Prepare for Arrival

Book your airfare to either the Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO), which offers connecting service from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or to Cedar Rapids Airport (CID) which is 63 miles (99 km) from UNI. You may also travel by bus to the Waterloo Bus Terminal which is 10.5 miles (17 km) from UNI.

See free pick-up dates

Which Clothing Should You Pack for US Climates?

Since you will be staying in the U.S. for several months, it is important to bring the right clothes that will adjust to the different seasons in the U.S. As most regions of the U.S. have four seasons, people in the U.S. usually coordinate their outfits according to what they find most comfortable during each season.

Consider packing the following types of clothing for each season:

• Spring (March to June) — With spring coming just after winter, the start of the season can be a little cold, then becomes much warmer as it gets closer to summer. Pack layers for spring: A combination of warm but light clothing, such as a mix of long pants, long-sleeved shirts, light jackets and sweaters, can help you cover the shift in seasons.
• Summer (June to September) — Summers in the U.S. can be extremely hot, depending on the state, climbing to 25°C or more. Consider loose-fitting or flowing clothing with breathability, such as dresses, skirts, shorts, t-shirts, short-sleeved shirts and sleeveless shirts.
• Autumn (September to December) — As the season before winter, autumn can get quite chilly, so it is important to consider warm clothes such as coats, scarves, sweaters, beanies or similar hats and thick pants.
• Winter (December to March) — Winter in certain U.S. states can be extremely cold, sometimes even dropping to -25°C! To keep yourself warm, pack thick sweaters, scarves, durable coats, gloves and boots. Layering clothing is the best to deal with the changing and extreme temperatures.

Remember, you do not have to fill all your luggage with clothes! You will have plenty of opportunities to purchase clothes once you get settled in the U.S. Bring just enough clothing to get you through a week or two, and you can purchase additional clothes once you arrive. 

In addition to seasonal wear, it can be helpful to bring clothes for different occasions, such as:

• Traditional attire. There are many opportunities to share your traditional clothing and culture
• Athletic attire (going to the gym or playing intramural sports)
• Casual clothes (going to class or spending time with friends)
• Formal wear (going to job interviews or out for celebrations)
• Shoes and slippers
• Undergarments
• Swimming trunks 

Which Supplies Should You Bring for Your Program?

The exact supplies you need to bring will vary. In many cases, your program will provide a list of required equipment and books. Books can be difficult to pack due to their size and weight, and it is likely you will be able to purchase them after you arrive. So, try to bring or ship only the books you need for class that you already own, then buy the rest once you are settled in on campus. 

Essential electronic items to consider bringing with you

• Mobile phone (SIM cards may be available at the Office of International Engagement for use of your phone in the U.S.)
  • Service fees are to be paid by students
• Laptop
• Outlet adapters
• Extra USB cables
• Chargers for your phone and laptop

Keep in mind that electrical outlets and/or charging stations in your dormitory, residence hall, or apartment might differ from your home country. Consider bringing a universal adapter with you or buying one when you arrive in the U.S.

Remember to check if your current mobile phone works with U.S. SIM cards. If it does not, you may need to buy an unlocked phone once you arrive in the U.S. You can check by contacting your current service provider before you depart. Having a functional phone is important for your day-to-day life, but also keeps you in contact with friends and family back home.

Which Immigration Documents Should You Bring?

Your immigration documents are among the most important items to pack for your trip, so take extra care in gathering what you need. These documents are proof of your status as an international student and determine your eligibility for enrollment, jobs, internships and more. It is best to carry copies of your documents to make sure the original documents are not exposed to possible damage. 

Essential documents you should bring 

• Passport
• Student visa
• I­-20/DS-2019 form
• Letter of acceptance
• SEVIS I­-901 fee receipt
• If applicable, any customs letters or G-28 documentation included in your acceptance packet
• Academic transcripts, sealed in an envelope and certified
• Academic certificates
• English proficiency test scores
• Bank statement
• Tuition and fees payment receipt
• Copy of your Statement of Fees

What Goes in Your Carry-On, and What Gets Checked or Shipped?

Your carry-on refers to luggage that is taken onboard with you on your flight to the U.S. As carry-on luggage is often small, these bags should hold the most essential items you need for your daily life (e.g., wallet, key documents, prescriptions, etc.). 

Essentials — This includes any item necessary for your travel and anything you may want to access quickly (e.g., your immigration documents (originals, not copies), laptop, electronic device chargers).

Medication — Ensure you bring any prescription medications with you so you are covered during your travels and first weeks of your stay. You can also bring a copy of the prescription to refill if you run out. 

