CISS Undergraduate Student Welcome and Support Program

Storrs Campus Students

The International Undergraduate Welcome and Support Program is a required program for all international undergraduate students entering the Storrs 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. Participation in the welcome program is required – students wanting to explore and travel around the area must make plans to do that prior to arriving to the University of Connecticut on Friday, August 15th. Once students arrive for early move-in on August 15th, their priority should be getting prepared for the upcoming semester and year at the University of Connecticut. 

The Welcome and Support Program includes, but is not limited to, students on immigrant and non-immigrant visas, permanent residents, other immigrant statuses as well as U.S. citizens who were born or have parents born outside the U.S.

As part of our international community, we hope you can benefit from the services and resources provided as part of the program.

Admitted Student information for UConn Storrs

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

 

Friday, August 15, 2025 International Student Move in Day:

 

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 room keys, and the detailed schedule for the Welcome Program.

Check in will begin at 12:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

 

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’re coordinating airport pick-up for new international students arriving on move-in day: Friday, August 15. Transportation will be available from the following airports:

 

JFK International Airport (New York, NY)

Logan International Airport (Boston, MA)

Newark Liberty International Airport (Newark, NJ)

 

To confirm your transportation, please complete the Airport Pick-Up Registration Form. More details about the pick-up service will be shared closer to your arrival date.

 

Shopping Trips

Shopping trips to Target and Walmart for dorm room essentials will begin on Saturday, August 16. Advanced sign-up is required. Click here for more information. Trip fee is $5 per person.

 

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 16, 2025

Welcome Program Day 1

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

International Student Service Provider Fair

Student Union 330/331 Grand Ballroom (3rd Floor), 2110 Hillside Road

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. - 1:30 p.m. 

International Student Parent and Family Meeting

Peter J. Werth Residence Tower, 2378 Alumni Dr, Storrs, CT 06269, The Forum (Room 112)

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. 

 

1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

New Student Shopping Trip #1

Students can purchase dorm room essentials. Advanced sign-up is required. Click here to register.

 

7:45 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

International Student Game Night

Putnam Dining Hall - 2358 Alumni Drive

This is the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, have fun, and try some typical US snacks. Intercultural Program & Support staff (IPS) and student members of the Undergraduate International Student Association (UISA) will organize a game night and introduce you to new international students. Students enter the event alone or in small groups and at the end of the night leave with larger groups of friends.

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Welcome Program Day 2

9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

New Student Shopping Trip #2

Students can purchase dorm room essentials. Advanced sign-up is required. Click here to register.

 

4:00 p.m.

Check in: MCHU Hall Room 102

Introduction to the Welcome and Support Program, Welcome Program Leaders, and Welcome Program Group. Students will be placed into their assigned group and learn about important UConn Apps, get to know their group, and have dinner together. Welcome Program Leaders will show their group where to meet on Monday morning. 

 

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

Welcome Program Group dinner and activities.

Monday, August 18, 2025

Welcome Program Day 3

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Welcome and Support Program

Check in: MCHU Hall Room 102

 

Agenda:

8:30 a.m. Meet Your Welcome Program Group  

8:35 - 8:50 a.m. Check-in at McHugh Room 102 

9:00 - 9:30 a.m. Welcome Remarks 

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Cultural Adjustment Activity in small groups 

10:30 - 12:30 p.m Submit Arrival Documents

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch with Welcome Program Group 

1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Health/Immunization Screenings with Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) 

3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Free time, or health screening if needed 

5:00 - 7:00 p.m Dining Hall open for dinner 

 

6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

New Student Shopping Trip #3

Students can purchase dorm room essentials. Advanced sign-up is required. Click here to register.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Welcome Program Day 4

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Welcome and Support Program

Check in: MCHU Hall Room 102

 

Agenda: 

8:30 a.m. Meet Your Welcome Program Group  

8:35 - 8:50 a.m. Check-in at McHugh Room 102  

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Scams Activity  

10:00 - 12:00 p.m. Visa Compliance Session 

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch with Welcome Program Group 

1:00 - 2:30 p.m. UConn Apps with Welcome Program group 

2:30 - 3:00 p.m Welcome Program closing remarks and feedback 

3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Free time, or health screening if needed 

5:00 - 7:00 p.m Dining Hall open for dinner 

 

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

International Student Game Night

Putnam Dining Hall - 2358 Alumni Drive

This is the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, have fun, and try some typical US snacks. Intercultural Program & Support staff (IPS) and student members of the Undergraduate International Student Association (UISA) will organize a game night and introduce you to new international students. Students enter the event alone or in small groups and at the end of the night leave with larger groups of friends. 

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 &

Thursday, August 21, 2025

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

Friday, August 22, 2025 -

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Week of Welcome (WOW) Opening Weekend

Fun events and activities for students.

https://huskywow.uconn.edu/

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

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Student Involvement Fair

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 students have an assigned ISSS advisor based on your program of study. Find your advisor here.

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/