Two international students smile at international orientation.

International Orientation & Check-in

The University of Cincinnati looks forward to the arrival of all of our new students.

Use this page to get ready to come to the United States, travel to Cincinnati and check-in safely at UC.

Before you arrive

Before you come to the United States, you need to complete the following tasks:

Online orientation for international students

UC International requires that all international students participate in an online orientation course and complete it prior to arrival. This course will introduce you to UC International, help you with the arrival process, explain government regulations for international students in the United States, and provide campus resources for a safe and successful academic experience. 

  • UC International will enroll you in the course. You will receive an email notification to your UC email that you have been added to the orientation.
  • After you receive the invitation to join the course, you can access the online orientation on Canvas any time prior to your first day of classes.

Travel to Cincinnati

Before you leave, shop around for airfare, taking note of baggage regulations, price, and other amenities before selecting an airline.

  1. Purchase a ticket at least one month before you are supposed to arrive in the U.S.
  2. If you are sponsored by the government or a private organization, communicate your travel arrangements to your sponsors and check in before and after arrival.
  3. Make sure that your flight schedule allows enough time between connecting flights.
  1. Arrive for your flight at least 3 hours before departure.
  2. Travel with your passport, visa, and I-20/DS-2019 in your carry-on luggage.
  3. Keep other important items in your carry-on, like prescription eyeglasses, a bilingual dictionary, medication, or a change of clothes.
  4. Bring enough money for unexpected expenses or events, such as a missed flight. Keep this money hidden!
  5. Be prepared to go through US customs after you arrive in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security website has a great description of what you will expect during this process.

Arrange for a family member, friend, or supervisor to meet you at the airport if you can. If not, you can use the Airport Executive Shuttle following the instructions you'll receive after your Immigration Documents e-form in iBearcatsGlobal is approved.

Once you arrive on campus, try to get familiar with the area. UC International has many resources to help you when you first get here, like temporary housing (if you're waiting to get into an apartment), transportation options, and more!

All new international students attending UC are provided with one complimentary ride to UC’s main campus (zip codes 45219, 45220, 45221) from CVG airport via Executive Transportation, a private shuttle service. To reserve a ride, use the instructions that you received in the Immigration Documents approval email.

If you need a ride to another zip code, the standard rate charged by Executive Transportation will be discounted by $30 and you will be responsible for paying the difference.

Family members and guests are charged a fee of $30 per person, to be paid at the time of service.

If you experience a delay on your way to the CVG airport, provide your name and M# to the Executive Transportation Information Desk, located near luggage carousel #4 in Baggage Claim, to still utilize the service.

Check-In

Once you arrive in Cincinnati, you are required to complete the “Check-in" e-form in the New International Student Checklist in iBearcatsGlobal. Check-in is a federally mandated step to study in the United States.

You must arrive in Cincinnati in time to complete this e-form and to attend other required events before classes begin. The earliest you may enter the U.S. is 30 days before the start date on your I-20/DS-2019.

When should I arrive in the U.S.? (Fall Semester 2025)

You must arrive in Cincinnati in time to complete the immigration review and to attend other required events before classes begin. The earliest you may enter the U.S. is 30 days before the start date on your I-20 / DS-2019.

  • Fall Semester 2025: Classes are from August 25 - December 12, 2025. The recommended arrival date for international students depends on if you will be living in on-campus housing.

If you will be living in university housing

  • The application for on-campus housing opened January 28. 
  • The application priority deadline is May 1. After this date, you are not guaranteed university housing.
  • Official move-in for all students is Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Move-in timeline and policies

We strongly recommend arriving on or after August 16 if possible.

  • Early arrivals (August 13 - 15)
    • Early arrival between August 13 - 15 requires special approval
    • These requests must be submitted directly to the Housing office as these dates are not available in the housing portal.
    • A nightly rate based on your housing assignment will apply for these dates.
  • Regular move-in period (August 16 and later)
    • If you are required to be on campus early (August 16 - 18) for a university-related function, event, or BBO, complete the Early Arrival Form in the housing portal.
    • Students arriving on or after August 16th for university-required functions will NOT be charged a nightly rate.

