International Acceptance Guide - 2023 - 2024

International Acceptance Guide LET’S GET STARTED | 2024

Congratulations on your acceptance to CBU ...

Now you might be wondering, “What’s next?”

This booklet will guide you through the steps you need to take before starting your classes here at California Baptist University.

Follow this step-by-step guide to becoming a CBU Lancer. This will keep you on track for your first day of class.

FIND ALL THIS INFORMATION HERE: calbaptist.edu/intlorientation

DID YOU KNOW?

CBU students represent 64 countries from around the world.

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You are now challenged with choosing which college or university to attend. We recognize the importance of this decision and believe that California Baptist University offers not only an excellent educational experience but also a great place to make lasting friendships and prepare for your career.

From the moment you enroll at CBU, you will be welcomed into a community of faculty and staff who are committed to helping you live your purpose. With an offering of more than 80 undergraduate majors and over 40 graduate degrees, you are sure to find one that will prepare you for success in your career and, more importantly, your calling.

Founded in 1950, CBU sits on 162 acres (65 hectares) and serves more than 11,000 students. CBU will offer you an inspirational learning environment including stateof-the-art buildings and residence areas, smart classrooms and award-winning dining facilities. We are extremely excited about our newest additions to campus: the Recreation Center, complete with a rooftop track, futsal field and state-of-the-art free weight and cardio equipment; the 5,000+ seat Events Center, which hosts chapel and athletic competitions; and our 100,000-square-foot engineering building.

As you move forward to pursue your collegiate experience at CBU, our sincere hope is that the information provided in this booklet will equip you for your next steps. At CBU, each office will work closely with you so that all of your questions are answered. If you are not sure where to start, give us a call in International Admissions.

Again, congratulations on your acceptance to CBU! We look forward to seeing you become part of the CBU Family and wish you the best in your academic career.

International Admissions

How to Become a Lancer

Schedule Visa Interview

Schedule your visa interview as early as possible. Interview slots fill up quickly! Follow the link in your acceptance email and pay your I-901 fee to book your appointment.

Make Housing Arrangements

Undergraduate students need to reserve housing as soon as possible, especially if you want your first-choice living area! On-campus graduate student housing is currently available, but there are many apartment complexes near campus.

Confirm Enrollment

Once you have have been approved for your visa, pay your $750 tuition deposit to confirm your enrollment at CBU.

Complete Online Orientation

Now that you are accepted, you can access the link to participate in Online Orientation. Completing Online Orientation will give you all of the information you need for a successful start at CBU.

International Arrival

It’s time to plan your travel! Book your plane ticket and get ready to come to California. Make sure you have your passport, I-20, and are scheduled to arrive on an airport pick up day unless you plan to arrange your own transportation to CBU. Fill out your arrival form in your acceptance email.

International Welcome

Checking in to CBU and attending International Welcome is mandatory. You will receive your student ID, learn your way around campus and start to make new friends!

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Schedule Your Visa Interview

We are so excited you have been accepted to CBU. Here are a few details about your immigration documents.

In order to schedule your visa interview, you need to go to ceac.state.gov/genniv to complete your DS-160 visa application. Please make sure you have paid your I-901 fee before you schedule your visa interview. If you don’t have an I-20, follow up with your admissions counselor; they could be missing your financial documents.

Once you schedule your interview, please let your admissions counselor know, and then go to calbaptist.edu/visa to set up a mock visa interview.

FOR MORE VISA INFORMATION: calbaptist.edu/visa

DID YOU KNOW?

There is not a magical answer for a visa interview. Just be yourself. Be honest and share from your heart! It is important to be excited and friendly. Also, make sure that you review your statement of purpose, it is designed to help you interview.

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Make Your Housing Arrangements

Undergraduate

Living on campus will enhance your college experience for many reasons. Not only do our unique living areas offer great places to study and learn but you will also get to experience an array of programs exclusive to residents. Some popular events include our annual all-campus Halloween production, individual living area worship nights, themed dinners and friendly competitions. Many of our students also find lifelong friends through their time living on campus. You have so much to look forward to!

