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Before your arrival to UM, you must complete the Pre-Orientation Checklist

The Pre-Orientation Checklist provides more information about logging into GrizPortal, activating your UMConnect (student) email address, applying for housing and more. You will first need to log into GrizPortal and activate your UM student account before you can apply for on campus housing.

Book flight to Missoula for Arrival Day

If you would like, you can plan to arrive in Missoula during the official Arrival Day, which for Fall 2026 begins on Tuesday, August 11 from 9:30AM (0930) and lasts until Wednesday, August 12 at 1AM (0100). This will give you some time to become familiar with campus and recover from traveling before beginning your academic work.

(MSO) is 6.1 miles west of Missoula. There are several daily flights into MSO. Please be sure that International Students and Scholars office knows your date of arrival and flight number by completing the . You should inform our office of any changes in your arrival plans as soon as possible.

(Airport Pickup Details)
If you sign up for the airport pickup service, prior to your flight ISS will send you a link to join our  airport pickup group chat so you can communicate any last-minute changes that could happen during your flight. This will enable us to accommodate changes when picking you up. Whatsapp messages are checked regularly to accommodate any last-minute changes. If you cannot download Whatsapp on your phone and join the group chat, please let us know at iss@umontana.edu that you cannot use WhatsApp, then ISS will rely on the information you submit in the Airport Pickup Form. 

When you arrive at the Missoula airport, one of our representatives will be waiting at the arrival area to welcome you and offer you a ride to campus. They will be holding a sign that says ‘UM International Students and Scholars’.    

*If you cannot arrive in the U.S. by the Program Start Date listed on your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", or DS-2019, "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status”, you must contact iss@umontana.edu as soon as you know or BEFORE crossing the U.S. border. This is because you will experience issues entering the U.S. if attempting to cross the border after the Program Start Date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. Please contact International Students & Scholars (ISS) and explain your circumstances. ISS will advise what is possible based on your situation. 

First night of lodging

Students who have applied for housing can stay in ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú Residence Halls during early arrival housing for a designated rate. See Housing for more information. Students who have not applied for housing must make housing arrangements. Here are some temporary housing suggestions if you are not staying in university housing.

Here are some hotel options:

*There are additional temporary housing and hotel options in Missoula near the airport, the university, or in town. Please feel free to search online for more options if needed.