Orientation

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Orientation prepares new students for many aspects of life in the United States, in Carbondale, and at SIU. During orientation, we will provide valuable information including required immunizations, health insurance, tips for adjusting to your new cultural and academic environments, opening a bank account, U.S. income taxes, housing, and many other topics. In addition, we have planned events that will provide you with the opportunity to have fun, get familiar with your new environment, and make new friends.

See links to the left for more information; see below for orientation schedules.

Join us for the Fall 2025 orientation.

2025 New International Student Orientations will be in person at the Center for International Education.

  • Fall orientation begins the week of August 11, 2025.

 See below for schedule information and a listing of mandatory events.

Register below for Fall 2025 Orientation. Continue to check this webpage for updates.

Fall 2025 Orientation Registration

Registration is now available for international student orientation for newly admitted undergraduate and graduate students: 

Register Now

 

Fall 2025 Orientation Schedule

(details are tentative and subject to change) 

Monday, August 11th (Available to All New International Students)

Time Event Location
8:30am to 3:30pm Immigration Check-in CIE Reception Area, Woody Hall
9:00 to 10:30am Housing Question & Answer (Q&A) CIE Reception Area, Woody Hall
10:30am to 3:30pm Navigating the Campus and Community CIE Reception Area, Woody Hall

Tuesday, August 12th (Available to All New International Students)

Time Event Location
8:30am to 3:30pm Immigration Check-in CIE Reception Area, Woody Hall
9:00 to 10:30am Campus Tours (led by RSO Leaders) CIE Reception Area, Woody Hall
10:30am to 1:30pm Navigating the Campus and Community CIE Reception Area, Woody Hall

Wednesday, August 13th (Attendance Mandatory for All New International Students)

Time Event Location
8:30 to 9:00am Orientation Check-in & Morning Refreshments Center for International Education, Woody Hall
9:00 to 9:30am Welcome to SIU! Furr Auditorium, Pulliam Hall
9:30 to 10:00am Department of Public Safety Furr Auditorium, Pulliam Hall
10:00 to 10:30am Student Legal Assistance Furr Auditorium, Pulliam Hall
10:30 to 11:00am Maintaining Your Immigration Status Furr Auditorium, Pulliam Hall
11:00 to 11:30am Social Security, Taxes, & Campus Employment Furr Auditorium, Pulliam Hall
11:30 to 12:00pm Community Programs Furr Auditorium, Pulliam Hall
12:00 to 3:00pm International World of Welcome (Lunch Provided) Center for International Education, Woody Hall
3:00 to 4:30pm Navigating the Campus and Community Center for International Education, Woody Hall

Thursday, August 14th (Mandatory for All International Students)

Time Event Location
8:30am to 2:30pm Student Health Services Immunization Records Check Student Health Services Building
TBD Insurance, Immunizations, and the U.S. Health System (Workshop) TBD

 

Additional Events - Fall 2025

Date Time Event Description
August 14, 2025 1:00 to 3:00pm Graduate Student Orientation Hosted by the SIU Graduate School at the Student Center Auditorium/International Lounge
August 14-17, 2025 Saluki Startup Events https://orientation.siu.edu/saluki-startup.php
August 18, 2025 Fall Semester Begins--First day of classes!
August 18 - 29, 2025 Weeks of Welcome https://orientation.siu.edu/wow.php 
August 21, 2025 5:00 to 7:00pm Involvement Fair Explore the Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and community volunteer opportunities available at SIU
August 22, 2025 3:00pm to 4:30pm Welcome International Coffee Hour Come to CIE and meet other international and domestic students and community members and enjoy free refreshments and conversation. Meets every Friday when classes are in session.