International Orientation Fall 2025

Welcome, New Students! 

International Student Orientation 
Fall 2025

Pre-Arrival Modules
The Office of International Student Services (ISS) collaborates with campus partners to welcome you to campus and provide information to help your transition to the U.S. and to FDU. There is a lot of detailed information in our online pre-arrival program that is required for all new students. These essential sessions feature tips for academic success and critical visa status information.


In-Person Orientation
When:              9:00 am Wednesday, August 20 for graduate students at Metropolitan Campus

            9:00 am Thursday, August 21 for all students on F-1 visa status at Florham Campus 

What to bring: a smile, good attitude, your passport, and any questions you have!

Where:
 

SEVIS Check-In

All international students must complete the Check-In program (see link below) no later than 10 days from the official start of academic activities. Check-in allows our ISS team to:

• Review your visa status documents
• Report the arrival of FDU sponsored F-1 and J-1 students in valid status to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, thus activating your SEVIS record
• Ensure that all students are added to email lists that provide valuable visa-status-related information, including travel advisories, workshops, tax information, and events, throughout the year

Who Must Check In
You must report to the International Student Services Office (ISS) for check-in if you are in the United States and:

• a new international student on F-1 or J-1 visa status or
• a continuing international student beginning a new program of study or returning from a leave of absence

When to Check In

• Earliest: after you have arrived in the United States to begin your program
• Latest: no later than 10 days from your academic program start date
• We will send you an email prior to the start of class with instructions on how to complete the Initial ISS Check-in. 

What Documents Will You Need?

• All relevant visa status documents (i.e. passport, Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, Form I-20, Form DS-2019, etc.)
• Any documents issued to you upon your entry to the U.S. by the airport
• Any other visa status-related documents issued by USCIS, if applicable (e.g. I-797 Approval Notice) 

► Check-In In the United States
 


Some Important Reminders:

• Medical Clearance: ALL students are required to be medically cleared to attend classes in New Jersey. This a legal requirement. To ensure no interruption to your study at FDU, please be sure to complete health forms for medical clearance to attend classes at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Instructions are available at fdu.edu/SHSMetro (Metropolitan Campus) and fdu.edu/SHSFlorham (Florham Campus).
• Housing On Campus: Please complete a housing application at a computer (not mobile device) through www.fdu.edu/housing if you need a place to live during your studies. Living in the University residence halls is a safe and convenient way to begin your studies. You can move into the residence halls on or after 9 am on August 18, 2025 with a confirmed housing assignment and medical clearance. The cost for housing and meals is estimated at $8,000 per academic semester, and internet, laundry facilities and utilities are included in the cost. 
• Placement testing: If you were required to complete placement testing you will not be able to register in classes until this is completed. 
• Registration: Your academic advisor will contact you at your FDU student email account once your placement test results have been recorded. Note that students placed in EPS coursework are required to complete the assigned EPS coursework in order to proceed with degree studies. 
• Class Schedule: After registering in classes, you will see your class schedule in Self Service. Please check your FDU student email for any important emails from academic departments regarding placement testing, registration, and classes. Your professors will only email you at your FDU student email account. 
• Technical Assistance: Please see the following websites for helpful information regarding technical issues: 
  • fdu.edu/outlook - FDU student email accounts
  • fdu.edu/duo - Duo Authentication to protect your NetID
  • identity.fdu.edu - maintain your FDU NetID account
  • samisupport.fdu.edu - request technical assistance (also FDUTAC@fdu.edu or call +1-973-443-8822)
• Verification of Enrollment (Government sponsored students): After registering in classes, complete your VOE/VNT forms in full and email them to transcripts@fdu.edu
• Fee Payment: After you see your schedule in Self Service, you can view and pay your invoice. 
• Payment methods and payment information: www.fdu.edu/makeapayment and https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/tuition-fees/payment-terms/
• Health Insurance: Mandatory FDU health insurance: http://www.fdu.edu/HealthPlan.
• FDU Student ID Cards: You can upload a photo of yourself to TRANSACT in reply to the email sent to your FDU student email account, or you may visit the Office of Public Safety to have your photo taken to be used as your ID photo. FDU ID cards can be picked-up at the campus Public Safety Office.  Call your campus Office of Public Safety for more information:
  • 201-692-2222 - Metropolitan Campus Office of Public Safety
  • 973-443-8888 - Florham Campus Office of Public Safety

Have Questions? Please submit your Orientation Questions to ISS@fdu.edu.