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Arrange Short-term Housing and Airport Pick Up
All of the students are looking for places to live. Making arrangements for housing now gives you a better chance of finding a good place to live when you arrive.
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| 12: Visa | 13: Medical Exam | 14: License | 15: Ticket | 16: Housing & Pick Up | 17: Pack |
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Before your departure date, it is important to make sure that someone at your destination
airport will be waiting to pick you up and give you a ride to your temporary housing or to
school. Depending on your destination airport and the time of arrival, the airport can be
very crowded. We suggest that you arrange a way to meet with your contact at a
specific place in the airport. Most universities' international student associations will arrange
for an airport pick-up. Make sure that you contact your international student advisor
or the international student club at your school early to provide ample time to make all
of the arrangements.
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Tip: If someone gives you a ride to your home or school it
is polite to offer to share gasoline expenses.
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When should I take this step?
One (1) month before school starts and after you have booked your airline ticket and know when you will arrive.
What are my transportation options?
Three kinds of transportation are commonly used - shuttles, buses and taxis.
- Shuttle - a mid-sized bus or van. Usually costs around $30-$50 within
50-70 miles of the airport. The shuttle driver will handle your
luggage and you should provide a tip (normally $1-$2 per piece of luggage).
The shuttle transports many passengers heading in the same direction
and drops each one off at his or her destination. If you are staying in a
hotel, sometimes the hotel will offer free shuttle services.
- Bus or train - the cheapest method of transportation from the airport.
However, it only stops at designated bus stops/train station and you will need to
carry your luggage by yourself. If your temporary housing or hotel does
not have a bus stop close by which is connected to the airport bus, it
is a better idea to take the shuttle.
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Tip: For your safety, we suggest that you don't take a bus or train by yourself late at night.
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- Taxi or Cab -- the most expensive but also the most convenient choice. Most airports have taxis
waiting near the baggage claim area. If your destination is not far from the airport (10-20 miles)
a taxi will cost you around $30-$40, plus tip, which is 15% of the total fare. The driver will
handle your luggage. Most taxis in the United States only accept cash, so be sure you are
carrying plenty in case the ride costs you more than you expected. Ask how much the taxi
fare is before you get in! Also, it is very important that you provide an accurate address
for your destination.
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iStudentCity's Resource on Airport Information
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Why do I need to make housing arrangements in advance?
You can find short-term housing when you arrive in America, but it will be more expensive
than anything you should be able to arrange at least a month beforehand. In many cases
you will be able to find housing through the school, and that could even become your long-term housing.
Making arrangements in advance also improves your chances of finding a room or apartment.
The longer you wait, the fewer places will be available for you to stay.
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iStudentCity's Resource on Temporary Housing
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15: Ticket  |  |  17: Pack |
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Important US Official Links:
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| 1) SEVIS is a government, computerized system that maintains and manages data about foreign students and exchange visitors during their stay in the United States. More info >> |
| 2) U.S. Customs - Department of State |
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