LIVE A STORY THAT MATTERS
MATTERS Live a Story That
For 75 years, California Baptist University has been a place where lives are shaped with purpose. Like a diamond, every life is formed through meaningful growth, intentional challenge and the work of becoming refined over time into something strong, beautiful and enduring.
At CBU, we believe you were made to live a story that matters.
A story formed through academics that prepare you for your calling, a community that supports you and a faith foundation that anchors everything you do. Here, students are not only academically prepared but also biblically rooted, globally minded and equipped to serve in a world that needs both conviction and compassion. As you step into your future, you’ll do more than earn a degree, you’ll begin to uncover the purpose you were made to live.
Celebrating Years of Purpose 75
1955
California Baptist College moved to the Riverside campus and introduced the Lancer as the official mascot
Chapter 01: In the Beginning
1950 Classes began for 42 students at First Southern Baptist Church in El Monte, CA
1998
California Baptist College officially became California Baptist University
2015
California Baptist University began offering doctoral programs transitioning into a doctoral-granting institution
2018
CBU Lancers begin competing in NCAA Division I athletics
2025
75th anniversary celebrated Chapter 75
2017
CBU opens its campus event center, now named the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center
2023
CBU tied for No. 1 in the country for career preparedness and No. 2 for best student experience in The Wall Street Journal’s 2024 ranking of the Best Colleges in the U.S.
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 fall 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 over 80 undergraduate majors, you will surely find one that prepares you for your career and calling.
Founded in 1950, CBU spans 162 acres (65 hectares) and serves over 11,000 students. Our campus features modern classrooms, student housing, award-winning dining facilities and recent additions, including a 1,450-space parking structure, an expanded Recreation Center and the newest housing area, 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 Welcome Weekend. 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
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
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!
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. DID YOU KNOW
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.
Graduate
We want you to have a comfortable place to call home during your studies at 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
We are so excited to have you join our community!
• Spring 2026 housing applications become available in October 2025.
• Fall 2026 housing applications become available in January 2026.
Housing Services +1.951.552.8111
housingservices@calbaptist.edu LEARN MORE ABOUT HOUSING calbaptist.edu/intlhousing
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
Twenty-one students for every faculty member means smaller classes and professors who know you by name
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.
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
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!
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 | Tuesday, January 6, 2026
• Summer | Thursday, April 30, 2026
• Fall | Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (Proposed)
Please refer to your acceptance email for your unique form for airport pickup.
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).
International Welcome Event Details
When is IW held?
• Spring | January 7, 2026
• Summer | May 1, 2026
• Fall | September 2, 2026 (Proposed)
Where is IW held?
California Baptist University 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
What to Bring:
• Passport
• I-20
• Luggage
• Phone Charger and Adapter
• Travel Documents
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
• Avoid a fine
Calendar of Events
MARCH/APRIL Festival of Color
OCTOBER Taste The Nations
NOVEMBER International Celebration Week
• Karaoke Night
• World Sports Tournament
• Global Food Fair
OCTOBER Lancer Madness
DECEMBER Merry and Bright
