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!
Spring 2026 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, Spring 2026 Semester
OISS Orientation is a mandatory one-day program, for F1/J1 student visa holders on Friday, January 16, 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:
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.
- Friday, January 16, 2026, 9:30 AM-4:00 PM— Mandatory for ALL incoming new international students at all schools and all degree levels. No exceptions.
*** The location for OISS orientation is Rutgers Business School (RBS), 1 Washington Park, Newark, NJ 07102, 2nd Floor
*Check-in time begins at 9:30 a.m., which will include check-in and a resource fair that will begin at 9:30 a.m. sharp.* Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
- 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, you may park in the Essex Lot parking lot directly across from Rutgers Business School (https://maps.rutgers.edu/map#/?lat=40.744961&lng=-74.171196&parking=true...)
- If you are looking to purchase a student parking pass for the academic year, you can do so here: https://ipo.rutgers.edu/parking/permits/students
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. 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 on Friday, January 16, 2026!
We can’t wait to welcome you this Spring!