Scholars

Next Steps for Arrival To USF

After receiving your DS-2019 from USF, it is time to prepare to come to the Tampa Bay area.   

(Before Arrival) Get Your J-1 Visa or Transfer J Status to USF

If you are outside the US:

  • Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee 
  • Make an appointment for a J-1 visa at a US Embassy or Consulate.
  • After receiving the visa stamp in your passport, make arrangements to arrive in Florida.  Tampa International Airport is the closest airport.
  • You and any J-2 dependents may enter the US up to thirty (30) days before program start date on the DS-2019.

If you are inside the US:

  • OIS will work with your J-1 program sponsor to arrange transfer of your SEVIS record to USF. 
  • Your category, subject/field code, and program objective cannot change. 
  • USF will not be able to produce the final DS-2019 until you arrive at USF.

Finding Housing

There are many different options for renting living space in the U.S. which can be overwhelming. Deciding what kind of housing you would like (house, apartment, duplex, single room in a home) and how much your monthly rental budget will be is a good place to start.

Transitional (Temporary) Housing

Temporary housing may be necessary while searching for a place to live. Different from off-campus housing or university housing, this is a short-term option.

Many scholars arrive in the US and stay at a hotel temporarily while they are deciding on a place to live. Here is a list of some hotels near the Tampa Campus compiled by USF's Department of Student Success.   

Many hotels and motels offer extended stay options. While not an exhaustive list, you can use the links below to search for extended stay hotels near each campus.

In addition to traditional hotels/motels, it may be more economical to obtain short-term accommodations through websites* like AirBnB and VRBO. You can also use travel aggregator sites, such as OneTravel, which list numerous accommodations in your specified area and timeframe. 

*These websites are not controlled, operated, or endorsed by the university.

Off-Campus Housing

USF has a website dedicated to helping you find some near-campus housing options.

This website also has some additional community resources that you may find helpful. 

It can be challenging to find a place near the university. Sometimes scholars ask their academic departments for specific recommendations.

Other housing websites* you may find useful are:

Hotpads (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee)
Trulia.com (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee)
Zillow.com (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee)
ApartmentGuide.com (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee)
Redfin.com (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee)

*These websites are not controlled, operated, or endorsed by the university.

University Housing

The university offers limited guest housing experiences during the summer May – August.

Furnishing Your New Place

While some housing options come furnished. If you need to find furnishings for your place, here are a few popular options.*

*These websites are not controlled, operated, or endorsed by the university.

Note: When using online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to buy, sell, or rent items, please exercise caution. Unfortunately, these platforms can sometimes host fraudulent listings or individuals attempting to scam users. To protect yourself:

  • Avoid transactions that seem "too good to be true."
  • Never share personal or financial information (e.g., bank account details, Social Security numbers).
  • Opt for secure payment methods and avoid wiring money or using untraceable payment options.
  • Meet in public, well-lit areas if arranging in-person exchanges.
  • If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts and disengage from the transaction. Your safety and security are our priority!

Important Considerations

Consider the information below before signing a lease:

Security Deposits

Security deposits are common in many home and apartment rentals, typically in the amount for the first and last month's rent, or a similar amount. This deposit covers any potential damages that may occur during the tenant's stay in the residence, but can often be returned to you if no damages are present. It is important to read any potential lease thoroughly to understand these and other responsibilities before you sign.  

Note: Some apartment complexes require a large deposit or to have a financial guarantor in the United States. This may be an additional off-campus housing expense for students.  Students should ask about the deposit amounts before signing a lease.

Know Before you Sign

Every housing situation is different, but here are a few more tips to help you expect the unexpected:

  • No two rental homes or apartments are the same. Some may be furnished or unfurnished, some with or without washers and dryers (or have a communal laundry room), and efficiencies will have only 1 large room with a separate closet and bathroom. Be sure to ask about any amenities or in-unit additions.
  • When renting an apartment, landlords/rental companies will often look for a monthly income of at least 3 times the monthly rent, but this could vary throughout the city.
  • Requesting a tour of the unit or house you want to rent is beneficial because the photos you see may not be an accurate portrayal of the unit, complex, or neighborhood.

Utilities

As you search for a home or apartment to rent, be aware that the posted monthly rental price often does not include utilities (gas, water, electric) and may also require other fees (trash pick-up, pet fee, upkeep fee for pool, gym, etc.). However, some apartments may include one or more of these, so make sure you ask! If you pay for utilities separate from your apartment, failure to pay could result in termination of your utility services, so don't forget to pay on time. Again, read any rental agreement thoroughly to understand utility expectations beforehand.

Renter's Insurance

Rental homes and apartments often require a certain amount of renter's insurance, so please plan on factoring this amount into your monthly rental budget. Renter's insurance helps cover the cost of major damages and also protects your belongings in case of fire, theft, or damage.

Report to OIS for Immigration Check-In

Mandatory Immigration Check-In

  • Once you have completed the required E-Forms, attend an Immigration Check-In during our daily Virtual Drop-In or Walk-In Hours - https://www.usf.edu/world/international-services/about-us/contact-us.aspx.
  • During Immigration Check-In, OIS will “activate” your SEVIS record.   
  • Two days (48 hours) after SEVIS activation, you can apply for an SSN number at the local SSA office. See the J Scholar Social Security Information handout for more information.
  • After Immigration Check-In and after applying for your SSN, you may complete HR On-Boarding if you are employed at and begin your job at your department..

Attend Your OIS Orientation

Mandatory Orientation

Update your U Number in iStart

  • During your first week with your new USF department you should be provided with your University ID Number (U Number) and a Net ID. Once you have your U Number, login to iStart and complete the Update your U Number E-Form to complete the scholar checklist. This step is mandatory in order to allow you to use iStart resources as a continuing scholar at USF.

Learn more about living in the Tampa Bay area

Living in Tampa Bay