Welcome to International Early Arrival Housing!

You will be living in a shared space, so you will have a roommate while living in International Early Arrival Housing

If you are needing to go shopping, the shopping areas nearest to campus are: 

• Stadium Village (east of campus)
• Dinkytown (north of campus)
  • There is a mini-Target in Dinkytown (1329 5th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414) that is near campus. It has most of the items most frequently need after they arrive.
• Cedar-Riverside (on the west bank of the Mississippi River)

There are also a number of concentrated shopping areas that are a short bus/car ride away:

• The Quarry: Grocery store and general retail stores including Target
• Rosedale Shopping Center: Enclosed shopping center with over 150 specialty shops and restaurants
• HarMar Mall: 45 connected stores including a bookstore, groceries, apparel, and home goods
• Mall of America: The largest shopping mall in the U.S. that has 520 stores, 50 restaurants, and an amusement park

Dining on Campus

Most of the dining halls operated on campus will not be open until shortly before the start of school. Some of the restaurants in Coffman Union are open for limited hours (Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A, Panda Express, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Minnesota Marketplace, and Goldy’s Gameroom).

M Food Co.

Getting Around On Campus

You do not need a car when traveling on the University of Minnesota campus. The University of Minnesota has a free bus system that connects all areas of campus. Parking & Transportation Services also has information about biking, using scooters, and walking on campus.

Parking and Transportation Services

GETTING TO CAMPUS FROM THE AIRPORT

There are multiple transportation options from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, including light rail, buses, taxis, and ride services. 

A quick, easy way to get from the airport to the East Bank campus (estimated trip time: 35 minutes):

• Take the Blue Line light rail to U.S. Bank Stadium station in downtown Minneapolis.
• Transfer to the Green Line.
• Get off at the East Bank station.

New international students can get a FREE, one-time pass to take the light rail or bus from the airport if arriving August 17–24, 2023. You will need to show the pass when you board public transportation. Get your pass.

Going Off Campus

When going off campus, Metro Transit operates the transit (bus/light rail) system throughout the Twin Cities. Most areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul are accessible by bus although you may need to change buses at some point and schedules can vary.

Metro Transit

The ISSS website has additional information about driving and biking options.

International Student and Scholar Services and Housing & Residential Life have arranged several programs to help you have fun, learn more about campus, and prepare for the academic year.

Global Tea Time

Join other international students each week for Global Tea Time, a time for you to relax and talk to other students who are also arriving at the University of Minnesota. On August 24 (for a special conclusion), we will be playing Graduate the U. This board game was created by UMN alumni, and it will let you learn about the places and choices you will experience while at the University of Minnesota.

• Date/Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00-2:00 p.m. (13:00-14:00) on August 8-August 24
• Location: Frontier Hall, 1st floor Lounge

Additional Activities

• PAWS (Pet Away Worry and Stress)  on 8/9
  • Coffman Memorial Union Mississippi Room at 11AM
  • Meet in Frontier Hall Lobby at 10:50AM! 
• UMN Farmers Market on 8/16
  • Alumni Center at 11AM
  • Meet in Frontier Hall Lobby at 10:50AM! 
• Optional Recreation and Wellness Center (RecWell) Tour
  • After Global Tea Time 8/22 and 8/24

Global Gopher Experiences

The Global Gopher Experiences schedule for Summer and Fall 2023 includes exciting workshops and events just for new international students! Make new friends and learn about the resources available at the University of Minnesota during these virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
 

Global Gopher Experiences Welcome Week

RECWELL (Recreation and Wellness)

RecWell is giving all new international students early access until August 26. Bring your U Card or a photo ID to check in.

All fee-paying students are automatically a member through the student services fee with access starting on August 27. If you have any questions about hours or what is available at RecWell, please review the RecWell website.

COMPLETE REQUIRED ISSS CHECK-IN

Once you arrive in the United States, you will need to complete your ISSS Check-In. More information can be found in the International Student Preparation Course or on the ISSS New Student Welcome Page.

Off-Campus Housing

• Off Campus Living Office
• Off-Campus Housing Listings
   

Bias Response and Referral Network (BRRN)

A resource for individuals to report when they experience bias, harassment, or other forms of discrimination. BRRN refers students, faculty, and staff to support resources and monitors the incidents on campus.

Access the Bias Response and Referral Network

Your move-out date will be determined based on where you will live during the school year. You can move out earlier than the dates listed below, but you cannot stay longer. We will send you an email with more information as Move-Out approaches.

• Students moving to an on-campus apartment: Students moving into Keeler, Wilkins, Radius, or Yudof can move in on August 15. Your housing contract begins then, so you will not be charged for IEAH after that date.
• Students moving into a residence hall : You can choose to move into your academic year assignment beginning on Tuesday, August 22. If you need transportation assistance from Frontier Hall, we will have a bus available on August 25.
• Students moving to Bailey Hall: You will move into a temporary space in Bailey Hall on Friday, August 25. You will then move into your fall assignment on Sunday, August 27.
• Students moving off-campus: You must move out by 7:00 pm, Friday, August 25. NO exceptions will be allowed; this is necessary so we can prepare our spaces for the academic year. You should contact your landlord (the person/company you will be renting from) to determine if you will be able to move in on the 25 or if you will need to find additional temporary housing.