You will soon be traveling to Michigan to participate in the American Semester & Exchanges programs at Michigan State University! The ASP&E team is here to support you before, during, and after your program. If you have any concerns, big or small, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you!
Before you begin your next steps, it is vital you change your NetID password, if you have not already done so. Your NetID gives you access to MSU services and resources across campus, and the University's web-based email system, Spartan Mail.
To change your NetID password, visit: netid.msu.edu.
To check your MSU email, visit: mail.msu.edu.
PLEASE NOTE: There are more than 7,000 international students from around the world studying at MSU. Sometimes it is easy for departments or groups to accidentally send information that is not necessarily relevant or accurate for you. As a result, our team suggests only following instructions provided by our team. If you receive something you are not sure about, please feel free to ask our team for clarification.
Orientation is a mandatory requirement for all ASP&E students. It is also a required component of your immigration compliance in the U.S. (for both J-1 and F-1 visa holders). Orientation takes place prior to the start of classes each semester. You can expect the following topics to be discussed during orientation:
We have created numerous orientation modules to assist with your arrival in East Lansing, Michigan. The Visa & Arrival module is the first module you should review upon acceptance to our program. Our Course Enrollment & Registration module will help you understand course enrollments and how to access additional course-related materials and information.
The Housing & Dining Plans module will help you learn more about on-campus housing, what to expect, and how to prepare. The Student Accounts & Bills module will walk you through general billing information and how to pay bills at MSU.Finally,
the Health & Safety module will help you understand insurance, health, and safety for your time on campus.
These modules are here for you. It is expected you will review each module before inquiring additional information from us. If you do have further questions, do not hesitate to ask.
This module will help you with your visa application process and travel arrangements for arriving in East Lansing, Michigan.
Apply for Your Visa:
Fall participants can anticipate that notifications of immigration documents will be sent via email by early May. Spring participants can anticipate notifications in mid November. Once notified, it is vital that you promptly schedule a visa appointment at your nearest U.S. Embassy. Please do not schedule your visa appointment until you receive your paperwork.
Even though we will send your immigration document to you, it is important to carefully review all required materials for your individual appointment. Your home country might have additional requirements you will need to be aware of in order to have a successful visa appointment. It is also important that you confirm your passport is still valid prior to your appointment. Please ensure your passport is valid six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S. If it is not, please renew your passport before beginning the visa process.
Please be aware you will be asked to pay a visa fee. This fee will vary based on your home country. Please ensure you are prepared to make this payment prior to or during your visa appointment.
SEVIS Fee
In addition to your visa fee, you will also be expected to pay a SEVIS fee and complete the SEVIS form 1-901 in order to legally stay in the U.S. for your studies. Your SEVIS ID Number can be found on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. You must pay the SEVIS fee at least 3 days before applying for your visa. Please print your receipt and keep a copy for records.
Before You Leave Home:
Carry these documents with you when you travel to the U.S. (do not pack them in your suitcase):
You will get a stamp in your passport when you arrive in the U.S.
Please note: As of May 12, 2023, non-citizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. Visit the Center for Disease Control website for more information.
Preparing for Arrival:
As you prepare to pack your bags, please be sure to consult the LiveOn Packing list.
Arriving in Michigan:
There are three airports with close access to East Lansing, Michigan:
Both DTW and LAN airports receive numerous flights a day and have transportation services to and from MSU's campus.
If you plan to fly into Chicago, please be aware that transiting between the airport and the train station can be tricky, particularly if you are first-time traveller. For this reason, we suggest you fly directly into one of the Michigan airports listed above.
Getting to East Lansing:
The American Semester Program & Exchanges team provides a code that can help offset the cost of rides through the Ride Share app, Lyft during the official arrival window only (August 22-25, 2026). Rides from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Capital Region Airport, Flint Bishop Airport, the Michigan Flyer stop, and the Amtrak/Megabus/Greyhound station on the official arrival dates to your residence hall will be covered. Rides to any other location and on any day not specified in the flyer will NOT be covered.
