Graduate International Student Orientation
2026 Fall Graduate International Student Orientation (GISO)
Welcome to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø! Graduate International Student Orientation (GISO) will help you transition smoothly to life at NU and in the U.S. The full Fall 2026 GISO schedule is below. Details may change as planning is finalized, so please check this page for the most current version.
Good to know: Your school or department may also hold its own orientation; check with your program for dates. And OISS is here for you well beyond orientation: our advisors can help with immigration, employment, and travel questions throughout your time at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. Lost or need help on campus? Stop by the OISS office, 630 Dartmouth Place, and someone will point you in the right direction (campus map: ). Questions or flight delays? Contact oiss-students@northwestern.edu or (847) 491-5613.
Sunday, September 13: Airport Pick-Up Day
| Time | Event, location, and details |
|---|---|
| 9:00 am to 5:00 pm |
Free airport shuttles from O'Hare Meet International Peer Advisors (IPAs) at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø welcome table in the Terminal 5 arrivals hall (a free ATS train connects all terminals). Shuttles depart at 9:00, 10:30, 12:00, 1:30, 3:00, and 5:00. Shuttles drop off on the Evanston campus, which is convenient if you live in graduate housing; if you live off campus, plan to walk or take a rideshare from campus to your apartment. The free shuttle runs only on September 13. Arriving another day, missed the shuttle, or landing later? A taxi from O'Hare is often the easiest option (about $50 to $75); Uber and Lyft also work. Review full details at Plan Your Arrival. |
Monday, September 14 to Tuesday, September 15: Settle In & Get Set Up
No scheduled GISO programming these days, which makes them a great time for setup errands. Open a U.S. bank account: the on-campus U.S. Bank branch is on the ground floor of Norris University Center (open weekdays 8:30 am to 5:00 pm). Set up a U.S. cell phone plan at one of the carrier stores in downtown Evanston. And if you will be paid by ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø (an assistantship, fellowship, or on-campus job), start the New Employee Checklist for Foreign Nationals, which walks you through your SSN or ITIN, Form I-9, and payroll setup.
Wednesday, September 16: International Student Orientation Day
| Time | Event, location, and details |
|---|---|
| 3:30 to 4:30 pm |
U.S. Immigration Regulations for F-1/J-1 Students (required) Come learn about immigration regulations that are relevant to your F-1 and J-1 student status. |
| 4:30 to 5:00 pm |
Pizza Break Grab a slice and meet your fellow incoming graduate students before the evening sessions. |
| 5:00 to 6:00 pm |
Midwest 101 A fun, regional presentation introducing the unique sociocultural norms of communication in the Midwest. |
| 6:00 to 7:30 pm |
Exploring Chicagoland: Evanston Get better acquainted with the local Evanston community by participating in an immersive and friendly challenge with peers. |
Thursday, September 17: Campus Resources
| Time | Event, location, and details |
|---|---|
| 10:00 am to 12:00 pm |
The Graduate School (TGS) Resource Fair Open to all graduate international students: get ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø swag and become familiar with key on- and off-campus resources to assist you during your academic career at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. |
Monday, September 21: Sprintax Tax Workshop
| Time | Event, location, and details |
|---|---|
| 2:30 pm |
Sprintax Tax Webinar Learn about your tax filing obligations as an F-1 or J-1 student and (if applicable) discover resources to obtain your ITIN. The webinar link will be posted on the Sprintax Webinars page. |
Before you arrive
- Register for GISO; registration details will be shared in an upcoming OISS newsletter.
- Complete the required Online Orientation for F-1 & J-1 Students.
- Apply for your Wildcard (student ID) early to ensure access to buildings, ride the intercampus shuttle, and get discounts through the Wildcard Advantage Program.
- Review the New to NU webinar series for helpful pre-arrival guidance; recordings are available.
When you arrive
Complete your required Immigration Check-In through the OISS Portal so OISS can activate your immigration record. You will need your I-94, your online orientation certificate, your visa page, and a U.S. address in CAESAR.