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INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Bloomington
Start your IU journey with confidence

Attend your Foundations of Orientation program

Orientation is your official welcome to IU Bloomington—and a required step toward a successful transition to college.

Foundations of Orientation

New Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ orientations introduce you to the academic experience, campus life, and the resources that will support your first year. You’ll meet fellow Hoosiers, connect with advisors, and prepare for a strong start as you understand what to expect at IU.

The Foundations of Orientation program is required for all new undergraduates. Students living in the U.S. have the option of participating in a two-day program on campus or a virtual program. International Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs, both undergraduate and graduate, will have online orientation programs available.

Once you make your reservation for your desired session through the Orientation Portal, your confirmation page will provide essential links and personalized details. Refer to your Orientation Roadmap frequently to track your tasks and stay updated on new information.

Go to your Orientation Portal

Program dates and important information

View available dates, locations, and program formats (in-person or virtual) in your Orientation Portal. Options vary based on space availability, semester of admission, and admission type.

All international undergraduate Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs will participate in an online orientation.

Wait until you have an orientation reservation before booking travel.

Students beginning at IU in the fall are strongly encouraged to choose the June or July in-person program for the most complete Foundations of Orientation experience. This full, two-day program is the recommended option for most Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs living in the U.S.

Must-know schedule details:

  • Arrival and check-in (Day 1): Check-in takes place at  during the afternoon.

  • Overnight option: Students may stay overnight on campus as part of the program experience.

  • Meals included: Dinner is provided on Day 1, and lunch is provided on Day 2 for Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs and guests.

  • Day 1: The program begins at 3 p.m. on Day 1 and includes check-in to your program at , dinner, a Resource Center visit, a Student Recreational Sports Center Sneak Peek, and Late Nite programming in the iconic . Also, be sure to tour your assigned residence hall on Day 1.

  • Day 2: The second day begins at 9:15 a.m. at the  and concludes around 4 p.m. at the IU Auditorium. Day 2 is full of sessions to connect with resources, fellow Hoosiers, academic units, and more.

  • Parents/supporters: Parents and supporters will follow a concurrent schedule with dedicated sessions and shared moments with Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs.

To find exact details, the full schedule, locations, overnight accommodations, and updates, visit your . Additional opportunities prior to check-in on Day 1 are also available.

Students beginning IU in the fall who are unable to attend the June or July in-person program may participate in August orientation. This one-day afternoon experience is designed to help Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs prepare for a successful start at Indiana University.


Must-know schedule details:

  1. Timing: The program runs from 2 to 6 p.m.
  2. Arrival & check-in: Check-in begins at 2 p.m. at the IU Auditorium. Please plan to arrive early to allow time to check in, pick up your Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ bag, and be ready for the start of the program.
  3. Parking: Students are encouraged to park at their assigned residence hall and walk to the IU Auditorium for check-in. Students may park in any CH (Campus Housing) parking space during their August Orientation program.
  4. Program experience: August Orientation is designed to be informative, interactive, and engaging. Most activities take place at the IU Auditorium and include opportunities to learn about campus resources, traditions, and Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ experiences, ask questions, and participate in a trivia game with prize opportunities.
  5. Food: A sweet snack is provided at the end of the program. No formal meals are included.
  6. Guests/supporters: Guests and supporters are welcome to attend orientation with their Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ. A $30 guest fee will be added to the Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ's New Student fee on the bursar bill to help cover the cost of food, space, and resources. Students are encouraged to bring no more than two guests.
To find exact details, the full schedule, locations, and updates, visit your . We look forward to welcoming you and helping you begin your IU journey.

Virtual Foundations of Orientation is a brief, fast-paced online program that helps Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs beginning at IU in the spring and summer prepare for a successful start at IU. Explore key resources and next steps related to academics, getting involved, arriving to campus (including housing), and finances. View available formats and times in the Orientation Portal when selecting a program.

In-person orientation program reminders

A few things to keep in mind before arriving on campus:

  • Bloomington, Indiana, is in the Eastern Time Zone.

  • Our program includes a good amount of walking, so bring comfortable shoes. When making your reservation, please disclose if you or your guest need physical accommodations.

  • Review your personalized page in the Orientation Portal for more detailed information regarding lodging, meals, and parking.

Checking in for on-campus orientation

When you arrive on campus for your in-person orientation program, follow the instructions provided in your confirmation details for your specific check-in time and location. Staff will be available to help.