As you fill out your online housing application, you will have the chance to create your own personal profile to help in the roommate matching process and provide a living area preference. You will receive a confirmation email once you are assigned housing.

We are so excited to have you join our community! Please don’t hesitate to call or email us with any questions between now and then.

• Spring 2024 housing applications become available in October 2023.

• Fall 2024 housing applications become available in January 2024. DID YOU

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*niche.com

KNOW? CBU is ranked #3 Best College Campus in the United States*

TAKE A VIRTUAL CAMPUS TOUR: calbaptist.edu/intltour

Graduate

We want you to have a comfortable place to call home during your studiesat CBU.

Graduate students are eligible to live on campus in our University Houses, but there are also many apartment complexes near CBU that international students may choose to live in. If you are interested in connecting with other students who are looking for a roommate, please join the Facebook Group: CBU Roommate Connect

FOR MORE HOUSING INFORMATION: calbaptist.edu/intlhousing

Questions?

Residence Life and Housing Services

housing@calbaptist.edu +1.951.552.8111

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Confirm Your Enrollment

Once you receive your visa, make sure you let your counselor know! After your visa is approved you will need to pay your $750 tuition deposit to let us know you are coming. You have 10 days to pay your tuition deposit, otherwise your I-20 will be canceled.

The tuition deposit is not an additional fee, but a down payment toward your tuition. This secures your spot at CBU.

Don’t worry if you forget, we will send some helpful reminder emails.

DID YOU KNOW?

You will want to book your airline tickets around this time.

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Complete Online Orientation

We will send you information about how to access Online Orientation through email.

Online Orientation will get you ready to come to CBU! We have included everything you need to know, and if you forget, you can review it anytime you would like. Throughout the orientation, you will learn more about the CBU experience and our traditions as well as explore the resources that are available to you as a student. We hope this allows you to learn more about your areas of interest and get excited about this upcoming semester.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

calbaptist.edu/intlorientation

DID YOU KNOW?

Nineteen students for every faculty member means smaller classes and professors who know you by name.

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Getting to Know Riverside, California

Riverside was founded in 1870 and, shortly thereafter, became one of the wealthiest cities in the United States thanks to the citrus industry. The Mission Revival style architecture, trendy eateries and strong commitment to education and diversity give the city its charming character.

While you’re here, visit these incredible places:

n California Citrus State Park

n Downtown Riverside

n Mission Inn

n Mt. Rubidoux

n Riverside Art Museum

n Riverside Food Lab

n Arcade Coffee Roasters

International Arrival

This benefit allows you to move into housing early before other new students arrive.

Once you have decided CBU is the right school, and you have your visa, purchase your flight to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). LAX is one of the world’s most famous airports, so you never know who you might see on your way out!

CBU will provide free transportation from LAX to CBU on the International Arrival day below based upon your semester of enrollment.

• Spring | Wednesday, January 3, 2024

• Summer | Thursday, May 2, 2024

• Fall | Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Once you have booked your tickets, fill out the arrival form found in your acceptance email at least 7 days before your arrival. If you arrive on any date other than ones designated for airport pickup, you will need to arrange your own transportation. We recommend primetimeshuttle.com

You can also fill out your arrival form here.

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International Welcome

International Welcome (IW )

Transitioning to college life in America will take more than just a few days. International Welcome provides you with opportunities to connect with other students and learn about our campus culture and traditions. This will be a great chance to meet other people from all over the world and connect with our staff and interns.

Welcome Weekend (Undergraduate Only)

As a new undergraduate student, you will also attend Welcome Weekend, a weekend of fun activities and events for all new CBU students. Our hope is to connect you to CAMPUS (letting you know about the resources and facilities available to you), CLASSMATES (helping you meet other new students and develop friendships) and COMMUNITY (introducing you to the qualities and traditions unique to CBU).

What to bring:

n Passport

n I-20

n Luggage

n Phone Charger and Adapter

n Travel Documents