International Student
Orientation Spring 2015
Handbook
January 3rd – January 4th, 2015
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................. 2
Frequently Asked Questions.................................................................................... 2
Registration for International Student Orientation ............................................. 3
Temporary Housing Information ............................................................................. 3
Permanent Housing Tips & Advice ......................................................................... 3
Getting to Athens ...................................................................................................... 3
Special Announcement for Undergraduate Students ......................................... 4
University Contact Information ............................................................................... 4
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International Student Orientation – Spring 2015 | Handbook
Scenes from Fall 2013 Orientation
Greetings from International Student Life at the University of Georgia!
Congratulations on your acceptance to UGA. We hope you find the following information helpful as you prepare to
enter UGA in the spring of 2015. We are excited to meet you! Please join our Facebook Page, “UGA International
Student Orientation – Spring 2015” for updates and to connect with other new students.
What is International Student Orientation?
International Student Orientation is a daylong orientation program designed specifically and exclusively for new
international students at the University of Georgia. Through interactive sessions, social activities, campus tours, and
a team of student volunteers (known as World Leaders), International Student Life introduces new international
students to UGA, Athens, and the United States. We strongly recommend that all new and transfer international
students attending this orientation program!
When is International Student Orientation?
International Student Orientation (Spring) is January 3rd, 2014 with additional activities on January 4th.
Why should I attend International Student Orientation?
1. KNOWLEDGE: By the time you complete the day-long International Student Orientation program, you will be
equipped with helpful information and resources to prepare you for success at UGA and in the United States.
Examples of topics you will learn about include (but are not limited to) immigration & visa policies, buying a car
in the US, social security, cultural and academic differences, how to register for classes, transportation and
shopping in Athens, and much more!
2. SUCCESS: attending the International Student Orientation gives you the opportunity to adjust to time
differences, cultural differences, and academic differences—which will make you more successful during your
time at UGA!
3. RELATIONSHIPS: During International Student Orientation, you will have opportunities to meet new friends and
build relationships with your peers. The World Leaders (International Student Orientation volunteers) volunteer
to make sure you feel welcome, comfortable, and confident as you transition to UGA. They will remain resources
and friends to you throughout their time at the university!
4. FUN: ISL and World Leaders spend the fall planning some social events for you so that you can relax, have fun,
and make new friends.
How can I get updated information about orientation?
Check our website (http://isl.uga.edu/orientation), email ugaisl@uga.edu, and join the International Student
Orientation 2014 Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/UGAISOspring2015/
Registration for International Student Orientation:
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Registration for International Student Orientation (Spring) is done online or in person. ISL strongly recommends online
registration!
Early Bird Registration Fee (by December 22, 2014)
Regular Registration Fee (after December 22, 2014)
On-site Registration Fee (January 3rd, 2015)
$25.00
$30.00
$30.00
Click here to purchase!
Click here to purchase!
Make payment at check-in with ISL.
NOTE: All students who register for International Student Orientation must CHECK-IN with ISL and receive a wristband in
order to participate in any orientation activity. Check-In begins at the Tate Center (location TBA) (UGA Campus) on
January 3, 2015 at 8:00 am and continues until 9:00 am. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us as
soon as possible. ISL Phone Number: (706) 542-5867; ISL Email Address: ugaisl@uga.edu
Permanent Housing:
During orientation, we have built time into the schedule for students to research housing options. Most graduate students
live off campus or if there is space available they choose to live in Family and Graduate Housing. The Family and
Graduate Housing website is very helpful – http://housing.uga.edu/. Please be aware that UGA Family and Graduate
Housing may be full at this time. If it is, you will need to search for off campus housing for you and your family.
Apartments off campus range from $400 to $700 per month.
You may wish to research apartments on the internet. The following sources can be quite helpful:
http://www.apartmentfinder.com/Georgia/Athens-Apartments (Athens Apartments)
http://www.onlineathens.com (Classified section)
http://www.flagpole.com (Athens Community magazine, see the Classified section)
http://www.redandblack.com (UGA Student newspaper, see the Classified section)
http://www.mycheapapartments.com/Athens-Georgia (Athens Apartments)
Getting to Athens:
When you fly to the USA, consider taking a connecting flight directly to Athens. If you can fly to Athens, ISL can arrange
for you to be picked up by volunteers at the Athens Airport. We also will pick up students at the Greyhound bus station,
although bus travel out of Atlanta is more complicated. The Groome Airport Shuttle Service is the most popular method
that students use to get to Athens (see below).
For students who plan to live in a hotel or have other accommodations prior to January 4th, we offer pick-ups from your
hotel or other housing location in Athens to our offices on the morning of January 3rd only for orientation check-in.
Shuttle Service
Many students choose to use the Groome transportation shuttle service to get from Atlanta to Athens. A one-way shuttle
ride is currently $36 (price subject to change). Groome shuttles depart for Athens at multiple times each day. Visit
http://www.groometransportation.com/athens.html for more information.
*Students who plan on going directly to our orientation after their shuttle ride should ask to be dropped off at the Georgia
Center for Continuing Education.*
MegaBus
Another option for traveling to Athens is the MegaBus service which offers affordable bus rides from Atlanta. Visit
http://us.megabus.com/ for information regarding departure times, locations, and how to purchase tickets. Please note,
however, that MegaBus has strict restrictions on the amount of luggage that passengers may carry. More information
about these restrictions can be found here: http://us.megabus.com/luggage-allowance.aspx.
Special Announcement for Undergraduate International Students:
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All new and transfer degree-seeking undergraduate students are required to attend one of the FIRST YEAR
ORIENTATION SESSIONS that are hosted by Undergraduate Admissions. You can find more information on this website:
https://www.admissions.uga.edu/. International undergraduate students should attend the International Session on
Friday, January 2nd. This orientation is separate and different from ISL’s International Student Orientation and will
cover completely different topics. It is mandatory for new and transfer undergraduate students.
NOTE: undergraduate exchange students who are only studying at UGA for one semester or one year do not have to
attend undergraduate orientation.
University Contact Information:
University Housing
Housing Assignments Office
Phone: 706-542-1421
email: housing@uga.edu
http://housing.uga.edu/
International Student Life (ISL)
University Health Center
370 River Road
Phone: 706-542-1162
www.uhs.uga.edu
Office of International Education
(OIE) (All immigration questions should be
(All non-immigration questions should be
directed to this office.)
Phone: 706-542-5867
email: ugaisl@uga.edu
http://isl.uga.edu/
directed to this office.)
Phone: 706-542-2900
email: issis@uga.edu
http://international.uga.edu/
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
ISL Staff
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Graduate Admissions
279 Williams Street
Phone: 706-425-3111
email: gradadm@uga.edu
http://www.grad.uga.edu/gradscho
ol/
Undergraduate Admissions
Terrell Hall
Phone: 706-542-8776
email: adm-info@uga.edu
www.admissions.uga.edu