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New International Exchange Student Arrival and Orientation Info

Fall 2026 New International Exchange Students Schedule

Please check your individualized orientation schedule that was emailed to your University account.

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026

New international students living in University housing will be able to move into their residence hall. Submitting the Arrival Confirmation and Document Upload Form in InterLink in advance of your arrival will ensure that your room is available.

View required document information

New international students living off-campus should confirm details with property management. Remember that most properties only allow move-ins during business hours so if you will arrive in Oxford after 5pm, you will likely need to make alternative arrangements for your arrival date.

During business hours, ISSS staff will be available to help support students during their move-in. Review BCRTA routes and schedules for local shopping. Review on-campus dining options and off-campus dining options.

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026

Orientation Check-In: 9:40-9:55 a.m. | MacMillan Hall, room 212

Before checking in with ISSS for in-person orientation, make sure you:

  1. Submit Arrival InterLink Form
  2. Complete Orientation Canvas Modules

Then, confirm your arrival with ISSS and collect orientation materials. Make sure to bring:

  • A fully charged mobile device with digital ID
  • Laptop (if you have one)
  • Passport
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • Student ID
  • Vaccination records, with English translation if needed
  • Any other necessary documents
  • Class schedule (if already enrolled in courses)

Be ready for a full day of events!


Welcome from the ISSS Team, Orientation Overview, and Maintaining Status Tips for International Students: 10-11:30 a.m. | MacMillan Hall, room 212

The International Student Orientation program begins with a welcome from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) staff and International Peer Orientation Leaders (iPOLs). You will receive an overview of the orientation program and learn important information about being an international student and maintaining legal status.


Community Expectations and Safety Panel: 11:30 a.m. to noon | MacMillan Hall, room 212

Meet and ask questions of staff from:

  • Dean of Students
  • Community Standards
  • Miami University Police

Break or Ice Breaker: noon to 12:15 p.m. | MacMillan Hall, 1st floor lobby

As ISSS prepares for lunch, take a short break or join the ice breaker activity to get to know ISSS staff and other new students.


Orientation Lunch: 12:15-1:10 p.m. | MacMillan Hall, room 212

Enjoy a complimentary meal with fellow new international Miamians!


Academic Integrity: 1:10-1:40 p.m. | MacMillan Hall, room 212

Meet, learn from, and ask questions to Academic Integrity staff.


Financial Information: 1:45-2:20 p.m. | MacMillan Hall, room 212

Meet, learn from, and ask questions to One Stop, PNC Bank, and Miami Student Credit Union staff.


Visit Health Center and Wellness Building: 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Cleveland Clinic Health Sciences and Wellness Facility

Walk across campus to visit the Health and Wellness Building. You'll get information to prepare for your initial medical visit; meet, learn from, and ask questions to Student Counseling Services (SCS), Student Wellness, TriHealth Student Health Services (SHS), and UHCSR Health Insurance staff.


iPOL Small Group Meeting: 3:45-4:30 p.m. | Irvin Hall, rooms 50 and 60

International Peer Orientation Leaders (iPOLs) will demonstrate how to navigate various Miami systems, make sure you have completed the required tasks and are ready to start the semester, share more about life in Miami, and discuss any questions or concerns that you have.


Campus and Community Resources: Meet and Greet: 4:30-5:15 p.m. | Next to Sundial behind MacMillan Hall

Connect with people from various services, resources, and offices on campus and in Oxford to ask questions, get information, and meet members of our community


International Welcome Picnic: 5:15-6:30 p.m. | Next to Sundial behind MacMillan Hall

Welcome you and your family to a complimentary dinner where you can enjoy food, games, and music, and meet staff and faculty from Miami University. Bring your energy and your appetite, and have fun!

Eat, chat, and play games with peers, iPOLs, and ISSS staff.

Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026

Document Check: MacMillan Hall, meet outside room 212

Meet one-on-one with ISSS staff who will check to ensure that all documentation has been processed properly at the Port of Entry.

Make sure you have completed the Arrival Confirmation and Document Upload e-form in InterLink prior to your document check and bring your original documents (not copies):

  • Passport and Visa
  • Current I-20 or DS-201
  • Prior I-20s and/or DS-2019s (if you previously attended school in the U.S.)
  • Current I-94 (retrieve this after you arrive in the U.S.)

