Please review your admission letter for recommended arrival dates and plan to arrive on or before the final arrival date listed. Arriving on time ensures you can fully participate in orientation and begin your academic journey smoothly. 

We strongly recommend booking your flight all the way to Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA). 

• CWA is a regional airport, which means you’ll connect through at least one larger U.S. airport on your way here. 

• If you fly into CWA, a member of the Office of International Education (OIE) team will meet you at the airport and provide free transportation to your residence hall. 

• Most flights arrive in the late afternoon or evening—but don’t worry! Late‑night CWA pickups are a proud UWSP tradition. 😊 

If you choose to fly to a different airport, you will be responsible for making your own way to campus. Please note: 

• Ground transportation options are limited, slow, and often expensive. 

• Arriving elsewhere might make sense if friends or family can drive you to campus. 

• For most students, flying directly to CWA is simply the easiest (and least stressful) option. 

If you arrive at CWA: 

• An OIE team member will meet you at the airport and help you locate your luggage. 

• They’ll then drive you to campus (about 30 km / 20 minutes). 

• Once on campus, they’ll help you find your residence hall and room. 

If you arrive by ground transportation: 

Those arriving by car, bus, or other ground transportation should notify the Office of International Education of their arrival plans in advance. A member of the OIE team will meet you on campus at your designated arrival location. 

• Arrival Dates: Your arrival on campus must occur on or before the final arrival date indicated in your UWSP admission letter. 

• Upon Arrival: An OIE staff member will greet you on campus and assist you with locating your residence hall and room. 

Upon arrival, you will have the option to purchase an OIE Bed Kit, which includes: 

• A blanket 

• Pillow 

• Sheet set 

• Bath and face towels 

• A temporary SIM/eSIM 

Your room will have campus‑wide free Wi‑Fi, accessible using your UWSP login—no password puzzles required. 

International Student Orientation is a multi‑day program designed to help you feel confident and comfortable as you begin life at UWSP. 

What to expect: 

• Orientation usually starts with a group breakfast (yes, food is involved right away ☕🥐). 

• Orientation sessions focus on topics that are essential to your transition—academic life, immigration requirements, and being a successful Pointer. We also discuss medical care, medical insurance, and banking. 

• Orientation programming typically ends around midday, and lunch is provided. 

• Afternoons and evenings are free for exploring campus and the community with your new classmates. 

Because orientation includes required immigration and university compliance information, attendance is mandatory. Students who arrive late or do not attend orientation will be disenrolled, and their admission will be canceled. We really don’t want that to happen—so please plan carefully! 

loved ones are welcome!

Family members and loved ones are welcome to attend orientation programs. A couple of helpful notes: 

1. On‑campus lodging is not available for guests. We’re happy to share information about local hotels that offer discounts for UWSP-affiliated guests. 

2. Please let Dr. Van Den Elzen know if your loved ones will attend orientation. This helps us plan spaces and meals—thank you! 

International Student Orientation takes place a few days before most new U.S. students arrive on campus. We finish orientation in time for you to participate fully in Campus Welcome Activities. 

We strongly encourage you to attend all new student programming. These events are one of the best ways to: 

• Meet fellow Pointers 

• Learn your way around campus 

• Familiarize yourself with campus resources 

• Start feeling at home 

The first day of classes follows Campus Welcome Activities, giving you time to settle in before academics begin.