Orientation

The purpose of this online WELCOME PACKET is to welcome you to St. Thomas!
We also want to help you prepare for your travel to the United States and St. Paul, and to help you with your questions about St. Thomas. Please read the following information carefully:

• Most classes for the 2009 fall semester will begin on September 8, 2009. However, some academic programs might have an earlier start date and we advise you to check with your academic department for your specific start date.
  

• All new international students should plan to attend the mandatory International Student Orientation and schedule a Document Check appointment with an OISS advisor. Click here for information about the orientation and document check appointments.
  IMPORTANT NOTE: F-1 and J-1 visa students will not be allowed to register for classes until a Document Check appointment is completed at OISS.

• Culture Link: we encourage all of you to apply for the Culture Link Program. Through Culture Link, you will be matched with a Friendship Family who can meet you at the airport and provide temporary housing until you move into your housing assignment. Culture Link is a great way to learn more about American culture from meeting and talking with Americans and their families. See the Culture Link application and what past participants have said about the program at: http://www.stthomas.edu/oiss/culturelink/.

• If you have signed a contract to live in a university residence hall, the earliest you can move in is August 28,  2009 but we must be notified as soon as possible if you want to move in early.

• If you plan to live off-campus, and have not yet located a place to rent, we suggest you arrive early. You must arrange and pay for your own housing. You should check on local hotels. If you need assistance, please contact OISS.

• If you plan to arrive at the Twin Cities airport (Airport code: MSP) on Wednesday, August 26,  2009 between 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (10.00- 13.00) or Thursday, August 27, 2009 6:00PM-10:00PM  (18.00 to 22.00)  we will provide airport greeters that will assit you at the airport. 

  Please notify us at least one week prior to your arrival, if you would like us to meet you at the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) airport. Please inform us by filling out the Airport Request Form. We will meet you on the baggage claim level near Carousel 4. We will have the International Mentors meet you at the airport and other International Mentors on-campus who will take you to your residence hall. If we miss you or your flight is delayed please call (651) 962-6650 or our office cell phone which is (651) 528-3934

• Mentor Program: all new incoming international students will be assigned to a mentor pair who will help with airport pickups, orientation, settling into housing, and advice and directions regarding school and daily life. The mentors will keep in contact with you individually and invite you to group gatherings throughout the semester. Find out more information about this year's mentors by going here: http://www.stthomas.edu/oiss/services/mentor/ 

We wish you a safe and pleasant journey to Minneapolis/St. Paul. Please contact us as soon as possible after your arrival, so we know you have arrived safely. See you soon