International student arrival
Arizona State University hosts a number of arrival and welcome events for incoming international students. These informative and interactive programs offer an overview of a wide variety of topics to help you learn more about ASU.
Register for International Welcome
Free Uber coupon from airport to your new home
Registered students and families will receive additional details and the full event schedule through email. Students who register for International Welcome will also receive communication about free airport transportation provided by Uber.
Dates for spring 2026 international welcome for each campus
Jan. 8
Downtown Phoenix International Student Welcome
Jan. 9
Tempe Undergraduate International Student Welcome
Jan. 9
Tempe Graduate International Student Welcome
Jan. 13
West Valley International Student Welcome
Jan. 15
Polytechnic International Student Welcome
Important dates for spring 2026
Dates to remember for all international students
As you prepare for the spring 2026 semester, please note that all international students are expected to attend classes in person.
If you arrive earlier than your recommended date, you will be responsible for your own housing accommodations (e.g., hotel, staying with family or friends, etc.) until then. ASU Family has coordinated a number of discounted hotel offerings from partner hotels near all campus locations and you can view them here.
Jan. 6 - 8, 2026
ASU staff will be in Sky Harbor Airport for onsite assistance and questions, located at an ASU table in terminals 3 and 4 baggage claim area Tuesday, Jan. 6 beginning at 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.
Pre-Arrival Webinars
Join the International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC) in the following webinars. These are aimed at preparing you for success before you arrive at ASU. Join other classmates online and meet the peer mentors who will guide you in your first semester at ASU.
Nov. 6, 2025
8 - 9:30 a.m. (Arizona time)
Spring 2026 Welcome Session
- Meet Global Peer Mentors
- Meet Program Coordinators
- Travel and arrival reminders and information
Nov. 18, 2025
8 - 9 a.m. (Arizona time)
Spring 2026 Housing Session
- Learn about on- and off-campus housing
- Learn about priority deadlines and different residential communities
Dec. 4, 2025
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Arizona time)
Spring 2026 Welcome Session
- Meet Global Peer Mentors
- Meet Program Coordinators
- Travel and arrival reminders and information
Dec. 16, 2025
8 - 9:30 a.m. (Arizona time)
Spring 2026 Health Insurance Session
- Understanding the United States healthcare system
- Learning terms for healthcare and important steps
Travel recommendations for international students
In addition, the International Students and Scholars Center has created these additional travel documents for you to keep with you while traveling to the U.S. You may also review these checklists to plan for your travel.
- ASU Travel Instructions (recommended)
- Proof of Legal Counsel (recommended)
Downtown Phoenix international students
Jan. 7, 2026 for spring 2026
This is the earliest you can move in to your housing assignment.
If you are living on campus, you can move in as early as Jan. 7, even though the Housing Portal may show a different date and time.
Move-in assistance is not available for early move-in. If you would like assistance, please move in on your assigned date and time listed on your Housing Portal.
This early move-in is to accommodate your attendance at International Welcome and other early start programs you may be participating in.
Spring 2026 dates:
Jan. 7
Mandatory Downtown Phoenix International Welcome for both undergraduate and graduate students at the Downtown Phoenix campus.
Jan. 11
Dining halls begin regular service starting at breakfast.
Jan. 12
First day of the spring semester.
Undergraduate Tempe international students
Jan. 7, 2026 for spring 2026
This is the earliest you can arrive at your housing assignment. Please note that dining hall services do not begin until Jan. 7, 2026. There are many dining options around campus within walking distance. Individuals are responsible for covering the cost of their own meals off-campus.
If you are living on campus, you can move in on Jan. 7, even though the Housing Portal may show a different date and time.
Move-in assistance is not available for early move-in.
This early move-in is to accommodate your attendance at the Tempe campus undergraduate student International Welcome on Thursday, January 8, 2026 and other early start programs you may be participating in.
Spring 2026 dates:
Jan. 8
International Welcome for undergraduate students at the Tempe campus and International Family Welcome.
Jan. 11
Dining halls begin regular service starting at breakfast.
Jan. 12
First day of the spring semester.
Graduate Tempe international students
Jan. 7, 2026 for spring 2026
This is the earliest you can arrive at your housing assignment if you have not already requested and been approved for a different date and time.
This early move-in is to accommodate your attendance at International Welcome and other early start programs you may be participating in.
Spring 2026 dates:
Jan. 9
International Welcome for graduate students at the Tempe campus (graduate students are expected to attend the welcome on the campus of their degree program).
Jan. 11
Dining halls begin regular service starting at breakfast.
Jan. 12
First day of the spring semester.
Polytechnic international students
Your assigned move-in date and time for spring 2026 as listed on your Housing Portal.
This is the earliest you can arrive at your housing assignment.
If you are living on campus, you can arrive and move in on the date and time as shown on your Housing Portal. This early move-in is to accommodate your attendance at International Welcome and other early start programs you may be participating in.
Spring 2026 dates:
Jan. 11
Dining halls begin regular service starting at breakfast.
Jan. 12
First day of the spring semester.
Jan. 15
International Welcome for both undergraduate and graduate students at the Polytechnic campus (graduate students are expected to attend the welcome on the campus of their degree program).
West Valley international students
Your assigned move-in date and time for spring 2026 as listed on your Housing Portal.
This is the earliest you can arrive at your housing assignment.
If you are living on campus, you can arrive and move in on the date and time as shown on your Housing Portal. This early move-in is to accommodate your attendance at International Welcome and other early start programs you may be participating in.
Spring 2026 dates:
Jan. 11
Dining halls begin regular service starting at breakfast.
Jan. 12
First day of the spring semester.
Jan. 13
International Welcome for both undergraduate and graduate students at the West Valley campus (graduate students are expected to attend the welcome on the campus of their degree program).
California Center international students
Jan. 9 for spring 2026
This is the earliest you can arrive at your housing assignment.
If you are living on campus, you can move in on the date as shown on your Housing Portal.
Spring 2026 dates:
Jan. 12
First day of the spring semester
Resources and events
Outside of the International Arrival and Welcome, here are some videos we suggest you watch, resources you should review and events you should attend to make the most of your ASU experience.
International Students and Scholars Center programming
We encourage you to attend the events designed for international students by the ISSC. These community events and activities include weekly workshops and free English tutoring and conversation practice. See the full schedule and learn more.
International Student Engagement
International Student Engagement supports, advocates and designs experiences for international undergraduate and graduate students from admittance through graduation and beyond.
ISE provides students with personal and professional development opportunities outside of the classroom. Students build community, develop their leadership skills and participate in many global celebrations.
Questions?
Contact us at [email protected].
International student resources
We have compiled some resources for you as you prepare for your arrival at ASU. We encourage you to watch these short videos to get a sense of what to expect, some things you can be preparing for now and some items to take care of once you arrive in Arizona.