International Orientation Week
Your week to get to know campus!
The Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) is looking forward to welcoming you to our campus community on August 29th, 2026! Our team is ready to walk you through the process of starting your life at St. Thomas and making sure you are ready for success. Upon arrival, we'll help you with immigration check-in and course registration. You'll learn all about campus and start making friends by participating in social events and campus tours!
Parents, guardians, family, and loved ones of graduate students are welcome and encouraged to attend orientation. We realize the transition to a university can be a big change for the entire family. If you plan on attending orientation, please let us know by emailing oiss@stthomas.edu.
What you can do right now!
- Learn more about your international orientation leaders below! If you want to chat with one of them, email us!
- There will be time to review your course schedule with an Academic Counselor during Orientation. Transfer students should meet separately in advance with an academic advisor to confirm course schedule and transfer credits.
- Complete the with details of when you're arriving on campus or if you need to use our airport pickup service (only available on Saturday, August 29th). The deadline to sign up is Friday, August 21st.
Fall 2026 Undergraduate Orientation Schedule
The Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) is ready to welcome you to your new campus on August 29th, 2026! We will be open during the week to help you complete the immigration check-in process. Please check each day to see when we will be doing check-ins.
In the meantime, please complete the so we can know when you're arriving on campus or if you need to be picked up from the airport. The deadline to sign up is Friday, August 21st.
Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC 212)
14:00 – 15:00 Guided Campus Tour
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
Take a tour of campus with our St. Thomas tour guides or using the self-guided app which will show you all the best parts of campus.
15:30 – 17:30 Afternoon Shopping Trip
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
International Orientation Leaders will come with you on a bus to the first ever Target store in Roseville. This is an opportunity for you to purchase anything that you might need for your room. Students are responsible for paying for their own purchases.
18:00 - 19:00 – Meet for Dinner
Meet in Global Learning Center – Murray Herrick Center (MHC) 212
Please join your orientation leaders and International Student Ambassadors for dinner at the cafeteria. Families and guests are welcome to attend.
Meal plans begin on Monday August 31st, 2026, at 7:00 in the morning.
Murray Herrick (MHC) 201 – Directly across from the Global Learning Center
Money and finances can be a stressful topic for many, but Barry Saeger from US Bank is here to help you. Join Barry for a session on the basics on baking in the United States, budgeting, and preparing for expected and unexpected expenses.
What to Expect
Immigration Check-In with OISS
You will meet with an OISS advisor for immigration purposes as well as discuss any specific questions you have.
Course Registration
Meet your academic advisor and finalize your course schedule.
Campus Tour and ID Card
Learn more about campus and receive your St. Thomas ID Card.
Social Events
Your international orientation leaders plan special events throughout the week to help you meet others!
Online Orientation Module
Learn about campus resources, health services, academic expectations, immigration regulations and life at St. Thomas. Access the .
Immigration Check-In
Immigration Check-In with OISS
You will meet with an OISS advisor for immigration purposes as well as discuss any specific questions you have.
Course Registration
Course Registration
Meet your academic advisor and finalize your course schedule.
Campus Tour and ID Card
Campus Tour and ID Card
Learn more about campus and receive your St. Thomas ID Card.
Social Events
Social Events
Your international orientation leaders plan special events throughout the week to help you meet others!
Online Orientation Module
Online Orientation Module
Learn about campus resources, health services, academic expectations, immigration regulations and life at St. Thomas. Access the .
Meet our Orientation Leaders
Our orientation team is looking forward to welcoming you to St. Thomas! Email oiss@sttthomas.edu if you would like to be put in contact with one of our leaders.
Panashe
Country you call home: Zimbabwe
Languages Spoken: Shona and English
Bio: Hey there! My name is Panashe. I'm majoring in Computer Science. I love meeting new people, reading books and spending time with my friends . I also love listening to music and discovering new artists as well as albums more specifically R&B. I'm super excited to connect with everyone!
Bao
Country you call home: Vietnam
Languages Spoken: Vietnamese and English
Bio: Hi! I’m Quoc Bao Nguyen (Madison) from Vietnam, majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Sustainability on the pre-pharmacy track. I’m especially interested in skincare, dermatology, and the science behind helping people feel healthier and more confident. Outside of class, I enjoy exploring cafés, staying active, and connecting with people from different cultures. I’m excited to welcome new international students to St. Thomas!
Taylor
Country you call home: Zimbabwe
Languages Spoken: Shona, English, and a little bit of French
Bio: Hello! My name is Taylor, and I am an international student from Zimbabwe, double majoring in Actuarial Science and Economics. I’m a gym enthusiast, a huge soccer fan, and, according to my friends, a certified lover boy :) If you see me around campus, feel free to say hi. Cheers!
Sara
Country you call home: Iran
Languages Spoken: Farsi and English
Bio: Bio:Bio: Hi! I’m Sara, and I’m majoring in neuroscience on a pre-med track. I’m also in the honors program. I love drinking tea, reading books, making playlists, and going on fun side quests!
Sofy
Country you call home: Italy
Languages Spoken: Italian, English, Spanish, Thai and learning Chinese
Bio: Ciao a tutti! My name is Sofia, I am an international UWC Scholar from Italy, fun fact,I also lived in the UK, and Thailand! I am double Majoring in Digital Media arts and Music Business with a Minor is Game Design. I am super duper excited to welcome all the incoming international students and make them feel welcome to our international family at UST!
Bee
Country you call home: Ethiopia
Languages Spoken: French, English and Amharic.
Bio: Selam! My name is Beemnet ( Bee), I am an international student from Ethiopia, majoring in international studies and minoring in economics. I love getting involved on campus, hanging out with my friends and helping people.
Martin
Country you call home: South Sudan/Kenya
Languages Spoken: Dinka, Kiswahili, and English
Bio: I was born in South Sudan and grew up in Kenya and went to UWC East Africa. I like playing and watching football, running, going to the gym, talking to new people, and I like listening to Afro Beat and Amapiano. I'm really focused on building community and I am a co-founder of Project 21Ke, a nonprofit organization that fights to bring women out of poverty.