International Student Orientation
International Student Orientation (ISO) attendance is required of all new undergraduate and exchange students.
Graduate students should attend all ISO events that are not in conflict with the Graduate Student Orientation.
Your Success begins with ISO
Orientation is designed to help you:
- Adjust to academic and social life at the University of Maine;
- Comply with government regulations that pertain to your stay in the US;
- Learn about on- and off-campus resources and support services;
- Become comfortable with the local community and US culture; and
- Meet new people and make friends from around the world.
Studies show the benefits of participation in orientation programs. Faculty members and academic advisers see a marked difference in the preparedness and success of students who have participated in orientation.
Orientation Schedule
We update our Orientation schedule every semester to better welcome you to campus and help you adjust to life and classes in the U.S. You can download and view the current schedule below.
Arrival and Move-In Information
If you are planning to live on-campus you can move in as early as the published arrival day (usually the start date of your I-20 or DS-2019). Early move-in must be arranged through our office. Be sure to submit your arrival details below.
The University will have “loaner” sets of sheets and blankets on hand which you can keep for a few days until you get your own. You must let us know if this is required.
Please view the arrival form below for more information on airport pick-up. If you have questions about acquiring temporary lodging please feel free to contact OIP.
Food & Where to Eat
During Orientation, breakfast and evening meals will be provided by OIP. Breakfast vouchers will be distributed for the Bear’s Den dining facility in the Memorial Union. You will receive your voucher at each day’s Orientation sessions. Evening meals will be provided during Orientation activities. Please register for the activities indicated on the schedule, so we can plan accordingly.
For lunch, you are on your own. If you eat on campus, plan to spend anywhere between $6.00 to $12.00 each meal depending on your food choices. More information about meal plans can be found at below.
Dining facility hours are limited during Orientation.
Note: During Spring Orientation, we may have to change the schedule if there’s bad weather. We will post in the WhatsApp group and email you if we make any unexpected schedule changes.
Additional Information
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Get Instructions for ordering your textbooks online.
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The University of Maine offers activities for ALL new students at the beginning of each semester. International students are strongly encouraged to join these welcome events. A schedule of activities will be posted on this website linked below and OIP will also provide information during the international student orientation week.
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View a list of orientation resources and virtual activities to do on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend the International Student Orientation (ISO)?— Yes, ISO is MANDATORY and you should make all possible arrangements to arrive in time to attend. The International Student Orientation (ISO) will have events both virtually and in person, and most of the content will be recorded.
I am a graduate student and the ISO conflicts with the Graduate School Orientation. Which one should I attend?–All graduate students should make an effort to attend the ISO. Graduate Teaching Assistants (TA’s) may have a time conflict between TA orientation and ISO. TA’s should be sure to attend the make-up immigration session that will be scheduled the first week of classes. All other graduate students should be able to attend ISO and then attend the Graduate School Orientation.
Why should I attend ISO?— Studies show the benefits of participation in orientation programs. Faculty members and advisers see a marked difference in the preparedness and success of student who have participated in orientation.
What happens if I cannot get a flight that arrives in time or my flight is cancelled or delayed?–You should notify staff at the Office of International Programs by email (umaineimmigration@maine.edu) or phone (207) 581-3423) and let them know you will not be able to make it. You will be required to attend a make-up session during the first week of classes and access other pre-recorded orientation content virtually.
Do I have to pay to attend ISO?–No, Orientation is free.
Where will I stay during ISO?–If you live on campus you can move into your room as early as the published arrival date as long as you arrange this through OIP. Be sure to submit your arrival details ahead of time so we can coordinate your moving in to your on-campus housing (no earlier than the published arrival date). Read more about Arrival here.
If you arrive prior to the published arrival date you will need to stay in a hotel until your room is available.
If you are living off campus it may be difficult to find temporary lodging. Please arrange for your lease to be active by the day you arrive in the US.
Where do I go to attend ISO?–Check the Orientation schedules linked at the top of this page. We will be providing both virtual and in-person activities so that everyone can participate.
Questions?
Email international@maine.edu