U.S. dollars — It is recommended to bring between $250–$500 in U.S. dollars for any immediate expenses. If you have a Visa or MasterCard debit or credit card issued by your home bank that will work in the U.S., you can also consider bringing it with you until you are able to set up a bank account in the U.S. 

Travel-size toiletries — If you have any toiletries essential to your personal care regimen, consider bringing these with you. Some products you use daily might not be available in the U.S., so bring what you need immediately until you are able to find alternatives. (Make sure your toiletries comply with U.S. TSA regulations for carry-on luggage.)

Consider also bringing a light outfit in your carry-on luggage in case your checked luggage is misplaced during transit, this way you’ll have a change of clothes while you wait to get your luggage back. 

Checked luggage is stowed in the plane’s cargo hold, which allows for heavier luggage to be stored. It can only be accessed after your flight. Pack the majority of items you plan to bring to the U.S. in your checked luggage. This includes the majority of your clothing, toiletries, and books. Make copies of your immigration documents and keep them in your checked luggage. Consider also bringing a light outfit in your carry-on luggage in case your checked luggage is misplaced during transit, this way you’ll have a change of clothes while you wait to get your luggage back. 

Remember to avoid packing anything fragile. Checked luggage may be handled roughly when it is loaded into and out of the plane. If you do need to bring fragile items, make sure they are packed with as much padding as possible. 

If you have any large-scale equipment that does not fit in your checked luggage, consider shipping it to the U.S. instead. This could include a desktop computer or lab equipment necessary for certain degree programs. Keep in mind that shipping items from your home country to the U.S. can be costly and may take significant time to be delivered. If it’s likely you could purchase similar equipment in the U.S., leave it home and plan on acquiring what you need once you arrive.  

Linen Packets Available at OIE

The Office of International Engagement (OIE) has a linen packet for sale which consists of a X-Long Comforter and Sheets, Standard Size Pillow, Twin Size Blanket, (1) Bath Towel, (1) Hand Towel (1) Wash Cloth for $75. The packet fits only beds at the UNI Residence Halls. You may request your linen packet via the Arrival Form.

If you order a linen packet and you live on campus it will be delivered to your dorm and can be picked up at the front desk upon arrival. If you live off-campus and would like a linen packet, you will need to pick this up at our office at 113 Maucker Union during normal office hours. (Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

The $75 cost will be charged to your university bill after Orientation.

The U.S. flight attendants will give you an I-94 Arrival and Departure Card to complete. Make sure to write your name exactly as it appears in your passport and on your I-20/DS-2019. You must present to the U.S. immigration inspector your passport with entry visa stamp, your I-94 card, and your i-20/DS-2019. You may be asked to show additional documents such as proof of financial support, so make sure to carry these documents with you, not in your checked baggage.

An I-94 is a record of your travel to the United States. You should check the accuracy of your I-94 after you arrive in the U.S., and you should keep a copy for your records. 

If you arrive via air or sea, your I-94 will be recorded electronically. You can access and print your Most Recent I-94 arrival record after inspection.

If you arrive via a land border, you may be given a paper Form I-94 record. To save time at the border, apply for a land border I-94 arrival record seven (or fewer) days before your arrival.

If you choose to bring large amounts of money with you, we recommend that you carry traveler's checks rather than cash. Do not carry money in your luggage. You should keep it with you at all times. 

Bringing $10,000 or More?

If you will bring $10,000 (USD or foreign equivalent) or more in cash or travelers checks with you to the U.S., you will be required to file a report with U.S. Customs when you enter the country. The U.S. government allows you to carry any amount of currency or other monetary instruments into the United States, but the funds may be confiscated by the U.S. government if you fail to report amounts of above $10,000 or more.

If traveling with family members, including your parents, your family must file a family declaration if you collectively bring $10,000 or more into the U.S. This declaration will list all of the funds being brought into the U.S.

The Office of International Engagement offers free pick-up for international students who are arriving at the Cedar Rapids (CID) or Waterloo Regional (ALO) airports or the Waterloo Bus Terminal for a period of three days prior to Student Orientation (attendance is mandatory for Orientation).

We encourage you to make your arrival during this time otherwise travel from the airport to UNI and will be at your own expense. If you chose to arrive in the U.S. prior to the designated pick-up days for that semester, you will need to make your own reservations and will be responsible for any housing and transportation associated with it. You can find Cedar Falls, Iowa hotel information at Cedar Falls Tourism and Visitors Bureau. 

Please complete the International Engagement Arrival Form as soon as you know your travel dates to let us know when you are coming to UNI and to register for orientation.