International Student Orientation – Week Zero

    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?

    International Student Orientation will take place August 29th – September 1, 2023.

    What day do I have to arrive? Can I arrive before this day?

    St. Olaf will provide transportation from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 10am-5pm. If your flight will arrive to Minnesota after 5pm, plan to arrive on Monday evening, August 28, 2023 instead.  You will be responsible for finding sleeping accommodations for the night and meet our transportation vehicle on Tuesday between 10am-5pm.

    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 Tuesday, August 29, 2023. 

    What to do when you arrive to the MSP airport?

    When you arrive at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) proceed to the Caribou 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, before proceeding to the shuttle pick up area.  Follow signs for shuttle pick-up and you will board the Northfield Lines transportation vehicle.  We will greet you upon arriving to St. Olaf!

    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 house exchange students, might stay in Larson Hall until their Language House 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. Roommates are matched based on the answers given when you sign up for housing online.  Be sure to be very honest when you fill out the form to ensure the best match possible.

    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.