Your studies in the USA are getting closer, and with that comes a crucial step: booking your flight. There are several things to consider, especially regarding your visa, the exact arrival time, and planning your trip to the university. This guide will tell you what to look out for to make your travel as stress-free and well-organized as possible.
Before booking your flight, you should ensure that you have fulfilled all the necessary requirements for your entry. The ideal time to book your flight depends on whether you already have your F-1 student visa or are still waiting for it.
If you already have your F-1 visa: Once your visa has been approved and you have received your I-20 document, you can book your flight without any concerns. Make sure to comply with the entry requirements (see point 2).
If you don't have your F-1 visa yet: We recommend waiting to book your flight until you actually have your visa in hand. If this is difficult due to high ticket prices, you can also book a flight with flexible rebooking or cancellation conditions. Note that entering the USA with an ESTA visa (which is intended for short-term stays) is not possible if you plan to start your studies with an F-1 visa.
Note:
If you try to enter the USA with an ESTA, even though your studies will start soon, this could cause problems at the border, as the authorities may suspect that you are exceeding your stay. Even if you enter with an ESTA visa, you would have to leave the country again before the start of your studies and then re-enter with the F-1 visa.
With an F-1 visa, you are allowed to enter the USA no more than 30 days before the official start of your studies. You can find this date on your I-20 document under "Program Start Date". Therefore, pay close attention to when you have the earliest entry date and plan your flight so that you arrive approximately one week to 10 days before the start of your studies. This will give you enough time to settle in, get to know the campus life, and take care of all the organizational matters.
Important Note:
Many universities have an Orientation Week for international students that takes place a few days before the official start of the program. This week is an ideal opportunity to make connections and familiarize yourself with the campus and its facilities. So make sure to arrive before the Orientation Week.
Another important point is to coordinate with your coach or the international department of the university to determine the best arrival date and exact time. Your coach will be able to tell you the best time to arrive so that you have enough time to get settled before the start of the semester.
What you should clarify in advance:
When should I ideally arrive?
The arrival time should align with the official move-in date for the dormitory and the Orientation Week.
Is there a pick-up service from the airport?
Many universities offer a free shuttle service from the nearest airport for new students or arrange for your coach to pick you up. Find out about this and provide your flight details to the responsible office in a timely manner.
Which airport is the best arrival airport?
Clarify with your coach or the university's international advisors which airport is the closest and how the connection to the campus looks. Frequently used airports are, for example:
Newark (EWR) or JFK for New York
LAX for Los Angeles
ORD (O'Hare) for Chicago
ATL for Atlanta
Also consider that there may be smaller, regional airports that are closer to your college.
To avoid stress in your travel planning, it is advisable to choose a ticket with flexible options. Some airlines offer special rates for students that provide you with additional flexibility and baggage options.
Important tips when selecting the ticket:
Booking with flexible rebooking and cancellation conditions:
If your plans change at short notice, you can adjust the travel dates without high additional costs.
Pay attention to the baggage regulations:
As an international student, you will likely be bringing a lot of luggage. Make sure your ticket includes at least 1-2 pieces of checked baggage in the price or that it can be added at a reasonable cost.
Payment options:
Preferably use online payment services like Wise for international transactions to save on additional fees when booking from abroad.
Once your flight is booked, start preparing for your trip:
Contact your coach: Confirm the arrival time and the pick-up service or shuttle transfer. It is important that your coach and the university know exactly when you are arriving.
Check your flight details regularly: Flight times can change, and delays are not uncommon, especially on international flights. Inform your coach or the university immediately of any changes.
Pack all important documents in your carry-on luggage: Your passport, the I-20 document, and your F-1 visa must be readily available to present upon entry.
When you arrive at the airport, you should immediately get in touch with your coach or the shuttle service to confirm your arrival.
Options for the transfer to the campus:
University Shuttle Service:
Many universities offer this service specifically for international students. Check if there is a free shuttle to your dormitory or the campus.
Pick-up by the Coach:
Find out if your coach will personally pick you up at the airport and how you will recognize each other (e.g., meeting point in the arrivals area or contact by phone).
Public Transportation or Taxi:
If no pick-up service is available, inform yourself in advance about train or bus connections to the campus. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi or a rideshare service like Uber.
Important Note:
If you unexpectedly arrive late or miss your flight, immediately inform your coach or the international department of the university so they can rearrange your plans.
Only book your flight once you have your F-1 visa in hand.
Pay attention to the entry date: You are allowed to enter no more than 30 days before the start of your studies.
Discuss the exact arrival time with your coach and clarify how you will get from the airport to the university.
Choose a ticket with flexible booking options in case your plans change.
Use a payment service like Wise to save on fees.
After arrival: Keep all important documents ready and use the university's shuttle service or have your coach pick you up.
With these tips, you can ensure that your study start in the USA goes smoothly and that you arrive stress-free at your new university. Good luck and have a great trip!