When you arrive at CFNI, you will need the following to check-in:

• Valid passport with your VISA inside
  • The International Affairs Office will make a copy of your passport and VISA
  • If applicable, you will need to provide valid passports for all family members accompanying you.

• All three pages of your I-20
  • The International Affairs Office will make a copy of your I-20.
  • If applicable, you will need to provide the I20s for all family members accompanying you.

After you have checked in with the International Affairs Office, you will meet with a representative from our Remedial English Department. If you are not from an English-language country, you will be required to take the English Assessment on the first day of class. If you are unable to pass the assessment, you will be required to take Remedial English once a week at an additional cost. You can view the cost breakdown HERE.

CFNI does not require you to take the TOEFL exam, however, if you wish to avoid Remedial English, we highly recommend you take the exam. You are eligible to waive Remedial English if you receive a TOEFL score of 61 or higher. An official score must be provided to the Remedial English Department for evaluation.

International students are required to pay in full for the semester before or upon arrival.

1. Make a payment yourself in your CFNI Student Portal

• • Log in to your student portal
  • Select “Make a Payment” on the menu bar
  • Enter the amount and card information
  • Submit payment

2. Invite others to make a payment towards your school bill
   
   • Send this PAYMENT PORTAL LINK to family and friends
   • Send them your student ID #
   • Once they input your Student ID#, they will be directed to a page where they can give any amount directly toward your school bill

As you prepare to leave your home country, it is very important that you communicate with your bank. Banks sometimes lock accounts and restrict activity out of the country which would prohibit you from being able to make any purchases when you arrive in the U.S.

In addition, if you are planning to make a transfer from one account to another please be aware that some banks take 7 to 10 business days, and you will not be able to register or receive your housing key until CFNI receives payment for the semester in full.

Your apartment will include the following:

• Bed
• Dresser
• Community laundry room

Items to bring:

• Shower liner and curtain
• Bed sheets, blankets, towels, and pillows.
• Kitchen utensils (cups, plates, silverware, etc.)
• Kitchen appliances such as microwave, mini-fridge, blender, etc. (you may want to wait until you arrive in case your roommates already have kitchen appliances).
• Hygienic personal items such as toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, Q-tips, etc.
• A laptop or computer to do your papers and homework. If you do not have one, and will not be able to buy one, the library has computers you may use.
• Preferred medication from home as the U.S. may have medication that is different than what you are used to.

Your apartment will include the following:

• Full kitchen (oven and refrigerator)
• Bed(s)
• Community laundry room

Items to bring:

• Router for Wifi
• Shower liner and curtain
• Bed sheets, blankets, towels, and pillows.
• Crib (if you have an infant)
• All kitchen utensils (pots, pans, cups, plates, bowls, silverware, etc.)
• Hygienic personal items such as toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, etc.
• Laptop or computer to do your papers and homework. If you do not have one, and will not be able to buy one, the library has computers you may use.
• If you have children, you will need to bring their vaccination cards. If they are 5 years or older, you will need to bring their school transfer documents translated into English.
• Preferred medication from home, as the U.S. may have medication that is different than what you are used to.

Dallas experiences all four seasons: fall, winter, spring, and summer. In Dallas, the summers are hot and muggy, the winters are cold and windy, and it is partly cloudy year-round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 39°F (4°C) to 96°F (35°C) and is rarely below 26°F (-3°C) or above 102°F (39°C). You will need appropriate clothing for cold and windy temperatures during the winter, and very hot temperatures during the summer.

Keep in mind that CFNI recommends modest clothing throughout the year (see the student handbook for more details on our dress code).

CFNI does not offer medical insurance plans for students. There is a nurse on campus available to students and the Deans department can provide a list of medical resources in the area.

If you will have a vehicle on campus, you will need to register it and pick up a parking sticker at the Security office when you arrive. To register your vehicle, click HERE.

During Orientations and the Encounter Service, we have something special in store for your children! Click HERE to see the Children’s schedule and eligible ages for New Student Arrival Week.