International Student Orientation
Orientation is mandatory for all new and transfer F-1 visa international students. This event is a requirement for students who have received a Form I-20 from Blinn.
This is NOT a general event for all students. For all other students beyond the F-1 visa category please see New Student Registration (NSR) page. Please note that the NSR events or TEAM/TEAB New Student Conferences will not satisfy the F-1 mandatory orientation requirements for F-1 students.
F-1 Orientation Dates
| Semester | F-1 Orientation Date |
|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | January 9, 2025 |
IMPORTANT: Failing to complete a check-in, attend the posted orientation date, or arriving late to orientation will result in an immediate termination of a student’s I-20. No exceptions will be made to this policy. See required arrival/check-in dates and deadlines
Event Information
Location: Online through the Zoom platform. A Zoom link for the event will be sent the day before the event to students who received an Form I-20 for the term and completed the pre-orientation online module. The International Student Program (ISP) office will send the pre-orientation requirement by email about a month before the event.
Time: Students must be available online with a video-capable device for the entire event from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Event Sign-up: Orientation registration is part of the finalization process. Once you complete your initial admissions requirement, more information will be sent to your email.
System Requirements: Students should ensure they have the minimum system requirements for participation in online courses to also be able to join the orientation online event. See the Blinn online course system requirements.
Guests: The is a student only event, guests are not allowed. Students will be required to join the meeting using their Blinn student log-in credentials.
Event Topics:
- F-1 Visa Regulations
- State of Texas Testing Requirements
- American Grading System
- Academic and Personal Counseling
- Professor Expectations
- On-campus Resources
- International Student Organization
- Registration Information
- Navigating the Cultural Shift: Adapting to Life in America
F-1 Arrival Check-In
New F-1 International Students are required to enter/arrive in the United States by Tuesday, August 20, 2024 and complete an online check-in by 11:59 p.m. The online check - in process will be provided to new students through their myBLINN portal. Failure to arrive in the United States by this arrival deadline will result in a termination of your I-20. Do not schedule flights to arrive beyond this date as you must be present in the U.S. for the program start date on August 21, 2024 regardless of when your classes begin.
Arrival Logistics: Students should refer to the arrival information provided in their acceptance packet that was sent with the Form I-20. The ISP office does not provide airport pick-up. Students on the Brenham campus should also be mindful of the Housing move-in date when making plans for arrival.