International Students - Helpful Information for Orientation
For more information for new
students, visit International Student
& Scholar Services (ISSS)
students, visit International Student
& Scholar Services (ISSS)
As an international student, you have a lot to do once you arrive in Minneapolis.
- Find permanent housing
- Complete the International Student Preparation Course
- Take any exams such as English proficiency or MELP (if applicable)
- Remove "holds" that prevent course registration
- Contact ISSS for questions regarding Document Check
- Attend the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) orientation.
- Register for classes (undergraduates register at CLA orientation)
- Complete paperwork for on-campus employment and assistantships (if applicable)
- Attend the New International Student Seminar (NISS) later in the semester
You will complete your document check as a part of your on-campus orientation, please refer to ISSS for more details.
International transfer students who are a non-native speaker of English should consult with their advisor at orientation to discuss if they have already completed the second language requirement.
To accomplish all of these tasks, you should arrive in Minneapolis no later than TBD. International students should attend the earliest possible CLA orientation session in January.
Housing Information
Learn about your housing options online at the international student housing site before arriving in Minnesota.
- Temporary housing before arriving in Minnesota.
- Finding housing is an important step for living and studying at the University of Minnesota. You need to secure temporary housing before arriving in Minnesota.
- Permanent On-Campus Housing.
- There is very limited permanent, on-campus housing available. Be prepared to look for off-campus housing.
- Permanent Off-Campus Housing.
- Most international students arrange permanent off-campus housing when they arrive in Minnesota. We recommend you arrive approximately three weeks in advance if you need to search for off-campus housing.