Welcome to Rider University!
We are happy to welcome you to our community! Please read this information carefully as it will help you plan for your arrival at Rider.
View our COVID-19 FAQ page for international students and scholars.
Important Dates
Pre-Orientation Information Sessions (Virtual)
Register for a virtual pre-orientation information session to learn more about the orientation schedule, review important documents, get a packing list, plus learn about course registration, health insurance and other requirements.
- August 14 at 10 a.m.
- August 21 at 10 a.m.
International Student Orientation (Mandatory)
Each new term, prior to move-in days, the Office of International Education hosts an orientation for international students. Participants are welcomed to campus, assisted in practical tasks such as purchasing items for your residence hall and opening bank accounts. They are also introduced to other international students, as well as Rider staff members and administrators. Social events, outings, and other activities are also organized during orientation.
In order to attend the International Student Orientation, the earliest you may arrive on campus and move into your room is check-in day. See Important Dates above to know when you can check-in.
Important: If you intend to arrive at Rider earlier than the scheduled check-in day, you will need to seek alternate accommodations as you will not be able to move into your room on campus. Please refer to the hotel listings.
All international students are required to attend the International Student Orientation.
If you think you will not be able to attend it due to problems booking a flight or other personal reasons, please contact the Office of International Education at [email protected] to let us know.
Fall 2023 Orientation Schedule
Tuesday, August 29
- 12:00 p.m. & 5 p.m. - Airport Pick Up (Newark Liberty International Airport) *Students arriving after 5:00 p.m. will need to make their own arrangements.
- 9 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. - New Student check-in BLC.
- 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. - DINNER: Daly’s Dining Hall *Delivery food in Commuter Lounge, BLC.
Wednesday, August 30
- 9:00 a.m. Breakfast at Daly’s
- 10:00 a.m. ID’s, mandatory paperwork, and PNC Bank
(Bank account application): Commuter Lounge - 11 a.m. - Campus Tour
- 12:30 p.m. - Lunch : Daly's Dining Hall
- 2:30 p.m. - Maintaining Status: NJM Room, BLC
Mandatory session - 3:30 p.m. - Safety & Security overview: NJM Room, BLC
- 4:00 p.m. - Center for Diversity: NJM Room, BLC
- 4:30 p.m. - Free time *Get ready for Target trip
- 5:30 p.m. - DINNER: Daly's Dining Hall
- 6:30 p.m. - Shuttles to Target: shopping for dorm room essentials - Pick up in front of BLC
- 8:30 p.m. - Shuttles return from Target
Thursday, August 31
- 9:00 a.m. Breakfast at Daly’s
- 10:00 a.m. - Community Standards: NJM Room, BLC
- 10:30 a.m. - Student Navigation Office: NJM Room
- 11:00 a.m. - How to work on campus?
Mandatory - 12:30 p.m. - Lunch : Daly's Dining Hall
- 2:00 p.m. - OIT review: NJM Room, BLC
- 3:00 p.m. - Counselor Center: NJM Room, BLC
- 3:30 p.m. - Health Services Overview: NJM Room, BLC
- 4:00 p.m. - Book store visit
- 5:30 p.m. - DINNER: Daly's Dining Hall
Friday, September 1
- 8:15 a.m. Breakfast at Daly’s
- 9:30 a.m. - Trip to New York City & Statue of Liberty
*Note: Lunch is on your own*
Weekend: September 2 - 5
Tuesday, September 5
- 12:30 p.m. - Welcome Luncheon
- Daly’s Dining Hall - Mercer Room
Wednesday, September 6
- First day of class
Legend
BLC – The Bart Luedeke Center (Student Center)
MCC – Multi Cultural Conference Room
SRC – Student Recreation Center
SWG - Sweigart Hall (Norm Brodsky College of Business)