CISS Undergraduate Student Welcome and Support Program Fall 2026

Storrs Campus Students

The Welcome and Support Program is a required program for all international undergraduate students entering the Storrs campus as new students for the Fall 2026 semester.

The goal of the welcome and support program is to provide new international students with the support, guidance, and connections they need to successfully begin their academic journey at the University of Connecticut. Participation in the welcome program is mandatory, as it is designed to help students prepare for their first semester and adjust to life at UConn.

New students are expected to arrive on Friday, August 21, 2026. Students are expected to focus on preparing for the academic year ahead and participating fully in welcome program activities.

As members of UConn’s international community, we hope you will take full advantage of the resources, services, and support offered through this program as you begin your time at the University of Connecticut.

Admitted Student Checklist (Fall 2026)

https://admissions.uconn.edu/fall-checklist/

 

Friday, August 21, 2026 International Student Move in Day:

 

Check-in Location: Charter Oak Apartments. Address: 916 Towers Court Road, Storrs, CT 06269. You will see a welcome tent and signs. This is where you will pick up your University ID card, your dorm room keys, and the detailed schedule for the Welcome Program and Support Program.

 

Check-in will be available from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

To live on campus, you must do two things:

  1. Submit a Fall Housing Application in MyHousing.
  2. Complete the Early Arrival Confirmation Form in MyHousing between July 2 and July 29.

 

Click here to see step-by-step instructions for submitting the Early Arrival Confirmation Form.

 

Airport Pick-Up Information 

We are coordinating airport pick-up for new international students arriving on move-in day: Friday, August 21. Transportation will be available from the following airports to the Storrs campus:

 

JFK International Airport (New York, NY)

Logan International Airport (Boston, MA)

 

Please complete the Airport Pick-Up Registration Form to confirm your transportation. More details will be provided closer to your arrival.

 

Shopping Trips

Shopping trips to Target and Walmart for dorm room essentials will begin on Saturday, August 22.

 

Welcome Starter Kits

The Welcome Starter Kit includes one (1) sheet set, one (1) throw blanket, one (1) towel, one (1) washcloth, one (1) pillow, and one (1) hamper. This is a great option for your first night. You will receive your starter kit upon check in on the day of arrival.

Click here for more information. 

Saturday, August 22, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

International Student Resource Fair

Student Union Ballroom, 3rd Floor

2110 Hillside Road, Storrs, CT 06269

 

Join us on campus for a one-stop event designed to help international students get settled and connected! Representatives from local banks and U.S. cell phone providers will be available to help you open a bank account and choose a mobile phone plan that fits your needs. You’ll also have the chance to meet campus organizations and support services that are here to help you succeed and feel at home at UConn. Whether you’re new to the U.S. or just looking for helpful resources, this fair is a great opportunity to get started and ask questions in person.

 

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

International Student Parent and Family Meeting

The Alumni Center

2384 Alumni Dr, Storrs, CT 06269

 

International husky family special introduction to UConn. Learn more about how you can support your student while they are at UConn, meet staff members from the Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS) and Global Affairs. Students are encouraged to attend the service provider fair and the shopping trip during this time.

 

1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

New Student Shopping Trip #1 

Bus leaves from Putnam Dining Hall 

 

Register here: Students can purchase school supplies and essential dorm room items at Target.

 

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

International Student Game Night

Putnam Dining Hall

2358 Alumni Drive, Storrs CT 06269

 

This is a great opportunity to meet new friends, have fun, and enjoy some classic U.S. snacks! Intercultural Program & Support (IPS) staff, along with student mentors from the Undergraduate International Student Association (UISA), have organized a game night to help you connect with other international students.

Sunday, August 23, 2026

 

Welcome and Support Program

 

What to bring: Your UConn Student ID, Name Tag, Laptop/iPad/Tablet, UConn Welcome Program Folder, a pen,  passport, and photos on your phone or device of the following: passport, visa, I-94 document, signed I-20 (Page 1).

 

7:45 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Breakfast with Student Mentors at Putnam Dining Hall. 

9:00 a.m - 9:15 a.m: Check-in McHugh Hall, Room 102.  

9:30 a.m. Welcome Remarks and Introductions.  

10:00 a.m. Students will join their assigned mentors in small groups for activities. 

Staggered lunch by group 

3:30 p.m. Large group meeting McHugh Hall, Room 102. 

4:30 p.m - 5:30 p.m. Free Time 

6:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m. Dinner 

Monday, August 24, 2026

 

Welcome and Support Program

 

7:45 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Breakfast with Student Mentors at Putnam Dining Hall. 

8:45 a.m. - 9:10 a.m. Check-in at McHugh Hall, Room 102.

9:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Welcome Remarks. 

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Meet with your Student Mentor Group. 

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Complete stations with student mentors.

(example - health/immunization screenings with SHaW). 

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Complete stations with student mentors

(example - health/immunization screenings with SHaW). 

