You're Headed to ORU!
Now that you’ve been admitted to ORU, learn how to secure your student visa, plan your journey, and access key resources to help you transition smoothly into life at ORU and in Tulsa. We’re so excited to have you join our incoming class of Golden Eagles!
Fall Registration Deadline: July 1
WHAT TO DO ONCE YOU'VE BEEN ACCEPTED
SECURE YOUR VISA
All non-immigrant students and exchange visitors must pay a $350 SEVIS I-901 fee before applying for a visa. In most countries, this fee can be paid online.
- Fill out the DS-160 form.
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 and DS-160 fees before booking your visa appointment.
- Schedule your visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
- If your interview date is after the semester starts, consider another embassy with a shorter wait time. Check the global visa wait time list.
- Notify your Admissions Representative of your visa interview date.
Schedule a mock visa interview with the ISR Office to practice before your appointment. Bring all required documents, including your I-20, financial records, and admission letter. If your visa is denied, don’t lose hope—many students succeed on their second attempt. Be confident, dress professionally, and clearly explain your ties to your home country, financial support, and why you chose ORU.
WHAT TO DO ONCE YOU'VE SECURED YOUR VISA
COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION
COMPLETE THE HOUSING APPLICATION AND CHOOSE YOUR ROOM AND MEAL PLAN
- Get started at studenthousing.oru.edu.
- Use the tutorial above to make your selections.
Accept or decline financial aid offers
After receiving your financial aid offer, you can choose or reject individual offers and apply for loans as needed via VISION.
- Log into vision.oru.edu.
- Select Registration Quick Links.
- Click Accept Your Financial Aid Awards.
- Select an AID YEAR (e.g., 2025-2026 Aid Year).
- Select which offers to accept. Before clicking the ACCEPT AWARD OFFER tab:
- You'll need to click the TERMS AND CONDITIONS tab if that requirement is still incomplete.
Note: Deciding on offers may trigger additional tasks on VISION. Direct Loan borrowers must complete promissory notes and entrance counseling. Parents applying for Direct Parent PLUS Loans need to submit separate requests and promissory notes. Students accepting extra unsubsidized loans due to a Direct Parent PLUS Loan denial must undergo Financial Awareness counseling.
Verification: If you are selected for Verification, please click here for more information.
- Log into vision.oru.edu.
- Select Registration Quick Links.
- Select an AID YEAR (e.g., 2025-2026 Aid Year).
- Select Address Verification.
- Enter your information then press Complete.
Paying Off Your Balance
Your balance includes tuition, fees, housing, and food. To see if you have a remaining balance, follow the steps below:
- Log into vision.oru.edu.
- Select Registration Quick Links.
- Select an AID YEAR (e.g., 2025-2026 Aid Year).
- If BALANCE DUE indicates that you do not have a remaining balance, you are able to complete all of your registration steps.
- If BALANCE DUE indicates that you do have a remaining balance, that is what you owe.
- Pay off your balance using verifiable financial aid, a monthly payment plan, cash, check, credit card, money order, or wire transfer.
- Make payment through VISION.
- If you are an International student, we recommend Fly Wire which offers payment options with guaranteed low rates for currency conversion.
Setting Up A Payment Plan
- Students have the option to set up a monthly payment plan that divides your outstanding balance into monthly installments without charging interest. This plan is not financing and does not affect credit.
- To set up a monthly payment plan, locate the Payment Options listed underneath your registration steps on Vision. Select Option 1 "Enroll in a Monthly Payment Plan."
- Full-Time Students: Before arriving on campus, please complete the Medical Assessment Form which includes medical history, a physical examination, physician's recommendation
for exercise, and immunization records.
- Please upload directly to your Vision account using the "Secure Document Upload" tab and selecting Student Health Document.
- View Immunization Requirements.
- Download the Medical Assessment Form.
- Part-Time Students: Before arriving on campus, please provide immunization records for the MMR series, Hep B series, Meningococcal
vaccine and a TB Skin Test.
- If you are enrolled in any HPER class a, Medical Assessment Form is also required.
