Congratulations and Welcome Bearkat!
International Student Checklist
You’ve been accepted to SHSU! Complete the following steps to prepare for your first semester and ensure a smooth transition as an international Bearkat.
Activate your SHSU email and computer account through SamWeb.
Your SHSU email is the official communication method for university offices and is required to register for Bearkat Orientation.
IT Website | Email Help Desk | (936) 294-1950 | Academic Building I – Suite 145
If transferring from another U.S. college or university, submit an International Student Advisor’s Report to your current international student advisor along with your acceptance letter from SHSU.
Global Engagement Website | Email Global Engagment | (936) 294-4737 | Farrington Building – Suite 116
Check your TSI status by reviewing DegreeWorks (TSI section). If you are missing scores (or an
exemption) for any component (Math, Reading, and/or Writing), “Testing Required” will be posted in that component. If you are not TSI exempt, or if you are missing a score for any component, you will need to schedule a TSIA2 exam; this can be completed either in person or online with the SHSU Testing Center. Please note this must be completed before you attend Orientation.
TSI Website | Email the Registrar’s Office | (936) 294-1040 | Estill Building - Suite 331
Meningitis A documentation is required before selecting on-campus housing and registering for
classes. Documentation must be submitted online to the KatHealth Patient Portal before you
select your dorm room or attend your Orientation session.
Student Health Website | Email Student Health Center | (936) 294- 1805 | 1608 Avenue J
First-year students who have recently completed high school (within one year) are required to
apply for housing, live on campus, and purchase a university meal plan.
Housing Website | Email Residence Life | (936) 294- 1812 | 910 Bearkat Blvd.- Lone Star Hall
Schedule a 1-on-1 advising appointment with the SAM Center.
You can select in-person or virtual appointments. If you cannot complete advising before Orientation, you’ll attend a group advising session during Orientation.
Email SAM Center | (936) 294-4444
Register for Freshman Orientation through your personalized invitation. You will receive an invitation to register for Orientation when registration opens, but only if you have activated your SHSU email through SamWeb. You will meet with your Academic Advisor and register for classes at your Orientation session.
Orientation Website | Email Orientation | (936) 294-1844 | Visitor Center
All incoming students will register for classes at Orientation, but you may need to make schedule changes later. You can add, remove, or change courses within the Bearkat Registration Dashboard.
Registration Dashboard | Email the Registrar | (936) 294-1040 | Estill Building - Suite 331
Request your Bearkat OneCard, the official ID of SHSU, online or in person. You must present a
valid government or state issued photo ID to request your Bearkat OneCard. Activation is required for dorm room and dining hall access. *It will arrive in a green envelope so please don’t mistake it as junk mail.
Student Account Services Website | Email Student Account Services | (936) 294-2273
Estill Building - Suite 103
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline each year. Be sure to review the Financial Aid website and complete all requirements as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Financial Aid Website | (936) 294-1774 | Estill Building - Suite 201
Complete the Scholarships4Kats application by the priority deadline each year. We automatically
send your completed application to all relevant scholarships, and selected recipients receive an
email in their SHSU email account with additional instructions.
Scholarships Website | (936) 294-1774 | Estill Building - Suite 201
- Submit your final, official high school transcript to Admissions after graduation.
Failure to submit may delay financial aid disbursement. - Submit Official FINAL college transcripts once you’ve completed your last semester at your
previous institution.
Email Admissions | (936) 294-1828 | Visitor Center – 2nd Floor
Pay your tuition and fees by the deadline stated on your fee statement. Payments can be made
online or at the Student Account Services Office.
Student Account Services Website | Email Student Account Services | (936) 294-2273
Estill Building - Suite 103
Bearkat Kickoff is your freshmen introduction to SHSU and all campus has to offer. It is required
for all freshmen the week before classes start.
Bearkat Kickoff Website | Email Bearkat Kick-Off
Optional TRANSFER Opportunities
Your smooth transition is important to us. Sign up to take advantage of all your Bearkat support systems. SHSU’s academic, social, health and wellness resources are set up to help you succeed.
Evolve, a student support program within Academic Affairs, is dedicated to empowering all incoming transfer students at Sam Houston State University to thrive in their undergraduate journey. Our mission is simple: to support transfer students in evolving as scholars and professionals.
ZeeMee is a great place to meet other new Bearkats. You can meet other students, find a roommate, ask questions, stay up to date with Admissions announcements, or get help from an Admissions Counselor.
Check qualifications for the Honors College and complete the application. Take advantage of all the Honors College has to offer. Honors students have specific scholarship opportunities, early registration benefits, smaller class sizes, graduation designations, and much more.
Website: Honors College Website
Email: Honors
Phone: (936) 294-1477
Address: Academy Building IV - Suite 202
An ePermit is required to park a vehicle on all SHSU campuses.
Website: Parking
Email: Parking
Phone: (936) 294-1800
Address: 820 Bowers Boulevard
Learn about First-Year Learning Communities, University 1101, and peer mentoring at FYE and at the Academic Success Center. First-Generation students can explore resources to help navigate the college experience, such as TRiO and the First-Generation Center.
TimelyCare is a new virtual health and well-being platform for students. Through either a mobile app or your desktop, TimelyCare provides 24/7 access to virtual care from anywhere in the United States at no additional cost.
Website: Student Wellness Website
Email: Student Wellness
Phone: (936) 294-2653
Register for Transfer Orientation through your personalized invitation. You will receive an invitation to register for Orientation when registration opens, but only if you have activated your SHSU email through SamWeb.
Website: Orientation
Email: Orientation
Phone: (936) 294-1844
Address: Visitor Center