All new students whose F-1 or J-1 visa documents are sponsored by Notre Dame, including those returning to Notre Dame after a leave of absence, are required to attend International Student Orientation. All other U.S. visa holders, permanent residents, U.S. citizens who grew up abroad, and parents are invited to attend Orientation. They can reach out to ISSA@nd.edu for more information.
Fall 2020 International Student Orientation for undergraduates is August 19-20, 2020. Move-in and orientation check-in is Wednesday, August 19, 2020. Undergraduates should be on campus and ready to move into their residence halls by the morning of August 19, between 10:00am and 2:00pm. Students may choose to spend the night in their room or stay off campus with family. Orientation check-in is in the Eck Visitor Center on August 19 from 9:00am-5:00pm.
A full day of mandatory orientation activities for undergraduate and exchange students is on Thursday, August 20, 2020. There will also be parent activities offered, which includes introductions to many department campus resources.
International Student Orientation for graduate students in The Graduate School will be:
- June 12, 2020
- July 10, 2020
- August 3, 2020
- August 18, 2020
Spouses may attend the International Student Orientation for graduate students.
For professional students in Mendoza College of Business, the Law School, and the ESTEEM program, international student orientation will be embedded in your program orientation.
Orientation will provide essential information about maintaining immigration status and life at Notre Dame as well as provide an opportunity to meet fellow international students and ISSA staff.
Orientation Housing
Undergraduate International Students Living On Campus: Undergraduate international students may move into their permanent residence hall rooms the morning of Wednesday, August 19, 2020. If your travel to South Bend will be later, please communicate with your Rector and your International Ambassador about your expected arrival time on campus.
Graduate Students & Students Living Off Campus: Graduate students or students living off campus, should contact their rector or landlord to arrange a move-in time prior to the start of International Student Orientation. Generally, you will need to coordinate your arrival for Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, to get your housing keys; check with your landlord to confirm. Most housing operations, including Fischer Grad Residences, are not open in the evenings or on weekends.
If you are still looking for housing, we recommend offcampus.nd.edu for housing and roommate information. Most current international students appreciate Fischer Grad Residences for its proximity to campus and the community.
Temporary Housing: Students who need TEMPORARY housing prior to moving in to a permanent residence may stay at Sacred Heart Parish Center for a fee by making a reservation with Christina Maciejczyk or calling +1 574-631-9436.
Parents & Family: Parents and family members are not permitted to stay in residence hall rooms and must make their own housing arrangements. Information about housing options can be found at find.nd.edu.
Questions?
If you have any questions, you may contact us at issa@nd.edu or +1-574-631-1138.
For a list of answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Orientation, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
For pre-arrival information, please visit our Pre-Arrival page. For additional Arrival info, review our Arrival page.