Issue 9: Campus Arrival

Today's Tip: Arrival to the UMD Campus

Today’s tip of the week highlights steps you should take to prepare for campus arrival.

• Arrival to the US and customs
• Transportation from the airport
• Snapshot of UMD systems
• ISSS welcome events

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. 

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. A direct connection is not available and several changes are required. 

For more information on how to get to campus, please click here.

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
• ISSS’s compilation of UMD system’s website

ISSS is now live on the UMD App!

The UMD app delivers access to popular institutional services and resources, and a custom view of your campus experience.

• Interactive campus map: Find lecture halls, libraries, cafes, and more.
• Events: List of campus events so you don’t miss a thing.
• Dining: Your account balance info (if you have a plan), a “busy meter,” offering real-time information on dining hall traffic, link to menus.
• Resident Life: Package pickup up notifications from your Community Desk, roommate details, keys, swipe and mailbox combo tracking, and RA events.
• Class Schedule: See your personal class schedule.
• Campus Safety Info: Emergency and non-emergency resources, tips for emergency preparedness.
• Counseling Connection: quick links to Counseling Center services.
• Shuttle-UM tracking: Integrates with Shuttle-UM’s TransitApp.
• Push Notification Subscriptions: Subscribe to in-app notifications about campus life… and more!

Go to "Additional Resources" to locate ISSS Office!

The University of Maryland requires ALL students to complete the University Health Center Immunization Record Form and submit proof of immunizations. If you have not completed the form, please complete it so the Health Center has time to review it.

If you need one of the required vaccinations, come to the UMD immunization clinics. No appointment is needed, just walk in during the scheduled hours.



Wednesday, January 22nd

9-3pm ET (Break 12-1pm)

Friday, January 24th

9-3pm ET (Break 12-1pm)

Make sure to complete the Patient Consent & Financial Agreement via myUHC.umd.edu and activate your health insurance before visiting. It takes 24-48 hours for the Student Health Insurance to be activated so please activate your insurance 2-3 days before your scheduled visit.

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. 

ISSS is closed for the winter break from Tuesday, Dec 24 - Wednesday, Jan 1. We will reopen with normal hours and services on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

If you have an emergency during this time please follow standard University emergency procedures by contacting the University Police Department at 301-405-3555 or visiting the ISSS Safety and Emergency Resource page.

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 Spring 2025 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.