Read our Incoming Students page
All students should start by reading our Incoming International Students page and review the resources we’ve put together, including our FAQs and new student checklist.
Welcome Events
Webinars for new international students
These webinars are designed to be watched in addition to the Orientation Programs that your respective schools will be hosting throughout the summer and into the fall.
Upcoming webinars and events
ISO Welcome Webinar for New Fall 2025 Students
Friday, July 11, 2025
9:00am to 10:30am (U.S. Eastern)
Welcome to the University of Rochester! This webinar introduces the International Services Office and the services we provide. You will also learn about some important topics for starting your U of R experience such as arriving in Rochester, website navigation, online modules, scams, safety, weather, and transportation. We look forward to hearing your questions! Register
U.S. Travel Considerations Webinar
Thursday, July 17, 2025
9:00am to 10:30am (U.S. Eastern)
This webinar will cover various topics related to concerns you may have about traveling due to increased security at the border and changing regulation enforcement this year. Register
University Campus Culture for International Students
Friday, July 18, 2025
9:00am to 10:00 am (Eastern)
Learn more about important campus resources and how to thrive as a new international student at the University of Rochester. This webinar is optional and most appropriate for students and graduate students who are new to the University of Rochester campus. Topics will include academic honesty, bias reporting, Title IX reporting, and campus speech.
This presentation will feature speakers from Academic Honesty, University Title IX Office, ISO, and the Burgett Intercultural Center. Register
Student Employment, Social Security, & Taxes
Thursday, July 24, 2025
9:00am to 10 am (Eastern)
In this webinar, you will learn more about how to get student employment at the University of Rochester, how to get a social security card, and tax withholding for on-campus positions. Register
Physical and Mental Health for International Students
Friday, July 25, 2025
9:00am to 10 am (Eastern)
This webinar as part of our ongoing ISO Pre-Arrival Webinar Series will address international students’ physical and mental health needs while on campus and in the U.S. Topics include health insurance, campus health resources, and what to do in a health crisis.
This presentation will include speakers from UHS, UCC, HPO, CARE Network, and the Basic Needs Hub. Register
Meet the Peer Mentors
Thursday, July 31, 2025
9:00am to 10 am (Eastern)
Do you have questions for other students at the University of Rochester about what to expect? Now is your time to ask! Join the ISO mentors for a Q & A about campus life and tips for new students. Register
Immigration Compliance Webinar
Friday, August 1
9:00am to 10:15am (Eastern)
The ISO will be hosting a mandatory Immigration and Compliance webinar required for ALL graduate and undergraduate students. The webinar will provide all international students with information about how to stay in compliance with F and J visa regulations while studying and working in the United States. The session will be recorded, but you are required to attend. ISO will deliver all ISOP Orientation Meetings virtually. Register
Past webinars and events
Only current students all other users with an Active Directory account can view the following presentations and Q&A recordings. You will be automatically given an Active Directory account by University IT as you enroll.
For all international students
- Overview: This webinar introduces some ISO staff members, helps you plan your arrival, reviews key ISO requirements, and discusses possible scams you should know.
- Presentation Recording
- Q&A Recording
- Overview: Learn about the experiences of international students at University of Rochester, and learn all about the opportunities for student engagement with ISO. The webinar was followed by a Q&A session where incoming students asked experienced international students many questions about their experiences.
- Presentation Recording
- Q&A Recording
- Overview: This presentation, sponsored by the International Services Office and Student Employment Office, provides international students with guidance on how to begin the process of searching for employment on campus and applying for a social security number once you have gained for-service employment.
- Presentation Recording
- Overview: The ISO hosts amandatory Immigration and Compliance webinar required for all graduate and undergraduate students. The webinar provides all international students with information about how to stay in compliance with F and J visa regulations while studying and working in the United States. The session was recorded, but you are required to attend a live session.
- Q&A Transcription
- Presentation Recording
- Q&A Recording
For graduate international students
- Overview: Rebecca Orton, the Assistant Director of Graduate, Family, and Off-Campus Housing, presented a webinar with more information on housing registration, as well as a question-and-answer session. Watch to learn about on-campus and off-campus housing options!
- Presentation Recording
- Q&A Recording
On-demand videos and training: TIPS
In addition to our webinar recordings, we’ve created a variety of videos for our TIPS on-demand series: Tools for Immigration and Preparation Support.
You’ll also be asked to complete online video training on preparing for studies and life in Rochester. These resources will be available through UR Blackboard using your NetID login.
Check out the publicly-available on-demand videos below, and contact our office if you have any questions.
Immigration documents for new students
SEVIS immigration transfers
Third-party sponsored students
Obtaining an F-1 or J-1 visa
Travel to and arriving in the US
Entry to the US
Getting settled in Rochester
Stay in touch
We look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your way to become a University of Rochester international student!
This page will continue to be updated with events and additional opportunities for engagement. Check back regularly for updates.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can also review our Incoming Student Checklist and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for additional detailed support.