Orientation
Prior to the start of each semester the Office of International Programs (OIP) will organize a one day orientation that provides essential information about maintaining your immigration status and life at USM as well as provides an opportunity to meet fellow international students and USM OIP staff. This means that you will need to be prepared to arrive a few days prior to the start of the semester.
All new students whose F-1 or J-1 visa documents are sponsored by the University of Southern Maine are required to attend International Student Orientation. Orientation dates will be provided by OIP staff with adequate notice to make your travel arrangements.
Arrival
New International Students will need to arrive prior to the start of the semester in order to attend orientation. When arranging your travel to USM students can select to fly into either the Portland International Jetport (PWM) or Boston Logan Airport (BOS) and take the Concord Coach Bus Line to Portland, Maine. The bus ride takes approximately 2 hours.
Living On Campus
Students living on campus will be provided with specific international student move in dates (note that these dates will be earlier than the information included in your housing letter).
The Office of International Programs will offer limited pick up services to students living on campus. (Pick up services will be available on a specified date/time). This information will be provided to students with adequate notice to make appropriate travel arrangements. Students who select not to arrive during this specified period will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation to campus.
Living Off Campus
Students who plan to live off campus are responsible for arranging their own temporary and permanent housing. This may include staying in a hotel until permanent arrangements are made. Also, transportation to and from housing and/or campus is the personal and financial responsibility of each student.
For instructions on how to apply for on campus housing or suggesting for searching for off campus housing please contact Kaoru Phillips in the Office of International Programs