Reminder, you should also check when your Medical Check appointment has been scheduled, see above.


Exchange (J-1) Students Meeting and Lunch: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | MacMillan Hall, 017

Important information about the Miami exchange programs and expectations, regulations, and opportunities as an exchange student at Miami.


Start of Welcome Weekend Activities: 8 p.m. | Armstrong Student Center

See the Welcome Weekend web page and check for emails from Student Transitions and Family Engagement.

Friday, Aug. 21, 2026

Medical Check Appointment

  • Report to Student Health Services in the Cleveland Clinic Health Sciences and Wellness Facility promptly at your assigned medical check time.
    Bring your:
    • Passport
    • Student ID
    • Vaccination records, with English translation if needed
  • Note that the TB test will include a blood draw, so please drink plenty of water in advance and wear a short-sleeve shirt to the event.
  • Contact Student Health Services in-person or via phone, 513-529-3000, if you need to reschedule.

Check your Medical Check Appointment information above (Thursday's schedule), since some Medical Checks will be scheduled on Friday.


Welcome Weekend!

See the Welcome Weekend web page and check for emails from Student Transitions and Family Engagement.

Saturday - Sunday, Aug. 22 - 23, 2026

Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

First Day of Classes for Spring 2026

Reminders:

  • Class attendance is required at Miami University.
  • Check your MiamiOH.edu email daily. Read and respond to important messages as needed.
  • During the semester, ISSS has drop-in advising for international students Monday - Thursday, 1:30-3:00 p.m., in MacMillan Hall, Room 019, and online.
  • Additionally, you can always schedule an advising appointment with ISSS or send your questions to international@MiamiOH.edu.

Additional Arrival Information

Arrival Support

If you need any support or have questions during your arrival and first few days on campus, you are encouraged to come to the International Student Center (MacMillan Hall 017).

Typically, the International Student Center (MacMillan Hall 017) will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Map

To locate campus buildings, utilize Miami's Interactive Campus Map.

Dining Hours

Review current on-campus dining hours of operation and off-campus dining options.

ID and Residence Hall Access

A Miami University ID will be needed to access many resources, including on-campus rooms, meal plan, library, recreation center, and more.

Those living on campus will need their ID before they enter their residence hall room.

Miami Digital ID is available at no cost to all students and employee and is default form of ID for incoming students. After submitting your ID photo through the GET phone app, you can access your digital ID. Or, if needed, you can request a physical ID card from the Campus Services Center.

If you arrive after 5 p.m. and have issues accessing your room, then please go to the Marcum Hotel, located on campus, to request a temporary residence hall keycard.

Residents staying on campus prior to the start of the semester who need urgent assistance should call either the Miami University Police at 513-529-2222 or the Residence Life staff member on duty at 513-330-2005.

Medical Check

Please report to Student Health Services in the Health and Wellness Building promptly at your assigned medical check time. Check your MiamiOH.edu email, orientation materials, or ask your iPOL or ISSS staff if unsure when your medical check is scheduled. Please report any medical check schedule conflicts to international@MiamiOH.edu.

(NOTE: If you do not complete a medical check during orientation, please call Student Health Services at 1-513-529-3000 to schedule a wellness appointment and, if needed, a tuberculosis test during the initial weeks of the semester. You should ask for an “international physical.”)

You will meet with health care providers for a wellness assessment and required tuberculosis (TB) test. Clinicians will also help students to complete the immunization records form and schedule any immunizations or follow-up appointments if needed.

  • Please bring with you your
    1. passport
    2. student ID, and
    3. all vaccination records
  • If you are under the age of 18, be sure to bring your consent forms signed by a parent or guardian
  • Note that the TB test will include a blood draw, so please drink plenty of water in advance and wear a short-sleeve shirt to the event.

International Student and Scholar Services

ISSS Requests

International students and scholars can submit a variety of requests to ISSS via InterLink.

Access InterLink

Sign-Up for Email Updates

International students and scholars will automatically receive communications from ISSS. Others are welcome to sign up to receive emails and communications from our office.

Sign up for Email Updates