Resources for Newly Admitted Students
The Graduate Student Union has put together a helpful guidebook for students who are new to the Notre Dame/South Bend area. In addition to providing more information on some of the offices and checklist items below, it’s a great resource with tips on restaurants, transportation, services and recreation opportunities recommended by other graduate students.
Orientation
The annual Graduate Student Orientation typically takes place the Friday before fall classes begin, and is designed to help support your transition to the graduate community at University of Notre Dame. This year’s session took place on August 19th.
Checklist for All Newly Admitted Students
Admission Decision
- After receiving admission letter, return Acceptance/ Declination of Offer form.
- Receive confirmation e-mail.
After Receiving Your Confirmation E-Mail
- Activate your Notre Dame Net ID.
- Make housing arrangements for the year—either on campus or off campus.
- Complete medical history and physical report and any other health-related pre-registration requirements set by University Health Services.
- Submit final official transcript showing conferral of all previous post-secondary degrees.
- Contact department and/or adviser.
After You Arrive
- Contact department.
- Complete I-9 Work Eligibility form (in department) immediately.
- Register and enroll (after consultation with department).
- Acquire Notre Dame Student ID Card.
- Acquire computer privileges by following the Get Started tab on the Office of Information Technologies (OIT) homepage.
- Acquire parking permit (read more at the Notre Dame Parking and Traffic homepage.
- Attend student orientations (Graduate School, departmental, international student).
Additional Items for International Students
Before You Arrive
- Complete information for visa documents section of the Acceptance/Declination of Offer form.
- Receive I-20 or DS-2019 visa documents (IMPORTANT: Visa documents will not be issued until students (1) accept the offer and (2) submit all requested information (i.e., Information for Visa Documents section of the Acceptance/Declination of Offer form, proof of financial support, etc.).
- Obtain visa, arrange transfer to “University of Notre Dame du Lac,” or file Change of Status request (as applicable).
After You Arrive
- Visit the International Student Services & Activities (ISSA) Immigration Services Office (ISO) in 121 Main Building immediately to register your immigration documents.
- Ask the ISO staff members for information about applying for a Social Security number (SSN).
- Attend International Student Orientation (mandatory for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders).