International Student Orientation (ISO)

International Student Orientation (ISO) is designed to help international students adjust to life at Illinois State University, build a sense of community with their peers, and learn about all of the different academic and co-curricular opportunities and resources available at ISU.

All new international students are expected to attend International Student Orientation (including students transferring from other U.S. universities).  All new international students must also check-in with International Student and Scholar Services staff after arriving in the U.S. by following the steps found here.

International Student Orientation begins the week before classes commence (for students beginning in the Summer term, please read here). The Spring 2025 International Student Orientation will run from Monday, January 6th, through Friday, January 10th, with specific mandatory sessions for different groups of international students on different days.  Please view the Orientation Schedule for specific details.

The International Student Orientation Team will begin sending out Pre-Arrival information to new students in mid-May.  Students should be monitoring the e-mail address used on their application materials for information on how to activate their University Log-In ID (ULID) and enter the ISO Canvas site to complete important pre-arrival tasks.

New international students attending the Spring 2025 ISO should plan to arrive in Bloomington-Normal no earlier than Friday, January 3rd, to ensure that they have access to necessary campus resources and services.  Students are strongly advised to consider when their apartment leases or UHS contracts begin.  If you arrive prior to the beginning of your lease or contract, you will need to find temporary housing in a hotel or with a host family organization until you can access your official housing arrangements for the semester. 

Students living on-campus can request early move-in to their on-campus housing assignment after 1:00pm on Sunday, January 5th. Students wishing to arrange for early move-in must contact Matt Schwab at mlschwa@ilstu.edu to coordinate their arrival and check-in process.  Students who choose to move-in early will be assessed an early move-in charge on their student account.

As a reminder, F-1 and J-1 visa status students may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the program start date listed on the first page of their I-20/DS-2019.  All new international students are expected to submit their travel and accommodation information even if they plan to arrive before Friday, January 3rd.  You may submit your travel and accommodation information through our International Student Travel Information Form.

Orientation is an important, helpful, and fun way to begin your life at Illinois State University. Students check-in with OIE staff, meet other students, become acquainted with places and services on campus and in the community, go on shopping trips, and more! Students also attend informational sessions on a variety of important topics to help them begin their studies successfully.

Fun Social Events During Orientation

Shopping Trip

Just moved in and need some essentials? Join us for a trip to the local Walmart to pick up everything from bed sheets to bread.

Welcome Reception

All new international students are invited to attend a welcome reception with OIE staff and guests from across campus to kick off the beginning of the semester and formally welcome new students to the campus.  

Campus Tours

Learn about important buildings on campus firsthand! An OIE staff member will take you on a tour of campus and point out important places and the services they provide!