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Travel and Arrival Faq's

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I book flights?

Book flights 1–2 months before your program start.

Optimal arrival time:

  • Arrive 1–2 weeks before orientation
  • Gives time to:
    • Settle into housing
    • Attend orientation
    • Open bank account
    • Get over jet lag
    • Explore campus

Don’t arrive:

  • Too early (can only enter 30 days before I-20 start)
  • Too late (miss orientation, fall behind)

Booking tips:

  • Compare prices on Google Flights, Skyscanner
  • Book mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) for cheaper fares
  • Consider student travel sites (StudentUniverse)
  • Check baggage allowance (international students need more)

2. How to get from airport to campus?

Several options depending on airport and budget:

Option

Cost

Best For

University pickup

Free or low cost

First-time students (check if offered)

Shuttle service

$30–$100

Mid-range budget

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

$30–$150

Convenience, 1-2 people

Taxi

$50–$200

If no other options

Public transport

$2–$10

Budget, light luggage

Rental car

$50+/day

If comfortable driving

Before arriving:

  • Check if university offers airport pickup (sign up early!)
  • Save rideshare apps on phone (need internet)
  • Have cash/card for transport
  • Know your exact destination address

If arriving late at night:

  • Options limited
  • Pre-book shuttle or hotel near airport
  • Campus may have late-night pickup (check)

3. What to do immediately after arrival?

First 48 hours checklist:

At airport:

  • Go through immigration (have documents ready)
  • Collect baggage
  • Go through customs (declare if needed)
  • Exit and find transportation

First day:

  • Check in at housing
  • Report to international student office
  • Complete check-in process
  • Get student ID card
  • Set up phone (SIM card or plan)

First week:

  • Attend international student orientation
  • Open bank account
  • Get I-94 online
  • Explore campus
  • Buy essentials (bedding, groceries)
  • Meet with academic advisor
  • Register for classes (if not done)

Documents to carry always (first days):

  • Passport with visa
  • I-20
  • I-94 printout
  • University acceptance letter

4. Do I need to report to university after arrival?

Yes, absolutely. Reporting is mandatory for F-1 status.

What you must do:

✅ Report to international student office:

  • Within university’s deadline (often 1–5 days)
  • Bring passport, I-20, I-94
  • Complete check-in form
  • Get SEVIS record validated

✅ Update local address:

  • Within 10 days of moving
  • Through university system
  • AR-11 form online (optional but good)

✅ Attend orientation:

  • International student orientation (mandatory)
  • Learn about visa rules
  • Meet advisors
  • Connect with other students

If you don’t report:
SEVIS record may be terminated = out of status.

5. What is orientation?

Orientation is mandatory program for new students before classes start.

International student orientation covers:

  • F-1 visa rules and responsibilities
  • Maintaining status
  • Work authorization (CPT/OPT basics)
  • Cultural adjustment
  • Campus resources
  • Safety information
  • Social events (meet other students)

Graduate orientation (separate):

  • Academic expectations
  • Meeting faculty
  • Research opportunities
  • Department-specific info

Why attend:

  • Meet new friends (other internationals)
  • Understand your rights/responsibilities
  • Get answers to questions
  • Free food at events!
  • Less overwhelmed first week

6. Can my family visit me?

Yes, your family can visit you on B-2 visitor visa.

For family to visit:

  1. They need B-2 visa:
  • Apply at US embassy in home country
  • Show ties to home country (job, property, family)
  • Prove they’ll return
  • Provide your documents (invitation letter, I-20 copy, visa copy)
  1. While visiting:
  • Can stay up to 6 months
  • Cannot work
  • Cannot study
  • Must follow visa rules

Invitation letter (you write):

text

To US Consulate,

 

I am [Name], F-1 student at [University] (SEVIS ID [Nxxxx]). 

My [relation] [Name] wishes to visit me from [dates]. 

They will stay at [address] and expenses will be covered by [them/me].

 

Attached: My passport, visa, I-20, enrollment proof.

 

Sincerely,

[Your name]

7. What if my flight arrives late at night?

Plan ahead for late arrivals:

Before you leave:

  • Inform university international office of late arrival
  • Check if late-night pickup available
  • Book hotel near airport (if needed)
  • Save emergency contacts

Upon arrival:

  • Go through immigration (24/7 service)
  • Collect luggage
  • Use hotel shuttle if booked
  • Take Uber/Lyft (available 24/7 in most cities)
  • Call campus emergency number if stuck

If campus office closed:

  • Go to pre-booked hotel
  • Check in next morning
  • Report to international office as soon as open

Pro tip:
Try to arrive during daytime (9am–5pm) when offices are open.

8. Can I travel within USA during studies?

Yes, you can travel within US during breaks.

Popular times to travel:

  • Fall break (October, 3–5 days)
  • Thanksgiving break (November, 4–5 days)
  • Winter break (December–January, 3–5 weeks)
  • Spring break (March, 1 week)
  • Summer break (May–August, 3–4 months)

Travel tips:

  • Always carry passport and I-20 (with valid travel signature)
  • Book early for popular destinations
  • Travel with friends (cheaper, safer)
  • Use student discounts (flights, hotels, attractions)
  • Inform emergency contacts of plans

International travel (outside US):

  • Need valid visa to return
  • Travel signature on I-20 (valid 1 year)
  • Check embassy appointment wait times if visa renewal needed