International Student Orientation
1-5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, in the International Ballroom.
PUW Airport Shuttle to Moscow
Available July 29 to Aug. 18. Cost is $20, charged to U of I student account. Advanced reservation required.
Future Vandals/Admitted Students
Welcome to the University of Idaho International Programs Office!
International Services is happy that you have chosen to attend the U of I, and we look forward to meeting you soon. We are here to help you understand and follow the F-1 and J-1 student visa rules and regulations. We are committed to providing you with the best comprehensive programming, advising, support, and advocacy during your time here at the U of I!
To help you with a stress-free transition to the University of Idaho, review this website before you arrive to learn about your next steps. If you have any questions, please email the International Programs Office at ipo@uidaho.edu.
Congratulations! You are well on your way to your first class at the University of Idaho. There are just a few things to do before you can start. To help make your time here more productive and successful we've set up a to-do list to help you with those few things. Check back often to stay on track.
International students in F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant status must either be enrolled full-time or receive permission from the UI International Services staff for a reduced course load. If you are not properly enrolled by the registration deadline, your SEVIS record will be terminated and you will lose your F-1/J-1 status.
You must meet with your academic advisor each semester before registering for classes. Use these helpful tools to find out who your advisor is and how to contact them before arriving on campus.
F-1 Degree-Seeking Students
F-1 students can count three online credits toward their full-time enrollment requirements during fall and spring semesters.
- Undergraduate students must enroll in 12 credits, and nine of these credits must be in traditional on-campus classroom courses.
- Graduate students must enroll in 9 credits, and 6 of these credits must be in traditional, on-campus classroom courses.
F-1 students can take more than three online credits as long as they meet the minimum traditional on-campus course requirement for their academic program.
J-1 Students
You should enroll full-time (12 credits for Undergraduate, nine credits for Graduate students) in courses requiring in-person attendance. Online courses cannot count towards your full-time enrollment requirement. Once the full-time enrollment requirement has been reached, online courses may be added if you wish.
American Language and Culture (ALCP) Students
You should enroll full-time in at least 18 credits per semester in courses requiring in-person attendance. Please work with your ALCP academic advisor to register for classes before the first day of classes.
On campus
As a first-year undergraduate student, you’re expected to live on campus. Living at U of I promotes social connection and engagement and supports academic and personal success. More information about on-campus housing and the application can be found on the Housing & Residence Life website.
It is very important that you have secured housing before you travel to Moscow as temporary housing can be difficult to find upon arrival. If you have any questions about on-campus housing please email housing@uidaho.edu.
Off Campus
- Off-Campus Housing Options in Moscow
- Off-Campus Housing Marketplace
- U of I International Programs Housing, Sublets and Roommates Facebook Group
Temporary
You may need a short-term place to stay when you arrive in Moscow. Listed below are some local hotels close to campus. Reservations are highly recommended.
- Super 8 by Wyndham Moscow/Pullman
- Best Western Plus University Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot Moscow
- The Monarch Motel
- LaQuinta Inn & Suites by Wyndam Moscow/Pullman
Beware of Scams
Please beware of scams. A scam is a dishonest attempt to obtain money. Often rental scams are in the form of an online advertisement posted by someone pretending to rent an apartment with no real interest in doing so, these scams are often found on websites, such as craigslist.com. Please review these tips to recognize possible scams and how to avoid them.
International Services wants you to be safe and avoid scams. If you have any doubts or are unsure about a possible scam, please contact an International Student Advisor at ipo@uidaho.edu.
U.S. Immigration rules allow you to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. However, International Services recommends that you arrive only a couple of days before the mandatory International Student Orientation unless you have secured temporary housing until you can move into your permanent housing accommodations.
University of Idaho has multiple campuses. Check the School Information section printed on your I-20 or DS-2019 for your campus location before making travel arrangements. Please read the following transportation information before scheduling your trip.
Moscow: Option 1 — Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport (PUW)
Flights are generally cheaper to Spokane, Washington, but it can be expensive and complicated to travel to Moscow from Spokane, so you may want to consider flying into Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport for your first trip to U of I Moscow campus, about a ten-minute drive to the university. Students arriving at the PUW airport should reserve a taxi before arrival to arrange a ride to their housing accommodations.
PUW Shuttle to Moscow, advanced reservation required
A shuttle from PUW airport to Moscow is available Monday, July 29 to Sunday, August 18. The cost is $20 per student and the fee will be applied directly to your U of I student account which can be paid along with your tuition and fees on the first day of class. An online reservation is required at least 5 days before your travel. Sign up here: PUW Airport Shuttle Reservation
Other Ground Transportation Options
- College Cabs LLC | College Cabs LLC on Facebook
- Moscow Taxi: 208-892-4544 | Moscow Taxi
Moscow: Option 2 — Spokane International Airport (GEG)
- Approximately 1.5-hour drive from campus
- Transportation to campus via bus: Wheatland Express (Advanced reservations and payment needed)
- Bus fare from Spokane International Airport to Moscow: approx. $40
Other Campus Centers
Information for Boise, Idaho Falls, Coeur d'Alene and Kimberly coming soon.
