International Student Orientation is required for new F-1 and J-1 international students in the US and is designed to make your transition to campus as smooth and successful as possible.
We look forward to welcoming you to William & Mary and VIMS! In accordance with public health guidelines, W&M may make decisions regarding the fall semester that require alterations to International Student Orientation. Look for updates via email and on our website so new students and families can adequately prepare for your time at the university.
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
Continuing undergraduate and graduate students who began their enrollment remotely from abroad during the Fall 2020 and/or Spring 2021 semesters and who are entering the U.S. for the Fall 2021 semester to be in-person at the university
New international exchange students
New international students transferring to W&M or VIMS from other U.S. schools
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 departments.
Fall 2021 International Orientation Schedule
Only new international students in F-1 and J-1 immigration statuses who will be in the U.S. are required to complete International Orientation requirements.
We are planning to offer a hybrid program, where required sessions will be offered virtually with optional in-person activities.
Update: Dates for the required virtual sessions have been sent to students' W&M emails. Students should check their W&M email regularly for updates. Sessions will be offered multiple times to accommodate students' schedules.
There will be no in-person requirement for International Student Orientation, however, we plan to offer optional in-person activities to help students settle in such as help with opening bank accounts, shopping trips, etc. (Note: Plans for in-person activities will follow the university’s health & safety policies for the fall).
Undergraduate and graduate students living on-campus will move-in during the designated Residence Hall move-in dates.
August 26 & 27: We plan to offer optional in-person activities to help students settle in such as help with opening bank accounts, shopping trips, etc. (Note: Plans for in-person activities will follow the university’s health & safety policies for the fall).
Continuing undergraduate W&M students who studied remotely during the Fall 2020 and/or Spring 2021 semesters and want to participate in the New-to-Campus Welcome Days should tentatively plan to make their check-in appointment on either Saturday or Sunday of the Upper Level Student schedule.
August 30 & 31: We plan to offer optional in-person activities to help students settle in such as help with opening bank accounts, shopping trips, etc. (Note: Plans for in-person activities will follow the university’s health & safety policies for the fall).
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 US, wait to complete it when you arrive. If you have difficulty, contact the Reves Center for help.
Select Immigration Check-in and complete the Check-In and Immigration Responsibilities forms.
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., US citizen who lived abroad) 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!
