International Student Orientation
Introduction
The Office of International Services recognizes that your transition to the University of Illinois at Chicago is multifaceted. You are not only beginning studies at a new school, you are entering a new country and culture. This experience can be both exhilarating and, at times, overwhelming! With this in mind, OIS has developed a series of customized orientation programs and arrival resources for all new international students entering UIC. Our goal is to support and enhance your transition by providing essential information about your immigration responsibilities, an introduction to the UIC community, an opportunity to meet other new international students, and much more.
OIS hosts International Student Orientations throughout the year. Incoming students should attend the session that most closely aligns with their I-20/DS-2019 program start date. Click the link below to view the complete orientation schedule and registration information.
Virtual OIS Advisor & New International Student Meetups
You are invited to join advisors from the Office of International Services and your fellow admitted international students for a casual and informative online meetup. Hear updates from campus, get pre-departure advising, and make connections even before setting foot in Illinois. See below for upcoming meetup dates and click through for details and registration information.
Virtual OIS Advisor & New International Student Meetups
OIS Advisor & New International Student Meetup - Obtaining Your Visa, April 11
OIS Advisor & New International Student Meetup - Obtaining Your Visa, May 16
OIS Advisor & New International Student Meetup - Housing & Safety, June 20
OIS Advisor & New International Student Meetup - On-Campus Employment & SSN Preview, July 11
OIS Advisor & New International Student Meetup - Arrival Tips & Immigration Reminders, July 25
Summer 2025 International Student Orientation
The New International Student Summit for students beginning their programs in summer 2025 will be held virtually on the morning of Thursday, June 12. Additional welcome events will be offered in August.
Please see below and your latest Countdown to UIC newsletter for details and registration links!
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The confidence we get after attending the orientation is very helpful! And the people who helped us and cleared our doubts, amazing!
| Fall 2022
Fall 2025 International Student Orientation
Fall 2025 International Student Orientation events will begin on Friday, Aug. 15, and continue through the week of Aug. 18.
All international students new to UIC are strongly encouraged to attend the New International Student Summit on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. It is a UIC tradition you won’t want to miss!
Detailed information about Fall 2025 International Student Orientation, including event registration links, will be shared with incoming international students throughout the summer in Countdown to UIC email newsletters. Check your inbox or email us at newintl@uic.edu for more information!
Fall 2025 ISO Schedule of Events
Sweet Home Chicago City Bus Tour, Aug. 15
Global Music Night
International Student Seminars
New International Student Summit
Resources for Families & Dependent Mixer
UIC International Community Welcome Back BBQ
Sweet Home Chicago City Bus Tour, Aug. 22
Spring 2026 International Student Orientation
Save the date! International Student Orientation for students beginning their programs in spring 2026 will take place in early January, before the start of classes.
More information, including time and registration details, will be shared throughout the fall via Countdown to UIC email newsletters to admitted international students.
ISO registration and fee information
All incoming international students are charged a non-refundable Orientation & Check-in Fee of $199 to their university bill to cover the costs of new international student services and programs, regardless of ISO participation. However, there is no additional charge for participation in selected ISO events. Incoming international students should register for the ISO that most closely aligns with the start of their academic program at UIC.
Information for graduate student employees
OIS is pleased to share information from two campus partners that support graduate students employed by UIC. If you are a new international student in a graduate program and will be working at UIC as a Teaching Assistant or a Graduate Assistant, please see below for more information on these important resources.
Graduate Employees Organization
The Graduate Employees Organization (GEO) is a labor union that represents 1,400 Teaching Assistants and Graduate Assistants at UIC. Students interested in learning more can view an informational video that contains instructions on how to join the GEO.
International Teaching Assistant Program
The International Teaching Assistant Program (ITAP) supports international teaching assistants and the departments that employ them. Students who will be working as teaching assistants while at UIC should visit the ITAP website to learn more and find dates for their Campus-Wide New TA Orientation.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about international student orientation.
Who should I contact if I have questions about international student orientation hosted by OIS?
Questions about international student orientation can be directed to the New International Student Team at newintl@uic.edu or +1 (312) 996-3121, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CST).
Will international student orientation hosted by OIS be the only orientation I need to attend?
You will likely be invited to orientation sessions in addition to international student orientation hosted by OIS. Undergraduate first-year and transfer students should attend the UIC Orientation Program where you will meet with your academic advisor and register for classes. Graduate students might attend sessions hosted by the UIC Graduate College or their academic department. Individuals with teaching assistantships should attend the Campus-Wide New TA Orientation. OIS encourages you to confirm all your orientation dates so that you can register and plan accordingly.
Is there anything else I need to do when I arrive in Illinois aside from attend orientation?
Immediately after arrival in Illinois you must complete your Immigration Check-In with OIS. This process allows OIS Advisors to review your immigration documents and ensure that you have entered in the correct status to begin your activities at UIC. The check-in can be done entirely online and details are at the link below.
I am admitted for fall, can I attend summer international student orientation if I am already in the U.S.?
No. You need to attend the international student orientation program that aligns with your academic program start. If you are admitted to begin your program in the fall semester, you need to attend fall international student orientation in August.
What should I do if I cannot find my registration confirmation email?
You should receive an email from no-reply-webservices@illinois.edu to your @uic.edu email address each time you submit an orientation registration form. If you do not immediately see this email in your @uic.edu inbox, please check other email folders like spam, junk, or perhaps a promotions or social tab within your inbox.