Congratulations on your admission to WashU! We are thrilled to welcome you to our community with international student orientation. As you prepare for your journey, the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) designed a crucial, two-part process to ensure a smooth, informed and compliant arrival.
Step 1: Complete required online F-1/J-1 student orientation course
Mandatory – Pre-Arrival
Upon acceptance to WashU and receipt of your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019), all international students should complete the Required Online F-1/J-1 Immigration course. This comprehensive, self-paced course provides the foundational knowledge necessary to understand your F-1 or J-1 immigration status, how to apply for your student visa, and other essential information to help you prepare for travel to WashU.
- Why it’s essential: This course reviews critical U.S. immigration regulations and prepares you for a successful entry into the U.S.
- Action item: Successfully complete this course prior to your arrival at WashU. The course “Certificate of Completion” is required to complete your Immigration Check-in upon arrival.
Step 2:
Attend in-person OISS orientation
Mandatory – Upon arrival to WashU
(at scheduled time)
After arrival on the WashU campus, you will attend our in-person OISS Orientation designed for your arrival. Separate OISS orientation sessions are offered for undergraduate and graduate international students.
- Meet your OISS adviser: This required in-person session is your first opportunity to meet your OISS adviser and the OISS team, who will be your partners throughout your academic career.
- Review essential immigration regulations: We will conduct an essential, in-depth review of immigration regulations, enrollment requirements, work authorization benefits and more.
- Contact your academic department for information on academic department specific orientations
Completing both of the steps above ensures you start your academic journey at WashU with full confidence and in compliance!
Semester specific orientation information:
Spring 2026
Undergraduate
Exchange & transfer students
Winter Welcome for transfer and exchange students begins on January 7th. For a full list of events, refer to the Student Transitions & Engagement website.
OISS Orientation for New Undergraduate Exchange and Transfer Students (in-person)
- January 8, 2026, 1:30 – 3 pm
- Simon Hall
- See full details
graduate students
Your WashU school or department may host orientation sessions. It is important that you attend these orientation events. For more information, contact your admitting department.
OISS Orientation for New Graduate Students (in-person)
- January 6, 2026, 1:00 pm
- Alumni House, Room 136
Fall 2026
Undergraduate students
Information will be shared in early 2026 regarding orientation for new Fall 2026 undergraduate students.
graduate students
Information will be shared in early 2026 regarding orientation for new Fall 2026 graduate students.
Learn More
| After arrival to WashU | |
| Transportation on and around campus | |
| Health care & insurance | |
| OISS events calendar |
