The session, scheduled for Thursday, December 18, will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will take place at the US Consulate General, located at 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos. The programme is open to Nigerian students who already hold valid US student visas.
The announcement was made on Monday via the US Mission in Nigeria’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. According to the notice, interested participants are required to register in advance through an online form made available on the Mission’s X page.
The orientation is aimed at equipping students with practical knowledge and firsthand insights to ease their transition into the American academic and social environment. EducationUSA alumni currently studying at various US institutions will lead the sessions, sharing personal experiences and guidance on navigating campus life.
According to the organisers, participants will receive information on managing culture shock, building healthy relationships with professors, making new friends, and securing on-campus employment. Other topics to be covered include maintaining academic excellence, avoiding unhealthy weight gain often referred to as the “Freshman 15,” and exploring opportunities such as becoming a resident adviser, joining honours programmes, and getting on the Dean’s List.
The programme will also address career-related issues, including how to apply for internships, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT), as well as ways to access additional scholarships while studying in the US.
Beyond academics and career development, the orientation will tackle sensitive but important subjects such as handling racism, sexual harassment, and mental health challenges. Practical travel advice will also be provided, covering what to pack, how to manage time and finances, and when and how to renew a student visa.
The initiative comes at a time of heightened immigration scrutiny in the United States. Recent reports indicate that immigration enforcement has intensified under the Trump administration, with more than 85,000 visas reportedly revoked since January. This figure is said to include over 8,000 student visas worldwide, largely on security and criminal grounds.
Against this backdrop, the US Consulate’s pre-departure orientation is expected to play a crucial role in helping Nigerian students better understand their rights, responsibilities, and expectations as they prepare to study in the United States.