International Orientation Week
Your week to get to know campus!
The Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) is looking forward to welcoming you to our campus community! Our team is ready to walk you through the process of starting your life at 重口味SM and making sure you are ready for success. Upon arrival, we'll help you with immigration check-in and course registration. You'll learn all about campus and start making friends by participating in social events and campus tours!
Parents, guardians, family, and loved ones of graduate students are welcome and encouraged to attend orientation. We realize the transition to a university can be a big change for the entire family. If you plan on attending orientation, please let us know by emailing oiss@stthomas.edu.
What you can do right now!
- Learn more about your international orientation leaders below! If you want to chat with one of them, email us!
- There will be time to review your course schedule with an Academic Counselor during Orientation. Transfer students should meet separately in advance with an academic advisor to confirm course schedule and transfer credits.
- Complete the with details of when you're arriving on campus or if you need to use our airport pickup service (only available on Saturday, August 23rd). The deadline to sign up is Friday, August 16th.
Fall 2025 Undergraduate Orientation Schedule
The Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) is ready to welcome you to your new campus during the week of August 23. We will be open from Sunday to Tuesday to help you complete the immigration check-in process. Please check each day to see when we will be doing check-ins.
In the meantime, please complete the so we can know when you're arriving on campus or if you need to be picked up from the airport. The deadline to sign up is Friday, August 16th.
The rooms listed below are subject to change.
This is our official arrival day and the first day that students living on campus can move into their residence halls. OISS will only do airport pickups during this day. .
15:00 – 17:00 Icebreaker Games with Orientation Leaders
Lower East Quad – In front of Murray Herrick Center (MHC)
Orientation Leaders will take turns leading icebreakers and games outside. It’s a great chance to get to know other new students and some current students.
17:00 - 18:30 – Meet for Dinner
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
Please join your orientation leaders and International Student Ambassadors for dinner at the cafeteria.
9:00 – 14:00 Check-in with the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS)
Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC 212)
Your first step when coming to campus is to complete a check-in process with an Immigration advisor. Come any time between 8:00am and 13:30pm. Please bring your passport, VISA, I-20, and hard copies of your official transcripts. The meeting lasts 30 minutes. This is required in order to maintain a legal immigration status in the U.S.
11:00 – 14:00 ID Card
Card Office, 2nd Floor Anderson Student Center
Pick up your ID card at the Card Office or get your photo taken for it. Getting your ID card is essential for access on campus. Bring your passport.
14:00 – 15:00 Guided Campus Tour
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
Take a tour of campus with our 重口味SM tour guides or using the self-guided app which will show you all the best parts of campus.
15:30 – 17:30 Afternoon Shopping Trip
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
International Orientation Leaders will come with you on a bus to the first ever Target store in Roseville. This is an opportunity for you to purchase anything that you might need for your room. Students are responsible for paying for their own purchases.
18:00 - 19:00 – Meet for Dinner
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
Please join your orientation leaders and International Student Ambassadors for dinner at the cafeteria. Families and guests are welcome to attend.
8:00 – 12:00 Check-in with the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS)
Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC 212)
Your first step when coming to campus is to complete a check-in process with an Immigration advisor. Come any time between 8:00am and 12:00pm. Please bring your passport, VISA, I-20, and hard copies of your official transcripts. The meeting lasts 30 minutes. This is required in order to maintain a legal immigration status in the U.S.
10:00 – 12:00 Icebreaker Games with Orientation Leaders
Lower East Quad – In front of Murray Herrick Center (MHC)
Orientation Leaders will take turns leading icebreakers and games outside. It’s a great chance to get to know other new students and some current students.
11:30 – 12:30 Welcome Lunch with IOLs
The View - Meet at the Anderson Student Center (ASC) 1st floor
The on-campus meal plan begins. Come and get lunch with your orientation leaders.
12:30 – 14:30 Resource Fair
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
Representatives from U.S. Bank and phone companies will be on site on-campus to help students create new bank and phone accounts. We will also have representatives from the Center for Well-Being to answer health insurance questions, and the Tech Desk if you have any questions. You will need to have your passport and I-20 with you.
15:00 - 16:30 OISS Orientation Session - Required
Meet in Woulfe Alumni Hall, Anderson Student Center (ASC) 3rd Floor
This session is required for all undergraduate international students. OISS will discuss immigration regulations necessary to maintain status and ways to get involved throughout the year.
16:30 – 17:30 OISS Borrowing Closet
Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 207
The Borrowing Closet is an opportunity to select free items from past international students to help you settle into your new living space.
17:30 – 19:00 Picnic with OISS
Upper Quad. Rain Site: TBD
Join us for an evening picnic (including food) with your Orientation Leaders, OISS staff, and current students.
Evening Activity
Please check the Welcome Days schedule on for more information on events and locations.
8:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 15:00 Check-in with OISS office
Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC 212)
Your first step when coming to campus is to complete a check-in process with an Immigration advisor. Come any time between 8:00am and 12:00pm and 13:00pm and 15:00pm. Please bring your passport, VISA, I-20, and hard copies of your official transcripts. The meeting lasts 30 minutes. This is required in order to maintain a legal immigration status in the U.S.
