International Student Orientation

International Student Orientation will take place from Monday, August 7th – Friday, August 11th, 2023. 

ISL organizes an international student orientation each semester for new and transfer international students matriculating to the University of Georgia. The information included in the ISL orientation is not covered by any other orientation program on campus. Highlights from ISL’s orientation schedules include information concerning immigration issues, taxes for non-residents, cross-cultural adjustment, housing assistance, course registration procedures, Social Security Cards, UGA payroll, and campus tours. Current UGA students serve as orientation leaders (called World Leaders) to assist with international orientation sessions.

The Fall 2023 international student orientation program meets the University orientation requirement for undergraduate students and is highly recommended for all incoming undergraduate, graduate, and exchange students, regardless of previous study in the United States. 

• Important topics related to UGA academics, safety, wellness, resources, and much more are discussed in detail during this program! Even if you have attended college in the USA before, it is still recommended to attend this program!
• International Student Life and the World Leaders (orientation leaders) are specially trained to help assist international students, like you, transition successfully to the USA and to the University of Georgia!
• You will learn important information about UGA and Athens, including where to shop, eat, and have fun! Our World Leaders are current international and domestic students that have lived in Athens and are here to share their experiences and tips for living a great life in Athens, GA.
• Our World Leader squads help you build a sense of community and establish a network of friends before classes even start!
• International Student Orientation is more than informational sessions! Throughout the program, there will be fun activities and events that allow you to meet your fellow students.

Registration opens during the spring semester for the Fall 2023 orientation program. Your registration fee* covers everything listed below for all students:

• Breakfast, lunches, and dinners during the orientation program
• Orientation materials and supplies
• Orientation t-shirt
• Social events and activities during orientation to help you meet other incoming international students and the World Leaders

Registration periods:

• Early Registration: before May 31
• Regular Registration: June 1 – 30
• Late Registration: July 1 – Aug 7

Registration cost:

• Exchange Students
  • Early $449
  • Regular $475
  • Late $515
  • *Includes housing during orientation
• Undergraduate Students
  • Early $399
  • Regular $425
  • Late $465
  • *Includes housing during orientation
• Graduate Students
  • Registration Only:
    • Early $199
    • Regular $225
    • Late $265
    • *Housing not included. Housing during orientation may be included for an additional fee.
    • NOTE: the housing option for graduate students is now full. You will be placed on a waiting list, but are responsible for finding alternative housing during orientation.

Click Here to see a sample schedule.

The finalized schedule will be provided at orientation check-in. 

• NOTE: The Orientation Housing deadline was July 20. If you have registered after July 20, you will be placed on a waiting list, but are responsible for finding alternative housing during orientation.
• Undergraduate, Exchange, and Graduate Students that sign up for Orientation Housing will be assigned a shared room at the Holiday Inn Express, conveniently located downtown and close to campus at 513 W Broad Street. Please register as soon as possible to ensure your space. Undergraduate and Exchange students will be given priority, and Graduate students will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis.
• Students assigned to On-Campus Housing in University Village can move into their permanent space at the beginning of Orientation, or earlier as agreed upon in your UGA Housing contract. 

Advantages of staying in Orientation Housing:

• The safety and security of check-in at any time and direct drop-off from the Groome shuttle upon arrival from the Atlanta Airport. (*students must book their own shuttle service).
• Hot breakfast buffet and hotel amenities.
• Transportation of you and your luggage to your permanent housing assignment at the end of orientation.
• The ability to build new friendships with fellow orientation participants and current UGA students serving as your orientation leaders (World Leaders).

Early arrival and late arrival housing in the Holiday Inn Express is available for students registered for Orientation Housing. 

• Early arrivals on August 5 or 6 will be arranged through Orientation Registration for $60 per night.
• Late arrivals will be arranged by the student directly, and a special booking link is provided after Orientation Registration is complete.

Getting to Athens

When you fly to the United States, the closest airport to Athens is Atlanta Hartsfield- Jackson International (ATL). Once you arrive in Atlanta, you have several options to consider for getting to Athens.

• Groom Shuttle- Many students use the Groome Transportation Shuttle service to get from Atlanta to Athens. A one-way ride costs $49 (subject to change) and departs for Athens multiple times per day. For more information and to book a shuttle, click here.
  • For students who plan on going directly to orientation after their shuttle ride, you should indicate “Holiday Inn Express” ad your drop-off point. 
• Private Car/Uber/Lyft
  • This option is generally not used by students and ISL does not recommend due to cost. To take a private car, ride-share, or taxi to Athens could easily cost over $100.

• For those staying in Orientation Housing, the Groome Shuttle stop “Holiday In Express” is located directly at orientation housing. Transportation during orientation week is included in the orientation housing fee.
• For those not staying in Orientation Housing, ISL offers a pick-up service from various off – campus locations in Athens for new international students. This service is offered by ISL at a cost of $25 for the week (Monday- Friday), including a pickup from your residence in the morning and a ride home at the conclusion of all orientation activities.
  • The registration form for pick-up service will be sent out to those who have registered for orientation in early July. If you are unable to access this form once it becomes available, please email isl@uga.edu

UGA’s International Student Life and Immigration Services are excited to bring you Suitcase Series. These online sessions are available for students to learn more about select issues as they plan their academic journey. Sessions will be posted here once complete for student reference.

Recorded Sessions Links:

• Immigration and Arrival Questions
• Housing in Athens
• Life in Athens with World Leaders
• Transportation in Athens

Please note that the University keeps all of its updates and COVID-19 resources at coronavirus.uga.edu.  

For Immigration Services Travel & COVID FAQ, please click here.

For more information, please click here.

To review the international student orientation refund policy, please click here.