Arrival and Orientation

Arrival Information

Please plan to arrive at Denison on one of the dates listed below for the Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters. If you arrive prior to these dates or outside of the scheduled campus check-in times on an arrival day, please plan to secure a hotel room.

Spring 2026

• January 17, 2026 - Arrival for international students/Transfer students

Fall 2026

• August 18, 2026 - Arrival for first-year international students participating in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program

• August 19, 2026 - Arrival for all other first-year international students

Arrival plans should be submitted via the Arrival & Airport Transportation Form in your Admitted Student Portal. 

**Notes** 

1. You will be able to move directly into your room upon arrival. 

2. Denison cannot provide accommodations for family members. Family will be able to reserve local inns or hotels on their own. Accommodations are available at area inns, hotels and bed & breakfast establishments. A list is available on our website. Also, please be aware that there is no public transportation in our area. The Granville Inn, Buxton Inn and some of the local Bed & Breakfast and Airbnb establishments are within a 20-25 minute walk. 

3. F-1 visa holders entering on an initial entry I-20 cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the start date on the I-20.

Orientation Programming

Spring Semester Transfer Students Only: Upon arrival, be sure to check in with our office. We'll connect you with our Global Ambassadors and ensure you have a smooth start. 

• January 18, 2026 - Transfer student orientation

• January 19, 2026 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities (classes not in session)

• January 20, 2026 - Spring 2026 semester classes begin

Fall Semester Only: Be sure to confirm your travel arrangements via the Arrival and Airport Transportation form in your Applicant Portal. Attendance at the International Welcome/Orientation is mandatory for all new international students.

• August 21, 2026 - Mandatory international student orientation session

• August 22-26, 2026 - Orientation with the First Year Experience Office

• August 26, 2026 - Induction of the Class of 2030

• August 27, 2026 - Fall 2026 semester classes begin

Denisonians coming from abroad will be able to arrive on campus a couple of days before the Orientation programming begins. The Center for Global Programs will help students settle into their residence halls, open bank accounts, apply for mobile phone services, and explore campus. Our mandatory International Orientation will be held the morning of August 21st. We look forward to seeing all of you then!

The Center for Global Programs employs students called Global Ambassadors who serve in a mentorship capacity to assist you in your transition to Denison. Our Global Ambassadors and International Orientation Arrival Assistants will welcome you when you arrive in Granville and help to guide you throughout your first semester on campus.