It is strongly recommended that you read through this guide prior to your departure to the USA.
If you arrive before or after the official arrival dates, you will need to make your own way to campus. Taxis are readily available in the Lansing and East Lansing area. Most of the time, you will find taxis waiting near the Lansing airport, the Amtrak train station, and the Michigan Flyer stop. Taxi drivers know the MSU campus and they will be able to bring you to the residence halls. Uber and Lyft are also available in the area.
Be sure to have your housing assignment details readily available when you travel.
Navigating Campus:
MSU has one of the largest, most expansive campuses in the United States. With hundreds of buildings and kilometers (miles) of sidewalks, there's always something new to see. But that also means it can be easy to get lost!
We suggest you look at the MSU Campus Map along with downloading the MSU Mobile App, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store prior to arrival to familiarize yourself with important landmarks and general orientation to the campus.
Course Eligibility and Approvals:
Students must be flexible and willing to work with academic advisers at their home institutions to identify courses they wish to take at MSU. We cannot guarantee requested courses will be approved for any student.
Course denial is very common and is not unique to international students. Domestic, degree-seeking students must also meet all requirements. As such, American Semester Program & Exchange students must be understanding and willing to work with our office and academic advisers to find the best courses for them.
Students can find more information on course availability on our academics page.
Check Your Current Course Enrollments:
It may not be possible to fully complete your schedule prior to arrival due to numerous reasons outside of our control. However, prior to arrival, you should be enrolled in or approved for a few courses.
To check the status of your current enrollment:
Reminder: Per visa regulations, you must be enrolled full-time at MSU. Undergraduate level students must be enrolled in 12 US credits (approximately 3-5 courses), and Graduate level students must be enrolled in at least 9 US credits (approximately 3-4 courses).
IMPORTANT: When checking your enrollments DO NOT drop any courses before speaking with us. Your immigration and visa requirements depend on this. If you drop a course on accident, we cannot guarantee you will get it back.
Selecting Additional Courses:
While you should already be enrolled in a number of courses, you may be interested in changing your schedule or requesting additional coursework.
When looking for additional courses, it is important to think about:
Course offerings, course descriptions and prerequisite requirements can be found on the schedule of courses.
This module will describe housing assignments and the residential hall system at MSU. Along with on-campus housing, this module will discuss what to expect from your dining plan.
Housing Assignment:
After you have fully committed to your program, you will be asked to inform us of your housing preferences using the Housing Form located in your ViaTRM account.
Once you complete the preference form, our team will share these preferences with the Residential Education Hospitality Services (REHS) team to make your assignment. Approximately 2 weeks prior to arrival, REHS will reach out to you via email to sign your housing contract. Once signed, you will be able to access your residence hall assignment and roommate information.
Our team will make every effort to honor your housing requests. Please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee any particular placement.
Additionally, students are only offered one housing option. Therefore, you are encouraged to accept the placement offered.
Contract Length:
Your housing contract will be for an entire academic year. There is not a housing contract option for one semester only. If you will only be staying with us for one semester, our office provide instructions towards the end of the semester on how to manually end your contract early (applies only to Fall participants).
Accessing Your Placement:
Housing Rates & Options:
Michigan State University's Residence Education and Housing Services office sets housing and dining rates. These rates are outside of our control and are subject to change. To see current housing (and dining) rates, please go to LiveOn's rates page.
Typically, ASP&E students stay within MSU's standard Residence Halls. These are general undergraduate and graduate accommodations that include numerous living options like singles, doubles, and more. With each option comes a difference in room rate. These rates may be slightly different than our living expenses listed here. As such, your total cost may increase or decrease slightly depending on where you are placed.
Owen Hall is a popular accommodation for graduate level and older students. The Owen Hall rates are different than the standard Residence Hall rates and may drastically increase your total cost. Owen Hall Extended is a new housing option that allows students to stay before and after semester dates. This flexibility, however, greatly increases the housing cost.
