When Is Orientation?

Orientation Week for Fall 2008 will be held from August 11-14. Be sure to arrive by August 8, 9, or 10 so that you can attend all of the activities!

Step 4: Attending Orientation

An Orientation program for international students is offered before each semester, usually beginning on the Monday before classes start. It's an important, helpful, and fun way to begin your life at Illinois State. Attendance is required for all new international students (including students transferring from other U.S. universities).

What Happens during Orientation Week?

Students meet other students; you can become acquainted with places and services on campus and in the community; finalize class registration; go on shopping trips; receive a university I.D.; open an email account; buy books; open a bank account; and more. Students will also attend informative sessions on a variety of important topics to help you begin your studies successfully.

Orientation Week Is Divided into 5 Parts:

Part 1: Immigration Processing

When: Monday of Orientation Week from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. OR Tuesday from 8:30 - 11 a.m.

Where: The basement of Atkin-Colby Residence Halls

What to Bring:

Immigration documents: Passport, visa, I-94 card, I-20 form or DS-2019 form
Proof of health insurance (if you will have insurance from home)
Proof of funding (if you are sponsored by your government or a scholarship agency)
Passport-sized photograph
Check, money order, or cash to pay a $300 Housing Deposit (if you will live in ISU housing)

Part 2: Presentations and Information Sessions

When: Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. AND Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: College of Business Building, Room 366.

Topics: Culture Shock and Adjustment, Safety, Healthcare and Insurance, Immigration Laws and Responsibilities, American Education System, Milner Library, University Center for Learning Assistance, Having A Local Friendship Family, Living on Campus; Paying Bills, Managing Money and Finding A Job, Using iCampus, Registering for Classes and more. Plus, you can win prizes!!

Part 3: Wednesday Evening Welcome Dinner

Come have dinner with local families and International Studies staff. The meal is free and starts at 6 p.m. at Southside Dining Center (Atkin-Colby and Hamilton-Whitten residence halls). You can dress casually. A variety of dishes will be served, including vegetarian, and everyone will win a prize!!

Part 4: Free Time

There are no formal Orientation meetings on Thursday or Friday, so you will opportunities to:

Go on shopping, banking, campus or community tours;
Meet advisors, professors, and other students;
Finalize your class registration and buy books;
Make an appointment with the Health Office for your Tuberculosis (TB) test;
Get your student I.D. and email account.

Part 5: Saturday Evening Dinner at Local Familes' Homes

You are invited for dinner at a local family's home. There is no cost. You can sign up for the dinner during Orientation Week. On Saturday, families will meet students at 5:30 p.m. in the Atkin-Colby lobby, and then drive you to their homes.