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 2026 New International Student Orientation
Congratulations and welcome to the Rutgers University - 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 YOUR FALL 2025 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION PROGRAM (ISO)!
We are excited to welcome you to Rutgers University-Newark!
OISS Orientation is a mandatory two-day program, for F1/J1 student visa holders that runs from 8/27-28, 2026. 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:
- Thursday, August 27,
- 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM EST Undergraduate students only check-in!
- 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM EST Graduate Students check-in! Graduate level students (Master’s, PhD from All Schools, do not need to arrive until 11:30-12pm)
- Orientation will end between 3:30-4:00pm. Only Law school students are excused on Thursday if you have class.
- Friday, August 28,
- 8:30 AM-3:00 PM – Mandatory for ALL incoming new international students at all schools and all degree levels. No exceptions.
- RBS-New Brunswick programs (MSCA, MFinA & MSHAI) have an additional Orientation at the New Brunswick campus on Tuesday, August 26, 2026.
*** The location for OISS orientation for both days is 350 MLK BLVD, Paul Robeson Campus Center(PRCC), Newark, NJ 07102. Room, Essex Room.
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) 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.
- WhatsApp Group Invitation: Please join the group and start chatting with incoming and continuing students. Join Here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/G3ss6k5z4vd0fnK5MDK8tl?s=sh&p=i&mlu=0&amv=0
- If you plan to drive a car to campus, please apply for an OISS Orientation Parking Pass here: Fall 2026 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
- Event Parking Guide (Helpful information for navigating through the parking site): https://scribehow.com/viewer/How_to_Book_Parking_for_a_Rutgers_Event__XPR6oqs6Rl2Yn1Mk-HNnRw
Finally, we look forward to seeing you at the mandatory in-person orientation program from Thursday, August 27 to Friday, August 28! If you need assistance, please email us at oiss@newark.rutgers.edu.
RBS Specialty Master Program in New Brunswick (MFinA, MSCA & MHAI)
Tuesday, August 25, 9:00 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 from 1:00-2:00PM.
***Location for Optional ISO NB Orientation on Aug. 25: Jersey Mike’s Arena, located at the Livingston Campus: 83 Rockefeller Rod, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Parking is right next to the arena at the Green or Yellow Lot. Check-in begins at 8:30 AM EST
**After lunch- Join the OISS Intro meeting from 1-2 pm at RBS building, Room # 1071--- Please see the campus map attached.**
RSVP here for orientation