If you will be living off campus
Students with off-campus housing can arrive up to 30 days in advance of your I-20 or DS-2019 start date. Temporary accommodation cannot be provided by the University, but a list of temporary accommodations is available on our housing resources page.

You will use personal information and copies of the following immigration documents to complete Check-in in iBearcatsGlobal:

  • Passport
  • Most recent I-94 (download online)
  • I-20/DS-2019
  • Entry visa
  • If you'll study in a status other than F or J, you'll need to show documentation of your current status. Examples include, but are not limited to:
    • I-94
    • Work permits
    • I-797 approval notices or receipts 
Go to iBearcatsGlobal

Orientation Schedule

For essential information about immigration advising and international student services and support, please complete the online orientation and attend one of our virtual pre-arrival presentations. Through these resources, we will answer questions related to your immigration status and connect you to campus resources that will help you thrive at UC.

Fall 2025

New Student Orientation registration is available after a student confirms their admission in the Bearcat Portal.

  • New Student Orientation is also called Bearcat Bound Orientation (BBO). BBO for international students will take place on August 18. 
  • International undergraduate students are required to attend Bearcat Bound Orientation to learn about academic advising and the course registration process. 
  • At these sessions you will learn how to schedule an appointment with your academic advisor where you will register for your first semester schedule of classes.

August 18 | 1 PM
UC International - 7148 Edwards Center One

J-1 Exchange Students in the College of Arts & Sciences will have an orientation session with UC International.

Pop-up Pictures & Popsicles
August 19 | 2-4 PM
Bearcat Bench, Sigma Sigma Commons

First, let's take a selfie! UC International wants to commemorate your arrival to campus and celebrate with a sweet treat.

Professional photography staff members will be taking "first pictures" at the Bearcat Bench on Sigma Sigma Commons, between the College of Business and Mantei Center.

We'll also enjoy popsicles to celebrate this exciting new chapter. Come share your goals for the semester and connect with some of our UC International staff and IPALs!

UC International American-Style BBQ
August 20 | 12-1:30 PM
Valentine Plaza

Kick off the semester with a BBQ American-style! Join UC International staff and fellow new students for FREE hot dogs and veggie dogs on Wednesday, August 20th from 12-1:30 PM at Valentine Plaza (in front of Fifth Third Arena).

You’ll be able to grab a dog, meet the team behind UC International and other offices, and have a chance to win a UCI-exclusive pennant for your new home! 

*Food and pennants available while supplies last.

IPALs Scavenger Hunt
August 21 | 1-4 PM
Meet in Bearcat Plaza, outside TUC on MainStreet

The International Partners and Leaders will host a scavenger hunt to help new students explore campus and its environs in a fun, community building way.

Thrifty Move-In
August 23 | 10 AM - 2 PM
Lindner College of Business

Need some basics for your new home away from home?

The Thrifty Move-In is a collaboration between University of Cincinnati Colleges and departments (College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services and IT, Graduate College, Lindner College of Business, UC Center for Student Engagement/Bearcats Welcome, UC International, RED, CECH IMPACT, Office of Sustainability, Keep Cincy Beautiful) and community organizations (IKEA) with a goal to help you stress less and promote sustainability by providing basic household items and support.

Additionally, shuttles will run to and from IKEA during the event. Registration information is available on GetInvolvedUC.

*Thrifty Move-In items are in new and gently used condition.

Game of Cones
August 24 | 11 AM - 1 PM
Sigma Sigma Commons

Beat the heat with icy sno-cones and a full lineup of outdoor fun! Join us for a summer-inspired day of play, featuring volleyball, spike ball, soccer, frisbee, kickball, badminton, and classic group games like freeze tag, red light/green light, and capture the flag.

Whether you're looking to compete or just connect, come out and make the most of the last day of summer!

You will receive further instructions about onboarding when you complete the Immigration Review section of the pre-arrival checklist.