First-Year International (FYI) Student Orientation

FYI Move-In Day will take place on Thursday, August 17. First-year international students will move in to campus housing one day earlier than U.S. domestic students. See FYI Move-In and Orientation Schedule below. 

The Office for International Students & Scholars (OISS) will offer a free shuttle from St. Louis Lambert International Airport to campus on August 17 ONLY between the hours of 9:30 am and 6:30 pm.  If you did not complete the FYI Arrival form, contact OISS immediately as we cannot guarantee that you will have housing available on this date. 

FYI is an orientation program catered specifically towards first year-international students. The program gives you a chance to connect with upper-division students who serve as FYI Leaders and meet other incoming international students. You will learn:

• How to adjust to life at WashU as an international student
• How to follow immigration regulations for international students
• How the OISS can guide you through your time at the university

FYI Summer Connect will begin in May with the Get Your Bearings online orientation programming. For international students, Get Your Bearings will include important information about the OISS, getting your visa, and other immigration matters.

FYI Summer Connect continues throughout the summer when you will be introduced to your FYI Leaders and FYI peer group and participate in virtual sessions starting in late June to get to know each other and prepare for arrival in St. Louis.

In July, students will be invited to a pre-orientation Canvas course which includes essential information you need to know as an international student to get you started in the U.S. and at WashU. It is a self-guided course that highlights immigration and other important things that the OISS thinks you will find helpful. 

FYI Orientation Schedule Fall 2023

FYI Move-in is on Thursday,  August 17 and FYI Orientation sessions begin on Friday, August 18. FYI Orientatation sessions will be held throughout the week of Bear Beginnings Fall Welcome.

If you did not complete the FYI Arrival form, we cannot guarantee that you will have housing available on this date.

International students will meet OISS staff, learn how to navigate WashU campus, set up bank accounts, shop for needed items, and participate in various activities with their FYI Leaders and FYI peer groups.

Thursday, August 17th

First-Year International: Airport Pick-Up 
St. Louis International Airport
Airport pick-up for international students from St. Louis International Airport to WashU’s campus. Only offered to students who indicated arrival on this date in the required the arrival form. 

OISS Check In (Required)
9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
South 40, Lien House, Ursa’s Fireside
Students will check in with OISS and receive swag and other welcome information.

OISS Shopping Shuttle
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Mallinckrodt Bus Terminal
Students will be offered rides to local stores to shop for items.

Ice Cream Social
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
South 40, Mudd House, Mudd Multipurpose Room
Students will have the opportunity to connect with fellow first year international students and mentors over ice cream in a relaxed setting.

Friday, August 18th 

Welcome Remarks (Required)
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Graham Chapel
Students and parents will hear welcome remarks from the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and other university staff members.

Family Welcome Reception
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Umrath Hall, Umrath Lounge
Parents and Families will have the opportunity to speak with University Advancement, OISS advisors, and various other campus staff

Student Welcome Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
South 40, Risa Commons
Students will have the opportunity to connect with fellow students and mentors over lunch.

OISS Shopping Shuttle 
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Mallinckrodt Bus Terminal
Students will be offered rides to local stores to shop for items.

ORSEL Presentation 
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Wrighton Hall 300
Students will hear from the Office for Religious, Spiritual and Ethical Life and its various offerings of programs throughout the year.

Rec Center Tour
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Sumers Recreation Center
Students will have an opportunity to explore the Rec Center facilities and hear of the services and programs offered directly from the staff themselves.

Dialogue Across Difference Presentation
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Wrighton Hall 300
Students will hear from the Dialogue Across Difference team and learn more about the program and how to get involved.

Talk to Me About Activity
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
South 40, Mudd House, Mudd Multipurpose Room
Students will have the opportunity to connect with fellow first year international students and mentors over a fun and interactive activity.

Saturday, August 19th

Morning Yoga and Sound Bath 
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Woman’s Building Lawn
Students will be able to participate in relaxing yoga and sound bath brought to us by our Rec Center Staff. Light snacks and yoga mats will be provided

Safety and Transportation Presentation
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
South 40, Risa Commons
Students will listen to valuable information from WUPD, the Transportation Office, and InfoSec about staying safe, avoiding scams, and various ways to travel around the city.

Student Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
South 40, Risa Commons
Enjoy lunch with mentors and fellow first year international students.

Wellness Presentation
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
South 40, Risa Commons
Students will have the opportunity to listen from Habif Health Promotion, RSVP and WUSTL Cares to discuss ways on how to care for themselves and others during the school year.

Real World WashU Presentation
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
South 40, Risa Commons
Students will have the opportunity to hear from current students about thriving during their school year.

Campus Photo Walk
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Various Campus Locations
Students will have the opportunity to discover the campus while taking photos with their FYI mentors and fellow first year international students. Students will meet at the Alumni House to begin.

Sunday, August 20th

Staying in Status Presentation (Required)
Sunday, August 20
3:00 PM – 4:45 PM
South 40, Risa Commons
Students will listen to valuable information about maintaining F1 status and immigration policies.

Bubble Tea Farewell
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
South 40, Risa Commons
Final remarks from OISS and OISE to close out FY1 Orientation 2023 while enjoying delicious boba tea.

Family Welcome Reception
Friday, August 18
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Umrath Hall, Umrath Lounge
Parents and families will have the opportunity to speak with University Advancement, OISS advisors, and various other campus staff

The Office of Religious, Spiritual, and Ethical Life (ORSEL) offers connections with a wide variety of religious organizations on campus and in the St. Louis area. Please reach out to ORSEL to get connected with campus ministry groups and St. Louis organizations.

Religious services sometimes occur during FYI. It is our goal that students will be able to fully observe their faith, practices, and traditions without missing important information. Students should reach out to their FYI leader if they plan on missing an FYI event for a religious observance to ensure the student has access to any information they may miss.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events. If you have a disability and require accommodations (such as assistive listening device, captioning, large print, reserved front row seat, advanced copy of slides to be projected, etc.) in order to fully participate in FYI, please list them in your Bear Beginnings Information Form on your WashU Pathways account. After we receive your submission, a member of Student Transitions & Family Programs will contact you for more information. Requests should be made as soon as possible, but at least two weeks prior to your arrival on campus. For any other questions about accessibility during Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome or FYI, please contact the Student Transitions & Family Programs email.