International student orientation
Welcome to SCAD! We're so happy you chose to study with us. SCAD is home to more than 3,000 international students from more than 100 countries and our International Student Services Office (ISSO) is committed to making the transition to the U.S. seamless. To help you navigate your journey, we've organized the following guide. You can also email us anytime if you have questions at [email protected] (Atlanta) or [email protected] (Savannah).
1Prepare for your arrival
To prepare for your arrival to the U.S., we encourage you to review important information regarding documents and visas.
Important international topics
We gathered information on visa requirements, English language placement testing, health insurance, and the most important things you'll need to know.
SCADbound international: Bee Prepared for SCAD
Excited about what’s to come? Take a look at the Bee Prepared information series of videos diving into student success, resources, on-campus living, wellness, and more.
Bee Ready: Pre-arrival virtual information session (ESL exempt)
Thursday, July 23, 9 a.m. (ET) via Zoom
Bee Ready: Pre-arrival virtual information session (ESL non-exempt)
Thursday, July 24, 9 a.m. (ET) via Zoom
Academic preparation workshops
Thursday, Aug. 20 and Friday, Aug. 21 (ET) via Zoom
Check the New Student Resources page for the Zoom link.
2Online orientation for all students
Every new student, domestic and international, is required to complete the online orientation before arriving for the first day of class. You can access the orientation experience using your MySCAD login, which will help track your progress.
A note for F-1 visa holders: This orientation contains immigration policy required by your student visa. Completion of this orientation is one of the necessary steps to successfully activate your SEVIS I-20. Students who do not complete the online orientation risk losing their visa status. Complete this course prior to the first day of the quarter.
Choose your SCAD location to complete your online orientation and view your Welcome Week schedule.
3Move-in and campus arrival
You should arrive at your residence hall for housing check-in on your assigned day. Be sure to read your SCAD email for complete housing instructions and details on airport shuttles, arrival information, and opportunities to shop for supplies.
Complete the Campus Arrival Report by Sunday, Aug. 16, to let ISSO know when to expect you for SCADbound international orientation.
Fall move-in
Thursday, Sept. 3
4International orientation
Fall quarter orientation schedules
International orientation consists of several days of events including English as a Second Language (ESL) testing and more.
Pay special attention to these crucial dates and activities.
Tuesday, Aug. 4–Thursday, Sept. 3
Complete SCAD mandatory visa activation online
Required for all new F-1 visa holders
After your arrival to the U.S., be sure to access the International Student Portal. Log in using your MySCAD credentials and complete the "SCAD Visa Activation" under "My Requests."
Thursday, Sept. 3
New international student move-in and commuter check-in
Students with assignments in the residence halls must move into their dormitories on this day. Students who live off campus must be prepared to attend orientation events beginning this day.
SCAD will offer complimentary airport shuttles on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Getting to SCAD: Complete the Campus Arrival Report by Sunday, Aug. 16.
- Savannah: Students enrolled at the Savannah location should arrive at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (code "SAV").
- Atlanta: Students enrolled at the Atlanta location should arrive at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (code "ATL").
Shopping support
SCAD will offer looping shuttle bus transportation in the afternoon of Sept. 3 for students to purchase needed supplies. See the New Student Resources webpage under your SCAD location for shopping shuttle information as well as a list and links of cellphone providers and banks. Be sure to scroll to the bottom.
Friday, Sept. 4–Monday, Sept. 7
Required international student orientation activities
New international students are required to attend various activities throughout these four days. Activities include mandatory orientation presentation with a brief campus tour, resource fairs, and fun, interactive events.
Tuesday, Sept. 8
English language placement test
English as a Second Language (ESL) nonexempt students will take their placement test at 9 a.m. Watch your SCAD email for more information for more detailed information closer to the test date.
Welcome Week
Students should stay tuned for their specific SCAD-wide orientation schedule.
Friday, Sept. 11
International student orientation conclusion celebration
Attendance is required for all new international students.
Watch the ISSO New Student Resources webpage for location specific orientation details and schedules (Atlanta schedule or Savannah schedule)
Monday, Sept. 14
First day of SCAD classes.
5Welcome Week
This is the last stop on your SCADbound journey! From the moment you move in to your first day of class, you will discover a suite of events designed to help welcome you to your new home away from home, to connect you to fellow students, and set you up for maximum success.
To access your Welcome Week schedule, you must complete the online orientation. Be sure to check your SCAD student email regularly for important updates.
Your personalized checklist
Welcome Week is full of excitement and an important step in your SCADbound journey, but there are a few other milestones to keep in mind. We've created a new student checklist just for you. To view the checklist, log into MySCAD.
Remember to:
- Submit your photo for a SCAD ID
- Pay any outstanding balances
- Review your housing info
- Explore the SCAD app
- Request a parking permit
- Check your SCAD email
Disability resources
SCAD is committed to the success of all its students. Students who qualify for accommodations can attend Jump Start, a program designed to increase awareness of services and resources available to students with disabilities before the first day of class. If you're interested in Jump Start or need to contact someone about accommodations during your SCADbound journey, email the office of disability in Atlanta at [email protected] or in Savannah at [email protected].
Guides
Atlanta
Savannah
SCADnow
Tech guide
Contact
Atlanta
877.722.3285
404.253.2700
[email protected]
Savannah, SCADnow online
800.869.7223
912.525.5100
[email protected]