International Admitted Students

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a second verification step when you log in. You’ll set up MFA the first time you access your Dragon Email.

Getting Started with Your Dragon Email

As an MSUM student, you are assigned a Dragon Email account. Here’s what to expect when logging in for the first time:

1. First-time login address
   Use StarID@go.minnstate.edu when signing in the first time.
2. Regular login address
   After setup, you’ll log in using StarID@go.mnstate.edu.
3. Your actual email address
   This is what others will use to contact you: firstname.lastname@go.mnstate.edu

MFA Setup

On your first login, you will be prompted to complete your MFA setup using your StarID and StarID password.

Complete your email and MFA setup now:
Watch the video tutorial below.

Email & Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Login

As an MSUM student, you are assigned two unique IDs that grant you access to many services.

1. StarID - 8-characters consisting of both letters and numbers.
   • You have already received your StarID username and password. If you do not remember your StarID or password, please utilize the StarID Self Service page.
   • Allows you to access eServices, D2L Brightspace, on campus WiFi, and more.
2. Dragon ID - 8-digits consisting of only numbers.
   • Used only at MSUM. Certain departments on campus will request this identifier to access your personal records.

What is eServices?
eServices is MSUM’s online portal — use your StarID and password to log in and complete essential setup tasks for your student account.

What to Do Right Now

1. Log in to eServices using your StarID.
2. Complete all three tasks above as soon as possible to avoid delays with financial aid, billing, or class enrollment.
3. Use the tutorial links if you’re unsure how to complete any step.

To finalize your MSUM student record, you’ll need to complete the two items below using your StarID and password.

1. Release of Student Information
   MSUM protects your personal student records under federal and state privacy laws (FERPA and Minnesota Statute §13.32).
   If you want to give a parent, guardian, or another support person access to your records, you must complete a release.
   
   What to do:
   • Complete the Release of Student Information form.
     
     
2. Immunization Records
   Minnesota law requires students born after 1956 and attending a Minnesota college to provide immunization dates for:
   • Diphtheria & Tetanus (TD or TDAP)
   • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
   Exemptions are available if you qualify.
   
   What to do:
   • Self-report your vaccination dates through the Online Immunization Form.

• Visa is an entry permit that allows you to enter the U.S. and you may receive a U.S. visa valid for 1-5 years.
• Your visa can expire as long as your immigration document (i.e. I-20/DS-2019) is valid.
• Visa application times may vary from country to country. Check out how long you have to receive your visa.
• Make sure you come prepared to your visa appointment:
  • MSUM's School ID (SPM214F00270000)
  • Your Dragon ID
  • Your original I-20
  • Set up your shipment through eshipglobal.
  • Learn about MSUM and know about the City of Moorhead.
• If you are in the process of obtaining your F-1 or J-1 visa, the following information may help you to prepare for your visit to the U.S.Embassy/Consulate:
  • U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions
  • U.S. Department of State
  • 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa
  • 5 Ways to Prepare for Your Visa Interview

• After receiving your acceptance materials (along with the your I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for exchange visitors), you will need to pay the appropriate SEVIS fee. This is done before applying for the visa at the U.S. Consulate. Current fees (as of June 24, 2019) are as follows:
  • F-1 $350
  • J-1 $220
• Up-to-date fee information
• Please visit the SEVIS website for more information. To learn more about the SEVIS fee or to submit your payment of the SEVIS fee, please visit the SEVIS I-901 fee processing website.
• Spouses and dependents of F-1/J-1 (F-2/J-2) do not pay this fee. Please refer to the I-901 SEVIS Fee Frequently Asked Questions for more information about who needs to pay the fee.

The visa issued by the consulate does not guarantee entry to the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has authority to deny admissions at the port of entry.

Please have all your documents in order when you arrive to the U.S. Keep all of these documents in a safe place!

