International Student Orientation is 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.
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.
Orientation schedule
Updated: New International Student Requirements
All new international students who will be in the U.S. with F-1 or J-1 immigration statuses are required to complete the following 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.
The requirements are:
Attend an International Student Orientation session. Participating in a session is required to complete the mandatory immigration check-in. There are multiple sessions offered throughout the summer:
Option #1: Live, virtual sessions offered via Zoom (check W&M email for Zoom link) – open to all students EXCEPT graduate Business students
Option #3: Watch a recorded session – If you are not available during any of the other sessions offered, you may watch a recorded session. The link to the recorded session will be made available in iStartafter July 10.
Select Immigration Check-in and complete the Immigration Check-In form.
After you arrive in the U.S., you must complete the immigration check-in form within 30 days of the program start date on your I-20/DS-2019. If you are not yet in the U.S., wait to complete it when you arrive. If you have difficulty, contact ISSP for help.
NEW! Pre-Orientation Program: Fall 2025 Undergraduate International First-Year Arrival
New undergraduate international students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Office of International Students, Scholars & Programs (ISSP)’s pre-orientation to settle into their residence halls, get acclimated to campus, and recover from travel before diving into New Student Orientation. ISSP will connect students with campus resources, organize social events to meet the ISSP staff and other international students, and offer van trips for dorm and international grocery shopping. Once students have moved onto campus, all meals during the program are covered.
Dates: Tuesday, August 19 and/or Wednesday, August 20
Early Move-in Cost: $50 per nightfor early move-in
Registration: Available from Thursday, May 1 until Tuesday, July 8
Available to: Undergraduate international students in F-1 or J-1 status in their first year at William & Mary (includes exchange students and students in the St Andrews joint-degree program) who are living on campus year during the 2025-2026 academic year. Undergraduate international students in other statuses are also welcome to participate (e.g., U.S. citizens/permanent living abroad, dual citizens, students studying in a different immigration status, etc.).
Fall 2025 International Student Welcome Activities
ISSP is excited to offer welcome activities for new international students who are arriving to campus throughout the summer months. If you are arriving to William & Mary between late June and early August, check your W&M email to sign up to attend our summer welcome events.
ISSP will also offer optional in-person activities in August to help students settle in, such as help with opening bank accounts, shopping trips, social events, 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.
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
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 [[ldevan,Lauren Devan]] for more information.
Questions? Contact[[w|ldevan,Lauren Devan]]. We look forward to welcoming you to W&M and VIMS!
