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ACCEPTANCE ON YOUR TO CBU CONGRATS

NOW THAT YOU’VE BEEN ACCEPTED, WHAT’S NEXT?

This booklet is your step-by-step guide to becoming a CBU Lancer and preparing for your first semester.

We understand that making your college decision is a big step. At CBU, we’re committed to providing an excellent educational experience and opportunities for social and spiritual growth.

From the moment you enroll, you’ll be welcomed by 100% Christian faculty and staff who are committed to helping you live your purpose. With so many degree programs and opportunities, you will surely find a path that prepares you for your career and calling.

Founded in 1950, CBU spans 162 acres (65 hectares) and serves over 12,500 students. Our campus features modern classrooms, award-winning dining options and notable facilities, including a vibrant campus center, an expanded Recreation Center and 12 living areas including, Magnolia Crossing—home to more than 500+ Lancers.

As you begin your journey at CBU, this booklet is designed to guide you through your next steps—from confirming your enrollment and applying for financial aid to registering for classes, securing housing and preparing for arrival. If you have any questions, our Admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.

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

Sincerely,

The International Admissions Office

Confirm your decision to enroll at CBU and find important documents and forms by visiting: calbaptist.edu/intlorientation

CBU STUDENTS REPRESENT 70 COUNTRIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

A LANCER HOW TO BECOME

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

Students should reserve housing as soon as possible, especially if you want your first-choice living area! On-campus graduate housing is available in addition to 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!

SCHEDULE YOUR VISA INTERVIEW

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.

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.

UNDERGRADUATE GRADUATE

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

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 complete your online housing application, you will create a personal profile to help match you with a roommate and identify your preferred living area.

Graduate students are eligible to live in the University Houses or our College Park living area, 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

We are so excited to have you join our community!

• Spring 2027 housing applications become available in October 2026.

• Fall 2027 housing applications become available in January 2027.

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 accordingly.

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.

YOU

TWENTY STUDENTS FOR EVERY FACULTY MEMBER MEANS SMALLER CLASSES AND PROFESSORS WHO KNOW YOU BY NAME

COMPLETE ONLINE ORIENTATION

You will receive an email with instructions for accessing Online Orientation.

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 student resources. We hope this allows you to learn more about your areas of interest and get excited about this upcoming semester.

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL 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:

• California Citrus State Park

• Downtown Riverside

• Mission Inn

• Mt. Rubidoux

• Riverside Art Museum

• Riverside Food Lab

• Arcade Coffee Roasters

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!

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

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

• Spring | January 6, 2027

• Summer | May 6, 2027

• Fall | September 1, 2027 (Proposed)

Please refer to your acceptance email for your unique form for airport pickup.

When is IW held?

• Spring | January 7, 2027

• Summer | May 7, 2027

• Fall | September 2, 2027 (Proposed)

Where is IW held?

California Baptist University 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504

Why should I attend IW?

• Finalize your class schedule

• Learn about American immigration and health care

• Meet other students and staff members

• Pay your tuition balance

• IW is mandatory 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. This weekend kicks off your journey at CBU with events and activities designed to help you connect with campus resources, classmates, community and Christ.

• PASSPORT

• I-20

• LUGGAGE

• PHONE CHARGER AND ADAPTER

• TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WHAT TO BRING