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

Don't forget to view the to-do list for international students.

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

Thursday, Aug. 20

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 Thursday, 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.

Friday, Aug. 21

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
  • International Programs Office (LLC #3, 901 Paradise Creek St)
• 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!