Arrival for International Students – Spring 2025

We look forward to your arrival and to helping you get acquainted with the University of Maine campus and U.S. culture through our New International Student Orientation program and other activities.  

When to Arrive

Spring 2025 ARRIVAL DATE:

Students living on campus:  Plan to arrive on Tuesday, January 14, between 8 am and 9 pm, local EST time.
  • Your travel and arrival plans must be carefully coordinated with OIP move-in procedures.
  • It is very important that you provide information about your travel and arrival plans by completing the arrival information form below.  Please resubmit the form if your travel plans change.

What if I arrive earlier than January 14, 2025?

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate students in campus housing prior to January 14, 2025 (Stodder Hall residents may be able to arrive earlier with prior arrangements).  If you plan to live on campus and you arrive before January 14, you will need to reserve a hotel room at your own expense.  If you are living off campus make sure your landlord and/or housemates know that you are coming early and have your room ready for you.

Students living off campus: Plan to arrive no later than January 14, be sure to arrange your arrival day with your landlord.

Arrival Form & Important Information

  • Spring 2025 Arrival Information Form   You must complete this form now and anytime your arrival plan changes.  This information will help OIP assist you with the arrival and move-in process.  Please note, requests for a pickup service must be received no later than 48 hours prior to arrival.  We cannot guarantee a pickup if your request is submitted fewer than 48 hours of arrival.

Bangor Airport/Hotel/Bus Pick-Ups on Tuesday, January 14, between 8 am and 9 pm, local EST time:

  • Submit the Arrival Information Form (above) in order to be picked up from Bangor International airport, bus station or local hotel.
  • OIP will meet you at your designated arrival location in Bangor and you will be transported to campus or your off-campus accommodation (be sure to arrange with your landlord for your arrival that day).  There will be no cost to you for this service.
  • Orono is served by Bangor International Airport (BGR), which is only 12 miles from campus.
  • Two bus lines also provide transportation to Bangor: Greyhound and Concord Coach Lines.

Dining

On-Campus students:

  • From your arrival date on January 14, students will be able to eat on campus – a specific location to be determined.  Some meals will be provided/covered by OIP.
  • The Spring dining meal plan will start on January 20.  See the Dining schedule for more information on hours and locations.

Off-Campus students:

Orientation

  • A mandatory Orientation program at the beginning of each semester helps students adjust to life on campus and in the community.  
  • Visit our Orientation page for more information. Some of the content will be delivered in person, some virtually.

Buying Room Essentials

  • On campus residents will have a set of bed linens and towels on loan.  You must return these items to your Resident Assistant during the first week of classes.
  • OIP is planning a shopping trip during orientation when you can by items for your room and other necessities.
  • If living off campus, consider having items delivered to your residence in advance.  Make sure your housemates are aware of potential deliveries.

Textbooks – Information for Fall 2024/Spring 2025

The University of Maine has a brand new textbook purchasing system.  Visit their website for more information.

  • Contact information:
    • Email is best (and fastest): um.bookstore@maine.edu
    • Call: 207.581.1763
    • Follow us on social: Facebook @umainebookstore; Instagram @umbookstore
    • Campus location: Memorial Union, lower level
  • Hours:
    • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Closed weekends

MaineCard

  • The MaineCard is your official UMaine ID card.  All new students should respond to the email request from the MaineCard office (sent to your @maine.edu email account) as soon as possible and upload their photo to the portal.  Students must be registered for at least one class to be eligible for the MaineCard.  Read more about this process here.
  • On campus residents – it is important you complete this step prior to your arrival so you can access your building.
  • Read about how to use your MaineCard