Rutgers University proudly welcomed over 1,200 new international students this fall during its three-day International Student Orientation (ISO), held August 25–27, 2025, at Jersey Mike’s Arena and across campus. Nearly 150 parents and family members also attended, many of whom first connected with Rutgers through admitted student events and pre-departure programs hosted this summer in India and China. The final number of new international students will be confirmed in the weeks ahead.
A Warm Scarlet Welcome
Organized by Rutgers Global’s International Student Services (ISSS) team, led by Executive Director Mohini Mukherjee, ISO is designed to set up undergraduate and graduate students for success—both academically and socially. The program featured information sessions, social gatherings, shared meals, and practical support such as help with setting up bank accounts, obtaining Social Security numbers, and navigating key campus services.
“We were thrilled to welcome such a large cohort of new international students, along with many family members, to campus during ISO,” said Mukherjee. “Rutgers is proud to remain a popular destination of choice for many international students -- maintaining strong numbers on par with last year's cohort. Our team is excited and fully committed to supporting our newest Scarlet Knights throughout their journey at Rutgers and beyond."
Peer Leaders at the Heart of ISO
A defining feature of ISO is its team of Orientation Leaders (OLs)—many of them international students themselves—who serve as peer mentors for incoming students. They play a vital role in easing the transition to life at Rutgers by leading activities, offering guidance, and even producing helpful videos, including this one, a now-viral explainer on the Rutgers bus system, which has garnered over 50,000 views. (Get to know the Orientation Leaders in this video.)
One of this year’s OLs, Ashika Govindan, a sophomore majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering, shared her own journey during the welcome ceremony: “My parents are from Tamil Nadu, India, and I grew up across Asia in Shanghai, Beijing, and Mumbai. Just like most of you, I was sitting right there about a year ago, trying not to panic about not knowing anyone around me. But I’ve learned that once you spend enough time in one place, you’ll find a home. That idea brought me a lot of comfort, and I hope it does for you as well.”
Connecting Students to Campus Life
ISO also featured a Resource Fair with more than 40 campus units and student organizations, introducing students to the wide range of opportunities Rutgers offers. Initial survey responses from attendees have been overwhelmingly positive, with one student noting: “The first and second day of orientation were really helpful for me. The OLs and the speakers were very helpful and cooperative.”
Beyond Orientation: Building a Foundation for Success
Support for international students doesn’t end with ISO. This fall, more than 740 first-year international students will participate in RU-FYT (First-Year Transition), a one-credit, peer-taught course led by ISSS’s International Academic Support team. According to Anu Gupta, Assistant Dean Global for Academic Programs: “This course will develop a foundation for a well-rounded college experience by connecting students to resources, promoting engagement within and outside the course, and clearly communicating university expectations.”
A Community Effort
“The success of International Student Orientation is always a direct result of strong collaborations with our campus partners,” said Maya Sarno, Associate Director for Student Support. “From the moment these students first learn about Rutgers to the day they graduate, many Rutgers units play a role in helping them succeed, and we are deeply appreciative of their support.”
With another strong cohort of international students arriving this year, Rutgers continues to build on its mission of fostering a globally engaged, inclusive, and dynamic campus community.
See photos from our International Student Orientation.
Learn more about International Student Orientation.
