International Student Orientation 

International students

A specialized orientation program for new international students is held just before classes begin each semester in August and January. 

Important Orientation Dates

Fall 2023 (tentative)

Please note, these dates have not been finalized for the fall semester. Please check back soon!

August 22 & 23: New International Students Arrive to Campus. Please book your arrival to the Rochester, NY (ROC) Airport before 9 p.m. (21:00) EST. You may also arrive to the Rochester bus station or Amtrak train station.  We cannot guarantee pickup for students arriving outside of these dates and times.

August 24: International Student Orientation Program

August 28: First Day of Classes 

Pre-Departure

Several weeks prior to orientation, students will have online access to pre-departure information packets through a program called Canvas. The information packets will help prepare students for their travel and arrival to Geneseo. Information provided includes: 

  • Adjusting to a New Culture
  • On-Campus Living
  • Checklists & Instructions for Pre-Departure, Packing, and U.S. Arrival 
  • U.S. Education System & The Liberal Arts 
  • Tuition Payment & Banking 
  • Purchasing Textbooks 
  • Health Insurance & Required Health Documents

The invitation to join the Canvas course will be sent by email.  It is obligatory for all incoming students to complete the course.

Orientation Highlights 

Airport Pick-Up and Move-In

New students should plan to fly into the Rochester, NY (ROC) Airport on the suggested arrival dates before orientation begins. Students can also arrive to the Rochester train station or bus station if they will be traveling within the U.S. before orientation. If possible, please plan to arrive before 9 p.m. (21:00) EST on one of the arrival dates.

Students must send their travel information to the ISSS office. A staff member is assigned to meet each student in Rochester and drive them to the Geneseo campus. Current student volunteers will help each new student find their assigned residence hall room and tour the building. The ISSS office has a limited supply of bed linens for students to borrow for the first few days when they arrive.

ISSS airport shuttle.

Shopping Trip 

On the first day of orientation programming, we will take a trip to Walmart so new students can purchase things they need for their life here at Geneseo. Students purchase bed sheets and blankets, pillows, towels, clothes hangers, laundry supplies, school supplies, and many other personal items. There is also a free bus service that can transport students to Walmart and the local grocery store during the week, and to shopping malls in Rochester on the weekends during the semester. 

International students making a trip to buy sheets.

Opening a U.S. Bank Account 

ISSS staff will assist students with completing the paperwork necessary for opening a bank account in the United States and getting a debit card.

Presentations from Geneseo Faculty and Staff  

Students will hear presentations from Geneseo faculty and staff with many tips for success in the American classroom, On-Campus, and in general in the U.S. Topics can include:

  • Meeting Geneseo faculty; Learning expectations in the American classroom 
  • Understanding your course schedule 
  • ESOL classes; English writing and speaking resources 
  • Living on campus 
  • Health & Counseling Services; Health insurance 

Have Fun! 

Orientation is an exciting time for students to make new friends, make connections on campus, and enjoy all that Geneseo has to offer. We look forward to meeting you soon!