International Student Pre-Orientation - Fall 2025

Welcome to International Undergraduate and Exchange Student Pre-Orientation! As you look at the schedule, you'll notice that some sessions are required and others are optional. We encourage you to attend the optional sessions to learn more about UVM and Burlington. We look forward to seeing you!

Things you should know for this week:

  • Most orientation sessions are in Lafayette Hall, Room 207. Find it here on the campus map.
  • Not sure where to eat? Check out the "Food This Week" handout in your orientation folder.
  • Emergency? If you need the police or immediate medical attention, call 911. Otherwise, talk to an OIE staff member during the day or call UVM Police Services at +1-802-656-3473.

Your checklist for this week:

Monday - August 18

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Check-in (Required) 
10:00AM-4:00PM, Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Check in for orientation! Students living on campus should check into their residence hall room first, leave their belongings, and then come to check in with us. This only takes a few minutes and can happen anytime during the hours listed above.  

 

Campus Tour 
10:30AM-12:00PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

This is a walking tour of campus - dress for the weather (and wear comfortable shoes).

 

Campus Tour
1:00PM-2:30PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

This is a walking tour of campus - dress for the weather (and wear comfortable shoes).

 

Shopping Trip 
1:30PM-3:30PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Join other new students to get the things you need to start your life in Burlington. Bring your CatCard (or small cash) for the bus, plus whatever you need to make your purchases. There will be the opportunity to set up cell phones on these trips as well - bring your immigration documents if you wish to do so.

 

Shopping Trip 
3:00PM-5:00PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Join other new students to get the things you need to start your life in Burlington. Bring your CatCard (or small cash) for the bus, plus whatever you need to make your purchases. There will be the opportunity to set up cell phones on these trips as well - bring your immigration documents if you wish to do so.

 

Pizza and Game Night 
5:30PM-7:30PM, Andrew Harris Commons

Join us for an evening outdoors with pizza and lawn games!

Tuesday, August 19

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Breakfast with OIE Staff
8:30AM-9:45AM, Harris Millis Dining Hall

A staff member from the OIE will greet you at the dining hall for breakfast before the welcome event. Stop by anytime before 9:45 - don't forget your bracelet!

 

Late Check-in (Required if you did not check in on Monday) 
9:00AM-9:45AM, Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Late check-in for students who arrived after hours on Monday. Check in at your room first and then come to check in with us. 

 

Welcome Event (Required) 
10:00AM-11:00AM, Lafayette 207

Come ready to get to know new students, learn about UVM, and start your orientation week with lots of energy!

 

Going to University in the USA (Required)
11:00AM-12:00PM, Lafayette 207

Get tips for how to succeed academically in an American university, and learn how to get involved outside of the classroom.

 

Library Tour
1:30PM-2:30PM, Howe Library

Tour the UVM Library and the various support services it houses. 

 

Scavenger Hunt
2:45PM-4:30PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

With a group of other new students, follow clues to learn more about places on campus. There will be prizes for the winning team!

 

Shopping Trips
3:00PM-5:00PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Join other new students to get the things you need to start your life in Burlington. There will be the opportunity to set up cell phones on this trips as well - bring your immigration documents if you wish to do so. 

 

Creemees by the Lake
6:30PM-8:00PM, Meet at the flagpoles outside the Davis Center

A first week in Burlington is not complete without a visit to the lake. Head downtown with us to to enjoy a "creemee" (soft serve ice cream). Bring your CatCard if you will take the bus either down or up the hill - your ice cream is paid for. Grab dinner first!

Wednesday, August 20

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Health and Safety (Required)
10:00AM-10:45AM, Lafayette 207

Learn about how to stay healthy and safe, including where to go when you're sick, how to use UVM health insurance and who to call in an emergency.

 

Cultural Life in the USA (Required)
11:00AM-12:30PM, Lafayette 207

Let's talk about the unwritten rules of living in the US and tips for success living away from your home country. 

 

Your Immigration Rules (Required)
2:00PM-3:00PM, Lafayette 207

Learn about the rules of F-1 and J-1 status, including enrollment requirements, work options and how to re-enter the US after traveling internationally. This is your last required session of orientation.

 

Walk-in Hours Advising 
3:00PM-3:45PM, Living/Learning B-101 - Office of International Education

Stop by the Office of International Education for quick questions and support from our advising staff.

 

President's Reception
4:00PM-5:30PM, Silver Maple Ballroom, Davis Center 4th Floor

Join the UVM president for a reception welcoming all new international students. This is a social event. Dress is casual, but you will have opportunities to meet senior UVM staff. Family members welcome, but you should respond to the invitation from the President's office to tell us who is joining you. 

 

Campus-wide New Student Orientation General Programming (Optional)
3:00PM-9:00PM, Locations vary

While your New Student Orientation will not officially begin until Thursday afternoon, you are invited to participate in New Student Orientation programming tonight. Check the New Student Orientation schedule for details.

Thursday, August 21

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Breakfast with Admissions (Undergraduates only)
8:30AM-9:30AM, Interfaith Center

Join other new international undergraduate students and enjoy breakfast with the staff that helped you through your UVM application process.

 

Walk-in Hours Advising
10:00AM-12:00PM, Living/Learning B-101 - Office of International Education

Stop by the Office of International Education for quick questions and support from our advising staff.

 

Campus-wide New Student Orientation (Required)
3:00PM-Sunday, Locations vary

See your New Student Orientation schedule for details. Please note that event details will vary depending on the orientation group you are in. Not all new international students will be in the same group. You will receive orientation group details in closer to arrival.