Important Information:

• Canadian students do not need visa stamps to enter the U.S., but they must present the Form I-20 or DS-2019 at the port of entry to be properly classified as a non-immigrant student status.
• Students who are eligible to enter the U.S. under the visa waiver program should not choose this travel option. Please apply for the appropriate student visa.
• Students are not allowed to enter the U.S. no more than 30 days prior to the start date of their I-20 or DS-2019.

Visit the following website for information on traveling to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website .

• F-1 Students:
  • Once you are admitted to MSUM, contact your current institution's international student office and request them to release your SEVIS information to MSUM. We will hold your I-20 until you arrive at MSUM. If you are planning to leave the U.S. before arriving at MSUM, you need to arrive to the U.S. with MSUM's I-20. In this case, please plan your travel and admissions accordingly. For more information, contact International Student Services.
• J-1 Students:
  • If you are a J-1 student and you want to transfer or change to F-1, please contact International Student Services at MSUM and your current institution international student adviser.

Minnesota State University Moorhead is easily accessible from Fargo Hector International Airport (FAR) located in Fargo, North Dakota. This airport is five miles away from MSUM.

Our on call after-hours phone number
Our office number is 218.477.2956
Public Safety is 218.477.2449
Emergency 911

If you are planning to arrive a few days before mandatory orientation starts International Student Services offers free rides from the airport to MSUM. You MUST complete the arrival form. Even if you don't need a ride, please fill in the form and put "no ride needed."

If you fly into Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP), please note that you have another 4-6 hour bus or car drive, or a 45 minute airplane ride to reach Moorhead. We do not offer rides from MSP.

On Campus Housing
If you are living on campus and if you are checking into your dorm room early, please contact the Housing and Residential Life Department. You will be charged a $15 per night from the day you check-in to your dorm until the move-in day of the semester. The early move-in charge will be added to your semester bill. Remember, you have to sign the Housing and Residential Life contract

Off Campus Housing
Can I live off campus? If you are not a Freshman and you are 21 or over you can live off campus. What are my options and what might it cost? Here are some additional resources to help you make that decision. Moorhead MN zip code is 56560:

• ApartmentList.com
• HousingList.com
• InMyArea.com
• Rent.com
• Trulia
• Zillow

• Doyle's Yellow Checker Cab Inc | 701.235.5535
• Lucky 7 Taxi | 701.235.1717
• F M Taxi | 701.353.2222
• Go Cab Taxi |701.630.9383
• Fargo Metro Taxi & Limousine Service | www.fargotaxicabs.com | 701.799.8645

Be sure to inform the driver that you want to go to Moorhead via town (this is much cheaper than taking the freeway).

• If you have not made housing arrangements prior to your departure, there are hotels and motels close to MSUM.
• You can inquire if the hotels and motels have special discounts for international students and their families.
• The map is just for reference and the hotels and motels close to MSUM are highlighted. Remember to mention that you are an MSUM student/family.

Please call ahead and make your reservations to reserve your room.

On Campus Housing

• All freshman (including international) students are REQUIRED to live on campus.
  • Housing contracts are for the entire year; you are not able to cancel after one semester. Please read the contract carefully.
  • Your housing & dining contract requires a signature by an adult; if you are under 18, your parent/legal guardian will have to sign your housing contract in order to reserve your room.
• Housing is competitive. If you wait to apply, you may not be able to reserve a room. Once you are admitted to MSU Moorhead, complete your Housing & Dining contract and prepayment.
• All international students with an on campus housing contract will be able to move-in early for $15 per night.
  • Early move-in option is only available to students who have made housing arrangements prior to their arrival to MSUM.
• For questions or for more information contact the Housing and Residential Life Department

Off-Campus Housing

• If you are a U.S. transfer and wish to live off-campus MSUM is NOT responsible for finding off-campus accommodations.
• Renting an apartment can be difficult if you plan to do so while living abroad.
• You will be required to sign a contract and pay a deposit before you are able to move-in.
• You may be able to make special arrangements with the landlord if you contact them directly.
  • Rental Sources:
  • Rent.com
  • Goldmark Property Management
  • Apartment Finder
  • ApartmentHQ
  • Apartment List
  • InMyArea.com