Staggered Lunch. See group mentor for assigned lunch time. 

3:15 p.m. Meet in McHugh Hall, Room 102.

4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Dinner at Putnam Dining Hall.  

6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. New Student Shopping Trip #2. Bus leaves from Putnam Dining Hall.

 

Night Activity organized by International Mentors (Outdoor).

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 Welcome and Support Program

7:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast at Putnam Dining Hall. 

Rest of the day: Students can use this free time to schedule bank appointments and handle any important or personal tasks before classes start.

 

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

International Student Game Night

Putnam Dining Hall

2358 Alumni Drive, Storrs CT 06269

This is a great opportunity to meet new friends, have fun, and enjoy some classic U.S. snacks! Intercultural Program & Support (IPS) staff, along with student mentors from the Undergraduate International Student Association (UISA), have organized a game night to help you connect with other international students.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 &

Thursday, August 27, 2026

7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

University Orientation 

University Orientation is a 2-day program required for all new international students. You will connect with peers and administrators, learn about campus resources, participate in academic advising, and register for courses. First-year and transfer students attend orientation together. New students must attend both the university orientation and welcome and support program.

 

University Orientation Information

Thursday, August 27, 2026 -

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Week of Welcome (WOW) Opening Weekend

Enjoy a full calendar of student events designed to help you make connections and create memorable moments during your first few weeks on campus.

 

Join for signature events throughout Husky WOW!

https://huskywow.uconn.edu/

Monday, August 31, 2026 Fall Classes Start! 

Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 Academic Calendar

View your Class Schedule

Wednesday, September 2026

Student Involvement Fair (Storrs)

The Involvement Fair - UConn's largest, free event that is open to all students, faculty & staff. Join the +400 student organizations and university programs to find new ways to connect, make friends, and get involved!

2-6pm. Location - Fairfield Way (next to the Student Union).

Living in the U.S  Student Resources Page
Find your International Advisor
All international students have an ISSS advisor assigned to them based on their program of study.
Click here to find your international advisor.
Driving in Connecticut Resources How to get a CT Driver's License or Non-Driver's Identification (State ID)

Regional Campus Students

Avery Point Campus

Neena Kapoor from ISSS will be at the Avery Point campus on TBD.  International students should plan to meet with Neena on this day.  The in person campus visit information will be sent out prior to the start of the semester. 
University Orientation for Avery Point Students
Avery Point Admitted Students:https://averypoint.uconn.edu/admissions/admitted-students/
Avery Point Orientation Schedule: https://orientation.uconn.edu/schedule/avery-point/

Hartford Campus

Friday, August 22, 2025 Mandatory session for new international (F and J visa holders) students at the Hartford & GBLC campuses. This required session will provide important visa information and requirements and allow students to meet the ISSS advisor, learn about the services ISSS provides and ask questions. Please complete the registration form once you have secured your visa and finalized your travel plans. Register for Hartford International Session

University Orientation for Hartford Students
Hartford Admitted Students: https://hartford.uconn.edu/admissions/admitted-students/
Hartford Orientation Schedule: https://orientation.uconn.edu/schedule/hartford/

Stamford Campus

The International Undergraduate Welcome and Support Program is a required program for all international undergraduate students entering the Stamford campus as new students for the Fall 2025 semester. The goal of the Welcome Program is to provide the support and connections new international students need to set up for success to start their new academic career at the University of Connecticut. You will connect with peers and administrators, and learn about campus resources.

You will meet your ISSS international advisor Lulu Dong at this session.

Admitted Student Information for UConn Stamford
https://stamford.uconn.edu/admissions/admitted-students/

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Early move-in date for new international students

Students are required to move into their residence halls on this date.

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Check-in begins at 8:45 a.m.

Welcome and Support Program

Thursday, August 21, 2025 University Orientation

University Orientation is a 1-day program required for all new international students. You will connect with peers and administrators, learn about campus resources, participate in academic advising, and register for courses. First-year and transfer students attend orientation together. New students must attend both the university orientation and welcome and support program.

 

University Orientation Information

Monday, August 25, 2025  First Day of Fall Classes!

Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 Academic Calendar

View your Class Schedule

Friday, August 29, 2025 10:00 a.m - 11:30 a.m.

Driving in the U.S. Virtual Session

This session is presented by the ISSS office for students who want to learn how to obtain a U.S. driver’s license.

 

Log-in to the virtual session HERE:

Password:  Fall25

Waterbury Campus

TBD Waterbury Campus will host a 1-day Orientation program for international students. You will connect with peers and administrators, learn about campus resources, participate in academic advising, and register for courses. Please make an appointment with Lulu Dong for an orientation session.
University Orientation for Waterbury Students
Waterbury Admitted Students: https://waterbury.uconn.edu/admissions/admitted-students/
Waterbury Orientation Schedule: https://orientation.uconn.edu/schedule/waterbury/