International Orientation & Check-in
The University of Cincinnati looks forward to the arrival of all of our new students.
Use this page to get ready to come to the United States, travel to Cincinnati and check-in safely at UC.
Before you arrive
Before you come to the United States, you need to complete the following tasks:
- Apply for and receive your visa
- Reserve a flight to Cincinnati
- Complete all of the items on the New International Student checklist in iBearcatsGlobal
- Complete the required online orientation
Online orientation for international students
UC International requires that all international students enroll in an online orientation course and complete it prior to arrival. This course will introduce you to UC International, help you with the arrival process, explain government regulations for international students in the United States, and provide campus resources for a safe and successful academic experience.
You can access the online orientation any time prior to your first day of classes at UC. To enroll in the online orientation:
- Use the course registration link to enroll in the online orientation on Canvas, the University of Cincinnati’s digital learning platform.
- Log into Canvas using your UC username and password.
- Authenticate your login using Duo mobile or other options provided.
- Enroll in the course using the button labeled “Enroll in course.” Then, use the “Go to the Course” button to view the online orientation.
- Complete the orientation prior to arrival.
- Read each page thoroughly and finishing the quizzes at the end of each module. You have an unlimited number of tries at each quiz.
- Your progress in the course can be seen by UC International Services staff.
Travel to Cincinnati
Before you leave, shop around for airfare, taking note of baggage regulations, price, and other amenities before selecting an airline.
- Purchase a ticket at least one month before you are supposed to arrive in the U.S.
- If you are sponsored by the government or a private organization, communicate your travel arrangements to your sponsors and check in before and after arrival.
- Make sure that your flight schedule allows enough time between connecting flights.
- Arrive for your flight at least 3 hours before departure.
- Travel with your passport, visa, and I-20/DS-2019 in your carry-on luggage.
- Keep other important items in your carry-on, like prescription eyeglasses, a bilingual dictionary, medication, or a change of clothes.
- Bring enough money for unexpected expenses or events, such as a missed flight. Keep this money hidden!
- Be prepared to go through US customs after you arrive in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security website has a great description of what you will expect during this process.
Arrange for a family member, friend, or supervisor to meet you at the airport if you can. If not, you can use the Airport Executive Shuttle following the instructions you'll receive after your Immigration Documents e-form in iBearcatsGlobal is approved.
Once you arrive on campus, try to get familiar with the area. UC International has many resources to help you when you first get here, like temporary housing (if you're waiting to get into an apartment), transportation options, and more!
UC International offers a one-time complimentary ride to campus for new international students when they first arrive. The service is provided by Airport Executive Shuttle.
You must reserve a ride in advance the instructions you receive following your Immigration Documents e-form approval.
Check-In
Once you arrive in Cincinnati, you are required to complete the “Check-in" e-form in the New International Student Checklist in iBearcatsGlobal. Check-in is a federally mandated step to study in the United States.
You must arrive in Cincinnati in time to complete this e-form and to attend other required events before classes begin. The earliest you may enter the U.S. is 30 days before the start date on your I-20/DS-2019.
When should I arrive in the U.S.? (Summer Semester 2023)
The earliest you may enter the U.S. is 30 days before the start date on your I-20 / DS-2019.
- Summer Semester 2023: Classes begin on May 8, 2023. The recommended arrival date for international students depends on if you will be living on campus or off campus.
If you will be living in university housing
- Housing arrival dates for summer will be Sunday, May 7th.
- Students must be fully vaccinated for COVID according to guidelines established by the US Government to enter. Please read the COVID Guidelines for Arrival.
- Only students arriving from China, Hong Kong, and Macau must show a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of boarding the plane.
If you will be living off campus
Students with off-campus housing can arrive up to 30 days in advance of your I-20 or DS-2019 start date. Temporary accommodations are not provided by the University.
- See U.S. government COVID guidelines for international travel.
- Students must be fully vaccinated for COVID according to guidelines established by the US government to enter. Please read the COVID Guidelines for Arrival.
- Only students arriving from China, Hong Kong, and Macau must show a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of boarding the plane.
You will use personal information and copies of the following immigration documents to complete Check-in in iBearcatsGlobal:
- Passport
- Most recent I-94 (download online)
- I-20/DS-2019
- Entry visa
- If you'll study in a status other than F or J, you'll need to show documentation of your current status. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- I-94
- Work permits
- I-797 approval notices or receipts
Per UC policy, all international students are required to complete a health screening via University Health Services (UHS). To do so:
- Click the "vaccination requirements" button below to be redirected to University Health Services for full instructions.
- Call University Health Services at 513-556-2564 to schedule your health screening once you are in Cincinnati.
COVID Guidelines for Arrival
Please see the university's public health website for guidelines concerning travel, vaccination requirements, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine.
Orientation Schedule
Summer 2023
April 3 | UC International Services Pre-Arrival Information
9:00am EST
Join Director of International Services, Ron Cushing, to learn more about:
- Completing the New International Student checklist in iBearcatsGlobal
- Immigration Updates
- On Campus Housing Information (undergraduates)
At this session, you will have an opportunity to ask relevant questions.
Undergraduate students beginning coursework in summer semester will attend a one day in-person Bearcats Bound Orientation on May 4, 2023.
- During Bearcats Bound Orientation, students will get an overview of campus, see some of their academic building, attend breakout sessions on various topics, and interact with other new Bearcats.
- Register today by logging into your Bearcat Portal.
Friday, May 5 | UC International Services Virtual Panel Presentation
8:30 - 9:30am EST
Join the UC International Services’ Virtual Panel Discussion for essential information regarding immigration advising and international student services and support that will be a key part of your holistic university experience.
We will answer questions related to your immigration status. We will also connect you to campus and community resources and events that help keep you informed and thrive at UC. This session is open to both newly admitted undergraduate and graduate students.
TBD | UC International + IPALs Welcome Event
Join UC International and the IPALs for a welcome event! More details will be sent via email.
You will receive further instructions about onboarding when you complete the Check-in e-form of the New International Student checklist in iBearcatsGlobal.
Fall 2023
TBD| UC International Services Pre-Arrival Information
Time TBD
Join Director of International Services, Ron Cushing, to learn more about:
- Completing the New International Student checklist in iBearcatsGlobal
- Immigration Updates
- On Campus Housing Information (undergraduates)
At this session, you will have an opportunity to ask relevant questions.
TBD | UC International Services Virtual Panel Presentation
Time TBD
Join the UC International Services’ Virtual Panel Discussion for essential information regarding immigration advising and international student services and support that will be a key part of your holistic university experience.
We will answer questions related to your immigration status. We will also connect you to campus and community resources and events that help keep you informed and thrive at UC. This session is open to both newly admitted undergraduate and graduate students.
TBD | UC International + IPALs Welcome Event
Join UC International and the IPALs for a welcome event! More details will be sent via email.
You will receive further instructions about onboarding when you complete the Check-in e-form of the New International Student checklist in iBearcatsGlobal.