International Center Winter 2025 Orientation
Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Michigan (U-M)! International Center (IC) staff is excited to welcome you to campus!
See a list of comprehensive resources for new international students, parents, families, and virtual offerings below.
Pre-Departure Orientation
To help you prepare for your arrival to campus, the IC will offer a virtual Pre-Departure Orientation session on Thursday, December 19 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern Time. International Center staff will share valuable information about U-M campus life, immigration, and resources. This event will be recorded. You can find more information about the Pre-Departure Orientation and register for the event here.
Winter 2025 International Center Orientation Canvas Course
Once you have joined the International Center Winter Orientation Canvas course, you will be able to view previously recorded Peer-to-Peer Conversations (presentations by current international students on a number of topics) and additional workshop presentations/videos delivered by U-M departments.
All of the topics in Canvas are designed to help you with your transition to living in Ann Arbor and beginning your studies at the University of Michigan. Below are some examples of the topics that might interest you:
- Academic Support/Cultural Transition
- How to use Canvas & Wolverine Access
- Communicating with Academic Advisors
- Cultural differences in the classroom
- Making the Most of Your GSI/GSRA
- Practical Matters:
- Banking & Budgeting
- Shopping in Ann Arbor
- Finding an On-Campus Job
- Transportation and Safety:
- Transportation in Ann Arbor
- Getting a Driver's License & Buying a Car
- Personal safety
- Social/Wellbeing:
- Health & Wellbeing at U-M
- Getting Involved on campus & making friends
- Healthy Relationships & Dating in the U.S.
- Things to do in Ann Arbor
Blog and Videos
Orientation Peer Advisers (current international students) have written blog posts and created videos to document their personal stories and shared useful tips with new international students.
Winter in Michigan Video
Wondering how to prepare for a Michigan winter? A former UM international student, Matt Wu, created a video with useful tips for surviving winter in Michigan. Matt covers topics such as what to wear, walking and driving in the snow/ice, fun things to do, and more! We will also be offering our biannual “How to Survive (and Thrive!) in a Michigan Winter” presentation in early January. See below for details.
On-Campus Events
The IC will plan events in January for new international students. These events will also be listed on the IC calendar and shared via email.
- How to Survive (and Thrive!) in a Michigan Winter (Friday, January 10, 2025, 12:00pm - 1:00pm)
- New Student Welcome Dinner (Thursday, January 16, 2025, 6:00pm - 7:00pm)
- It's Not Just a Good Idea…It's the Law! (Friday, January 24, 2025 - 12:00pm to 1:30pm)
Virtual Events
- How to Use Your U-M International Health Insurance (Friday, January 10, 2025, 3:00pm - 4:00pm)
- U-M Library Basics (Monday, January 13, 2025, 9:00am - 10:00am)
Additional Resources:
- Life in Ann Arbor website
- Pre-Arrival Guide for New International Students
- Orientation Guide for Family Members of U-M International Students
- U-M Parents and Families resources
- Graduate Students with Children
- Ann Arbor Area Visitors Guide
- U-M International Student Organizations
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact the International Center at [email protected].