Congratulations on making the decision to come to Suffolk University! Orientation for international students provides an opportunity to learn all about your new home away from home.
Our City. Our Campus.
Get directions and explore our neighborhood.
International Students Orientation
International students will participate in a two-day, one-night summer orientation. While orientation is mandatory for students, we highly encourage family members to attend our separate Family Orientation. You’ll be able to register your family members when you register yourself.
International students are also required to participate in a one-day fall orientation before the new semester starts. Both summer and fall orientations are required; plan accordingly. Once you register for summer orientation, you will automatically be enrolled for fall orientation.
Action Items
Congratulations again on your acceptance to Suffolk University! To help you make your way to our amazing community in downtown Boston, we’ve created a list of action items.
Step 1: Register for Orientation (starting March 5)
Mark your calendars!
International students will participate in a two-day, one-night summer orientation. While orientation is mandatory for students, we highly encourage family members to attend our separate Family Orientation. You’ll be able to register your family members when you register yourself.
International students are also required to participate in a one-day fall orientation before the new semester starts. Both summer and fall orientations are required; plan accordingly. Once you register for summer orientation, you will automatically be enrolled for fall orientation.
Check the map to see which orientation best fits your needs.
Summer Orientation Sessions
Gold Region: Students living inside the gold region on the map must attend the June orientation session. Due to space limitations the orientation dates in August are reserved for students traveling from further away. If you have concerns about date conflicts or other extenuating circumstances, please email us for assistance.
Blue Region: Students living inside the blue region on the map (or in other countries) can choose to attend orientation either in June or August. If you have concerns about date conflicts or other extenuating circumstances, please email us for assistance.
| Session Type | Session Date(s) | Early Arrival Option* (Optional) |
|---|---|---|
| August Orientation Session | August 30-31 |
Open only to transfer students in the Blue region and international students. Residential students attending this session can move into their University-sponsored housing assignment on August 30. |
*Through the Early Arrival Program, new students can come to campus the evening before their orientation. This unique initiative—facilitated by our highly trained and friendly Orientation Leaders—aims to introduce students to Boston and our campus, and help them connect with their peers. Get excited for get-to-know-you activities, a private Boston Duck Tour, and dinner. This opportunity is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll be able to register for an Early Arrival Program when you register for orientation in your applicant portal.
Early Arrival Program registration fee: $40 (nonrefundable)
Fall Orientation 2024
| Session Type | Session Dates |
|---|---|
| Freshmen Session | September 2 |
If you have any questions, reach out to Orientation, New Student & Family Programs via email or phone at 617-573-8321.
Step 2: Set Up Your Suffolk Student Email
Starting on May 8, students will receive information on accessing their Suffolk University email account. Keep an eye on your personal inbox for more information on how to set up your Suffolk email.
Starting in midsummer, the University will send you information exclusively via your Suffolk email account. Checking it often is the best way to get important updates.
Tip: Download the free Microsoft Outlook app to your web-enabled device!
If you have any questions, reach out to the Information Technology Help Desk via email or phone at 617-557-2000.
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment with the Undergraduate Academic Advising Center and Create a Saved Schedule
Starting on May 8, students can book a 30-minute appointment with an academic advisor via Zoom. It is important to book your appointment by June 1. Ideally, it will take place before your orientation session.
Please note: You cannot book your advising appointment until your Suffolk email is set up.
To help your appointment run smoothly:
- Take the required math and writing placement exams as soon as possible/before your academic advising appointment to determine the best courses for you. Instructions on how to complete the placement tests can be found in your applicant portal. Please note that scores can take up to 3 business days from the time of completion to be posted and can be found in Workday Student
- Build a saved schedule (essentially a first draft of your course schedule) before your appointment. There’s more information about your academic program and step-by-step instructions on how to create a saved schedule in your applicant portal
If you have any questions, reach out to Undergraduate Academic Advising via email or phone at 617-573-8034.
Step 4: Submit Your Immigration Paperwork
Suffolk’s International Student Services Office (ISSO) works with international students who need immigration documents to apply for their student visas. To begin the process, submit a completed Certificate of Finances form, a bank statement, and a copy of your passport ID page to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
Once we have received these documents, you will be issued an I-20 or DS-2019 form for your visa application. You may schedule an interview at the nearest U.S. consulate after you receive your immigration documents from us.
Please note: The U.S. consulate will issue visas up to 120 days before the start of your program; it is important to begin the process as soon as possible.
You are allowed to enter the U.S. on your new visa no more than 30 days before the start of your program, so please be careful when scheduling your travel plans.
If you are already in the United States in F-1 or J-1 status, please submit a copy of your current I-20 or DS-2019, a copy of your current visa, and the Suffolk transfer release form to the international advisor at your current school so that your SEVIS record can be released to our office. Once we receive your completed transfer release form, as well as your other required documents, we will create your Suffolk I-20 or DS-2019.
Look out for more information about virtual receptions especially designed for you and your fellow international students.
International students must plan their travels to be able to participate in the mandatory new international student orientation and immigration check-in on August 30-September 2.
Visit our International Students Services Office (ISSO) or email the ISSO for more information and the answers to any questions.
Step 5: Complete Your Housing Portal Questionnaire (Residential Students)
Starting in early June, students who have made their deposit to live in University-sponsored housing will receive an email detailing how to log into the housing portal to complete the Housing Portal Questionnaire. This questionnaire must be completed by early July.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Residence Life and Housing via email or phone at 617-305-2500.
Step 6: Submit Your Photo for Your Student ID
The RAM Card is essential and required on campus. Students must submit a photo ahead of time to make sure that this student ID will be ready when they arrive at Suffolk.
You will receive an email with instructions on how to submit your ID photo in mid-to late June. The submission deadline is August 1.
If you are a residential student, you’ll receive your RAM Card at move-in.
If you are a commuter student, you’ll receive your RAM Card at fall orientation.
If you have any questions, reach out to Ram Card Services via email or phone at 617-570-4882.
Step 7: Complete Your Online Modules
We’ve designed online modules to help you prepare to join the Suffolk community. You must complete them before the start of the semester. Sometime in June, we’ll email you access to:
- Get to Know Your College (College of Arts & Sciences and Sawyer Business School)
- AlcoholEdu for College
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Students
- Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates
- Suffolk University Community Standards Training
You must set up your Suffolk email account so we can send you instructions on completing this task. The deadline to complete your online modules is August 1.
If you have any questions, reach out to the Information Technology Help Desk via email or phone at 617-557-2000.
Step 8: Submit Proof of Immunizations and Your Health Insurance Waiver
Ensure a smooth start by submitting your immunization documentation, completing your health insurance waiver, and setting up your communication preferences in the MyHealth Portal. This is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy and secure environment for all students. Failure to do so will cause delays in other key action items.
- Using your Suffolk credentials, log into your MyHealth Portal
- Update your local contact information, emergency contact details, and profile. The information entered in the portal is for use by CHW only. You can also enable text reminders
- Upload your immunization documentation to “Forms and Requirements”
- Upload your insurance information under “Insurance Card”
- If you will be under 18 years old at the start of the semester, upload the Consent to Treat Minor form under “Forms and Requirements”
The deadline to upload your health information is September 1.
If you have any questions, reach out to Counseling, Health & Wellness via email or phone at 617-573-8226.