UMass Lowell’s array of programs and services helps international students to discover new ways to connect, learn, grow and succeed.

Navigating through the maze of resources can be challenging and knowing where to start is a common question, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the landscape or university culture. The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) helps to guide you through these and other common situations while also helping you ‘find your place’ on campus, both virtually and in-person.

OMA’s 360-degree Support for International Students

The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) provides international students with comprehensive, wrap-round services and support from their starting point on campus through every stage of their journey at UMass Lowell. Through personalized success coaching, peer support, cultural immersion workshops, community building programs, local excursions, year-round engagement and clear communication, OMA ensures students feel welcomed, informed and connected. 

With ongoing webinars, and regular opportunities for feedback, international students receive consistent guidance across all five dimensions of well-being - their Academic/Intellectual, Mental/Emotional/Physical, Occupational, Sense of Belonging and Financial wellness-empowering them to thrive academically, socially and personally.

Our onboarding and kick-off sessions each semester give international students a clear, confident start to their journey. Students learn essential campus information, meet professional staff success-coaches and get connected to resources that set them up for a smooth transition. This includes academic preparation and the university system, key cultural information, campus safety, campus tours, networking with current international students, phone/tech and banking transitions and community building.

Peer Leaders are available during weekly drop-in hours to answer quick questions, share tips, and offer student-to-student guidance. It’s a comfortable, welcoming way to get support from someone who has already navigated campus life.

Our professional success coaches provide individualized support to help students thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Through one-on-one meetings and direct follow up, each student sets goals, build academic and professional skills, and develops strategies to navigate challenges with confidence.

Cultural Immersion Workshops, such as Culture Shock Sessions and English Conversation Group, help students understand U.S. culture, build language confidence, and feel more at home on campus. Students learn practical skills for adapting to a new environment while connecting with peers who share similar experiences.

We offer day trips to local and regional destinations so students can explore their new home beyond campus. These excursions provide cultural experiences, social connection, and a sense of adventure while learning more about the city and the region.

Community-building events create opportunities for students to meet new people, share experiences, and build meaningful friendships. These activities strengthen mental and emotional well-being through a sense of belonging and help students feel part of a supportive campus community.

Students receive a weekly newsletter with helpful updates, success tips, important dates and deadline reminders. It keeps students informed and ensures they never miss key opportunities or university requirements.

International students have access to a welcoming community space located in the Social Justice Center. It’s a place to relax, study, connect with peers, and feel at home between classes and other responsibilities.

International students have unique needs for connection and community at all times of the year. OMA plans and hosts gatherings year-round to ensure international students are engaged and supported socially. These include campus meals and activities, informal discussions, attending athletic games and trips to holiday gatherings and activities throughout the city of Lowell.

New in the summer of 2025, OMA began hosting a series of webinars for returning international students to connect with staff, hear any pertinent travel and logistics updates, and how to best prepare to return to campus.  

In addition to the content for returning international students above, new international students hear from current international students and receive information about all of the needed steps they need to take to become a student, with updates from several pertinent campus offices.

Each semester, the office hosts a series of focus groups to gather information and inform priorities about students’ needs, questions, successes and challenges.

Events

In the tabs below you'll find some of our events. For more information please contact us.

Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) International Student Summer Events and Programs (May to August 2026)

Stay connected this summer with OMA. Join us for community engagement events, language practice, games, local outings, and opportunities to explore Lowell with other UMass Lowell (UML) students.

May 2026

  • Date and Time: May 19, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
  • Event: Speed Friending
  • Location: Meehan Student Center, Suite 370 (OMA Social Justice Center)
  • Details: Meet other students staying in Lowell for the summer and find people to explore with.
  • Date and Time: May 27, 3 to 4 p.m.
  • Event: Color and Connect
  • Location: Meehan Student Center, Suite 370 (OMA Social Justice Center)
  • Details: Stop by for coloring, music, and a relaxed afternoon with peers and OMA.

June 2026

  • Date and Time: June 1, 4 to 5 p.m.
  • Event: Summer Budgeting and Planning with The Financial Seed
  • Location: Meehan Student Center, Suite 370 (OMA Social Justice Center)
  • Details: Learn how The Financial Seed can help you plan your summer budget and build skills for financial wellbeing.
  • Date and Time: June 17, 1 to 2 p.m.
  • Event: Conversation Café and Language Exchange
  • Location: Meehan Student Center, Suite 370 (OMA Social Justice Center)
  • Details: Practice English, meet new people, and build confidence in a casual drop-in setting.
  • Date and Time: June 25, 5 p.m.
  • Event: Golden Hour Riverwalk
  • Location: Meehan Student Center, meet in the atrium / lobby.
  • Details: Enjoy summer weather and connect with other UML students on a walk along the Merrimack River.

July 2026

  • Date and Time: July 4, 7 p.m.
  • Event: Independence Day Celebration
  • Location: Meet in front of Fox Hall, then walk to the Campus Recreation Center lawn
  • Details: Watch the fireworks with other UML students and enjoy a summer evening together.
  • Date and Time: July 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Event: Rowdy’s Esports Arena Gaming Afternoon
  • Location: Meehan Student Center, Rowdy’s Esports Arena
  • Details: Cool off, hang out, and play low stakes games with OMA. Come with friends or try something new.
  • Date and Time: July 20, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Event: Conversation Café and Language Exchange
  • Location: Meehan Student Center, Suite 370 (OMA Social Justice Center)
  • Details: Practice English, meet new people, and build confidence in a casual drop-in setting.
  • Date and Time: July 24, 5 p.m.
  • Event: Lowell Folk Festival Meet Up
  • Location: Meet in front of the Meehan Student Center.
  • Details: Join UML students for Lowell’s largest free festival. The festival runs July 24 to 26.
  • Date and Time: July 28, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
  • Event: Game Afternoon
  • Location: Meehan Student Center, Suite 370 (OMA Social Justice Center)
  • Details: Play board games, bring friends, and make new connections with OMA.

August 2026

  • Date and Time: August 6, 4 to 5 p.m.
  • Event: Conversation Café and Language Exchange
  • Location:Meehan Student Center, Suite 370 (OMA Social Justice Center)
  • Details: Practice English, meet new people, and build confidence in a casual drop-in setting.
  • Date and Time: August 13, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Event: Rowdy’s Esports Arena Gaming Afternoon
  • Location: Meehan Student Center, Rowdy’s Esports Arena
  • Details: Cool off, hang out, and play low stakes games with OMA. Come with friends or try something new.
  • Date and Time: August 21, 3 to 4 p.m.
  • Event: Color and Connect
  • Location: Meehan Student Center, Suite 370 (OMA Social Justice Center)
  • Detail: Stop by for coloring, music, and a relaxed afternoon with OMA.

Explore Lowell

Looking for more to do? Explore Lowell restaurants, free festivals, community events, and local attractions at Like Lowell.

Questions?

Please contact the UMass Lowell Office of Multicultural Affairs:

  • New International Student Orientation
  • New International Student Welcome Guide
  • New International Student Resource Series
    • Future dates to follow soon
  • Pair Up Program: a partnership program that pairs international students with domestic students in bridging culture and enhancing community through an interactive learning process. Meetings are biweekly both in-person and virtual.
  • Community Building Events
  • International Education Week
  • Campus Recreation Center Trips
  • Winter Clothing Drive
  • Holiday celebrations (Pumpkin Carving, Holi, Chinese New Year and more)
  • Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) Senior Send Off (spring semester)

Off Campus

On Campus