International Student Orientation

Welcome to University of Idaho! 

New international students attending the Moscow campus are required to participate in International Student Orientation. This event helps you:

• Meet International Services staff and current international student leaders
• Get familiar with campus resources and services
• Understand important student visa requirements and rules

New international students at U of I extension campuses (Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls, etc.) complete the Online International Student Orientation through their iVandal arrival on‑campus tasks.

All students — no matter which campus you’re attending — should check VandalMail regularly for updates. Admitted students will receive additional details and the full orientation schedule by email.

International student first week schedule – Moscow campus

Aug. 20, 2025

On-campus housing move-in begins for international students

Reserve housing prior to travel. If you need help, contact housing@uidaho.edu.

There is a shuttle running between University of Idaho and the Moscow-Pullman Regional Airport (PUW). Please complete this form if you would like to request transportation from the Moscow-Pullman Regional Airport (PUW).

If you arrive before Wednesday, Aug. 20, the day that on-campus housing opens for move-in, plan carefully and communicate/make hotel reservations early.

Campus orientation programming begins

Find your student type below and participate in the orientation designed for your program.

• ALCP: ALCP placement testing and ALCP class registration
  • American Language and Culture Students are required to attend this testing and registration session. For more details or to schedule your placement testing, email Jami Redmon at jredmon@uidaho.edu.
• Undergraduate international students: New Student Orientation
  • Prepare for New Student Orientation. Sign up or see the schedule for more details on locations and times.
• Graduate international students:
  • College of Graduate Studies: Online orientation. All new graduate students will automatically be added to the orientation course. A notification will be sent prior to the beginning of the semester. The Orientation includes training for being a research/teaching assistant (RA/TA).  
  • Departmental-specific orientation: A notification will be sent prior to the beginning of the semester. You are also encouraged to email your academic program for more details.  

Aug. 22, 2025: International Student Orientation

All international students are required to attend the mandatory immigration check-in and international student orientation sessions below.

• 1 p.m. — Check-in begins
  • Vandal Ballroom, Bruce Pitman Center
  • Check in at the Vandal Ballroom on the 2nd floor of the Bruce Pitman Center
• 1:30 p.m. — Welcome remarks and introductions
  • Meet the international services staff and student 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, iVandal, U.S. culture
  • Meet your international services advisor and learn about the rules and benefits of your F-1 or J-1 visa and how to complete your immigration check-in.
• 3 p.m. — Break
  • Enjoy a cup of tea, stretch and reenergize your brain
• 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, event reminders and group photo
  • Let’s capture this special day with a photo!