New students at ice cream social

As an international student, participating in New Student Orientation is required and it provides opportunities to learn about UW-Milwaukee and become familiar with your new network of support.  

Orientation steps to complete before you arrive in the U.S.:

  1. Complete the required online New Student Orientation for International Students course.  

    Register through the checklist item in your application portal. Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to complete the course. 

  2. Enroll in classes after completing the orientation online course.

    You MUST complete step 1 to enroll in your classes. Therefore, please register for the Online New Student Orientation at your earliest convenience.

Orientation steps to complete after you arrive in the U.S.:

  1. Complete F-1/J-1 Student Orientation, an online Canvas course.

    After you have arrived in the U.S. and completed arrival check-in, you will receive access to the F-1/J-1 Student Orientation, another online Canvas course. You must complete the course before September 8, 2025.

  2. Attend UWM’s in-person F-1/J-1 Student Orientation + Panther Transition Experience.

    You are expected to attend UWM’s two-day in-person F-1/J-1 Student Orientation + Panther Transition Experience. Pre-registration is required and will open on August 3, 2025.

    Day 1: Thursday, August 28, 2025 

    • This session will focus on topics unique to F-1/J-1 international students.
    • Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    • Location: TBD; watch your email for details

    Day 2: Friday, August 29, 2025

    • This session is for all new undergraduate students. Topics covered will include course enrollment, UWM technology tools, key campus resources and policies, UWM traditions, and more.
    • Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Check-in starts at 8 a.m.)
    • Location: Check-in at Spaights Plaza

J-1 Exchange Students: J-1 Exchange Students should email Sue Conway (conways@uwm.edu) for information on your J-1 Exchange Student Orientation.