The Pre-Orientation Checklist below is a set of steps that all new international students (transfers included) at UM's Mountain Campus or Missoula College must complete BEFORE they attend International Student Orientation. You are considered a first-time international student even if transferring to UM from another university or high school in the USA, and must follow these steps:

1. Complete Airport Pickup Form

Please complete the AIRPORT PICKUP FORM if you'd like to be picked up and given a ride to your accommodations at UM during the Arrival Days, which is January 10th for Spring 2024.

2. Log Into Cyberbear

• You will need to login to CyberBear before anything else, as this is where you will be asked to create your own password.
• Your NetID and password will be used to access all areas within http://my.umt.edu such as your student email, Moodle, the course catalog, the UM Housing application and much more.
• Log into your CyberBear account using your NetID as your username. You can find your NetID using the online NetID Lookup Tool.
• If you have never logged in with your NetID, your initial password is the last six digits of your UM ID number (begins with 790).
• After logging in for the first time you will be prompted to create your own password. You only need to do this one time.
• If you experience NetID login problems please contact the IT Central Help Desk at (406) 243-HELP (x4357) Mon - Fri 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. MST.

3. Activate UMConnect Email

Log into your UMConnect Student Email account and check it regularly.

UMConnect serves as the official means of communication between students and the University of Montana, including information about registration, tuition and fees notifications, urgent announcements, notices from the President and more.

To log into your UMConnect account, you will use the same NetID and password that you use to access Cyberbear. If you prefer to forward this email to your personal account, you can learn How to Forward Your UMConnect Email here.

4. Apply for Housing

• Visit myHousingPortal to complete your housing contract and select your room preferences if you plan on living in the on-campus residence halls at UM
• Once your application is processed, UM Housing will email your room assignment to your official UM email address
• You will select your preferred meal plan on the housing application.  Visit the UM Dining website for details on your options.
• If you haven't had the chance to see any of our residence halls in person, check out these virtual tours to learn about your options. 

5. Clear Your Medical Holds

Curry Health Center must receive documentation of MMR vaccines or the equivalent and screening for tuberculosis exposure BEFORE you are allowed to register for classes at UM. You can easily do this via our Health Portal. 

• Go to our Health Portal.  
• Log in using your Net ID.
• Click on the Forms Tab and complete the Tuberculosis Questionnaire form.
  • If you answer yes to any of the questions you must be screened for TB at a United States medical facility.  This may be done at Curry Health Center.
  • Acceptable tests are:  PPD skin test (if positive include reading in millimeters), QuantiFERON or T-Spot. You can enter these results under the Immunization Tab and upload the scanned TB test via the Upload Tab.
• The State of Montana also requires you to submit proof of 2 MMR vaccines, or 2 doses rubeola and rubella or IgG titers for both rubeola and rubella.
  • Please enter the dates you received these vaccines or titers under the Immunizations Tab.
  • Upload a copy of your immunizations via the Upload Tab.
• Once we receive your uploaded immunization records and Tuberculosis Questionnaire we will review your information and notify you via the Health Portal of your clearance to register.
• You may contact the Curry Health Center directly at medreception@mso.umt.edu or (406) 243-4330 for questions.

6. Health Insurance

The Montana University System requires all students taking six (6) or more credits, and paying mandatory fees, to have and maintain major medical insurance while they are attending school each fall/spring semester. This includes international students on F and J visas. 

For international students on J-1 visas specifically, they are required to have medical insurance that meets US Department of State requirements mandated by federal law for the duration of their J-1 program at UM.  

J-1 Health Insurance Requirements:

• Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness 
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
• Medical evacuation expenses to home country in the amount of $50,000
• Deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

Please remember all F-1 and J-1 international students have the option to purchase the UM Student Insurance. This is a high quality insurance plan that exceeds all of the minimum requirements for the J-1 visa listed above, and is recommended for all F-1 and J-1 students attending the University of Montana. If you are a J-1 student, you must provide proof of an insurance plan that meets the above requirements to the Global Engagement Office upon your arrival to UM during International Student Orientation. If you cannot provide proof of the required insurance during International Student Orientation, GEO has recommendations for alternative plans that meet J-1 requirements. Students will be given one week to purchase adequate coverage and provide proof to GEO in order to continue with their J-1 program at UM. 

7. Submit Photo Online for Griz Card

Get ready to smile! Head to the Griz Card Photo Submission Page to upload a photo for your UM Student ID.

New students should submit their photo before attending an orientation program so you can skip the hassle of waiting in line.

If you submit your photo in advance we will have your ID card ready for you to pick up at check-in. You will need a government issued photo ID to pick up your Griz Card.

The $15 fee for your card will be applied to your first semester bill in CyberBear.

8. New Student Orientation

The University of Montana's New Student Orientation (NSO) provides more of the information you need to transition to campus and starts following the required International Student Orientation. The NSO orientation and transition experience extends beyond course registration; it delivers relevant and informative programming to prepare students for success.