Optional Pre-Arrival Webinars and Handbook

Be sure to watch the recording of our “Preparing to Travel to the U.S. for the first time on your F-1 Visa” webinar. You can watch the recording of the webinar here.

For students in Boston, we hope that you will read through our Pre-Arrival Handbook.

F-1 Orientation January 2025

For students: Masters, PhD, and Graduate Certificate Students in all colleges on all U.S. campuses Undergraduate Students in the College of Professional Studies Students in Global Pathways, NU Immerse, and Global Scholars (starting in the U.S. only)

Below you will find information about the International Student Orientation that is designed to ease your transition to a new city and to help you learn more your responsibilities as an international student at Northeastern. Your attendance in the OGS International Student Orientation is mandatory and will be recorded in your international student record.   

Asynchronous (Interactive Module) Orientation Course in Homebase: 

  • The asynchronous orientation is a course in Homebase which you were automatically added in January before the first day of classes. Through this course, you can go through each orientation module on your own time. You must complete the orientation before February 1st. Failure to complete the orientation before the deadline will result in a hold being placed on your account which will prevent you from registering for classes or having e-forms processed by OGS. 
  • How to access orientation – on your MyOGS Services Home Page and click on “Check In and Orientation” and under “tasks” click on “Start Orientation”. 

Please note:  

  • If you have deferred your program and will not begin your studies at Northeastern this semester, you should wait to attend orientation until you begin your program in the U.S.  
  • This orientation is in addition to the orientation from your academic department 

J-1 Student and Exchange Student Orientation

Orientation for new degree-seeking students and non-degree exchange students on J-1 visas. This orientation will provide important information about maintaining your J-1 status during your program here at Northeastern, along with other important logistical information such as taxes, social security numbers, and employment.

All J-1 students and exchange students are required to attend OGS orientation. You will receive an email with a link to register for this session as well. If you’re unable to attend the orientation, a recording of the orientation will be sent out to students after the session.

Please register for the online orientation session below (using your Northeastern email address):

Attending a Global Network Campus

Students in: Arlington Oakland Portland (Roux Institute) Seattle Silicon Valley

Incoming F-1 International Students in their first Semester in the U.S. on one of the following campuses: Arlington, Oakland, Portland (Roux Institute), Seattle, or Silicon Valley

Below you will find information about the International Student Orientation that is designed to ease your transition to a new city and to help you learn more your responsibilities as an international student at Northeastern. Your attendance in the OGS International Student Orientation is mandatory and will be recorded in your international student record.   

Asynchronous (Interactive Module) Orientation Course in Homebase: 

  • The asynchronous orientation is a course in Homebase which you were automatically added on September 11. Through this course, you can go through each orientation module on your own time. You must complete the orientation before October 3rd.
  • How to access orientation – on your MyOGS Services Home Page and click on “Check In and Orientation” and under “tasks” click on “Start Orientation”.