FYI Orientation
First Year International Students
2023 FYI Orientation Schedule
Available in May 2023!
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.
The Office for International Students & Scholars (OISS) will offer a free shuttle from St. Louis Lambert International Airport to campus on August 17 ONLY. All students attending FYI are required to complete the FYI Arrival Form (which will be live in May 2023) so that OISS will be able to assist you with arrival and move in.
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.
Sample FYI 2023 Orientation Schedule
Final 2023 FYI Orientation Schedule – Available in May 2023!
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.
Friday, August 18th
First-Year International: Shopping Shuttles
Brentwood Plaza
Shuttles from WashU to Brentwood Plaza, a local shopping center, where students can shop for necessities and open a bank account.
OISS Welcome Programming for New Students & Families
Time and Location TBD
Saturday, August 19th
First-Year International: Shopping Shuttles
Brentwood Plaza
Shuttles from WashU to Brentwood Plaza, a local shopping center, where students can shop for necessities and open a bank account.
OISS Welcome Programming for New Students & Families
Time and Location TBD
FYI Orientation will begin on Friday, August 18 and sessions will be held throughout the week of Bear Beginnings Fall Welcome.
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.
OISS Welcome Programming for New International Students and Families
Schedule and Program details will be posted in May 2023
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.