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Transfer Students

International Students

Fall 2023 International Student Orientation

A group of female international students are huddled together doing an icebreaker outside on Move-In Day
Joe Howell/Vanderbilt University

The International Student Orientation schedule is published annually in early August. 

As an international transfer student, it is your choice whether or not you would prefer to participate in International Student Orientation or join your domestic peers to only attend Transfer Student Orientation (required). If you would like to participate in International Student Orientation and be part of an International Orientation Group, please email commons@vanderbilt.edu by July 15. You will also need to complete an online pre-arrival form.

Although International Student Orientation is optional for international transfer students and domestic students currently living abroad, participation is highly encouraged. It is also free for all attendees. Please feel free to access the Fall 2022 International Student Orientation Schedule as a reference prior to release of this year’s schedule.

International Student Move-In

Incoming first year International Students gather for games and crafts at the Commons as part of Welcome Week

International undergraduate move-in will take place on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, between 8 am and Midnight. Students who move on this date must participate in International Student Orientation. For more information on move-in, visit the Housing and Residential Experience website.

Check your Vanderbilt email address and the Health and Safety Protocols for all updates regarding your arrival to campus. If you need to arrive in Nashville earlier than your assigned move-in day, you may consider exploring these hotel options. With questions about your housing assignment, please contact Housing Assignments.

 

iLEAD: International Orientation Leaders

Incoming first year International Students gather for games and crafts at the Commons as part of Welcome Week

iLEAD is a student organization composed of International Orientation Leaders (IOLs). IOLs provide support, guidance, and fun to incoming new undergraduate students during International Student Orientation. Should you elect to participate in International Student Orientation, you will be assigned an IOL over the summer who will reach out and offer support as you prepare to come to campus. To learn more about the iLEAD organization, visit their organization page. You can also follow iLEAD on Instagram @vu_ilead.

To assist you with making this transition, all participants will be assigned to one of 24 International Orientation Groups. These groups – each of which is comprised of approximately 10 international students – meet throughout International Student Orientation. International Orientation Groups help you form connections and support networks as you establish and navigate your new life at Vanderbilt.

If you would like to be assigned to an International Orientation Group, please email commons@vanderbilt.edu by July 15.

Have Questions?

For questions about orientation, call the New Student Hotline at (615) 322-4948.

For questions about immigration status and the mandatory check-in process, contact International Student and Scholar Services at (615) 322-2753 or isss@vanderbilt.edu.

To connect with other international students and learn more about resources specific to international students, visit the VUGlobalCitizens webpage.