How to get to check-in

Attending a session in June or July? Play our How to Arrive at Orientation video for step-by-step guidance on parking, check-in, and where to go when you arrive.

Description of the video:

Find Your Way to Orientation

Descriptive transcript

[Audio: Throughout the video, "There for Ya" by Birocratic, an upbeat electronic track with syncopated synth rhythms and a steady bassline, plays on a loop.]

[Video: The video opens on a simplified, clean aerial map of a campus section. A large crimson location pin drops onto a designated gray parking lot labeled with a white "P". To the left of the lot, text appears: "Park here". Below the lot, bold crimson text reads: "Orientation check-in at Wright Quad", pointing toward a distinct H-shaped building layout on the lower left labeled "N. CAMPBELL ST". A small compass rose is visible in the top right corner.]

[Video: The screen splits. The map shrinks into a small picture-in-picture window in the top right corner to keep tracking the route. The main view switches to a first-person, hyper-lapse driving/walking perspective from the parking lot looking out toward a two-lane road. A caption across the bottom of the screen reads, "Park here and cross 10th Street."]

[Video: The first-person camera smoothly moves across the street onto a concrete sidewalk. To the left is a large, multi-story limestone campus building surrounded by bare trees and green grass. The miniature map continues tracking the position in real time. The caption across the bottom of the screen now reads, "Head west toward Wright Quad."]

[Video: The perspective path turns left off the main sidewalk, tracking down a diagonal concrete path that opens up into a large, grassy inner courtyard surrounded by the limestone wings of Wright Quad. The caption across the bottom of the screen now reads, "Turn left toward the center of Wright Quad."]

[Video: The first-person camera smoothly moves across the street onto a concrete sidewalk. To the left is a large, multi-story limestone campus building surrounded by bare trees and green grass. The caption across the bottom of the screen now reads," Head west toward Wright Quad." The miniature map continues tracking the position in real time.]

[Video: The camera moves directly up to a large set of glass double doors built into a grand limestone entryway of the building. The camera glides directly toward the doors as they frame the shot. The caption across the bottom of the screen now reads, "Enter Wright Quad and check in for Orientation!"]

[Video: The first-person perspective camera fades and a red slide appears with white text that reads, "Questions? Reach out. Phone 812-855-4357 or email orientation@iu.edu."]

 

[Video: The slide is replaced by a final closing graphic. In white text against a red background, an IU trident logo sets atop the words, "Office of Orientation and Enrollment Programs: New Student Orientation.]

[Audio: The music slowly fades to silence.]

Orientation for international Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs

For undergraduate Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs

To be fully prepared for your transition, international undergraduate Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs must complete two required online components:

  1. New Student Orientation (NSO): Access this through your Orientation Portal to learn about IU’s incredible academic experience, register for classes when you meet with your academic advisor, and explore the wide range of resources available to you as a Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ. If you are unable to attend a virtual NSO, you will need to reach out to your advisor to discuss alternative options.

  2. Office of International Services (OIS) International Orientation: All international undergraduate Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs must complete this to understand visa and arrival regulations.

For graduate Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs

International graduate Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs do not participate in New Student Orientation (NSO). Instead, you will work directly with your academic department, school, or college for orientation activities tailored to your specific program.

Graduate Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs are required to complete two online Canvas courses:

  1. The New Graduate Student Guide: Available by April 1, this guide covers essential graduate-level resources.

  2. OIS International Orientation: All international graduate Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs must complete this course to understand visa and arrival regulations.

Note: You must reach Bloomington by the date on your I-20 or DS-2019 and complete the required steps after you arrive in the U.S.

Parents, guests, and supporters

Adult family members and supporters are welcome to attend in-person orientation with your Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ. We offer dedicated sessions for parents and supporters to help you understand the IU experience, learn about campus resources, and feel confident supporting your Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ. Due to space limitations, each Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ should plan to bring only 1–2 adult guests.

When making an orientation reservation, you have the opportunity to identify accessibility needs for yourself and any guests who may accompany you.

In-person programs involve significant walking around campus. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.

Parents and supporters are also welcome to attend parts of the online orientation for undergraduate Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµs.

Helpful resources

  • IU Bloomington

    Office of Orientation & Enrollment Programs

    1514 E. Third Street Bloomington, IN 47401
    • orientation@iu.edu
    • 812-855-4357
  • IU Bloomington

    Office of International Services

    Ferguson International Center 330 N. Eagleson Avenue Bloomington, IN 47405
    • newtoiu@iu.edu
    • 812-855-9086