- Please upload directly to your Vision account using the "Secure Document Upload" tab and selecting Student Health Document.
Visit studenthealth.oru.edu for more information.
PLAN YOUR TRAVEL
What to Pack in Your Luggage
Clothing
- Clothing for all seasons: Tulsa has very hot summers and cold winters.
- ORU Dress Code: Include workout clothes, professional business attire, and one formal outfit.
- Cultural Attire: You’ll have opportunities to represent your country—bring traditional clothing!
- Other essentials: Hats, scarves, socks, pajamas, shoes, underwear, a winter coat, sunglasses, and a swimsuit.
Electronics
- Backpack, laptop, and charger (you may need an adapter).
- Cell phone charger and headphones.
Personal Care & Health
- Water bottle & prescription medications (including any allergy or headache meds).
- Toiletries: Shower shoes, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste.
Comfort Items
- Photos and mementos from home to help with homesickness.
- Favorite snacks from your country!
What to Pack in Your Carry-On
- All required documents (see below for full list)
- Money to get you through the first day or two in Tulsa
- Wallet
- Travel tickets (store electronically or paper)
- Laptop, phone, and other electronics
- Travel outlet adapter
- Journal/diary/bible
- Any medicine you may be using
What to Buy Once You Arrive in Tulsa
- School Supplies: Folders, notebooks, sticky notes, pens, and pencils.
- Bathroom & Health: Towels, first aid kit, vitamins, shower caddy, contact solution, face wash, razor.
- Dorm Essentials: Bedding (extra-long twin sheets), pillows, mattress pad, fan, desk lamp, hangers, mirror.
- Kitchen Supplies: Bowls, cups, plates, utensils.
- Laundry Supplies: Detergent, dryer sheets, fabric softener.
You cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the start date on your I-20. If you arrive too early, you may not be allowed to enter. Plan your trip carefully!
Required Documents
- A passport valid for at least six months into the future.
- Your F-1 visa (Canadian students do not need an F-1 visa).
- A printed copy of your I-20.
- Printed copies of your ORU admission letter and financial documents.
- Proof of SEVIS fee payment.
Important Reminders:
- Do NOT enter on a B-1/B-2 visa or through the ESTA (Visa Waiver Program), as these do not allow you to study.
- If your travel route includes layovers in other countries, ensure you have any required transit visas.
- Avoid using Global Entry, Nexus, or Clear when entering the U.S., as they are not designed for F-1 students and could cause incorrect processing.
- Canadian Students: Show your I-20 and indicate that you are entering on F-1 status at the border to avoid being processed as a tourist.
The closest airport to ORU is Tulsa International Airport (TUL). Before your arrival, make arrangements for ground transportation and hotels, as needed.
Hotel Options Near Airport
- Home2Suites: Free airport shuttle, ~$149 per night
- Hilton Garden Inn: Free airport shuttle, ~$141.50 per night
Local Taxi Services
- Royal Taxi: +1 918-951-9499
- Tulsa Taxi Club: +1 918-934-0000
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE ON CAMPUS
Get settled into your new home at ORU! Unpack, connect with your roommate, and start making memories.
Class Schedule
- Your first semester class schedule will be created for you based on the recommended courses listed on your degree plan sheet, your acceptance status and any ACT/SAT test scores, CLEP results, AP results, and any transfer credits currently on file.
- Once your schedule is created, you'll be notified by email and can view it at vision.oru.edu.
- Note: If you plan to study music, dance, or theatre, please contact your Admissions Representative to complete any additional requirements.
Textbooks
- ORU participates in the Follett Access Program, which will provide you with all of your textbook materials for a flat fee of $355 per semester.
- Students must complete registration in order to be permitted to pick up their course materials.
- Please pick up your FitBit at the Bookstore when you pickup your books.
Your Eagle Card will be ready for pickup when you arrive on campus if you submit your photo in advance. Once you complete housing, you will receive an email with a unique link to submit your photo.
If you need the email resent, please give us a call at 918.495.7256 or send us an email at eaglecard@oru.edu.