Student support
For truly successful study, you not only need a high-quality study program, but also a support network that ensures you can focus on your studies and enjoy student life.
Supporting your application
Your first point of contact with USF is probably an INTO representative in your country. INTO representatives will gladly answer your questions and assist with your application. Representatives understand the important choices you are making and are knowledgeable about USF.
Applying to INTO University of South Florida
After you apply to INTO University of South Florida, a team of skilled admissions professionals quickly process your application and mail you an I-20 and other important documents for successfully obtaining your U.S. student visa. Please see page 58 for additional information on application procedures.
Meet us in your country
INTO has an extensive, international network of regional offices. Our global team supports INTO representatives and regularly attends education exhibitions and events. Representatives from INTO University of South Florida and the Admissions Office at the university regularly travel overseas for you to discuss your study plan face-to-face.
Prior to your arrival
Pre-departure guide
After accepting your offer to study at INTO University of South Florida, you will receive a pre-departure guide to assist in preparing for life in the U.S., arriving in Tampa and enrolling in your program of study at the center. The guide contains information to help you adapt to living and studying in a new culture.
Your arrival
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is conveniently located just out of downtown Tampa and can be reached via any of the main airports in the U.S.. Tampa International Airport is approximately 20 minutes from the USF campus, and we offer a convenient transfer service from the airport to your accommodations for a small fee. If you choose to use this service, please give INTO University of South Florida Student Services your flight details in advance of your arrival.
Full details will be provided with your confirmation documents
When should I arrive?
Pathway students should arrive in Tampa the day before their program start date to attend orientation. All other students should arrive the Sunday before their classes commence on Monday.
Student services team
The student services team looks forward to working with you as you transition to USF. Based at the INTO University of South Florida center, they offer a range of support services to address the specific needs of international students. When you first arrive, the team will help you to settle in to student life in Tampa and will remain as your first point of contact for any non-academic issues, everything from getting a mobile phone to making a doctor’s appointment. Whatever your need, there is always a student services specialist able to quickly help.
Orientation program
Orientation introduces you to studying at INTO University of South Florida and living in Tampa. During orientation, you will register for your program, take an English placement exam and choose your courses. You learn everything about your new home, including a tour of USF facilities, an introduction to Tampa, local transportation, where to shop, and so much more. In the fall, USF’s Week of Welcome (WOW) has many fun and exciting events that connect you to the campus community. You’ll have a chance to speak with current students, learn about university life and become engaged members of the USF community.
On-going support
24-hour police
While living and studying at USF, you are safe and secure. The University Police are easily accessible and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Allied Barton Security Firm provides additional services between midnight and 3 a.m. in the residence hall area. Additionally, the USF SAFE Team provides a free safe ride service to and from any on-campus location from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. nightly.
24-hour support
INTO USF is dedicated to ensuring that you feel totally safe and supported. All INTO University of South Florida students are issued an emergency telephone number to use at any time of the day or night. Within the university residences, there are residential assistants (RAs), who are responsible for the welfare of students living in dedicated INTO University of South Florida accommodations and provide an additional source of 24-hour support.
Social activity program
While the main reason for coming to Tampa is to study, involvement in non-academic activities will help you adjust to life in the U.S. and allow you to develop a network of friends. USF offers a great range of options for socializing, experiencing the arts or taking part in sports. INTO also organizes weekly programs to help you fully experience life in the U.S. Activities include visits to places of interest in Tampa and Florida, as well as attending sporting events, the theater and cinema and taking other fun trips.
Visa and immigration support
Once you arrive at INTO University of South Florida, you will receive information, support and guidance on renewing your student visa, guaranteeing your I-20 is always up-to-date and receiving documentation you may need to support your visa application. Immigration workshops are held throughout the year, and individual appointments can be made should you require any specific advice.
Support for students with disabilities
Services and accommodations are provided to students who have documented disabilities such as dyslexia, sensory impairments and medical conditions.
For further details please contact the INTO USF student services team.
Transportation
Bull Runner bus service is provided FREE to USF faculty, staff, students and visitors from 7 a.m. until midnight, Monday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Several routes run Saturday and Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Bull Runner routes cover the entire USF Tampa Campus and many designated locations outside the University.
Insurance
INTO USF International Student Health Plan
To complete the INTO USF range of student protection and support services, INTO USF’s International Health Plan is a comprehensive insurance policy prepared especially for international students in the U.S. to cover you during your travel to the U.S. and return, as well as provide full health and medical insurance. Health insurance is provided by First Health and underwritten by The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania. Our policy provides a 24-hour student Emergency Care Hotline. Since full health and medical insurance is mandatory for all University of South Florida students the INTO USF International Student Health Plan will automatically be added to course fees unless proof of suitable alternative coverage is provided.
Period of coverage
- Weekly: $26.00
- Monthly: $105.00
- Term – Fall, Spring, Summer: $420.00 per term
- Annually: $1,260.00.
For additional information on rates for dependents, please contact an INTO representative.
Medical expenses
- Accident and sickness (max): $250,000 per condition
- Deductible: Student: $0, dependents: $50 per condition
- Office visits/ Lab tests, x-rays: 100% of allowable within network
- Hospital: 100% allowable within network
- Surgery: 100% allowable within network
- Emergency room visit: $50 deductible, 100% coverage
- Emergency medical evacuation: $1,000,000
- Repatriation of Remains: $1,000,000
- Emergency family reunion: $2,500
- Prescription drugs: 70% of cost at student health center, 50% outside of student health center
- Accidental death or dismemberment: $10,000
For complete list of coverage, exclusions and limitations please refer to the master policy online at www.firsthealth.com
Prices are subject to change. Any increases will be communicated as soon as they are made available to INTO USF.