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Global Engagement Office

Start Here

The Pre-Orientation Checklist is the most important and comprehensive set of steps that all new international students (transfers included) 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:

Step 1: Apply For Visa

Before taking any other actions, ensure you follow the comprehensive set of directions in Applying for a Visa to give yourself the best chance of obtaining your visa in time to start your program at UM. Do not wait to begin this process; it is extremely time sensitive. Start as soon as you have been issued your primary immigration document (Form I-20, or Form DS-2019) from UM. If another organization is sponsoring your visa (ISEP or Fulbright for example), you must correspond directly with your contact in that organization to understand how to proceed with your visa process.

Step 2. Log Into GrizPortal

You must log in to GrizPortal before doing anything else. This is where you will create your password.

Why This Is Important

Your NetID and password give you access to all University of Montana systems, including:

  • UM student email
  • Canvas (UM's learning management system for online, hybrid, and in-person classes)
  • Course registration
  • UM Housing application
  • Other student services in My UM

How to Log In for the First Time

  1. Go to GrizPortal.
  2. Use your NetID as your username.
  3. If this is your first time logging in, your temporary password is the last six digits of your UM ID number (your UM ID begins with 790).
  4. After you log in, you will be asked to create your own password.
    • You only need to do this one time.
    • Write down your password somewhere safe and secure.  

Need Help Logging In?

If you have trouble with your NetID or password, contact the IT Central Help Desk:

  • Phone: (406) 243‑HELP (4357)
  • Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9am - noon and 1-4pm, Friday, 9am - noon and 1-3pm (Mountain Time)
  • Email: ithelpdesk@umontana.edu

Step 3. Apply for Housing

Housing for Degree‑Seeking Students (Undergraduate and Graduate)

If you plan to live on campus at the University of Montana, follow these steps:

  1. Visit UM Housing to review your housing options.
  2. When you are ready, select Apply Now.
  3. Log in to the myHousingPortal to:
    • Complete your housing contract
    • Select your room preferences
  4. After your application is processed, UM Housing will email your room assignment to your official UM email address.
  5. You will choose your meal plan during the housing application (if applicable). Visit the UM Dining website to review meal plan options.
  6. Graduate students typically apply to University Villages or Lewis and Clark Village which are a 10-to-20-minute walk from campus.
  7. University Village is designed to accommodate students with families (spouses and/or children).
  8. Stidents can view descriptions and photos of Lewis and Clark Village and University Villages which are located off campus but still close to the university. 
  9. Explore your options using the virtual residence hall tours. 

Housing for Non‑Degree Exchange Students (Undergraduate and Graduate)

Housing application instructions for Partner or ISEP exchange (non‑degree) students are specific to their program. 

Please visit the Partner and ISEP Housing, Meals, and Early Arrival page for detailed information and instructions on how to apply for housing per your specific ISEP or Partner exchange program at UM. 

Step 4. Complete Airport Pickup Form

Please complete the Airport Pickup Form (by August 5) if you would like a free ride from the Missoula airport to your housing on Arrival Day for Fall 2026.

Arrival Day Pickup Hours

  • Tuesday, August 11: 9:30 AM (0930)
  • Wednesday, August 12: until 1:00 AM (0100)
  • Time zone: Mountain Time

If you arrive outside these hours, you must arrange your own transportation. Please review Arrival to UM for other options.

Airport Pickup Details

  • If you sign up, ISS will email you a link to join our WhatsApp airport pickup group chat before your flight.
  • The WhatsApp chat allows you to tell us about flight delays or last‑minute changes.
  • Messages are checked regularly on Arrival Day.
  • If you cannot use WhatsApp, email iss@umontana.edu as soon as possible. In this case, ISS will use only the information you provide in the Airport Pickup Form.

What to Expect at the Airport

  • An ISS representative will meet you in the arrival area of the Missoula airport.
  • They will be holding a sign that says “UM International Students and Scholars.”
  • They will take you directly to campus or your housing.

⚠️ Important Immigration Reminder

If you cannot arrive in the U.S. by the Program Start Date listed on your Form I‑20 or DS‑2019, you must contact iss@umontana.edu as soon as you know and before crossing the U.S. border.

Arriving after your program start date can cause problems entering the U.S. ISS will review your situation and tell you what options are available.

Step 5. Submit Medical Records

Curry Health Center must receive your tuberculosis (TB) screening and Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine/immunization records before you can register for classes at UM. In some cases, students may be allowed to register for their first semester only while the health requirement hold is still on their account.

You can submit everything online through the Curry Health Center Patient Portal.

How to Complete the Health Requirements

Step 1: Log In to the Health Portal

  1. Go to the Patient Portal.
  2. Log in using your NetID.

Step 2: Complete the Tuberculosis (TB) Questionnaire

  1. Click the Forms tab.
  2. Complete the Tuberculosis Questionnaire.
  • If you answer “Yes” to any question, you must complete a TB test at a U.S. medical facility.
  • Testing can be done at Curry Health Center.

Accepted TB tests:

  • PPD skin test (if positive, include reading in millimeters)
  • QuantiFERON blood test
  • T‑Spot blood test

How to submit TB results:

  • Enter results under the Immunizations tab
  • Upload a scanned copy under the Upload tab

Step 3: Submit MMR Vaccine Records

The State of Montana requires proof of:

  • Two (2) MMR vaccines, OR
  • Two doses of rubeola and rubella, OR
  • IgG titers for both rubeola and rubella

How to submit MMR records:

  1. Enter vaccine or titer dates under the Immunizations tab.
  2. Upload a copy of your records under the Upload tab.

After You Submit

  • Curry Health Center will review your documents.
  • You will be notified through the Health Portal once you are cleared to register for classes.

