We look forward to meeting you during international student orientation. International orientation is required of all new international students, and gives you time and information to successfully begin your studies at UVM. Below is a sampling of some of the orientation activities - many of these are required, but we will also give you free time in the afternoons to explore this community which will become your second home!
International Student Orientation Dates and Schedules
Summer 2025 - All New Students - Dates Vary
Any new international student arriving to begin their studies in the summer months will have an individual appointment with an advisor in the Office of International Education and will be required to attend Fall orientation for additional content. This check-in should be scheduled to occur on or before your first day of classes as noted on your immigration document.
Fall 2025 - Graduate Students - August 12-15
International Graduate Students will attend International Student Orientation as well as orientations held by the Graduate College and their academic program.
Funded graduate students may check in with the Office of International Education by appointment up to 30 days before the start date listed on their immigration document.
The Fall 2025 Orientation Schedule will be posted here in July 2025.
Fall 2025 - Undergraduate and Exchange Students - August 18-21
International Undergraduate and Exchange Students attend International Student Pre-Orientation followed by New Student Orientation. Both segments are required for all students.
Move-in for on-campus students: 9:00AM-4:30PM on August 18.
Students arriving in Burlington earlier than August 18 should make other accommodation arrangements until move-in on the 18th. Students who cannot arrive and check into campus residence halls by 4:30PM should make other arrangements for a hotel for the evening and can check in at 9:00AM on August 19.
The Fall 2025 Orientation Schedule will be posted here in July 2025.
Spring 2026 - Graduate, Undergraduate, and Exchange Students - January 6-9
International Undergraduate and Exchange Students attend International Student Pre-Orientation followed by New Student Orientation. International Graduate Students may have additional Graduate College and departmental orientations.
The Spring 2026 Orientation Schedule will be posted here in December 2025.
What to Expect at International Student Orientation
New Student Check-in Forms
All new international students will complete a check-in through iStart where they will upload documents to show their arrival and status in the US, provide their US address and contact information, and emergency contacts.
Students with employment at UVM will complete form I-9s and receive Social Security Number support following this check-in process.
Information is sent to students in the months prior to arrival.
Orientation Sessions
We offer five core orientation sessions that support the key questions and needs of new students.
Welcome Session: Meet our staff and learn about the Office of International Education. Participate in activities to get to know the other new international students as we kick off our time together.
Going to University in the US/Going to Graduate School in the US: Learn about the US classroom including course design and grading structure, plus cultural expectations you may experience while you're here. You will also learn about how to enhance your academic experience by getting involved outside of the classroom.
Health and Safety at UVM: Our top priority is ensuring our students are safe and healthy, and UVM has many great services and resources to help with this.
Immigration Regulations: F-1 and J-1 students will learn about the rules of maintaining their visa status and your rights and benefits on your non-immigrant status.
Adjusting to Life in the US: Think about and discuss big US cultural values, how to adjust to living in a new country, and learn some quick ideas for daily life in the US.
Orientation Activities
Beyond the orientation sessions, we have daily events for you to connect with other new students, settle into your new home in Vermont, and explore the UVM campus. Some examples:
Learn about UVM resources: Join a campus tour, a library tour, or a gym tour. Some orientations may also optional meetings with campus offices such as the Mosaic Center for Students of Color or the Graduate College.
Get to know Burlington and Settle In: Join other new students and orientation volunteers (other UVM students) to take the local busses for shopping trips, help setting up a cell phone, etc.
Social Events: Between the required events, there will be optional chances to join social events, which might include include getting creemees (soft serve ice cream) by the lake, game nights, trivia competitions, scavenger hunts and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
I need to miss international student orientation. Is that OK?
In almost all cases, missing orientation is not possible. Generally, students who will not attend international student orientation will not be able to start their studies at UVM. If you have an unavoidable conflict, you may contact our office to see if missing orientation might be possible in your case.
I studied in the US at another school. Do I need to come to international student orientation?
Yes. Orientation is required of all of our new students, regardless of how long you have studied in the USA. We cover information about UVM's immigration policies and student resources. These might be different from your past school.There may be some sessions that we excuse you from attending, however.
Is there a cost associated with International Student Orientation?
No additional costs apply for attending orientation. Students should plan on covering any costs related to accommodations and meal plans which might not be covered already. See your pre-arrival materials for details.