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First Things Once You Get To NC State

Once you have arrived at NC State, there are a number of tasks that you should complete to comply with regulations and get settled. 

Complete the Immigration Check-in Requirement

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 F-1 and J-1 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.

More information is posted on our OIS Check-in webpage, including the steps required to complete the check-in process. The Fall 2026 immigration check-in process will go live on July 15, 2026.

Get your Wolfpack One Card

The Wolfpack One Card is important for all NC State students as it functions as your library card, Wellness and Recreation access card, and building access card. 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. Note that students now have an option to upload a picture ahead of time as long as it meets the specifications outlined on the website. 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).

Open Bank Account

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.

Complete Your Immunizations Compliance in the HealthyPack Portal

To ensure compliance with North Carolina immunization laws, all students have 30 days from the start of classes to submit official copies of their immunization records, complete the Health History form and Tuberculosis (TB) Screening form online via HealthyPack 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 HealthyPack Portal for updates and communication from the Immunizations Department. For immunization-related questions, please use the secure messages in the HealthyPack Portal or call 919.513.4302. 

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 WebpageIf 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
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 in 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 Campus 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.

Register for Courses

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.

If you are not yet enrolled full-time for Fall 2026, you also need to prioritize course enrollment. 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. 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.

Attend Orientation

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.

Check out OIS Programs and sign up to get involved on campus!

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 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.

Review the Pre-Arrival Information as Needed

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.

Graduate Students Only – Final Degree Verification

If you have a remaining “To-Do” item in your MyPack Portal for your final degree certificate or transcript, you must present these official documents to the Graduate School.

You can submit your original degree certificate/diploma and final transcripts to the Graduate School Office (1020 Main Campus Drive, Room 2300A) using one of these options:

Option 1: In-Person Drop-Off –  Bring your documents to the Graduate School Front Desk during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.). A staff member will verify your original documents, scan them for university records, and return your originals to you immediately. Please have your Name, NC State Student ID number, and Graduate Program ready.

Option 2: Digital Submission from Your Previous University – If you prefer not to bring physical copies, your previous institution can email certified copies of your final transcripts and degree certificates directly to graduate_applications@ncsu.edu. The email must come directly from a school official. Please note: Emails sent or forwarded by students cannot be accepted.