Orientation Information and Schedule

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Last Updated: Nov 14, 2025, 01:13 PM

Immigration Check-in

All new international students are required to complete immigration check-in upon arriving in the United States. Check-in ensures that your SEVIS record is properly activated and confirms your arrival to SIU Carbondale. You can complete your check-in up to 30 days before the start of the semester. There is no need to wait until orientation day. We encourage you to check in as soon as you arrive to avoid any delays in processing your immigration record and to gain access to important campus services.

Fall 2025 Orientation Registration

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

Register Now

 

Orientation

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 Spring 2026 orientation.

2026 New International Student Orientations will be in person at the Center for International Education.

  • Spring 2026 orientation begins January 6 through 9.

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

Spring 2026 Orientation Schedule

(details are tentative and subject to change) 

Tuesday, January 6th (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, January 6th (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, January 7th (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! Center for International Education, Woody Hall
9:30 to 10:00am Department of Public Safety Center for International Education, Woody Hall
10:00 to 10:30am Student Legal Assistance Center for International Education, Woody Hall
10:30 to 11:00am Maintaining Your Immigration Status Center for International Education, Woody Hall
11:00 to 11:30am Social Security, Taxes, & Campus Employment Center for International Education, Woody Hall
11:30 to 12:00pm Community Programs Center for International Education, Woody 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, January 8 (Mandatory for All International Students)

Time Event Location
8:30am to 2:30pm Student Health Services Immunization Records Check Student Health Services Building

Additional Events - Spring 2026

Date Time Event Description
January 8, 2026 1:00 to 3:00pm Graduate Student Orientation Hosted by the SIU Graduate School at the Student Center Auditorium/International Lounge
January 12 through January 24th/25th, 2026 Weeks of Welcome
January 16, 2026 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.