Welcome to Michigan! The International Center staff is excited to welcome you to the University of Michigan community.
Below you will find a comprehensive list of orientation events and resources that will be available to support you as you begin your journey as a new student at the University of Michigan. Events will be held both in-person and virtually. Here is an overview of what will be offered:
- International Student and Family Welcome Day for new international undergraduate and graduate students on Monday, August 24, 2026.
- Virtual and in-person presentations on a wide range of topics related to life in Ann Arbor and at the University of Michigan.
- A Canvas course with resources, videos, and slides from presentations
- Blogs & videos written by International Summer Orientation Peer Advisors
- Social events through which you can meet other new international students.
- A Welcome Desk staffed by International Orientation Peer Advisors to address your general questions (not immigration-related questions)
- An event series especially geared towards spouses and partners of international students.
- Pre-arrival newsletters highlighting upcoming events, announcements, and resources!
More details about how to access each of these opportunities can be found below. In addition, check out the Arrival and Settling In and Life in Ann Arbor sections of the International Center’s website for more information about local resources and getting settled in Ann Arbor.
International Student and Family Welcome Day
The International Center will host our annual International Student and Family Welcome Day on Monday, August 24, 2026. Attendance at this event is strongly encouraged for both undergraduate and graduate international students, along with their family members who travel with them to campus. Topics will include overviews about cultural adjustment, maintaining immigration status, using your health insurance, and more! This is also an excellent opportunity to meet other new international students!
Canvas Course for New Students: International Center Summer Orientation 2026
All incoming international students and scholars are encouraged to join our Canvas course, which will feature slides, resources, and - in many cases - videos from presentations given as part of our virtual workshop series. See below for details about the workshops that will be offered during the 2026 Summer Orientation.
Blogs & Videos
The Summer Orientation Peer advisors will be writing blog posts and creating short videos to document their personal stories and share useful tips with new students. Content from 2026 will be available in early August!
Social Events
The International Center will be offering several in-person social events in August, which will be led by Summer Orientation Peer Advisors. Events include informal walking tours of Central and North campuses, hiking in the Arb, a visit to Kerrytown and the Farmer’s Market and more! Events will begin in mid-August. Registration will be available in early August.
Welcome Desk: In-Person Office Hours
Starting on Wednesday, August 12, Summer Orientation Peer Advisers will staff an in-person Welcome Desk outside of the International Center in the lobby of the Student Activities Building. Stop by to say “hi” and get questions about life in Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan answered by fellow international students. Welcome Desk hours will be announced in early August.
Workshop Presentations (Virtual and In-Person)
Coming soon. Workshops will be announced in mid-July.
International Spouses and Partners Event Series
As a spouse or partner of an international student at the University of Michigan, you may be wondering how to adjust to living in the U.S., and in Ann Arbor. Attend the events below to learn about some of the possibilities and to meet other spouses and partners of international students!
- New International Spouses & Partners Orientation & Networking (Lunch Provided!)
- Wednesday, August 26, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Ross School of Business, Room B3580
- Every English Workshop & Tour of Ann Arbor
- Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Michigan Language Center, 110 N. State Street
Pre-Arrival Newsletters
The International Center curates a series of emails to help prepare you for your arrival at the University of Michigan. You will receive these emails to your umich email account before your arrival on campus. Archived messages are accessible below: