Orientation

Set yourself up for success at IU

IU has a 200-year history welcoming new students and preparing them for a successful and rewarding university experience. Undergraduate students start their time at IU with New Student Orientation (NSO).

Build a community with new international and American students by taking part in a wide range of social activities. Learn about IU's incredible academic experience and register for classes when you meet with your academic advisor. And see the wide range of resources available to you as a student.

Parents are welcome to attend parts of orientation.

Graduate students will work with their academic departments for orientation.

When is orientation?

Orientation will be online for undergraduate students. The Office of First Year Experience Programs (FYE) is preparing an incredible virtual orientation program that will prepare you to start strong at IU this fall. You will receive an email invitation from FYE to reserve your specific New Student Orientation (NSO) dates after you submit your Intent to Enroll.

Learn more about NSO

Once you make your NSO reservation, you will get access to a First Year Experience Canvas course that will prepare you for your academic appointment and registration.

Your reservation includes a specific date where you will meet with an academic advisor to register for classes and a student discussion group. Before you meet with your advisor, you need to complete the Immigration Review section of your Pre-Arrival Checklist. We will review the information you provide, and then remove the A19 registration hold.

You will also need access to a computer with a solid and stable internet connection to meet with your academic advisor. If you are concerned about having a viable internet connection, we recommend you plan your arrival to campus and move into your assigned housing between January 7 and January 11.

Those who will complete January NSO dates elsewhere may move into assigned housing beginning January 15. Please remember that you must be in Bloomington by January 19, the date on your I-20 or DS-2019.

Graduate students

Graduate students should work with their academic department for information related to orientation.

Online orientation courses

Undergraduate students

You will be required to complete two different online orientation courses, one from FYE for all students, and one from our office geared specifically for international students.

The FYE online orientation course will help you learn more about IU and register for classes.

The OIS online orientation course will provide details on living and studying in the U.S., immigration regulations and U.S. laws, healthcare and insurance, and more.

After completion of both of these courses, you should be prepared to successfully transition to IU.

Graduate students

Your academic department may have an online orientation course that you need to complete. Contact your department for more details.

In addition to any requirements from your department, you also need to complete the OIS online orientation course. It provides details on living and studying in the U.S., immigration regulations and U.S. laws, healthcare and insurance, and more.

After you arrive in the U.S.

We are so excited to meet you in Bloomington! We have many wonderful activities planned before classes begin. We'll introduce you to one of the most beautiful campuses in the U.S., highlight student resources (including some specifically for international students), provide networking opportunities, and allow you to find your community.

Bloomington and IU are great places to live and study, and we think you'll love your new home.

In the midst of the excitement you'll have in meeting new people and building friendships that will last a lifetime, you need to remember two important tasks. You need to complete these as soon as possible after you arrive in the U.S.

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Upload immigration documents

It is very important that you complete the Immigration Review section of your Atlas checklist as soon as you arrive in the U.S. (This section can only be completed after you have entered the U.S.).

We will not be able to remove the A19 registration hold on your record until you complete this step and we've reviewed the information you provide.

You’ll need to provide the following items:

Your passport
Your visa stamp
Your I-94 card
All original I-20s or DS-2019s (bring documents from any previous U.S. schools, if applicable)

Submit final, official copies of your academic records

You need to submit final, official copies of your academic records and degree certificates or diplomas (these all must bear the stamp or seal of the issuing institution) within the first four weeks of your first semester. You will not be able to register for your second semester classes until you do so.

You are not required to bring your final academic records if your school intends to send them to our office.

Starting your degree online

If you need to start your degree program online, don't worry—we will have numerous welcoming activities and experiences just for you, too!

Orientation

Set yourself up for success at IU

When is orientation?

Graduate students

Online orientation courses

Undergraduate students

Graduate students

After you arrive in the U.S.

Upload immigration documents

Submit final, official copies of your academic records

Starting your degree online

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