International Student Welcome Days (IWD)
August 2023 IWD Dates
International Student Move - In: August 24, 2023 from 9 am - 5 pm at Skyline Lobby.
International Student Welcome Day Program: August 25 - 26, 2023
Students will join the New Student Orientation on Sunday, August 27, 2023.
A detailed schedule is available on the Brandeis Campus Groups website.
The mission of International Student Welcome Days (IWD) is to partner with current students, staff and faculty to provide new undergraduate international students with a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive experience as they transition to life at Brandeis. Hosted annually in August, we invite international first year and transfer students, exchange students, and domestic students whose home address is outside of the U.S. to participate.
Held every August prior to New Student Orientation, IWD hosts sessions on immigration and academic success, offers the chance for new students to engage with their peers and campus partners, and provides the time, space, and resources needed to adjust to living in a new country. Participation is required for all F-1 and J-1 students and highly encouraged for all others.
Each year, current undergraduate students serve as iREPs on the International Student Welcome Committee. iREPs play an integral role in IWD by communicating and connecting with new students prior to arrival, developing social programming during IWD, and supporting students as they navigate resources on and off campus.
Meet your Fall 2023 International Welcome Committee Representatives (iREPs)!
What to Expect
During IWD, students will have the opportunity to connect with their fellow international students, as well as students who are on campus for Brandeis' Pre-Orientation Programs. While the schedule will be full, we also build in space to recover from jet-lag! Sessions and activities may include:
- Workshop on Maintaining Your F-1/J-1 Student Status
- Resource Fair with various departments on campus
- Lecture with a selected Brandeis Faculty member
- Opportunity to open a bank account and get a U.S. phone number
- Riverboat Cruise on the Charles River
- Trips to purchase essentials at a local store
- And more!
Dining
Check the Dining Services website for where to eat on campus, locations, services, hours of operation and dietary information. All meals during IWD will take place in Sherman. You can use the GET App to access your digital ID card!
Housing
IWD participants are invited to move into their Brandeis housing on August 24, 2023. The ISSO staff will be available for check-in between 9:00am to 5:00pm in the Skyline Lobby on this day. Please email int-welcome@brandeis.edu if you are arriving outside the ISSO check-in time.
Business Hours at Brandeis are Monday-Friday, 9am - 5 pm. For Students who do not arrive on Thursday, 8/24 between 9 am and 5 pm:
On Thursday, 8/24 and Friday 8/25, if you will arrive after 5 pm, please call Public Safety at 781-736-5000, tell them you are a new student moving in and ask to speak to the Area Coordinator on Call (ACOC). The ACOC will meet you to give you your key.
On Friday, 8/25, between 8:30 am and 1 pm, please go to the Skyline Lobby, where DCL will give you your keys.
On Friday, 8/25, between 1 pm and 5 pm, please go to the Department of Community Living in Usdan.
If you will arrive any time on Saturday, 8/26, please call Public Safety at 781-736-5000, tell them you are a new student moving in and ask to speak to the Area Coordinator on Call (ACOC). The ACOC will meet you to give you your key.
Campus Card
All students must have a Brandeis ID card. To get your official ID card, please upload a photo ahead of your arrival to campus. This will streamline your move-in process, as your ID card will be printed and included with your residence hall keys during check-in. If you don't upload your photo by the deadline, you will need to visit Kutz Hall during your move-in period and be ready to take your picture! Your Brandeis ID will have your meal plans loaded, as well as the optional debit plan, aka WhoCash. The ID card is used as a form of payment for dining and printing services, as an access card to residence halls and athletic facilities, and as a library card. Your first is on us; replacements are $10.