Upon arrival to the U.S. (or arrival to U of I for SEVIS transfer students), you must complete a mandatory SEVIS Check-in online through the iVandal electronic form no later than the first day of the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. You will find the links to the eForm in iVandal under Arrival On Campus. You can use your smartphone or computer to upload copies of your immigration documents.
You do not need to report your arrival in person to the IPO.
New international students attending the Moscow campus are required to go to the International Student Orientation. International Services staff and current international student leaders are excited to meet you, introduce you to U of I campus and help you understand the rules of your student visa.
Students attending U of I’s extension campuses (Boise, Idaho Falls, Coeur d’Alene, etc.) will be required to complete an Online International Student Orientation in their iVandal Arrival On-Campus tasks.
Check your VandalMail for updates. Admitted students will receive additional details and the full event schedule by email.
Summer 2024
New students must complete their Arrival On-Campus tasks in iVandal and check in with their International Student Advisor within 10 days of arrival in the U.S. Students admitted for summer term will be required to attend the mandatory International Student Orientation in the following fall term.
Fall 2024
Friday, August 16
All international students are required to attend the mandatory immigration check-in and international student orientation sessions below.
1 p.m. — Check-In Begins
International Ballroom, Bruce Pitman Center
Check in at the International Ballroom on the 2nd floor of the Bruce Pitman Center.
1:30 p.m. — Welcome Remarks and Introductions
Meet the International Services staff, student mentors and ambassadors!
1:45 p.m. — Games and Prizes
Get ready to compete and win some U of I swag for your team of new friends.
2:15 p.m. — U.S. Visa Rules and Regulations
Meet your International Services advisor and learn how to complete your mandatory immigration check-in in iVandal.
3 p.m. — Break
3:15 p.m. — Next Steps: Navigating Campus
Learn from current U of I students on a variety of topics to help you adjust to campus. Topics will include SSN and student jobs, transportation, housing, academics and more.
3:45 p.m. — Healthcare in the U.S.
A brief overview of how the U.S. healthcare system works.
4:30 p.m. — Closing Remarks and Group Photo
Let’s capture this special day with a photo!
International Student Orientation Fee ($100 one time charge)
New international students are required to go to the International Student Orientation in addition to New Student Orientation. International students are charged a $100 orientation fee on their first university bill.
U of I International Student Fee ($100 semesterly fee)
If you are an international student at U of I, you will have to pay $100 for each semester or term you register for class. This fee is part of the cost of attending U of I and international students are automatically charged for it each term they are registered. You will see it on your U of I tuition bill and can pay it in VandalWeb or at the Cashier’s Office when you are paying your fees for the semester.
For any questions about these fees, please contact ipo@uidaho.edu.
U of I requires all international students to have health insurance during their in-person studies. Student Health Services will automatically enroll new international students in the U of I Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP); insurance coverage begins on the first day of the first semester. Insurance cards (proof of insurance) will be mailed to new students after the start of the semester and can also be accessed through the SHIP portal.
As you prepare for your arrival to University of Idaho, here are some resources we have created for you. Please watch these quick videos to learn about what to expect, some things you can be preparing for right now, and some immediate to-do list items once you arrive in Idaho.
University of Idaho strongly recommends that students arrive on campus in time to attend International Student Orientation. Ample time is needed to be prepared to start classes on the first day of the term. Students that arrive late and do not follow the late arrival policy risk improper enrollment and may jeopardize their legal immigration status. The International Programs Office (IPO) will not approve reduced course loads for students who are not able to properly enroll or who fall behind in their studies.
Students on an F-1/J-1 visa are required to report to campus by the program start date noted on their I-20/DS-2019. Although Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at U.S. ports of entry may permit students to enter after the program start date on your I-20/DS-2019, it is possible that you could be denied entry if you arrive late.
We understand there may be circumstances outside of your control that could delay your arrival. In this situation you can request a letter of support in iVandal for late arrival, up until the 10th day of the term. This letter does not guarantee your entry in the U.S.; it only reduces the likelihood that you will be denied entry. If you cannot arrive before the 10th day of the term, please work with the Admissions office to defer your admission to a later term.
To be eligible for late arrival, you must have completed these steps:
- Be enrolled in full-time, in-person classes
- Pay for your tuition and fees by the deadline (first day of term)
- Contact your professors by email to ask for their support for your late arrival
- Submit all details, including your travel itinerary and housing accommodations, in the iVandal Late Arrival request
- Report directly to International Programs Office (IPO) upon arrival and complete the online late orientation in the iVandal Arrival On-Campus tasks
Please make every effort to secure your visa and flights to Idaho prior to International Student Orientation and only request a late arrival if necessary.