• You must make sure financial arrangements are met before departing your home country. MSUM cannot and does not assume financial responsibilities for international students and their families.
• While in the U.S., you are responsible for all financial obligations: tuition, health insurance, books, rent, telephone bills, credit card expenses, food, shelter etc., and for all the bills owed to MSUM.
• It is critically important you maintain your financial matters accordingly, as you will not be able to register or continue courses at MSUM until your MSUM bill is paid in full.
• It is recommended that you have immediate access to at least $5,000 in cashier's or traveler's checks, or a credit card to cover part of your first semester's immediate expenses at MSUM. If you wish to deposit your money at the MSUM Business Services, the check must be made payable to "Minnesota State University Moorhead." We do not encourage students to carry large sums of cash.
• You can also wire the funds directly to MSUM through Flywire. This option is available only if you have received your U.S. visa to MSUM. Prior to visiting your bank for funds, please check your I-20 and the actual total cost and payment deadlines for the semester.

Additional recommendations:

• Have travelers checks to cover immediate expenses (books, rent, food, clothes, etc.)
• Bring U.S. currency in small denominations; approximately $100-500 in $10, $20 and $50 bills.
• Purchase a money belt or a neck pouch to carry your valuables like your passport, I-20/DS-2019, cash, checks and credit cards.

• Math placement test is mandatory for all international students. You will not be able to register for math courses without taking the math placement test.
• International Student Services has certain dates reserved for international students to take the math placement test during orientation.
  • If you have scored 460 or above for the Math section for your SATs, the Math Placement Test will be waived for you.
  • If you score 430 of better for SAT verbal, then English Placement Test will be waived for you.
  • You must bring an official copy of your SAT score report if you did not submit to ISS.
  • Until we have an official SAT report, we are unable to waive the MATH and/or ENGLISH placement test.
  • All freshman international students will take the English placement test.
• All international students will take the English Placement Test.
• Students exempt from English Math Placement Test (U.S. transfer students who completed English composition).

This testing has varied options both remote and in person. You will be emailed more information.

Minnesota State Moorhead is often named one of the coldest colleges in the country, but we just think that makes us cooler! Though we’re often recognized for our chilly winters, Fargo-Moorhead has four distinct seasons.

Temperatures range widely throughout the year. The temperature during winter months (December, January, February) averages -12° C, but can drop to -30° C occasionally. Around 0.5 meters of snowfall during these months is typical.

It might seem daunting to step into a freezer-like atmosphere when you go outdoors during winter months, but that doesn’t stop us from having fun. We embrace the cold by bundling up in jackets, hats, mittens and scarves and participating in some of our favorite activities, like hockey, ice skating, cross country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and more! Plus, it’s hard to pass up delicious hot chocolate after spending time outdoors.

If you do not have winter clothing, you should plan on spending about $200.00 USD to purchase those items.

Summer months (June, July, August) have an average temperature around 20° C, and it’s the sunniest time of year. Our students enjoy spending time at Minnesota’s lakes (there are more than 10,000), canoeing, kayaking, biking, hiking and more.

Spring (March, April, May) and fall (September, October, November) tend to have milder weather, with the average temperature hovering at 15° C.

We strongly recommend that you bring clothes for all four seasons here in Moorhead, MN or buy clothes once you arrive. In the United States, students dress casually for classes. It is not unusual to find every kind of apparel imaginable. Men wear slacks or jeans and shirts or sweaters. They also wear shorts or cut-off jeans in warm weather. The majority of women on campus wear slacks or jeans, and blouses or sweaters, but some wear dresses and skirts as well. Sweatshirts are also common for both men and women.

Check out the latest weather forecast for Moorhead.