Undergraduate International Orientation

We look forward to welcoming you to W&M soon! You will receive a detailed orientation schedule when you arrive on campus.

International Student Orientation is only required for new W&M international students in F-1 and J-1 immigration statuses and exchange students. Students who are not in F-1 or J-1 immigration status (e.g., U.S. citizen who lived abroad) but are interested in attending International Student Orientation can contact Eva Wong for additional information.

Before Your Arrival

Visit our New International Students website to see topics on Visas, Housing, Packing Checklist, Life in the US, and more.
Communicate with a current W&M student by joining the Virtual Conversation Partner Program or connecting with your International Peer Leaders.

Tuesday, August 20: Welcome Activities

You should plan to arrive at W&M no later than August 20. Please complete the student arrival form, so that we can prepare for your arrival at W&M.

8:30am-6:00pm

Pick up your Tribe ID card [Campus Center, Room 169]

11:00am-8:00pm

Check-in & Move-in [Campus Center, Trinkle Hall]

Check-in, pick up materials, and meet staff and Peer Leaders!
Pick up room keys.
If you have signed up for the W&M Shuttle from the Richmond International Airport, you will be taken directly to Trinkle Hall.
We will help students move into their rooms.

11:00am-

5:00pm

Banking, Cell Phone, & Dorm Essentials

Representatives from local banks will be here to help you set up accounts without leaving campus. Cell phone provider will have SIM cards for purchase.
Purchase basic items for your room such as bed sheets and pillows from the W&M Bookstore. We will also offer shopping trips to Target the following day.

Wednesday, August 21: Welcome Activities

This is a great day to do errands like shopping, opening a bank account, getting a cell phone, and other things to settle in. Freshmen, transfer, and exchange orientation follow international orientation, so you will be very busy from Thursday-Tuesday, and classes begin on Wednesday, August 28.

8:00am-5:00pm	Pick up your student ID card [Campus Center, Room 169]
AM	Breakfast at Commons Dining Hall
9:00am-5:00pm	We will have optional getting settled events such as shopping trips, opening bank accounts, etc. throughout the day. Your Peer Leaders will also be hosting social events, tours, etc. throughout the day! This is a great way to meet other students and learn aboutt W&M.
9:00am	Exchange Student Meeting [Reves Center, 200 South Boundary St.] All exchange students who will be studying at W&M for 1 semester or 1 year, come to this required meeting to meet your cohort and get important info! (Joint-Degree Programme students are not required to attend this meeting
6:00-7:30pm	Welcome Pizza Party [Campus Center, Trinkle Hall] - Family members are also invited!
7:30pm	Social event with your International Peer Leaders and your orientation group

Thursday, August 22: International Orientation Program

AM	Breakfast at Commons Dining Hall
10:00-11:00am	International Family Reception [Reves Center] - This event is for families only. Vice Provost Ann Marie Stock will be in attendance.
9:30am-3:00pm	Attend workshops with your orientation group. Workshop topics include Immigration, US Academic Culture, Health & Safety, Getting Involved on Campus, W&M resources, etc.
3:00-5:00pm	Optional help with Immigration Check-in [Reves Center]

Friday, August 23 - Tuesday, August 27: New Student Orientation

Meet other incoming undergraduate students and take part in the new student orientation with the rest of the campus community!