Contact the International Orientation Team
International Student Orientation
We’re so excited you are planning to join us at Northern Arizona University! International student orientation is the first step on your NAU adventure. You can immediately start learning more about NAU and your new home in Flagstaff by completing the pre-arrival International Lumberjack Orientation. After arrival at NAU, all new international students will participate in an orientation with the Center for International Education which will take place January 9-12, 2024.
Please make time to review our Frequently Asked Questions resource below for more helpful information. You can also reach out to us directly at iorientation@nau.edu. We’re happy to help and looking forward to having you join the Lumberjack family!
Frequently Asked Questions
International Lumberjack Orientation (Pre-Arrival)
How do I access the International Lumberjack Orientation? Accordion Closed
You can login to the International Lumberjack Orientation at this link. Provide your name and NAU student ID number (found on your letter of admission) so that the software accurate tracks your progress and completion of the modules.
Is the International Lumberjack Orientation required? Accordion Closed
Yes, all new international students are required to complete the pre-arrival orientation before travel to the United States.
All International Excellence Award recipients are required to complete the pre-arrival orientation as part of their scholarship renewal terms.
Is there a deadline to complete the International Lumberjack Orientation? Accordion Closed
Please complete the pre-arrival orientation by December 15, 2023 to be entered into our orientation prize raffle.
Where do I submit the certificate of completion for the International Lumberjack Orientation? Accordion Closed
Upon completion of the modules, students should download the certificate of completion and submit to iorientation@nau.edu in order to satisfy scholarship requirements and to enter the prize raffle.
What steps should I take before I arrive at NAU for orientation? Accordion Closed
All students planning to attend in-person classes at the Flagstaff mountain campus should complete the different steps on the Admitted Student Checklist. Those include:
- Obtain a Student Visa
- Activate your LOUIE student account
- Submit a Housing Application for NAU Campus Living Communities
- Submit a Photo for your JacksCard
- Submit your MMR Immunization Records
- Submit your iNAU Immigration Documents
- Sign up for the CIE Flagstaff Airport Shuttle
In-Person Orientation at NAU
Is attendance at orientation mandatory? Accordion Closed
Yes, all new international students are required to attend international student orientation as mandated by the terms of their F-1 or J-1 student visa. As part of orientation, all new international students must complete an in-person check-in with an international student advisor from International Student & Scholar Services.
What date should I plan to arrive at NAU? Accordion Closed
The move-in date for NAU campus living communities is Tuesday, January 9, 2024. If you are living in an NAU campus living community and arrive earlier than January 9, you will need to make hotel arrangements at your own expense for your early arrival dates.
All international students (regardless of housing placement) should make plans to arrive in Flagstaff no later than Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
Where will orientation be held? Accordion Closed
International student orientation will include in-person check-in and important meetings at the NAU International Pavilion.
NAU Classes
When do NAU classes start? Accordion Closed
Classes for the Spring 2024 semester begin on Tuesday, January 16th.
How do I get enrolled in NAU classes? Accordion Closed
International students should begin the class registration process well before arriving at NAU as classes can fill quickly! Please review Step #5: get registered for classes on the Admitted Student Checklist for more information about class enrollment.
NAU Campus Living Communities (On-Campus Housing)
Is there a deadline for submitting an application for on-campus housing? Accordion Closed
Students should submit the Spring 2024 Only NAU Housing application as soon as possible after admission. Due to high demand and limited capacity, on-campus housing placements cannot be guaranteed for students who apply late.
On what date can I move into my NAU campus living community? Accordion Closed
The move-in date for NAU campus living communities is Tuesday, January 9, 2024. If you are living in an NAU campus living community and arrive earlier than the move-in date, you will need to make hotel arrangements at your own expense for your early arrival dates.
All international students (regardless of housing placement) should make plans to arrive in Flagstaff no later than Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
A few weeks prior to arrival at NAU, you should schedule your move-in appointment with NAU Campus Living for the date and approximate time of your arrival to campus.
Questions about your NAU housing application or room assignment can be sent to university.housing@nau.edu.
Do I need my JacksCard to move into my NAU campus living community? Accordion Closed
We recommend you have a Digital JacksCard installed on your phone prior to your arrival to NAU. However, international students can move into their NAU campus living community using their passports as a form of identification.
Are bed linens provided by NAU? Accordion Closed
Bedding is not provided by NAU. International students should consider bringing bed linens (sheet, pillow, blanket, etc.) with them or purchase them shortly after arrival. Students may also pre-order and ship bedding to our offices at the Center for International Education using the address below so that these items are available upon arrival:
Your Name
Blome Building
523 Knoles Dr.
Flagstaff, AZ
86011
Travel to Flagstaff
When can I enter the United States on my student visa? Accordion Closed
International students can legally enter the United States on their F1 or J1 student visa up to 30 days prior to the program start date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019 immigration document. However, international students should be aware that their international student health insurance coverage provided by NAU will not be active until January 1, 2024.
Additionally, students will be not be able to move-in to NAU campus living communities until Tuesday, January 9, 2024. If you plan to arrive in the US prior to the NAU move-in date, you should make all necessary arrangements for housing and medical coverage for your early arrival.
Can I fly directly to Flagstaff? Accordion Closed
Yes! The most convenient way to arrive at NAU is to fly directly to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. There are daily non-stop flights to Flagstaff from Dallas (DFS) and Phoenix through American Airlines. Students are highly recommended to arrange travel with Flagstaff as their final destination.
Can the Center for International Education pick me up from the airport? Accordion Closed
Yes! CIE will be providing a free airport shuttle to the NAU Campus for all flights arriving at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The airport shuttle is not available from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
Please email us at iorientation@nau.edu with a screenshot of your flight reservation to signup for this free service. NAU staff will pick you up at baggage claim and provide transportation directly to your NAU campus living community or private apartment. We are unable to provide transportation from the Phoenix airport.
How can I travel from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Flagstaff? Accordion Closed
Students with flights ending at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport have a few options available to them for final travel to Flagstaff.
- Book an additional flight to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to complete your travel. Multiple flights are available each day on American Airlines.
- Groome Transportation provides daily shuttle service from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Flagstaff with a drop-off location at the NAU Health & Learning Center. Students can also opt at the time of booking to pay extra for drop-off at a specific address such as the International Pavilion or an off-campus apartment in the Flagstaff community.
- FlixBus is another shuttle company, but the service to Flagstaff does not operate every day of the week.
- Ride-share services such as Uber or Lyft are not recommended due to the long distance and high cost.
Is there an emergency contact number available to me? Accordion Closed
Yes. Please use the numbers below to be connected directly to the Center for International Education if you experience an emergency during your travel to NAU for international student orientation.
Medical Emergency When Located Inside the United States: Dial 911
Non-Medical Emergency When Located Inside the United States: Dial 1-800-285-3943
Emergency When Located Outside the United States: Dial 1-602-234-9105
COVID-19
Is vaccination a requirement for entry to the United States? Accordion Closed
No. As of May 12, 2023, international air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. See more information.
Do I have to get a COVID-19 test before flying to the United States? Accordion Closed
No. While students should not travel if sick, there is no requirement for international air passengers to have a negative COVID-19 test result prior to boarding a flight to the United States.
Are COVID-19 vaccines available to new international students? Accordion Closed
Yes. COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are available. Vaccines available in the United States include Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.