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International Orientation

Indiana State University’s International New Sycamore Orientation (NSO) is held in-person on our Terre Haute campus. During NSO, students meet faculty and staff, learn about their academic major, register for classes, meet peers, learn about Terre Haute, and explore campus resources.

International Students

International New Sycamore Orientation (NSO) is specifically designed for all (transfer and first year) incoming international students. All International students are required to attend all components of NSO.

During NSO, students will gain useful insights about their academic major, adapting to life at Indiana State University and Terre Haute, immigration information and getting connected to campus resources, and how to register for classes. This is also a great opportunity to meet other students, staff, and faculty. 

Before joining us for NSO, please complete the following list:

1. Activate your Sycamore Login via the MyISU Student Portal.

  • Your University ID Number can be found in your email of Admission.
  • Use the email address provided when applying to Indiana State.

2. Register for New Sycamore Orientation. For undergraduate students, register in your New Student Dashboard. For graduate students, register in your Graduate Student Dashboard.

  • Confirmation and reminder emails will be sent only to your university email account and to registered family member emails. If you don't see a confirmation email right away, check your spam folder for emails from orientation@indstate.edu.
  • Your confirmation emails will contain the following information: Date, time, and location of check-in; meals covered during programming; where to park (free of charge). 

3. All students arriving from another country are encouraged to arrive on campus as early as one week before their orientation program.

4. International New Sycamore Orientation is a 1-day program before classes begin in either the spring or fall. During International New Sycamore Orientation, you will:

  • Complete your required English Placement Exam.
  • Meet with staff from the Office of Admission for an immigration seminar.
  • Meet with other new students, learn about academic expectations, hear from Residential Life or Commuter Life, and learn about involvement opportunities.
  • Meet with an academic advisor to schedule classes and get your Student ID.

International Student Schedule Fall, 2025

August 14. 2025

8:00-8:40am | Check-In and Breakfast | Dede I

8:40-8:50am | Welcome and Introduction | Dede I

8:50-9:00am | Travel 

9:00-9:30am | Breakout sessions

                Undergraduate: English Placement Exam | Dede II 

                Graduate: Academic Expectations | Dede I

9:30-9:45am | Break 

9:45-10:15am | Immigration Regulations, Visa Maintenance, and Immunization Requirements | Dede I

10:15-11:00am | Introduction to U.S. Education | Dede I

11:00-11:30am | Campus Safety | Dede I

11:30-12:15| Lunch | Sycamore Dining Hall

Undergraduate Students Only After Lunch 

12:15-4:00pm | Navigating the Essentials | Campus, various locations 

  • Academic Advising-Normal Hall 
  • Navigating your Portal-2nd Floor computer lab in library 
  • Picture ID-Parking Services
  • Experience Grant-HMSU 314
  • Library Session-Library room 028

4:00pm | Final Group Time and Collect Sycamore ID | Dede I

During the week, we encourage you to explore the Terre Haute area and to complete any necessary needs within the community. This may include visiting more campus resources, grocery stores, banks, the Social Security Office, using the city bus, and more! We’re here for you and ready to answer any questions you may have. 

Charles E. Brown Cultural Center | ISU Campus – 301 N 8th St, Terre Haute, IN 47807

Visit the Charles E. Brown African American Cultural Center to see the space which serves our Black, African American, and across the African diaspora. Open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:00am-8:00pm and Fridays from 8:00am-4:30pm.

Grocery Stores & Food Pantries | Various Locations

Visit the groceries, markets, and food pantries below for your food and dietary needs.

Sycamore Pantry – Various hours. Located in HMSU, floor 6.

Kroger – Open daily from 6:00am-11:00pm. Located at 2650 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803.

Baesler's – Open daily from 6:00am-9:00pm. Located at 2900 Poplar St #2661, Terre Haute, IN 47803.

Meijer – Open daily from 6:00am-12:00am. Located at 5600 New Margaret Drive, Terre Haute, IN 47803.

Banks | Various Locations

To set up a bank account, consider visiting one of the banks conveniently located downtown.

Fifth Third Bank – Open M-Th from 9:00am-5:00pm, Fridays from 9:00am-6:00pm, and Saturdays from 9:00am—12:00pm.                         Located at 350 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47807.

First Financial Bank – Open Mondays through Fridays from 9:00am-4:00pm. Located at 1 First Financial Plaza, Terre Haute, IN                         47807.

Old National Bank – Open Mondays through Fridays from 9:00am-5:00pm. Located at 701 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47807.

Social Security Office | 222 Cherry St, Terre Haute, IN 47807

If you plan to work on campus, visit the Social Security Office to apply for a Social Security Number. Open Monday through Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm.

City Bus

Using our city bus system is free! View the bus routes here: terrehaute.in.gov/departments/transit-department