Before coming to the U.S., it is essential that you complete some steps and plan to ensure that your arrival to MSU Billings is a success.

PRE - ARRIVAL CHECKLIST

1.) Book your flight to Billings Logan International Airport.

  • Please make arrangements to arrive either on January 6th or 7th, 2025 in order to attend the mandatory International Student Orientation beginning the morning of January 8th, 2025.
  • Please note, MSUB cannot guarantee services for students who arrive more than 2-3 days prior to the orientation start date.
  • MSUB Office of International Studies offers FREE airport pickup service for all students who inform us of their arrival 1 week in advance. To sign up for this service, indicate your arrival information in the International Student Confirmation Form and upload a copy of your flight itinerary. Please be aware that we may not be able to accommodate airport pickup between the hours of 23:00 - 7:00. 
  • Refer to the Arrival to the U.S.page for detailed information about airport pickup services, U.S. immigration procedures, and essential documents to carry during your journey.
  • Review the suggested packing list to help you prepare for your arrival at MSU Billings and Montana.
Suggested Packing List

 

2.) Complete your required immunizations.

  • The International Student Immunization form must be completed by a doctor in your country and include updated immunization records. These immunizations are required by Montana State Law. The required immunizations include:
    • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - TWO (2) immunizations on or after 12 months of age OR copy of lab report of immune titer or test results signed by a physician and including type of test and test date.
    • TB (Tuberculosis Skin Test) - Current skin test given within the last 12 months. Results must be written in millimeters (mm). For any result over zero (0) mm, a chest x-ray is required.
      • Some countries do not currently offer a TB skin test. If your country does not provide this test, you can take the test at the MSUB Student Health Center for a cost of $10.
      • Please note that a chest x-ray alone does not meet the requirement, but it can be useful when evaluating your test result.
  • For questions about immunization requirements please contact Student Health Services
  • International Student Immunization Form
  • Please upload this form to the International Student Confirmation Form.

3.) Prepare your U.S. health insurance coverage

  • Health insurance coverage is mandatory for all international students and a requirement for visa compliance. 
  • MSUB offers student health insurance for $2,567/semester. If you do not want to enroll in the MSUB Health Insurance Plan, please purchase an outside health insurance plan. 
  • Check Out International Student Health Insurance Options
  • Upload your health insurance policy information, including the policy's effective dates, to the International Student Confirmation Form.

4.) Complete the MSUB housing application

  • MSU Billings offers affordable on-campus housing. Information regarding the residence halls can be found on the MSUB Housing website.
  • To apply for housing please follow the steps below:
    • Look up your NetID and set your password.
      • To do this, you will need your MSUB ID (found on your admission letter) and date of birth (month/day/year).
      • Next, look up your MSU Billings email ID. Log into MyInfo with your NetID and password. Click the "Personal Information" tab then click the "View IDs link. Your MSUB email address will be listed in the Official University Email Address box.
    • Sign in to the Housing Portal with your MSUB email address and NetID password and complete the housing application.
    • During your designated timeslot, chose your room and meal plan. Pay a $125 deposit via credit or debit card to secure your room. 

5.) Complete the Billings Friendship Family (BFF) Questionnaire Optional

  • The Billings Friendship Family (BFF) program at MSU Billings exists to provide international students an opportunity to enrich their understanding of American and Montana culture by experiencing holidays, family meals, trips, or weekend activities with a volunteer family in the Billings community. If you are interested in participating fill out the BFF Student Questionnaire.
  • BFF Student Questionnaire

6.) Complete the International Student Confirmation Form

  • After you complete all of these necessary steps, please submit the International Student Confirmation Form. You can uplodad all of you documents securely to this form. Please bring the original copies with you to MSUB and submit them to the Office of International Studies during International Student Orientation.
  • International Student Confirmation Form
  • You will receive an email within 5–10 business days confirming that all information provided in the International Student Confirmation Form is complete and adequate.

For any questions about planning and preparing your arrival, please contact the Office of International Studies through any of the following mediums: