University of Wisconsin–Madison
Three students stand in the forefront of the image, smiling for the camera. The logo to the top left reads "SOAR. Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration."

International and Virtual Students

Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) is designed to help you successfully navigate your transition as a new Badger. This required program is held for incoming undergraduate students at UW–Madison and includes two core components:

  • Academics & Course Enrollment
  • Student Life & Transition

You must attend the full program to enroll in fall semester courses. Program details vary by student group. 

Register for SOAR

Quick Links

During Virtual SOAR Students Will

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At left, Cross-College Advising Service academic advisor Rebecca Kubacki assists an incoming first-year student during the advising portion of the Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) program at College Library at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on July 31, 2024. Coordinated by the Center for the First-Year Experience, the two-day SOAR sessions provide new students and their parents and guests opportunities to learn about campus resources, connect with fellow first-year students, meet with advisors, register for classes, and explore campus. (Photo by Althea Dotzour / UW–Madison)

Meet with an academic advisor

You’ll work with a specific SOAR Advising Group. Your SOAR Advising Group will connect you with personalized academic advising from someone who is knowledgeable about your areas of interest.
Instructions about how to set up your appointment will be emailed to you closer to your SOAR session.

Learn More About Academic Advising at SOAR
Bryant Ansley, an incoming first-year student from Waukesha, Wisc. who is entering the College of Letters and Science, looks at a possible class schedule for fall semester during the advising portion of the Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) program at College Library at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on July 31, 2024. Coordinated by the Center for the First-Year Experience, the two-day SOAR sessions provide new students and their parents and guests opportunities to learn about campus resources, connect with fellow first-year students, meet with advisors, register for classes, and explore campus. (Photo by Althea Dotzour / UW–Madison)

Enroll in their first semester courses

Students will successfully enroll in their first semester with a full-time student credit load that meets their degree requirements.

Learn More About Academic Advising at SOAR
UW Events APP Image

Engage in orientation and transition programming

Students will be able to access our virtual SOAR program through the UW Events App.

Download the app to:

  • Learn more about campus resources
  • Sign up for your required small group
  • Attend information sessions
  • Attend live Q & A sessions
Download the App for IOS ​ ​
Download the App for Android ​ ​
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If you cannot access the UW Events App, visit the Virtual Student landing page for more information.

SOAR for International Students

For the SOAR program, international students are defined as degree-seeking students holding an F-1 or J-1 visa. Additionally, SOAR defines first-year (freshmen) students whose last school attended was high school, and transfer students as students whose last school attended was another college or university.

Most international students will attend SOAR virtually, with three sessions offered throughout the summer. Students do not need to be available for the full week of their session; however, students should have a few available times throughout the week as they will meet with an advisor and academic college.

International students already studying in the United States are eligible to attend SOAR in-person throughout the summer. International students residing in the United States interested in attending SOAR in-person will follow the same SOAR schedule as domestic students: either a one-day transfer SOAR schedule or a two-day first-year (freshman) SOAR schedule. 

If you’d like to attend SOAR in person, please email us for more details.

Additional Required International Student Orientation (Online)

In addition to the SOAR program, international students are required to complete an online International Student Orientation (ISO) through International Student Services. Orientation components for international students include:

  • Check-in with International Student Services (ISS) for document scanning via Terra Dotta 
  • Complete ISO modules on Canvas
  • Optional ISS Welcome Events

Look for more information on your transition to UW–Madison in your New Student Newsletters from International Student Services (ISS).