The OISS (Office of International Student and Scholar Services) conducts comprehensive orientation programs for new international students in collaboration with Office of the Dean of Student Life and academic departments. During the mandatory orientation, you will receive information essential to transition to your new life at Rutgers and in the U.S. You will be informed of law and regulations to maintain F-1/J-1 legal status while studying in the U.S., become familiar with the University and its resources, meet with advisers to plan your curriculum, learn about University policies and procedures and register for courses; you will also have opportunity to make new friends with peer new students as well as continuing students and have a smooth start of your education at Rutgers University - Newark!
Fall 2025 New International Student Orientation
Congratulations and welcome to the Rutgers-Newark family!
Dear Student, On behalf of the OISS - International Student and Scholar Services Team, we are excited to welcome you to Rutgers University-Newark!
Welcome to International Student Orientation, Fall 2025 Semester
OISS Orientation is a mandatory two-day program, for F1/J1 student visa holders that runs from 8/28-8/29 2025. There are a few TO-DO items to register and confirm your participation.
*** If you have not done so already, register for OISS-Orientation and confirm your attendance. In-person orientation details are as follows:
You are required to review and complete the Pre-Arrival orientation (link sent with your I-20) and we also have just opened “Post-Arrival Orientation Modules” on Homebase. If you are having difficulty accessing the courses, please email us at oiss@newark.rutgers.edu.
- Thursday, August 28th, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM—Students enrolled in the following schools must attend: Rutgers Business School (RBS) Master's programs and All Undergraduate students, including transfers (bachelor's degree) students from any academic school. You are then invited to stay for convocation and a campus-wide welcome party, and carnival.
- If you are a Doctoral or Master's level student at the Graduate School-Newark, School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA), School of Criminal Justice, or Law School, you are exempt from attending in person on Thursday 8/28, as you have your academic orientation or class. You will be invited to join a portion of the orientation online.
- Friday, August 29th, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM – Mandatory for ALL incoming new international students at all schools and all degree levels. No exceptions.
*** The location for OISS orientation for both days is 350 MLK BLVD, Paul Robeson Campus Center (PRCC), Newark, NJ 07102. Room, Essex Room.
*Check-in time on both days begins at 8:30 a.m., and the event will begin at 9:30 a.m. sharp.* Breakfast and lunch will be provided on both days.
- You are required to review and complete the Pre-Arrival orientation (link sent with your I-20).
- We also have just opened “Post-Arrival Orientation Modules” on Homebase. If you are having difficulty accessing the courses, please email us at oiss@newark.rutgers.edu.
- WhatsApp Group Invitation: Please join the group and start chatting with incoming and continuing students. https://chat.whatsapp.com/G3ss6k5z4vd0fnK5MDK8t
- If you plan to drive a car to campus, please apply for an OISS Orientation Parking Pass here: Fall 2025 OISS Orientation Parking. If you are looking to purchase a student parking pass for the academic year, you can do so here: https://ipo.rutgers.edu/dots/permits/students
- On Thursday, August 28th, join our Convocation and welcome BBQ with Food trucks (free of charge) from 3-6 pm! More details will be provided during orientation.
FOR ALL NEW BRUNSWICK - RBS (Rutgers Business School) STUDENTS:
Monday, August 25th, 8:30 AM-2:00 PM —This is an OPTIONAL program for New Brunswick RBS students supported by the Newark OISS office. The program is in Piscataway, near the RBS building, and it will be an opportunity to familiarize yourself with resources at the New Brunswick campus. The Newark OISS office will also be present to conduct a welcoming session.
Please register for in-person orientation at this link: OISS Registration Link
- We have also prepared a Canvas course site for you to reference your ISO material even after the program is done. You will also receive timely reminders about various sessions and programs through Canvas announcements.
Please review the following items to make sure you are prepared to access the online orientation resources on Canvas:
Access the International Student Orientation modules. The modules will be accessible from June 3rd onwards, but you can access them at your own time and pace. Instructions on how to access your Canvas account can be viewed here.
You will find further instructions to guide you through your program on the site. If you are having difficulty, please email us at oiss@newark.rutgers.edu.
Finally, we look forward to seeing you at the mandatory in-person orientation program from Thursday, August 28th to Friday, August 29th!
We can’t wait to welcome you this Fall!