Welcome to Stony Brook University!

Welcome to New International Students Orientation. Our office is dedicated to helping new international students make a smooth transition to life in the United States and the US System of education.

What is the new student orientation?

It is a series of events designed to familiarize you with aspects of US Education and Culture. You will also learn about the US Immigration regulations necessary to maintain your immigration status.

What happens at orientation?

There is a period for checking in and completing an Intake Interview. This means you meet with your International Service Advisor who will take copies of your Immigration documents and make sure all your documents are in order. Also scheduled are tours, workshops, cultural exchange programs and shopping trips for those students who require basic supplies such as blankets, linens and disposables.

When is orientation?

Orientation dates vary each year, but are normally held a week or two before the beginning of classes. The 2010 Spring Orientation dates are not available yet. Please check back later.

Where is orientation?

The Spring 2010 Orientation will be held in the Students Activities Center. Please check the schedule for specific details. Coming soon!!!

Do I have to pay for orientation?

All new students are charged a one-time orientation fee.

How should I prepare for orientation?

1) Try to meet with your adviser before orientation begins.

2) Check-in with International Services by completing an Intake Interview and submitting photocopies of your Immigration documents. I.e. passport, visa, Form I-94 (front and back), SEVIS Form I-20 and any other important documents.

3) Bring a notebook and a pen or pencil for note-taking. During orientation there is so much information being disseminated. We do understand it is hard for students to retain everything so we encourage writing down as much as possible. In the Welcome Packet, there is an itinerary of the weeks activities. This is a good document on which to make notes.

I have a hold on my account. Is it related to orientation?

There are two (2) types of International Service Indicators (ISS). One is a non-impacting ISS and is usually placed on your account when you receive your SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019. This "hold" informs the university that you are an International student. However, it does not affect your ability to register for classes, order transcripts, receive your diploma, etc. The other ISS is impacting and is a real hold on your account. Usually, this is also placed on your account when you are issued your SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019, but is removed once all requirements are satisfied, such as attending orientation, paying orientation fee, and submitting all requested documents. In your SOLAR account there will be other Service Indicators that will be removed once you have met those requirements, such as paying tuition and submitting immunization documents.

Who are Student Ambassadors and what do they do?

Student Ambassadors are volunteer students who assist new IS students during the orientation period with any problem they may encounter. During the summer they also visit the airport to escort arriving students to the Stony Brook campus.

Where can I get additional information regarding orientation?

Please email us at InternationalServices@notes.cc.sunysb.edu or call us at 631-632-4685.