Office of New Student Orientation & Academic Initiatives

International Student Orientation

Daily Digest

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Hello International Students of

the Class of 2030!

Welcome to your last day of International Student Orientation! Below you'll find more information about today's events. Events bolded and marked [MANDATORY] are events that you must attend. Traditional undergraduate New Student Orientation (NSO) also begins today.

If you have any questions or would like to know more information about any of New Student Orientation (NSO), look for our well-trained Orientation Leaders, PHINS (Peers Helping Integrate New Students) all around campus in light blue and navy blue t-shirts.

Today's Calendar

International Student Help Table

Houston Hall, Main Lobby | 9:30am-3pm 

Just arrived on campus? Have all your questions answered here at the international student help table! ISSS advisors and our PHINS will address any concerns regarding where to go and what to do.

Avoiding Cultural and Social Missteps in the U.S.

3935 Walnut St, 6th Floor | 10am-11am 

New to U.S. culture? This session helps you recognize and avoid common cultural misunderstandings, so you can communicate more effectively and respectfully in social and academic settings.

Register here

Campus Tour Through Scavenger Hunt

The Button in front of Van Pelt Library | 1pm-3pm 

Rain Location: Lauder Movie Room

Get better acquainted with the campus by going on this scavenger hunt! You will be assigned to a team with a PHINS leader and the first team to complete all the missions will be rewarded with prizes!

Dining Café Hours For Wednesday, August 19

Dining café hours throughout the week of NSO can be viewed on the Penn Dining website. The options for today are listed below. 

Breakfast (for students only): 7am-10am

Hill College House, 1920 Commons, and Kings Court English House (Halal available) 

Lunch: 11am-4:30pm

Hill College House, 1920 Commons, Lauder College House, Kings Court English House (Halal available), and Falk Hillel (Kosher available)

Dinner: 5pm-8pm

Hill College House, 1920 Commons, Lauder College House, Kings Court English House (Halal available), and Falk Hillel (Kosher available)

TAP Phase 2 is Live Today!

Your in-person attendance at the mandatory NSO events are required during Phase 2.

Failure to attend mandatory NSO events could result in a registration hold placed on your student record, and you’ll be unable to register for your Spring 2027 courses.