International Student Orientation
Fall International Student Orientation
Congratulations on your admission to Vanderbilt University! The following information is designed to assist you as you begin your journey here. In 2024, International Student Orientation will begin with International Student Move-In on Wednesday, August 14. The 2024 International Student Orientation Schedule will be available around July 1.
View 2023 International Student Orientation Schedule.
International Student Orientation (ISO) is required for all international first-year undergraduates and begins on August 15. International transfer students and domestic students currently living abroad are also welcome to attend, but it is not required. If you would like to participate, please email commons@vanderbilt.edu by July 15, 2024. New international graduate students should consult with their individual programs and departments for an orientation schedule. After International Student Orientation, first-year international students will also participate in the required CommonVU Orientation.
Accommodations
If you or one of your guests require accommodations to participate fully in International Student Orientation or CommonVU Orientation, please contact us at commons@vanderbilt.edu or (615) 322-4948. As much notice as possible is appreciated.
Resources for Support
To learn more about the resources available to international students and things to keep in mind before you arrive, please participate in our summer webinar series. The webinar schedule and information on how to join is available on the Summer Communications webpage.
International Student Move-In, Housing, and Dining
International undergraduate move-in will take place on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, between 8 am and Midnight. Students who move in during this time or throughout this week before the domestic Move-In Day on Saturday, August 17, must participate in International Student Orientation. For more information on move-in, visit the Housing and Residential Experience website. To help us prepare for your arrival, please complete the Pre-Arrival Form through the Housing Portal by July 15.
Check your Vanderbilt email address and the Health and Safety Protocols for all updates regarding your arrival to campus. Before you come to campus, please make sure to complete the International Student Pre-Arrival Form via the Housing Portal (will be made available during the summer). If you need to arrive in Nashville earlier than your assigned move-in day, you may consider exploring these hotel options. With questions about your housing assignment, please contact Housing Assignments.
Parent & Family Programs
Parents and families are invited to participate in move-in and orientation. The orientation schedule will flag special events for parents and families. If you plan to bring guests to orientation, please be sure to indicate who they are on the Pre-Arrival Form in the Housing Portal. Parents and families are also encouraged to connect with the Vanderbilt Parents and Family Programs Office for additional support. Parents can also find support by calling the Parent Helpline at (877) 887-2736 or emailing parents@vanderbilt.edu.
International Orientation Leaders
iLEAD is a student organization composed of International Orientation Leaders (IOLs). IOLs provide support, guidance, and fun to incoming first-year international undergraduate students during International Student Orientation. Over the summer, you will be assigned an IOL who will reach out and offer support as you prepare to come to campus. To learn more about the iLEAD organization, visit their organization page. You can also follow iLEAD on Instagram @vu_ilead.
To assist you with making this transition, all incoming international students will be assigned to one of 20+ International Orientation Groups. These groups – each of which is comprised of approximately 10 international students – meet throughout International Student Orientation. International Orientation Groups help you form connections and support networks as you establish and navigate your new life at Vanderbilt.
Each International Orientation Group is led by one IOL. IOLs work collaboratively with Transfer Student Leaders and VUceptors to welcome all new undergraduate students to campus each year.
Have Questions?
For questions about move-in and orientation, call the New Student Hotline at (615) 322-4948 or email commons@vanderbilt.edu. You can also visit the First-Year Housing Move-In Guide for more information about housing and what to bring to campus.
For questions about immigration status and the mandatory check-in process, contact International Student and Scholar Services at (615) 322-2753 or isss@vanderbilt.edu.
To connect with other international students and learn more about resources specific to international students, visit the VUGlobalCitizens webpage.
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