International Student Welcome Days (IWD)
Important Dates
- August 20: Move - In for International students
- August 21-22: International Student Welcome Days program
- August 23: New Student Orientation begins
- August 24-August 26: New Student Orientation
- August 27: First Day of Classes
The mission of International Student Welcome Days (IWD) is to partner with current students, staff and faculty to provide new undergraduate international students with a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive experience as they transition to life at Brandeis. Hosted annually in August, we invite international first year and transfer students, exchange students, and domestic students whose home address is outside of the U.S. to participate.
Held every August prior to New Student Orientation, IWD hosts sessions on immigration and academic success, offers the chance for new students to engage with their peers and campus partners, and provides the time, space, and resources needed to adjust to living in a new country. Participation is required for all F-1 and J-1 students and highly encouraged for all others.
Each year, current undergraduate students serve as IREPs on the International Student Welcome Committee. IREPs play an integral role in IWD by communicating and connecting with new students prior to arrival, developing social programming during IWD, and supporting students as they navigate resources on and off campus.
What to Expect
During IWD, students will have the opportunity to connect with current and new students at Brandeis. Although we have a full schedule planned, you will be given time, space, and resources needed to help you adjust to living in a new country. A detailed schedule will be posted on the Campus Groups app in August.
Before You Arrive
On the New Student Website you will find a month-by-month calendar which lists the tasks you need to complete between May and August. Please make sure you have taken care of these items before your arrival on campus.
Campus Card
All students must have a Brandeis ID card. To get your official ID card, please upload a photo ahead of your arrival to campus (deadline to upload your photo can be found on the incoming student page on the checklist). This will streamline your move-in process, as your ID card will be printed and included with your residence hall keys during check-in. If you don't upload your photo by the deadline, you will need to visit Epstein Building room 101 during your move-in period and be ready to take your picture! View a short tutorial on how to upload your ID card photo. Your Brandeis ID will have your meal plans loaded, as well as the optional debit plan, aka WhoCash. The ID card is used as a form of payment for dining and printing services, as an access card to residence halls and athletic facilities, and as a library card. Your first is on us; replacements are $10.
Housing & Check In
All IWD participants are required to check in with the ISSO team on the first day of IWD, August 20, 2025. Students who live on campus will move in to their residence hall as well during the check in process. The ISSO staff will be available for check-in between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in the Skyline Lobby on this day.
The Brandeis Shuttle service schedule during IWD
Information will be announced on the transportation website and the TripShot Tracking app. Visit the transportation website for detailed information and route maps.