Important Documents to Carry with you

• Your passport, valid for at least SIX MONTHS beyond the date of your expected stay;
• Your Form I-20 if you are an F-1 student or your Form DS-2019 if you are a J-1 student;
• Evidence of financial resources;
• Letter of admission;
• Receipt for paying the SEVIS fee;
• Phone number for International Student and Scholar Services: +001 301-314-7740.

If you have a driver's license in your home country and are interested in obtaining a driver's license in the US, you should bring your home country license.

Customs and Border Protection

While on the plane, you will be given the Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059) to complete.  

At the port-of-entry, an immigration officer will review your documents and ask you several questions about your stay in the US. If you have more than one visa, be sure to open your passport to the visa you will use for study when presenting it to the Customs officer. The officer will electronically enter the visa status you are admitted with (F-1, J-1) and how long your stay in the US is valid. If you arrive by plane, you may access this information by finding your arrival record using your passport and travel information. 

Exception: If you arrive by land, a paper I-94 is sometimes placed in your passport.

There are three major airports that surround the Washington, DC area: Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI); Reagan National Airport (DCA); and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Shared vans are an economical alternative where public transportation is not an option or if you are traveling with lots of luggage. Shared "Super Shuttles" can be booked in advance or directly at the airport. These services take you directly to your door but are cheaper than a taxi. If you travel in a group, you can save money by booking together.

Taxis or Rideshare are abundant but can be costly (at least $50 from Reagan National, $70 from Baltimore and Dulles). Taxis are available outside the terminal at every airport. With the Uber or Lyft app, you can also arrange a rideshare that is slightly cheaper.

Public Transportation (metro train or bus) is available from Dulles, Reagan National and Baltimore airports. Please see their websites for more information From BWI and Dulles a direct connection is not available and several changes are required. 

For more information, please click here.

Every year, the Graduate Student Government (GSG) leads a collaboration with UMD offices and partners to welcome new students from all over the world via the International Student Welcome Shuttle to their new home at UMD. This program is a long-standing tradition and lets new grad terps have a safe first commute from Dulles Airport to their new homes in College Park.

The shuttle program, free of charge to incoming international students, welcomes many new students into the community and connects them quickly to a friendly face and helpful resources. This program is a collaboration with the Department of Transportation Services (DOTs), ISSS, and other departments across the University.

July 31st is the deadline to reserve your spot on the shuttle. Please submit the Student Shuttle Form ASAP!

To learn more about this program and register for a spot on the shuttle, please see this page on the GSG website.

UMD has multiple digital systems you will be navigating during your education. Please see the links below to familiarize yourself with some of the more common websites and portals. 

• New to UMD IT highlights- https://it.umd.edu/it-highlights-students

• ISSS’s compilation of UMD system’s website-https://marylandglobal.umd.edu/global-learning-all/international-students-scholars/life-umd/systems-used-umd

On July 19th, ISSS launched the “Enrollment Intent Form”. All students who have I-20/DS-2019 with a fall arrival date are required to complete this form.

The form was added to your ISSS iTerp checklist. If you have not submitted your Intent form, complete it immediately as the due date is August 2nd.

We can’t wait to meet you!  If you plan to attend, please log into iTerp to register for any of the ISSS welcome events you want to attend. 

Connect with us 

Ask your questions via our Live Chat, available on our website Monday-Friday from 9-11 a.m. ET.

Schedule a Virtual Appointment with an ISSS advisor. Appointments can be scheduled under newly admitted students Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. ET.

By email: isss-admissions@umd.edu

For important reminders and updates, and to keep aware of any upcoming events, please follow our office at our social media accounts!

Missed a Tip of the Week?

You can find previous Tips of the Week on our website by clicking here!

We hope that you find these emails informative and helpful. You are receiving

them because you have been accepted to the University of Maryland for the Fall 2024 semester. If you do not intend to enroll at UMD, please inform ISSS via your iTerp checklist, your department, and either the Graduate School (graduate students) or the undergraduate admissions office (undergraduate students-please fill out this form) that you decline your admission.