International Students
International Student Orientation marks the beginning of your adventure at Sacred Heart University.
How to Get Started
- Read through all information on this page
- Activate your SHU email (Please note it may take up to 24 hours for your email to be activated.)
- Register for Orientation after March 11 and follow the New Student Checklist
All undergraduate students are required to attend an Orientation session prior to the start of their first semester. Our primary goal at Orientation is to assist students and their families with the transition to attending and experiencing Sacred Heart University.
As a new student at SHU, you will have questions. We designed Orientation around you, helping to uncover the answers to the questions you have and providing you information about campus resources, programs and services. Orientation is an opportunity for you to learn how to navigate Sacred Heart University and introduce you to the SHU community. You will meet with Orientation leaders and staff at the mandatory International Student Meeting during Orientation. They will help you navigate campus and set up essential technology. They will also guide you through activities as well as answer all of your questions about life at SHU when you arrive to SHU.
Register to Attend Orientation
Part of the Orientation registration process includes answering a series of questions on the academic questionnaire and course ranking that will allow your academic adviser to create your fall schedule.
All students must complete the academic questionnaire needed for their academic schedule and register for an Orientation date ASAP!
Orientation Account
We encourage you to log into your Orientation account and follow the action items that are required for all first-year students. This will provide you with more information about Orientation and the time leading up to your session. Here you will find:
- Information on Orientation registration
- Your New Student Checklist
You will need to activate your SHU email account before any of the items can be completed. After you activate your SHU email account, you will need to wait 24 hours before you can register for Orientation and access your SHU email.
International Student Orientation
We encourage you to log in to your Orientation account and follow the action items that are required for all first year and transfer students. This will provide you with more information about Orientation and the time leading up to your session. Here you will find information on Orientation registration and your New Student Checklist. You will need to activate your SHU email account before any of the items can be completed.
Part of International student Orientation consists of online modules to learn about campus resources and academic support. The videos will be available in your Orientation Account by June 24.
Reminder emails, and other important updates will be sent to your SHU email account.
FAQ's
Attendance at Orientation is required for all new students. There will be Orientation leaders available to help you get settled and introduce you to the traditions and activities. There will be a mandatory International Student Meeting at the end of Orientation.
Students are required to take the math placement exam in order to be scheduled for the appropriate math section. This should take about 30 minutes to complete. Students who are continuing in a language that they have studied before (in high school, study abroad, etc.) need to complete the appropriate foreign language exam. Students who are History, English, Global Studies and Communication Disorders majors have a language requirement.
Make sure you are checking your New Student Checklist and completing any action items that are due before attending Orientation. Please make sure you have uploaded all required documents through your admissions portal for issuance of your I-20 to apply for your F-1 student visa.
To arrange transportation to the University, make your travel plans through www.goairportshuttle.com. The University does not provide transportation to school from any of the airports.
You may have items such as bedding/towels shipped to Sacred Heart University prior to your arrival on campus. We recommend using Target, Walmart or Bed Bath & Beyond to purchase these items. Have them shipped to Sacred Heart University, Your Name and Mailbox code, 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06825.
If you have any questions related to your F-1 student visa, contact the Office of International & Immigration Services at oiss@sacredheart.edu.
Visit the International & Immigration Services page for updated information on visa and immigration matters.
Important Dates
- Orientation Registration Deadline: May 14
- Welcome Weekend: August 21-24
- First Day of Classes: August 25
For other important dates, view the Academic Calendar.