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 and 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.
The deadline to register for orientation is January 5.
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.
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
Orientation registration opens on October 31.
Students who have paid their enrollment deposit will be able to register for Orientation, along with up to two family members. Attending Orientation is a mandatory part of becoming a Suffolk Ram, so make sure to reserve your spot for orientation!
International students must arrive in Boston on Friday, January 9, in addition to participating in required new student orientation international students must participate in the mandatory Immigration Workshop on Saturday, January 10. You’ll receive more information about this workshop from the International Student Services Office (ISSO).
International transfer students are also required to meet one on one with their RAM Supporter in-person. Information for how to schedule your one-on-one meeting will be sent to your email.
Register for orientation in your applicant portal.
Spring Orientation Sessions
| Session Type | Session Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Orientation Session | January 11 |
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 November 22, 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.
After setting up the student's email, 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 November 22, students can book a 30-minute appointment with an academic advisor via Zoom. It is important to book your appointment by January 5. Appointments will continue to be booked after January 5 but we recommend the scheduling as soon as possible to ensure you get to meet with Academic Advising before the semester starts. Please note Suffolk University will be closed for the Winter Break December 23 – January 2.
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 arrive in Boston by Friday, January 9, to participate in the mandatory Immigration Workshop on Saturday, January 9 (held before new student orientation starts).
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 late November, 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 as soon as possible.
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 December. The submission deadline is January 5.
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 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. On January 5, we’ll email you access to your Suffolk email in early December:
- 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.
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. Please note, you must be registered for at least one class to be able to gain access to your MyHealthPortal.
- 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 February 1.
If you have any questions, reach out to Counseling, Health & Wellness via email or phone at 617-573-8226.