International Undergraduate, Graduate, and Exchange Students - Spring 2025 Orientation

Welcome to International Student Orientation! As you look at the schedule, you'll notice that some sessions are required and others are optional. We encourage you to attend the optional sessions to learn more about UVM and Burlington and how to make the most of your time here. We look forward to seeing you!

Things you should know for this week:

  • Most orientation sessions are in the Davis Center. Find it here on the campus map.
  • Not sure where to eat? Check out the "Food This Week" handout in your orientation folder.
  • Emergency? If you need the police or immediate medical attention, call 911. Otherwise, talk to an OIE staff member during the day or call UVM Police Services at +1-802-656-3473.

Your checklist for this week:

Tuesday - January 7

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Check-in (Required) 
10:00AM-4:00PM, Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Check in for orientation! Students living on campus should check into their residence hall room first, leave their belongings, and then come to check in with us. This only takes a few minutes and can happen anytime during the hours listed above.  

Campus Tour with CatCard Visit 
10:30AM-12:00PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

This is a walking tour of campus - dress for the weather (and wear comfortable shoes). Bring your passport and your student 95# to get your UVM ID.

Campus Tour with CatCard Visit 
1:00PM-2:30PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

This is a walking tour of campus - dress for the weather (and wear comfortable shoes). Bring your passport and your student 95# to get your UVM ID.

Shopping Trip 
1:30PM-3:30PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Join other new students to get the things you need to start your life in Burlington. Bring your CatCard (or small cash) for the bus, plus whatever you need to make your purchases. There will be the opportunity to set up cell phones on these trips as well - bring your immigration documents if you wish to do so.

Shopping Trip 
3:00PM-5:00PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Join other new students to get the things you need to start your life in Burlington. Bring your CatCard (or small cash) for the bus, plus whatever you need to make your purchases. There will be the opportunity to set up cell phones on these trips as well - bring your immigration documents if you wish to do so.

Lasagna and Game Night 
5:30PM-7:30PM, Living/Learning Fireplace Lounge

Join us for an evening of food and games! This is a great opportunity to meet other new international students in a fun and low-key setting. Plus, enjoy a free dinner on us. 

Wednesday - January 8

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Late Check-in (Required if you did not check in on Tuesday) 
9:00AM-10:00AM, Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Late check-in for students who arrived after hours on Tuesday. Check in at your room first and then come to check in with us. 

Welcome Event (Required) 
10:00AM-11:00AM, Livak Ballroom, Davis Center 4th Floor

Come ready to get to know new students, learn about UVM, and start your orientation week with lots of energy!

Going to University in the USA (Required - Undergrad and Exchange Students Only)
11:00AM-12:00PM, Livak Ballroom, Davis Center 4th Floor

Get tips for how to succeed academically in an American university, and learn how to get involved outside of the classroom.

Being a Graduate Student in the USA (Required - Graduate Students Only) 
11:00AM-12:00PM, Handy Family Room, Davis Center 4th Floor

Going to university in the US is different than going to university in other countries.  Even if you were an undergraduate in the US, you'll find the graduate experience very different.  Come learn about expections for graduate students at UVM and get some tips for success..

Health and Safety at UVM (Required)
1:30PM-2:15PM, Livak Ballroom, Davis Center 4th Floor

Learn about how to stay healthy and safe, including where to go when you're sick, and who to call in an emergency.

Campus Rec Tour
2:30PM-3:30PM, Meet in lobby of Patrick Gymnasium

Join Campus Recreation staff as they show us around UVM's athletic facilities. Visit the historic Gutterson ice hockey rink and Patrick Gymnasium, plus see and learn how to access the pool, tennis courts, fitness center, indoor track, rock climbing wall, and more. Come ready with your questions! 

Shopping Trip
3:00PM-5:00PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Join other new students to get the things you need to start your life in Burlington. Bring your CatCard (or small cash) for the bus, plus whatever you need to make your purchases. There will be the opportunity to set up cell phones on these trips as well - bring your immigration documents if you wish to do so.

International Trivia Night
6:00PM-8:00PM, Living/Learning Fireplace Lounge

Join a team for an evening of friendly competition. We will be asking questions about everything from UVM history to world pop culture. The winning team will get some prizes, and everyone will meet new friends!

 

Thursday - January 9

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Graduate College Breakfast (Graduate Students Only)
8:30AM-9:30AM, Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

New international graduate students are invited and encouraged to attend this free breakfast hosted by the UVM Graduate College. Come meet the Dean of the Graduate College and other Graduate College staff during this special event.