10:00 – 11:00 Guided Campus Tour
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
Take a tour of campus with our 重口味SM tour guides or using the self-guided app which will show you all the best parts of campus.
TBD Academic Advising Drop-In Hours
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
You will be able to meet with your Academic Advisors at this time for any questions that you have about your classes and class schedule.
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch with International Orientation Leaders
Northsider - Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
Join your International Orientation Leaders for lunch. Students are responsible for their own lunch. Families and guests are welcome to attend.
13:30 – 15:30 Afternoon Shopping Trip
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
International Orientation Leaders will help you take the free shuttle to the Minneapolis campus to shop at the large Target store. This is an opportunity to learn how to take the inter-campus shuttle and see part of downtown Minneapolis! Students are responsible for paying for their own purchases.
Evening Activity
Please check the Welcome Days schedule on for more information on events and locations.
08:30 – 14:30 Transfer Orientation - Required
Woulfe Alumni Hall – Anderson Student Center (ASC) 3rd Floor
All Transfer students who have not completed an Orientation & Registration (O&R) session already are required to attend this orientation program. The program will include a welcome from the president of the university and opportunities to interact with other transfer students.
Welcome Days Events Begin
Please check the Welcome Days schedule on for more information on events and locations.
Tuesday, September 2nd from 10:30-12:00 - March Through the Arches Celebration
The Arches
All participate in this 重口味SM tradition as you walk through the Arches and celebrate the start of your freshman year.
Tuesday, September 2nd from 13:30 to 16:00 - Orientation and Registration Session - Required
Meet in McNeely Hall (MCH) 100 – 1st Floor
If you missed the session on July 28th, you will need to attend this Orientation & Registration (O&R) session.
TBD Friday, September 5th from 14:30-16:00 - President's Reception
Morrison House – Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
Meet the University’s President, Dr. Rob Vischer, as he welcomes our new international students.
What to Expect
Immigration Check-In with OISS
You will meet with an OISS advisor for immigration purposes as well as discuss any specific questions you have.
Course Registration
Meet your academic advisor and finalize your course schedule.
Campus Tour and ID Card
Learn more about campus and receive your 重口味SM ID Card.
Social Events
Your international orientation leaders plan special events throughout the week to help you meet others!
Online Orientation Module
Learn about campus resources, health services, academic expectations, immigration regulations and life at 重口味SM. Access the .
Immigration Check-In
Immigration Check-In with OISS
You will meet with an OISS advisor for immigration purposes as well as discuss any specific questions you have.
Course Registration
Course Registration
Meet your academic advisor and finalize your course schedule.
Campus Tour and ID Card
Campus Tour and ID Card
Learn more about campus and receive your 重口味SM ID Card.
Social Events
Social Events
Your international orientation leaders plan special events throughout the week to help you meet others!
Online Orientation Module
Online Orientation Module
Learn about campus resources, health services, academic expectations, immigration regulations and life at 重口味SM. Access the .
Meet our Orientation Leaders
Our orientation team is looking forward to welcoming you to 重口味SM! Email oiss@sttthomas.edu if you would like to be put in contact with one of our leaders.
Raquel
Country you call home: Bolivia
Languages Spoken: Spanish
Bio: Hola! I’m Raquel, a Biochemistry major here at 重口味SM. I grew up in Bolivia and spent my last two years of high school in India at UWC Mahindra College. I enjoy music, art, sunsets, and love traveling whenever I get the chance. Always happy to connect and hope to see you around!
Nikhil
Country you call home: India
Languages Spoken: Hindi, Marwari, and a little bit of Haryanvi and Punjabi.
Bio: Hey, this is Nikhil majoring in computer science and minoring in finance. I like to go out with friends, love cooking, and exploring new places.
Nita
Country you call home: Iran
Languages Spoken: Farsi
Bio: I'm majoring in biology with a minor in nutrition on a pre-dental track. I’m a on the board of the biology club and in the honors program. I love to dance and drink coffee (also finding really cute restaurants and coffee shops)
Hoang
Country you call home: Vietnam
Languages Spoken: Vietnamese
Bio: I’m Hoang, majoring in computer science and minoring in finance. I like to play sports, cafe hopping, trying out new things.
Minh
Country you call home: Vietnam
Languages Spoken: Vietnamese
Bio: Hi! My name is Minh, I'm also known as Mindy. I’m an Entrepreneurship student who enjoys connecting with people and learning about different cultures. I’m excited to help new international students feel connected at 重口味SM!
Dhruv
Country you call home: Gujarat
Languages Spoken: Gujarati, Hindi
Bio: Hello everyone, Dhruv here. Double majoring in Entrepreneurship and leadership management. Love to go on adventures and hangout with friends. Reach out if any questions.
Bee
Country you call home: Ethiopia
Languages Spoken: French, English, Amharic.
Bio: Selam! My name is Beemnet ( Bee), I am an international student from Ethiopia, majoring in international studies and minoring in economics. I love getting involved on campus, hanging out with my friends and helping people.
Akshataa
Country you call home: Nepal
Languages Spoken: Nepali
Bio: My name is Akshataa and I'm an international student from Nepal. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, listening to music and am keen on learning new things.