When planning your trip to campus, please schedule your flight so that you arrive on campus in time for International Student Orientation. If you are limited with flight dates, we can provide housing for you before the official arrival date, but keep in mind that there will not be any structured activities and meals plans are not available until the official start of orientation.
When to Arrive
New international students should arrive at the college on August 18, 2017. If it is impossible for you to arrival on that day, please email Brad Lancaster to see if another arrival day is possible. When making travel plans, please be aware that F-1 holders entering the US for a NEW program may not enter the US earlier than 30 days before the start date on their I-20 document. Students who are transferring from another US school to Gettysburg College are not subject to the 30-day arrival limit.
Airport/Train Pick-up Service
Transportation Services provides pick-up service for train stations and airports located in Harrisburg PA, Washington DC, and Baltimore MD. If you need to be picked up, please fill out the International Student Arrival Form. You will receive a detailed email from Transportation Services explaining how to meet your driver at the airport. The email will also contain emergency contact phone numbers in case you don’t easily find the driver.
Required Documents
When you travel, carry your documents with you. Do not check them in your baggage! If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will not be able to show the documents at the border and, as a result, may not be able to enter the US. Be prepared to present the following documents to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer:
- Passport with an F-1 nonimmigrant visa
- Form I-20
- Receipt Notice or Internet Receipt verifying SEVIS Fee payment
- Evidence of financial resources.