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 proficiency assessment, 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.
Academic preparation workshops
Thursday, Dec. 17, 2026, 9 a.m. (ET)
Check the New Student Resources page for additional information.
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 Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027. 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 SCADbound Program Participation and Liability Waiver by Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, to let ISSO know when to expect you for SCADbound international orientation.
Cell phones and bank services
Due to the early start of winter term, ISSO will not be hosting a resource fair. Visit the ISSO department page under New Student Resources to research cell phone companies and local banks. ISSO advisers will be at the orientation meeting Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027, to address questions.
Mobile SCAD Card
SCAD Card is the university’s official ID. Upload your photo by logging into MySCAD > Personal info page > SCAD Card channel > "Submit a SCAD Card Photo" link. This is essential for your access to academic buildings, your residence hall room, SCAD buses, your meal plan, and SCAD events.
Winter move-in
Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027
4International orientation
Winter quarter orientation schedule
International orientation consists of an orientation meeting and social, health insurance presentation, and the English as a Second Language (ESL) assessment.
Pay special attention to these crucial dates and activities.
Before arrival
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 "Mandatory Visa Activation" under "My Requests."
Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027
New international student move-in and arrival
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 on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027.
SCAD will offer complimentary airport shuttles on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027.
Getting to SCAD
Complete the SCADbound Program Participation and Liability Waiver by Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026.
- 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 Jan. 2, 2027, 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 to find helpful information.
ISSO will also offer looping shopping shuttles to various destinations on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027.
Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027
9 a.m. | English language proficiency assessment
English as a Second Language (ESL) nonexempt students will take their placement test at 9 a.m. Watch your SCAD email for more detailed information closer to the test date.
2 p.m. | SCADbound international student orientation mandatory meeting
Required for all new international students
During this meeting, international students will learn more about the F-1 visa regulations, enrollment requirements, life in the U.S., life at SCAD, how ISSO supports you, and much more. This meeting is mandatory and required for your F-1 visa student status.
3–5 p.m. | International student social
ISSO welcomes our new international students in a casual social gathering with light snacks, warm beverages, music, and conversation.
Welcome Week
Students should stay tuned for their specific SCAD-wide orientation schedule.
Monday, Jan. 4, 2027
First day of SCAD classes
Friday, Jan. 8, 2027
2 p.m. | Health insurance presentation and support
Required for all new international students
International student health insurance presentation and insurance card support.
Location-specific orientation information
Check the ISSO New Student Resources webpage for location-specific orientation details and schedules.
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]