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WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND!

Please Note: To register for the mandatory exchange student and international student "Welcome Week" orientation, you must read through ALL information below and complete and return the Arrival Form PDF.

The Office International Education and National Student Exchange in conjunction A.C.E. Language Institute and the office of New Student Programs are very excited to welcome you to the URI Community during our pre-semester Welcome Week Orientation.

The Pick-up Service (airport or train) and Welcome Week events are required for all of the following students:

  • All Exchange and Visiting Undergraduate Students from Partner Universities (Single semester or a Full Academic Year)
  • New E.S.L. Undergraduate Students at the A.C.E. Language Institute at URI
  • New International Undergraduate Freshman*
  • New International Undergraduate Transfer Students*

*All other students please note: New undergraduate international students (freshman or transfer only) can also choose to participate in the one of the general University Orientation Programs, scheduled in the month of June if they have the ability to visit URI 3-4 months before the start of classes. For more information on this Orientation please visit: http://www.uri.edu/orientation/

If you are a international freshman or transfer student and you choose the general June Orientation option, be aware that students are not allowed to stay on campus between the June Orientation and the start of the fall semester. Please also note that study visas cannot be issued more than 1 month in advance of the semester start date. This means you would need a tourist visit to attend the general Orientation Program in June. You are encouraged to attend the Welcome Week pre-semester Orientation below specificaly for international students, which includes a free pick-up service and weekend excursion. Housing is also available for the Welcome Week.

FALL 2013 WELCOME WEEK

Students should not purchase flights or plan their arrival until they have read through the Welcome Week Schedule.

  1. Download the Welcome Week Schedule (PDF) by clicking the calendar icon right ----->.
  2. Read through the Welcome Week Schedule, then complete and return the "Arrival Form".
  3. Follow the instructions to save and e-mail the completed arrival form before the deadline to oie@etal.uri.edu. Please do not submitted a partially completed form. If you are unable to save the form and email it, Please print it out after filling it in eletronically then fax it to our office at 1-401- 874-4573.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Am I required to attend this Welcome Week orientation?
    • All Exchange Students and First time International Students are asked to plan their arrival for the day and date listed on the Welcome Week Schedule above. If you have difficulties arriving on either the early arrival date or the later arrival date, please e-mail oie@etal.uri.edu with your concerns. Pick-up is only available on the arrival dates.
  • On which day should I arrive in Rhode Island?
    • Listed on the Welcome Week Schedule, we prefer that all students attempt to arrive on the Arrival Day. If this is not possible please try for the following day (listed as the Late Arrival Day). You may miss the shopping trip and other planned events on the late arrival date if you arrive after 10:00am that day.
  • Can I arrive on another date?
    • Students are discouraged from arriving earlier than our arrival dates, but can do so if you arrange your own housing off campus. Please check in with our office on the listed arrival day. Students should not arrive later than the arrival dates unless there are extenuating circumstances.
  • Is it OK for me to make my way to campus on my own?
    • Yes! We would he happy to pick you up on the arrival days, however you have the option to make it to campus on your own. Please visit www.ripta.com for local bus transportation or www.amtrak.com for train information (Kingston RI Train Station). Taxis are available from all areas in Rhode Island but are generally expensive.
  • Am I required to submit a copy of my flight itinerary?
    • We prefer that you submit a copy of your flight itinerary listing your U.S. arrival in case of emergency or errors on your arrival form. You are not required to submit this but be sure that accurate information is entered on the Arrival Form.
  • After I submit the Arrival Form, when will I recieve details about my pick up?
    • Students will receive pick-up instructions around 2 weeks before their international departure. Please be sure to check you e-mail for communication from our office.
  • Is the pick-up service available from the Boston Logon Airport, NYC area airports or from downtown Providence?
    • No. Our office will only arrange for pick up on the specific arrival days from the [PVD] T.F. Green Airport, the Kingston Rhode Island Train Station [KIN] or those students who arrive early and are staying in the the [PVD] T. F. Green Airport area hotels. All other arriving students must make their way to campus for the specified arrival day from other transit ports.
  • Where will the pick-up service collect me?
    • Students will be collected from the PVD T.F. Green Airport or the Kingston Rhode Island train station. We will also provide pick-up service for students who arrive early and are staying overnight at a hotel in the T. F. Green Airport area. Details will be included in your pre-departure e-mail from our office.
  • Are there specific times that my flight/train should arrive?
    • We would prefer that your flight arrive between the hours of 6:00am - 6:00pm on the arrival days. We will do our best to accommodate students who arrive betweeen 6:00pm and 12:00am on the arrival dates.
  • Who should I contact in case of changes to my flight or train?
    • Please use the oie@etal.uri.edu e-mail address if you have unexpected changes to your travel plans. You can also call the emergency phone number listed on the "Welcome Week Schedule".
  • When is the deadline for submitting this form?
    • Deadlines are listed on the first page of the form. Deadlines are typically July 15 for Fall arrivals and December 15 for Spring arrivals. Consult the Arrival Form for exact dates.
  • What is a peer ambassador?
    • Peer Ambassadors are URI student volunteers who assist incoming international and national exchange students with their transition to campus and their new environment. Should you have interest in being matched with an Ambassador, you will receive the contact information of your match prior to your arrival at URI, and will meet with him or her during orientation or the first week of class. Please indicate your interest in being matched with a URI Peer Ambassador on the Arrival Form.
  • More Questions?
    • As you begin your transition to URI, we encourage you to let us know of ways we can help you prepare. Please e-mail us at oie@etal.uri.edu if you have any additional questions.