Dining Plan:
Your meal plan will give you access to any one of the cafeterias on campus, along with Sparty's Cafes and the new Sparty's Market. If you are living in undergraduate housing, you will automatically be enrolled in the DINEON Silver Plan.
If you have dietary needs, including Halal and Kosher cuisines, MSU cafeterias will be able to accommodate.
Fall 2025 Exchange Student bills will be generated in September and payment will be due October 1, 2025.
While you will not be required to pay your bill prior to your arrival on campus, we still think it's important you understand where to find your bill and how to pay it.
Details about how to access your bill, make a payment and more can be found by reviewing the Student Guide to Student Accounts.
If you are interested in making payment by international wire transfer, please review the Flywire International Wire instructions.
Questions About Billing & Finances:
Should I bring cash with me when I travel to MSU?
Yes, but only in small amounts. Carrying large amounts of local currency is unnecessary and not recommended. We do, however, recommend contacting your bank two weeks prior to departure to inform them of your intent to travel to the U.S. While here, you may encounter small international transaction fees for using your debit or credit card abroad. We encourage you to determine these rates in advance so you are prepared for the charges you may incur.
How do I find my MSU Tuition and Housing bill?
Please use the guidance above to access your bill. Payment of fees will not be necessary or available until after the ASP&E orientation.
When is my student bill due?
An email will be sent to your MSU email account once your bill has been generated. This message will notify you that your bill is available to view on student.msu.edu.
The bill must be paid by the date posted on your bill. You do not need to worry about making a payment prior to arrival.
May I pay my tuition with a credit card?
Yes. MSU accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards. Credit card payments can be made online only through StuInfo.
Please be aware that all credit card payments will be charged a convenience fee.
Does MSU accept Wire Transfer payments?
Yes. Wire transfer payments can be initiated online through student.msu.edu. More details about wire transfer options can be found on the Flywire flyer.
Can I pay MSU with a bank draft from my home country?
Yes. However, you must pay the exact amount owed to MSU. Do not include extra funds. Bank drafts may take 2-3 weeks to process.
Does MSU accept payments from non-United States bank accounts?
No, MSU does not accept payment from foreign bank accounts.
Mandatory Health Insurance:
Health insurance coverage in the United States is expensive. In an effort to protect our ASP&E students from experiencing medical emergencies without sufficient insurance coverage, MSU requires international students to hold suitable health insurance coverage during their entire time in the United States.
All incoming ASP&E students (semester and year long) are automatically enrolled* in the mandatory Student Health Insurance Plan through MSU after registering for classes. The health insurance coverage offered through MSU meets the necessary federal requirements and important standards to support you in the event of medical need. You can review rates for this insurance on the Student Health Plans website.
Exception:
The only exception to this auto-enrollment policy is for dual citizens of the United States. Dual Citizens of the United States are not automatically enrolled in the MSU Student Health Insurance Policy. We understand that these students may already hold a U.S. based privately held insurance policy. These students may still choose to enroll in this policy through Aetna. Note that Dual Citizens must still carry health insurance during their time on the ASP&E program. Therefore, students who do not have access to a home university or home government insurance policy, they will still be expected to opt in to the MSU student health insurance plan.
Vaccination Expectations:
While MSU does not require any specific vaccinations, the university will ask students to disclose their vaccination status before the commencement of classes. More information about recommended vaccinations for students can be found on the University Health and Wellbeing website.
Safety:
Your safety is our utmost priority. MSU provides students with many safety resources that can be used to make your stay at MSU feel more comfortable. We encourage you to keep these resources on hand during your stay with us. This link includes contact numbers for campus police, local emergency services, the MSU emergency text system, etc.
Additionally, we encourage you to review the MSU Safety website for information on what MSU is doing to keep our campus safe including information about the MSU Safety app, residence hall security, late night transportation, emergency alert system, etc.