Pre-Arrival

Congratulations on your admission to the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point! 

You are officially a Pointer, and we could not be more delighted to welcome you to our community. 

As a newly admitted international student (yes—you!), there are several important and time‑sensitive steps for you to complete well before you arrive on campus. These tasks build on one another and help ensure a smooth arrival for you, while allowing UWSP to prepare to support you. 
 

What to Do and When

1. As Soon as possible: activate your UWSP IT Access

The Office of International Education (OIE) will send UWSP IT account activation instructions to the email address you used when applying to UWSP. Please follow these instructions carefully.  

Once you have successfully activated your account, send a brief “I did it!” confirmation email—from your new @uwsp.edu address—to Dr. Van Den Elzen at bvandene@uwsp.edu. (Yes, this is your first official homework as a Pointer and “Van Den Elzen” is his complete family name.) 

2. Next: apply for campus housing

UWSP is a residential campus, and all first- and second-year undergraduate students are required to live on campus in the university residence halls. Please visit UWSP Residential Living to complete your housing application and secure your place. 

Housing & Residence Life
3. Next: connect with your academic and career advising center (acac) advisor

OIE will introduce you to your assigned ACAC advisor via a message to your UWSP email account. After receiving this introduction, please follow up with your ACAC advisor by campus email to schedule your virtual advising appointment.  

If you are admitted for a fall semester (August) start, it is wise to have this conversation in April or May. If you are admitted for a spring semester (January) start, it is prudent to have this conversation in November. 

Visit the ACAC
4. Ongoing: Keep OIE Informed

Using your UWSP email account, please notify OIE 

  • When you have scheduled your student visa interview, and 
  • Once again to share the outcome of the interview. 

We like to stay in the loop—and it helps us support you more effectively. 

5. Soon after your visa is approved: book your flights

Once your visa is secured, you should book your travel. Travel guidance is available here: [link/content not ready]. 

6. ask questions (early and often!)

OIE is your partner throughout this journey. Feeling excited, curious, or a bit anxious is all part of the experience—and you are not alone. We are always happy to answer questions and encourage you, along with your loved ones, to stay in touch as you get ready to join us. 

7. always: check your UWSP email

You are off to a solid start! Please note that your @uwsp.edu email is UWSP’s official and primary communication channel. After completing Step 1, we expect you to monitor this email account daily for important information from OIE and the university. 

Approximately four weeks before the Recommended Arrival Dates on your admission letter, you will receive a comprehensive Pre‑Arrival Memo. Surprise! It will reach you via your campus email account 😊 
Please review the Pre-Arrival Memo carefully and reach out to Dr. Van Den Elzen with any questions. 

We very much look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to UW–Stevens Point! 

Warm regards, 
The Office of International Education