Transitioning to MICA & Baltimore

Transitioning to the USA

During your First-Year Student Orientation, international students will meet their Orientation Leaders and MICA staff to learn about transitioning to MICA and, if you hold an F-1 Visa, we'll tell you what you need to know! 

All F-1 and J-1 students must arrive in time for Orientation and check-in with the Office of International Education upon arrival by completing the F1 Student Fall Check-In Form.

For the most up-to-date information on your arrival to the US, visa regulations, and vaccination information for international students, please see the FAQs for Newly Admitted Students. US immigration regulations allow new F or J students to enter the US up to 30 days prior to the program start date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019. These regulations also require all new F and J students to attend orientation. MICA is responsible for making sure the content of the orientation meets regulations and attendance is documented. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at US airports might allow students to enter past the program start date listed on their l-20s or DS-2019s, but entry is at their discretion. In addition, it is often stressful and not possible to settle in appropriately or meet all visa and academic requirements if arriving late, such as attending orientations and classes. The inability to meet all of these requirements can jeopardize a student's F-1 or J-1 status.

On-Campus Housing

Move-in dates and times for students will be shared by the Office of Residence Life and Off-Campus Housing. Move-in dates may differ depending on whether you are a first-year undergraduate student, a transfer student, or a graduate student. When you arrive, please check in at Founders Green. If you are not able to arrive during your scheduled move-in date, please contact the International Education Office at internationaleducation@mica.edu or +1 410-225-2243. The International Education Office looks forward to welcoming you to MICA at Orientation!