Undergraduate International Student Orientation

On behalf of the Office of Student Belonging, we would like to congratulate and welcome you to Montclair State University!

Orientation Requirements for Undergraduate International Students

1. Register for the Orientation Experience

Now open! You can access the orientation registration portal in NEST.

2. Complete New to the NEST - Online Orientation Course

About the Course

New to the NEST will open May 2023 – students will be automatically added into the Canvas course within two to three business days of NetID activation.

This course is for new students accepted for the Fall 2023 semester.

In addition to Welcome Week, you need to complete New to the NEST course via Canvas, Montclair State University’s online learning platform.

This course consists of a series of modules that will introduce you to all the resources available to you as a student at Montclair State. The completion of this course is mandatory for all new students.

You can log in to Canvas with your NetID and password to access the course.

IMPORTANT: If you do not have a NetID yet, you will not be able to access the course. Please visit the New Student Checklist and Information page and follow the instructions for the “Activate your NetID” step.

New to Canvas?


Canvas is used to publish course materials, create assignments and quizzes, foster interaction, and more.

Log in to Canvas with your NetID and password to access the course. For help with accessing your NetID and password, visit the NetID Account Management Center. You can also check out the Canvas Student Information web page for more information about the Canvas platform.

IT recommends using Google Chrome or FireFox for Canvas for the best web performance. You can also access Canvas from your phone via the app for iPhone or Android.

3. Complete New Student Webinars (June-July)

New Student Webinars titled “Orientation+” will be available between June and July for new students to complete.

Meet the administrators in your College or School, Red Hawk Central, and the Student Development & Campus Life who will present an overview of new student requirements and resources to jump-start your semester at Montclair State University.

4. Finish the New Student Checklist

Revisit the New Student Checklist and Information page and make sure you have either reviewed or completed all the next steps needed to be a successful new Red Hawk!

This may include steps necessary to activating your NetID, obtaining your student ID card, and completing mandatory health requirements.

5. Attend Welcome Week

Welcome Week is your chance to meet new friends, your Orientation Leader, and complete your final Orientation requirement.

  • Participate in a variety of campus traditions and meet other students
  • Engage with clubs, organizations and various departments
  • More information will be shared this summer!
6. Attend Your Undergraduate International Orientation Session

The Office of Global Engagement hosts mandatory Orientation Sessions for students holding a F-1 or J-1 visa.  All students will receive communication from the Office of Global Engagement and must add the International Orientation Session to their schedule during Welcome Week.

More information can be found here.