ND NetID & Email Visa & Immigration Packing Advice Arriving at ND Orientation
Notre Dame NetID and Email
Once admitted, you will receive detailed information about your student ID, Net ID, and Notre Dame email address. After the admission decision has been sent and you have gained access to your ND email, all communication will be sent to your ND email account.
Visa and Immigration
All exchange and visiting international students are required to obtain a F-1 (ASAP program) or J-1 (exchange students) visa. Notre Dame International will provide the necessary documents (I-20 for F-1 students and DS-2019 for J-1 students) to obtain the visa. We also provide immigration related advising services to all F-1 and J-1 students. Please visit the ISSA website to find information on immigration and visa processing including Social Security, Academic Training, Working on Campus, and other immigration related topics. You should also familiarize yourself with their instructions on entering the United States and traveling to campus.
U.S. Immigration Updates: Click here for the latest updates related to immigration policy and Executive Orders, as they impact our F-1 and J-1 students.
Packing Advice
- Dormitories and off campus apartments usually do not provide linens, pillows, towels, or other personal items. You will either have to bring these items to campus or purchase them upon arrival.
- Please also keep in mind that winter in South Bend can be very cold and snowy (average temps range from -5 to - 15*C). You can find more information about the climate in South Bend here. You should consider bringing or purchasing a warm winter coat, boots, and other clothes to keep you warm.
- Make sure you pack enough toiletries to last you for the first couple of days or a week until you get a chance to shop for additional products at the convenient store near campus.
- Finally, you should bring necessary U.S. converters and adaptors for electrical outlets to be able to use your electronic devices on campus.
- Download our packing list for additional recommendations.
Arriving at ND
Your best options for airport arrival are the Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport, or South Bend International Airport. Keep in mind that you are allowed to arrive in the U.S. 30 days before your program start date. J-1 students may stay in the US 30 days after the program end date. F-1 students may stay 60 days after the program end date (this will be indicated on your DS-2019/I-20). Please visit our Academic Calendar to best plan out your arrival and departure dates.
There are a few ways to get to campus from the Chicago O’hare International Airport including taking the CTA Blue Line to downtown and hopping on the South Shore Train Line to South Bend Airport. You can also get a connecting flight into the South Bend Airport. Another option is to take a rideshare taxi with a group of friends and share the cost. Lastly, you can check the Greyhound bus schedule for limited bus times.
If you arrive in the US before the move-in date of your on- or off-campus housing, you will need to find additional accommodation such as a hotel. Here are a few recommended accommodations for temporary stay at Notre Dame:
- Morris Inn on the campus of Notre Dame
- Fairfield Inn on the edge of campus
- Sacred Heart Parish Center on campus
- Embassy Suites by Hilton on the edge of campus
Orientation
At the beginning of your program at Notre Dame, Notre Dame International (NDI) provides an International Student Orientation which is mandatory for ALL visiting international students. Even though this is a mandatory event, you will be required to sign up. In addition to the International Student Orientation, NDI also arranges various events, such as a welcome dinner for the visiting international student cohort.
Check-In
Please bring your passport and DS-2019 (for J-1 students) or I-20 (for F-1 students) with you. You will be able to complete your check-in for immigration registration during the orientation. If you are unable to do so or are arriving early, you may visit our office during office walk-in hours from 1-4 pm, Mondays-Fridays.
International Student Orientation
Orientation is required for students and allows you to meet your peers, discover resources on and off campus, and get acclimated with campus. To learn more about International Student Orientation, including dates and schedules, please visit the International Student Orientation website. If this site is not yet updated for the upcoming semester, check back in a few weeks. Please note, there is also a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) webpage that will give you additional information.
Welcome Weekend
Students in the visiting international student programs are permitted to participate in selected events of Notre Dame’s Freshmen and Transfer student Welcome Weekend (only applicable to Fall cohort). For a detailed list of events and activities that you can participate in, please review the schedule in the link above.