Your Immigration Rules (Required)
10:00AM-10:45AM, Livak Ballroom, Davis Center 4th Floor

Learn about the rules of F-1 and J-1 status, including enrollment requirements, work options and how to re-enter the US after traveling internationally.

Cultural Life in the USA (Required)
11:00AM-12:30PM, Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Let's talk about the unwritten rules of living in the US and tips for success living away from your home country. This is your last required session of orientation.

Library Tour 
1:45PM-2:45PM, Meet at Howe Library

Tour the main UVM library and the various support services it houses.

UVM New Student Orientation (Certain Sessions Required - Undergrad and Exchange Students Only)
3:00PM-9:00PM, Locations vary

See your New Student Orientation schedule for details. Please note that event details will vary depending on whether you are in the green or gold orientation group. Not all new international students will be in the same group. You will receive orientation group details in January.

Friday - January 10

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UVM New Student Orientation (Certain Sessions Required - Undergrad and Exchange Students Only)
7:30AM-9:00PM, Locations vary

Walk-in Hours Advising
1:00PM-4:00PM, Living/Learning B-101 - Office of International Education

Stop by the Office of International Education for quick questions and support from our advising staff.

Saturday and Sunday - January 11-12

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UVM New Student Orientation (Certain Sessions Required - Undergrad and Exchange Students Only)
8:00AM-9:00PM, Locations vary

See your New Student Orientation schedule for details. Please note that event details will vary depending on whether you are in the green or gold orientation group. Not all new international students will be in the same group. You will receive orientation group details in January.

Spring 2025 International Student Orientation Schedule

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Monday

Check-in (Required) 
10:00AM-4:00PM, Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Check in for orientation! Students living on campus should check into their residence hall room first, leave their belongings, and then come to check in with us. This only takes a few minutes and can happen anytime during the hours listed above.  

Campus Tour with CatCard Visit 
10:30AM-12:00PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

This is a walking tour of campus - dress for the weather (and wear comfortable shoes). Bring your passport and your student 95# to get your UVM ID.

Campus Tour with CatCard Visit 
1:00PM-2:30PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

This is a walking tour of campus - dress for the weather (and wear comfortable shoes). Bring your passport and your student 95# to get your UVM ID.

Shopping Trip 
1:30PM-3:30PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Join other new students to get the things you need to start your life in Burlington. Bring your CatCard (or small cash) for the bus, plus whatever you need to make your purchases. There will be the opportunity to set up cell phones on these trips as well - bring your immigration documents if you wish to do so.

Shopping Trip 
3:00PM-5:00PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Join other new students to get the things you need to start your life in Burlington. Bring your CatCard (or small cash) for the bus, plus whatever you need to make your purchases. There will be the opportunity to set up cell phones on these trips as well - bring your immigration documents if you wish to do so.

Lasagna and Game Night 
5:30PM-7:30PM, Living/Learning Fireplace Lounge

Join us for an evening of food and games! This is a great opportunity to meet other new international students in a fun and low-key setting. Plus, enjoy a free dinner on us. 

Tuesday

Check-in (Required) 
10:00AM-4:00PM, Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Check in for orientation! Students living on campus should check into their residence hall room first, leave their belongings, and then come to check in with us. This only takes a few minutes and can happen anytime during the hours listed above.  

Campus Tour with CatCard Visit 
10:30AM-12:00PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

This is a walking tour of campus - dress for the weather (and wear comfortable shoes). Bring your passport and your student 95# to get your UVM ID.

Campus Tour with CatCard Visit 
1:00PM-2:30PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

This is a walking tour of campus - dress for the weather (and wear comfortable shoes). Bring your passport and your student 95# to get your UVM ID.

Shopping Trip 
1:30PM-3:30PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Join other new students to get the things you need to start your life in Burlington. Bring your CatCard (or small cash) for the bus, plus whatever you need to make your purchases. There will be the opportunity to set up cell phones on these trips as well - bring your immigration documents if you wish to do so.

Shopping Trip 
3:00PM-5:00PM, Meet in Living/Learning B-180 - Office of International Education

Join other new students to get the things you need to start your life in Burlington. Bring your CatCard (or small cash) for the bus, plus whatever you need to make your purchases. There will be the opportunity to set up cell phones on these trips as well - bring your immigration documents if you wish to do so.

Lasagna and Game Night 
5:30PM-7:30PM, Living/Learning Fireplace Lounge

Join us for an evening of food and games! This is a great opportunity to meet other new international students in a fun and low-key setting. Plus, enjoy a free dinner on us.