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International Orientation

Arrival & Onboarding to Campus

As you plan your travel to Cookeville and arrival to Tennessee Tech, it is recommended you arrive to campus by Monday, August 14 for the Fall 2023 semester. Spring 2024 information will be updated at a later date.

This will provide you a few days prior to classes starting for you to take care of various requirements. Below are a few items you should plan to take care of once you arrive in Cookeville.

  • 1. Immigration Onboarding & Check-In

    Upon your arrival to campus, you must check-in with the Office of International Programs (Derryberry Hall, Room 135 - access our campus map). Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm (central time).

    Once checked in, you will be provided with some additional information from the International Programs staff regarding next steps and items to complete.

    International Programs Contact Information

  • 2. Health Requirements

    Tennessee Tech requires all students to comply with specific health and immunization requirements.

    While we understand you may not have these requirements completed yet, an opportunity will be provided for you to complete the required immunizations needed to enroll (more information, including specific days and times will be provided soon).

    Click the gold button below to learn more about Tennessee Tech's immunization requirements.

    Health Services Immunization Requirements

    Note: Please have immunization records already translated into English before you arrive.

    IMPORTANT: Any new international student that is under the age of 18 upon their arrival to campus and start of classes must have their parent or legal guardian complete the required health forms provided on the immunization requirements website linked above.

  • 3. Open a Bank Account (if needed)

    Since you will be living in the United States, you may want to open a local bank account. This is optional and is only required if you plan to have an on-campus job.

    To open a local bank account, you will need to...

    • Receive a letter from Tech's International Programs Office
    • Research local bank accounts to determine which bank and type of account may be best for your needs. The most common/recommended type of account is a checking account.


    The following are local bank options:

  • 4. Provide Insurance

    All international students are required to have health and accident insurance during the time that they are in the U.S.

    When it comes to health insurance, you have two options:

    • Purchase your own insurance coverage
    • Purchase student health insurance coverage offered by Tennessee Tech

    The Tennessee Tech student insurance plan provides hospital, surgical, basic medical, supplementary medical, and catastrophic services as well as evacuation and repatriation. Students purchasing private insurance must purchase something equivalent to the Tennessee Tech plan. 

    LEARN MORE ABOUT TECH'S HEALTH INSURANCE

    NOTE: Students cannot add medical insurance 30 days after any semester has begun. If you have any additional coverage questions contact the International Programs Office staff at (931) 372-3634.

  • 5. Schedule ACCUPLACER

    It's possible you may need to schedule an ACCUPLACER exam so that your academic advisor can best assist you regarding the courses you should take. ACCUPLACER test scores place students in math, reading, and writing courses.

    The Tennessee Tech's Testing & Learning Center requires students to register for the ACCUPLACER exam at least 24-hours in advance.

    To determine if you need to complete the ACCUPLACER and to register, click the button below.

    ACCUPlacer Information & Register

  • 6. Upload Photo for Student I.D.

    The Eagle Card is the official identification card (Student I.D.) for the university. Eagle Cards are valid for the duration of your education at Tennessee Tech.

    To receive your Eagle Card, you must be admitted and have completed the onboarding process with the Office of International Programs. Photo requirements and information on how to upload a valid photo are available on the link below.

    How to Submit Your Eagle Card Photo

    To learn more about the Eagle Card and its services, visit www.tntech.edu/eaglecard

Looking for a place to eat once you arrive? Please check out our on-campus dining locations and their hours of operation (all times central).

On-Campus Dining Locations & Hours