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.

What to expect in fall 2020

IU has made some changes to the fall 2020 semester because of COVID-19.

Learn more

When is orientation?

Orientation will be online in June and July, 2020, 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.

Learn more about NSO

After you submit your Intent to Enroll, you will receive an email invitation from FYE to reserve your specific orientation dates.

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 with a week-long welcoming party! 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.).

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

What to expect in fall 2020

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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