International Student Orientation is required for all incoming international students entering the United States on an F-1 visa, exchange students on a J-1 visa, and international students returning from military leave. Incoming students who hold a U.S. passport but have lived abroad prior to arriving to St. Olaf are strongly encouraged to attend. International Student Orientation is held prior to the college’s campus-wide New Student Orientation program.
- When is International Student Orientation?
- What day do I have to arrive?
- Where will I meet the St. Olaf representative?
- What airline is recommended?
- Whom do I contact in case of an emergency?
- How do I send baggage?
- Where will I be staying when I arrive?
- Who will my roommate(s) be?
- What happens after the international student orientation?
When is International student orientation?
International Student Orientation is ABOUT 4 days PRIOR to New Student Orientation for fall 2024. Arrival day for ISO is Tuesday, August 27th and we will conclude on Saturday, August 31st. Just in time for you to transition to New Student Orientation and meet the rest of the incoming first-year class!
What day do I have to arrive? Can I arrive before this day?
The Taylor Center will provide transportation from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) the day BEFORE the start of International Student Orientation, ONLY on TUESDAY, AUGUST 27TH. You NEED to complete the ISO registration form, in order to secure transportation to campus.
While international students can arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the program start date on their Form I-20/DS-2019, transportation and on-campus housing will only be available from the day prior to ISO.
What to do when you arrive to the MSP airport?
When you arrive at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) proceed to the Coffee lounge in the domestic baggage claim area – located in Lindberg Terminal (Terminal 1). Here you can make sure you have gathered all of your belongings, take a short break, and wait for the shuttle bringing you to campus. We will have International Student Counselors by baggage claim to welcome you!
What airline is recommended?
We do not have a recommended airline, but note that Delta Airlines does have daily flights to Minneapolis from Amsterdam, London, Toronto, and Tokyo.
Whom do I contact in case of an emergency?
Keep these telephone numbers handy. They may be useful to you in the event of airline changes or other emergencies.
- Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion: +1-507-786-3060
- Brisa Zubia, Associate Director for International Student Programming: +1-507-786-3267
- Caitlin Lamont Kreienkamp, Assistant Director of International Student Compliance: +1-507-786-3073
- Dean of Students’ Office: +1-507-786-3615
- Public Safety : +1-507-786-3666
How do I send baggage?
Any items you send to yourself will be held for you at the St. Olaf Post Office. Students are encouraged to send bedding ahead of time so it is available when you arrive. More information on things to bring or send in advance can be found on this page: What to Bring.
If you want to send items to yourself, please use the following mailing address:
Your Name
St. Olaf College
1500 St. Olaf Avenue
Northfield, MN 55057
USA
Where will I be staying when I arrive?
During orientation most international students will be housed in their assigned residence hall after checking in. Some students, such as language exchange students, might stay in Larson Hall until their Residential Learning Community becomes available.
Who will my roommate(s) be?
During the summer you will receive information about your residence hall and roommate(s) from the Residence Life Office.
What happens after International Student Orientation?
The rest of the incoming class arrives on campus for New Student Orientation the day after International Student Orientation ends. Different information will be presented and new activities will be hosted during New Student Orientation – keeping the fun and learning going! Check out the New Student Orientation website for details about the schedule.