International Student Orientation is required for new W&M F-1 & J-1 international students in the U.S. and is designed to make your transition to campus as smooth and successful as possible.
We look forward to welcoming you to W&M and VIMS! In accordance with public health guidelines, International Orientation will be held virtually this spring. Look for updates via email and on our website so new students and families can adequately prepare for your time at W&M.
Orientation schedule
Spring 2021 International Orientation Schedule
Only new international students who will be entering the U.S. are required to complete International Orientation requirements.
Students who choose to begin their fall enrollment remotely or deferred their enrollment to the spring or next fall, will complete International Orientation before the spring or next fall semester begins.
Undergraduate international students, including exchange students, are also required to join the New Student Orientation.
All required sessions will be offered virtually, and we will work with students to help them complete the requirements. Please check your W&M to access the Zoom link for the virtual sessions. You only need to attend one session and sessions will be held on the following days:
January 20, 3-5:30pm January 22, 9-11:30am January 23, 2-4:30pm January 26, 10am-12:30pm
Pre-Arrival Resources
Prepare for your arrival by completing the Pre-Arrival Checklist after your I-20 & DS-2019 is issued to access information about housing, transportation to W&M, health insurance, etc.
Orientation Requirements and non F-1 & J-1 Applicants
All new international students with F-1 or J-1 immigration status are required to attend International Student Orientation, including exchange students and students transferring to W&M from other US schools.
International Student Orientation is one part of your larger orientation program. There is also a required orientation for all new undergraduates. Graduate students also have orientations with their departments.
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.
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 US, wait to complete it when you arrive. If you have difficulty, contact the Reves Center for help.
