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Welcome to ASU
Arizona State University hosts a number of welcome events for incoming international students. These fun, informative and interactive programs offer an overview of a wide variety of topics that will help you meet new friends and learn about ASU.
If you are living at the Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic or West campus, ASU will provide free transportation to and from the Tempe campus to attend the welcome events. Shuttle services end at 5 p.m. You can find more information on shuttle services here.
If you have any questions, please contact us at internationalwelcome@asu.edu or 480-727-4776.
Reserve your orientation spot Reserve your SuperShuttleProgram information
Spring 2019 International Orientation Week will be from Jan. 2 – 4. Please plan to arrive at your new home in the Phoenix area on Monday, Dec. 31 to have time to attend International Student Orientation and take care of tasks upon arrival. Please note: Tuesday, Jan. 1 is a U.S. national holiday, so some services on campus and in the Phoenix area will be closed that day. Classes begin Monday, Jan. 7, 2019.
Pre-orientation schedule
Monday, Dec. 31 – Tuesday, Jan. 1
Airport arrival
If you plan to arrive in the U.S. on Dec. 31 at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, you will be greeted by ASU staff and students in terminals 3 and 4 to help guide you on your way to campus.
ASU pays for your airport shuttle costs, including the driver gratuity and any extra luggage fees. When making your reservation online, the payment method is automatically input as “direct bill” and the ASU account is listed. While the process will show the cost of your ride, you will not be responsible for any payments.
Housing
Plan to go to your housing location from the airport. If you plan to live on campus, email housing@asu.edu or call +1 480-965-3515 to make arrangements for your Dec. 31 arrival. Please note: First-time freshmen are expected to live on campus their first year. If you are not living on campus, make alternate plans to move into your location.
Tuesday, Jan. 1 is New Year’s Day, a U.S. national holiday.
Please note: Some campus and local services will be closed or limited this day.
Arrival tasks
The first two days of International Orientation Week are designed for you to take care of important items before the start of your classes on Monday, Jan. 7, such as:
- Finalizing class schedule.
- Opening a U.S. bank account.
- Setting up cell phone services.
- Moving in your on-campus housing.
- Setting up your off-campus housing (move-in, electricity, etc.).
- Getting your ASU ID card.
- Submitting your MMR immunization documentation.
- Completing your SEVIS check-in with the International Students and Scholars Center.
Check My ASU to make sure you have completed all required tasks prior to the start of classes.
First year, 
Transfer (including Exchange and IADP), 
Graduate (including masters and doctoral), 
Family
Day 1: Wednesday, Jan 2
Chinese Student Breakfast
Memorial Union, Turquoise & Gila Ballrooms
7:30 - 11 a.m.
Sponsored Student Breakfast
Memorial Union, La Paz Ballroom
10 - 11 a.m.
Indian Student Breakfast
Memorial Union, Ventana Ballroom
8 - 11 a.m.
Exchange Student Breakfast
Memorial Union, Alumni Ballroom
9 – 11 a.m.
Coalition of International Students Breakfast
Memorial Union, Mohave Ballroom
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Orientation sessions:
Opening Ceremonies Start your new life as an international student by embracing the rich diversity and culture of ASU at a welcome event with greetings from university leadership and student performances.
Student Pavillion, Senita Ballroom
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch and social activities
Get to know your fellow students by attending this team-building program that features fun activities.
Sun Devil Fitness Complex, Tempe campus
1 – 3 p.m.
Shopping trip
Need stuff for your new home at ASU? Join us for shopping at Bed Bath and Beyond. The store is filled with a variety of home goods, including bedding, kitchenware, towels and decor items. You will receive a discount and other fun gear provided by the store.
Mesa Riverview, Bed Bath and Beyond
Depart from Circle Dr. at W. P. Carey School of Business, Tempe campus
5 – 8 p.m.
Day 2: Thursday, Jan. 3
First Year International Orientation
Memorial Union, Arizona Ballroom
8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Transfer International Orientation 
Memorial Union, Turquoise Ballroom
9 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Graduate International Orientation 
Student Pavilion, Senita Ballroom
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
TA Orientation
Neeb Hall, Room 105
12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Family Orientation Session
Memorial Union, Alumni Room
8:45 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Lunch and “Rock the Rec” 
Learn about the programs and services that the Sun Devil Fitness Complex has to offer. You will be able to participate in various activities and games throughout the facility to engage with other Sun Devils in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Sun Devil Fitness Complex
1 – 3 p.m.
Optional campus tours
Meet outside of the Sun Devil Fitness Complex, Tempe campus
3 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m.
Men’s Basketball Game: ASU vs. Utah
Come cheer on ASU Men’s Basketball as they take on Utah in Wells Fargo Arena!
Wells Fargo Arena, Tempe campus
6 p.m.
* Family members must purchase tickets for this event
Day 3: Friday, Jan. 4
First Year International Orientation
Memorial Union, Arizona Ballroom
8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Transfer International Orientation
Memorial Union, Turquoise Ballroom
9 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.
Graduate International Orientation
Student Pavilion, Senita Ballroom
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch and Coalition of International Students Carnival
The Coalition of International Students and its member organizations host this carnival to welcome new international students. The carnival features a variety of fun activities, food and music to help promote communication among all international students.
Sun Devil Fitness Complex, Tempe campus
1 – 3 p.m.