We look forward to your arrival at Lehigh University—welcoming international students to campus is one of the most exciting moments for us in OISS.
Fall 2025 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION
International Student Orientation is for all international (F-1 & J-1) first-year, transfer, and graduate students who will begin at Lehigh this summer or in August. Exchange students who are coming for one or two semesters will also attend.
Graduate International Student Orientation: Thursday, August 14 & Friday, August 15
-New Masters, and Doctoral students
First Year International Student Orientation: Monday, August 18 - Wednesday, August 20
-New First Year undergrads, transfer students, and exchange students
-suggested arrival dates: Friday, August 15 - Sunday, August 17
First Day of Fall Classes: Monday, August 25
Pre-Arrival Webinars
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Mark your calendars to join us for the following virtual webinars. These are specifically for international students. Be sure to join us, you may get to meet some of your International Orientation Leaders!
Applying for your visa
Thursday, May 22
8:00 - 9:00 AM EST
Advice and tips for your visa application and interview
Preparing to come to the U.S.
Thursday, June 12
8:00 - 9:00 AM EST
What to bring, what not to bring, how to pack
Port of Entry
Thursday, July 10
8:00 - 9:00 AM EST
What to expect when you land at a U.S. airport
Questions & Answers
Thursday, July 24
8:00 - 9:00 AM EST
Last minute questions answered!
PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION FOR FALL 2025 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATIONS
Complete your entire New International Student checklist in iHome
The "New International Student Checklist" in iHome is the way for you to convey several bits of important information to us, including your visa stamp and travel arrangements. By fully completing the checklist, it allows us to better accomodate your arrival to the U.S.
Check your Lehigh email frequently
You will receive emails from our office, other campus offices, your academic department and many more throughout the months leading to your arrival. It is important that you read each of these emails carefully and take action when required. This will help ensure you have a smooth transition to Bethlehem. All communication will be sent to your Lehigh email address, not your personal email address.
Communicate with our office if your plans change.
If you decide not to attend Lehigh, please contact us at intnl@lehigh.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is International Student Orientation different from the other Lehigh orientation programs?
The International students' journey is different from domestic students. Our orientation is designed to address specific needs and familiarize you with the processes, resources, and staff that are unique to Lehigh and studying in the U.S.
What are the dates for International Student Orientation?
See information at the top of this website.
Is International Student Orientation mandatory?
Yes, it is mandatory for all students who are new to Lehigh. This includes transfer students and students who have previously attended school in the U.S. Our program provides valuable information about your immigration status, as well as resources, policies, and procedures specific to Lehigh. It will also give you an opportunity to network with Lehigh students, faculty and staff who will be an important part of your time here.
Is there a fee?
Yes. Since orientation is mandatory, all matriculating students will be charged an international student orientation fee on their student account. The fee is $100.00 for graduate students and $200.00 for undergraduate students. This fee goes toward food, transportation, and other supplies that are needed throughout orientation. This fee will be applied to all student accounts and is not refundable.
I’ve attended school in the U.S. before. Do I still need to attend International Student Orientation?
Yes, all international students who are new to Lehigh must attend. We also welcome U.S. citizens who have spent the majority of their life in another country and feel that they’d like to connect with our globally minded students.
What if I cannot attend International Student Orientation because of visa issues or other circumstances?
We can make an exception for extreme circumstances, and we will work with you to provide the information you need. Examples of exceptions may be visa delays, travel delays, or illness. Please email intnl@lehigh.edu as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements.
Are there any consequences if I miss International Student Orientation?
Missing orientation (even part of it) without prior approval may result in a hold being placed on your account. The hold will prevent you from registering for future classes. In order to lift the hold you will be required to complete the parts of orientation you missed and meet with an OISS staff member.
I have Orientation for my department or another program at the same time as International Student Orientation. Which should I prioritize?
Please email intnl@lehigh.edu if this scenario happens. In these rare cases, OISS will help you determine how to prioritize your time to be able to attend the most important parts of both orientations.
When should I arrive in the United States? When should I plan to arrive on campus?
Keep in mind that you cannot enter the country more than 30 days before the program state date on your I-20 or DS-2019. For graduate students or those living off-campus, we recommend arriving about one week prior to the start of orientation to allow you time to settle into your housing and the area.
For undergraduates living on-campus, we recommend arriving one to three days prior to the start of International Student Orientation. This will accommodate any travel delays and provide time for you to settle in.
Will the dining halls be open when I move in?
During International Student Orientation, we will provide all meals. If you arrive before Orientation begins, you are responsible for your own food. There are a number of restaurants and food stores around campus that you may purchase food from. We also encourage you to pack some snacks.
Can I ship belongings or orders to campus before I arrive?
Yes. The Mail Center on campus will receive all packages; their hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. If you are arriving on the weekend or late at night and have a package that you need immediately (like bed sheets), please ship them at least two to three weeks before your arrival and email intnl@lehigh.edu. We will pick it up from the Mail Center and make every effort to have it waiting for you when you arrive.
What if I have questions that are not answered here?
Please email intnl@lehigh.edu.