Your IU experience begins with new student orientation for undergraduate students. You’ll meet other new international and American sudents and take part in a wide range of social activities designed just for you.
Parents are welcome to attend orientation. We have special sessions designed specifically for them.
Graduate students will attend an orientation through their academic department.
When you need to arrive depends on what semester you're starting and what type of student you are (undergraduate, graduate, etc.).
Degree-seeking undergraduate students (freshmen and transfer): You need to arrive in Bloomington no later than August 8. If you have a housing contract, you can move into your assigned residence hall as early as August 2. You can start orientation as early as August 4.
We strongly encourage you to complete orientation as early as possible. This will give you the widest selection of classes. Additionally, you should participate in as many of the orientation events as you can to meet other students and get to know the IU campus.
Degree-seeking graduates (master's and doctoral students): You need to arrive in Bloomington no later than August 8. Check with your academic department for any orientation activities that you may need to participate in.
Non-degree students (typically here for one semester or academic year): You need to arrive in Bloomington no later than August 14.
After you arrive in the U.S., be sure to complete the Immigration Review tab in iStart before you meet with your academic advisor or try to register for classes.
There are a few things you’ll need to do in order to get your schedule for new student orientation.
If you are a new undergraduate student (freshman or transfer), you will receive an email from the Office of First Year Experience Programs (FYE) when you are able to make a reservation for New Student Orientation (NSO).
To make a reservation, log in to iStart and complete the Plan Arrival and Orientation Schedule tabs. There will be a link on the Orientation Schedule tab where you can make your reservation.
Most academic departments manage orientation for graduate students. Contact your department for specific information.
However, you should still create an OIS orientation schedule. It includes some optional social events, and could include some other important sessions (like tuberculosis testing or campus ID card).
You will receive an email from OIS when you are able to create your orientation schedule. You will then need to log in to iStart and complete the Plan Arrival and Orientation Schedule tabs to generate your orientation schedule.
If you are attending IU but not seeking a degree, you will receive an email from OIS when you are able to access your schedule. You will need to log in to iStart to complete the Plan Arrival and Orientation Schedule tabs.
It is very important that you complete the Immigration Review section of your iStart checklist as soon as you arrive in the U.S. so you can enroll in classes. (This section can only be completed after you have entered the U.S.).
You’ll need to provide the following items:
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.
IU offers pre-departure orientation in several countries, called IU2U. During the session, you'll learn about life at IU and how to prepare for your studies. You'll meet with current IU students, faculty, and staff.
Find a workshopEducation USA, an organization supported by the U.S. Department of State, offers pre-departure workshops in many countries.
Note: this program is not specific to IU. You will not meet with IU staff, faculty, and students.
