide your student id number to pick up your card and you may also be asked to show photo id as well (like your passport).

A number of banking options are located close to NC State, including a PNC Bank location in the Talley Student Union. Some banks offer student accounts with discounted fees or other benefits. You will need your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 record to open an account. Most major banks do not require a Social Security number in order to open a bank account in the US. If you are a choosing a smaller, regional bank though, you may want to call ahead to confirm the requirements for your bank of choice.

NC State requires students to complete their immunization requirements before arriving on campus. To ensure compliance with North Carolina immunization laws, all students have 30 days to submit official copies of their immunization records, complete the Health History form and Tuberculosis (TB) Screening form online via Healthy Pack Portal. Students who have traveled to or are from “High Risk Countries” may need to complete a TB test after arriving in the United States. Students can check their secure messages on the Healthy Pack Portal for updates and communication from the Immunizations Department. For immunization-related questions, please email immunizations@ncsu.edu. All email communication should include your full name and NC State Student ID number (not your Unity ID). 

If you arrive and still need certain vaccines or need to complete a TB test, you can make an appointment with Campus Health. For more information on vaccine requirements, TB requirements, how to submit documentation, and exemptions please visit the Campus Health Immunizations Webpage. If you have already received a message through HealthyPack Portal that you have completed the immunizations requirement, you do not need to schedule an appointment. 

Location of Campus Health:

Campus Health Services
Room 1301
2815 Cates Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27695

Prior to your appointment, log into the HealthyPack Portal to:

• Upload your immunization documentation and select your dates of vaccinations
• Add/update your Insurance information 
• Complete all required forms (Select the green forms button listed near your appointment date/time.)
  • HIPAA Acknowledgement Form
  • Billing and Privacy Acknowledgement Form
  • Patient Rights Forms 
  • TB Questionnaire
  • Health History Form (not required for the Immunization Clinic but it is required for any future appointments at Campus Health)

Notes: North Carolina Law requires that you submit proof of your immunizations to Campus Health within 30 days of registration of classes at NC State University. PPD (under-skin) TB tests completed in medical facilities outside the United States will not be accepted. Blood Tests completed in a medical facility outside of the United States are accepted and must include reference range on the document.

If you have questions or need assistance, please use the secure messages on the HealthyPack Portal or call 919.513.4302. Please note Campus Health Services is open year round to administer needed immunizations once you arrive.  You can make an appointment to receive immunizations at Campus Health Services once you arrive on campus by calling 919.513.4302 or through your HealthyPack Portal.

You can find more information about Immunizations and Tuberculosis (TB) Test Requirements on the Student Health Services website.

NOTE: If a student does not provide proof of immunizations, North Carolina public law requires NC State University to drop them from all classes. A re-enrollment fee may be charged to rejoin classes.

NC State does not require the COVID-19 vaccine in order to attend classes. However, COVID-19 vaccinations are provided on campus to NC State staff, faculty, and students free of charge.

You will need your Unity ID and password to register for courses in MyPack Portal. Consult with your Academic Adviser (undergraduate students) or the Director of your Graduate Program (graduate students) for advice on course selection and program requirements. Keep in mind that all international students are required to maintain full-time enrollment status. Full-time enrollment at NC State University is normally defined as 12 or more credit hours per semester for undergraduate students, and a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester for graduate students. More information on course enrollment is available on the OIS website.

Some undergraduate programs will automatically enroll students in courses in their first semester. Check with your Academic Adviser regarding your department’s policies.

All incoming undergraduate or graduate students are expected to attend mandatory orientation sessions specific to international students. More information about OIS Orientation events can be found on the OIS Orientation webpage.

The Office of International Services (OIS) provides many services for the university’s international students, scholars, and their families. Beyond providing advice on immigration-related matters, OIS offers several cross-cultural programs including Breaking Bread, Culture Corps, ISSERV Volunteer Program, English Conversation Club, and more. For more information about ways to get involved at NC State, check out the OIS Programs webpage and the Get Involved website.

The Pre-Arrival Information for International Students is valuable resource to assist international students in their transition to NC State and Raleigh. Please contact OIS if you have further questions after reading through the pre-arrival information.

If you are a new graduate student and have not yet submitted all of your transcripts/degree verification documents (including all awarded degree certificates) to the Graduate School, please do so upon your arrival. Original documents and copies certified by the issuing institution are accepted, but must still be sealed in the original envelope in which you received them. Printed copies or opened envelopes are not accepted.

• Your official documents can be submitted to the Graduate School (located at 1020 Main Campus Drive, Room 2300A) using the following options:
  • Option 1: Drop box. There is a drop box outside the Graduate School Office where you may leave official transcripts and degree statements for verification. Please use the upper section since the lower section is not secure. Include a self-addressed envelope to have the documents returned, and include your university ID and name so we can match documents with your account. The Graduate School office is located at 1020 Main Campus Drive, Room 2300A.
  • Option 2: In-person to the Graduate School Front Desk. Please try to include your Applicant ID number and/or NCSU ID number on the envelope for quick processing upon reception. Please note, the Graduate School is currently minimizing face-to-face operations. If you come during office hours (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm), please ring the front door bell because the door may be locked.  We will verify your official documents and make a copy for our records while you wait.  Please be prepared to provide your name, NCSU ID, program (including whether it is MS, MR or PhD), and your Admit term (ie, Fall 2022).
  • Option 3: By Mail. Documents can be mailed by you or your institution as long as the transcript seal has not been broken.  These can be mailed via courier mail to: The Graduate School, 1020 Main Campus Drive, Room 2300A, Campus Box 7102 Raleigh, NC 27695-7102.
  • Option 4: By Email. Your previous university may email certified copies of your transcripts and/or degree certificate to graduate_applications@ncsu.edu. Please ask the school official sending the email to include his/her name and title in the body of the email. Emails sent or forwarded by the student will not be accepted. 

Please note that until you supply all official transcripts and degree certificates, a “to do” item will remain in your MyPack Portal.