International Student Orientation is required for new F-1 and J-1 international students in the U.S. and is designed to make your transition to campus as smooth and successful as possible.
Orientation schedule
International Orientation Requirements
All new international students who will be in the U.S. with F-1 or J-1 immigration statuses are required to complete International Student Orientation requirements. This includes:
New international undergraduate and graduate students
New international undergraduate and graduate exchange students
New international students transferring to W&M or VIMS from a U.S. high school or university
Joint Degree Programme international students entering the U.S. and joining W&M for the first time.
International Student Orientation is one part of your larger orientation program. Undergraduate international students, including exchange students, are also required to join the New Student Orientation. Graduate students also have orientations with their programs.
Fall 2024 International Student Orientation Activities
Students are required to attend one virtual orientation session. Attending a session is required to complete the mandatory immigration check-in. A Zoom link for the orientation sessions will be included in your ISSP Pre-Arrival Emails. Please attend one of the following virtual sessions:
Wednesday, August 7, 9 – 11:30 am EDT
Thursday, August 15, 2 – 4:30 pm EDT
Tuesday, August 27, 9 – 11:30 am EDT
There will be no in-person requirement for International Student Orientation. However, we plan to offer optional in-person activities from August 16-27 to help students settle in such as, help with opening bank accounts, shopping trips, events for family members, etc. Check your W&M email regularly for updates!
Undergraduate and graduates living on-campus will receive instructions from Residence Life for your move-in date. If you plan to arrive before your designated move-in date, you will need to arrange your own early housing, such as in a hotel. See the Hotels section for a list of local hotels that provide discounted rates for W&M students.
Pre-Arrival Resources
Browse ISSP’s International Student Handbook for an overview of resources to support your transition to life in the U.S. and at William & Mary. You can also visit ISSP’s New International Students website for additional information about:
Visa Information: Paying the SEVIS fee, applying for a visa, choosing arrival date
Before You Arrive: Packing checklist, arrival transportation, and housing information
After you Arrive: Healthcare & insurance, Banking, Cell phones/SIM cards, Driving in the U.S.
Resources for Family: International Family Network, F-2 & J-2 dependents, children & healthcare
Immigration Check-in
After you arrive in the US, you must complete your immigration check-in. Please complete it within 1 week of your arrival. If you are not yet in the U.S., wait to complete it when you arrive. If you have difficulty, contact ISSP for help.
Select Immigration Check-in and complete the Immigration Check-In form.
Non F-1 & J-1 Students Interested in Attending International Student Orientation
We welcome all students! Students who are not in F-1 or J-1 immigration status (e.g., U.S. citizens who lived abroad, dual citizens, students studying in a different immigration status, etc.) but are interested in attending International Student Orientation can contact [[ywong, Eva Wong]] for more information.
Questions? Contact[[w|ywong,Eva Wong]]. We look forward to welcoming you to W&M and VIMS!