Questions or Help

Contact Curry Health Center:

  • Email: medreception@mso.umt.edu
  • Phone: (406) 243‑4330

Step 6. Purchase Health Insurance

All students at the University of Montana who are enrolled in 6 or more credits and pay mandatory student fees are required by the Montana University System to have major medical health insurance during each fall and spring semester.

This requirement includes all international students, including those on F‑1 and J‑1 visas.

UM Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

All F‑1 and J‑1 international students have the option to purchase the UM Student Health Insurance Plan.

  • This is a high‑quality insurance plan
  • It meets and exceeds all J‑1 visa requirements
  • It is strongly recommended for international students at UM
  • Students will be prompted to either purchase or waive SHIP in their Admitted Student Checklist
  • If you did not receive a prompt, you can purchase, or waive SHIP on Curry Health Center's Insurance website

Alternative Health Insurance Provider for International Students

International Student Insurance is a quality provider of health insurance plans tailored to the needs of international students studying at UM with varying options and levels of coverage for both F and J visa holders. Click the link below to review their options, and be sure to contact them directly if you have questions.

Proof of Insurance Requirement (J‑1 Students)

If you are a J‑1 student, you must provide proof of health insurance that meets J-1 Health Insurance Requirements to the Global Engagement Office (GEO) before departing your home country and arriving to UM. Please email your proof of health insurance to iss@mso.umt.edu for review. 

If You Do Not Have Health Insurance (F-1 and J-1)

  • Please visit the UM Health Insurance Requirement website
  • The website provides an approved insurance option (International Student Insurance) that meets J‑1 requirements and is recommended for F-1 students
  • You will be given one week after arrival to:
    • Purchase appropriate coverage
    • Submit proof of insurance to GEO
    • Failure to provide proof within one week of arrival at UM may affect your ability to continue your program at UM

It is every F1 or J1 student's individual responsibility to ensure they have adequate health insurance for the duration of their entire program at UM.

Step 7. Get UM Student Identification Card (Griz Card)

Mobile Griz Card

All new incoming students will be issued a digital ("Mobile") credential as their first Griz Card identification. Physical Griz Cards will be provided as an alternative only when a mobile device is unavailable.  Only one form of Griz Card will work at a time. When you enroll in the Mobile Credential program, your traditional Griz Card will turn off.

To start the process of getting a Griz Card, please click here to collect your Mobile Griz Card.

Photo Requirements

There are detailed photo requirements outlined and examples shown on the online photo submission site.

If you choose to have your photo taken when you visit the office, the following photo requirements apply:

  • Griz Card Center suggests wearing a non-white shirt for the photo.
  • Eyeglasses can be worn if normally used by the individual.
  • Hats, headpieces and scarves may be included if worn daily for religious purposes; they should not obscure or cast shadows on the eyes or any other part of the face.
  • Hands and other objects cannot be in the photo.

Payment

The $35 fee for your card will be applied to your first semester bill in GrizPortal.

Photo ID (In Person Pick-up)

When picking up a physical Griz Card, you must present a photo ID; we must verify your identity before issuing a card. Acceptable forms of photo ID include: a federal or state Government issued identification (ex: driver's license), a passport, military ID or other government-issued photo ID. 

Step 8. Activate UMConnect Student Email

Steps to Activate Account

Follow these steps to log into your UM Connect Student Email account:

  • Click on My UM
  • Under Student Links, click on UM Connect Student Email 
  • Enter your NetID and password (same one you used to log into GrizPortal)

 If you prefer to forward this email to your personal account, you can learn How to Forward Your UMConnect Email 

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.

More detailed information can be found on the UM Information Technology website. 

Contact IT Help Desk for Support

  • Phone: (406) 243‑HELP (4357)
  • Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9am - noon and 1-4pm, Friday, 9am - noon and 1-3pm (Mountain Time)
  • Email: ithelpdesk@umontana.edu

Step 9. Register for New Student Orientation "Big Sky Experience"

Big Sky Experience & New Student Orientation

All new students are encouraged to participate in the Big Sky Experience, the University of Montana’s New Student Orientation (NSO) program.

  • Degree‑seeking students: Register through your Admitted Student Checklist 
  • Nondegree students: You will receive a registration link by email.

The Big Sky Experience takes place after International Student Orientation and helps you transition to campus life. It goes beyond course registration and provides important information, resources, and activities to prepare you for success at UM.

We strongly recommend that all students participate.

Step 10. Register for Academic Courses

Register for Classes Before Arrival

Before you arrive at the University of Montana, you must register for your classes.

Exchange students: Please find your acadmic advisor on the Important Registration Information document included in your acceptance email. 

Degree-seeking students: Contact your academic advisor by email as soon as possible to schedule a meeting. Your academic advisor is your primary resource for:

  • Course selection
  • Degree requirements
  • The registration process at UM

You can also learn more about registration on GEO’s Academic Information website.

Registration deadlines:

  • Fall semester start: Register by July 1
  • Spring semester start: Register by December 1

Who is my academic advisor?