Arriving at IUP

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Arrival Information

When making final travel plans to the US, keep in mind that the immigration laws allow students to arrive in the US no more than 30 days before the start date listed on Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.

The start date on the I-20/DS-2019 is the arrival day for all new international students for that term. Orientation, housing, and transportation provided by IUP are organized around these days.

For fall 2025, the arrival date is August 18, 2025.
For spring 2026, the arrival date is January 12, 2026.

Entering the United States of America

When entering the US, you will need to show your passport, visa, and IUP I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1). Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your arrival. Be ready to show proof of finances and your SEVIS fee receipt. You will be fingerprinted, photographed, and an entry stamp will be placed in your passport. You may be asked to go to another line where they will look at your documents and ask additional questions.

Your arrival will be registered electronically. After arriving, you can go to US Customs and Border Protection to view and print a copy of your I-94, a document that verifies your legal entry. The printed I-94 is required for obtaining a Social Security number, driver's license, and employment in the US. Our office will collect copies of your passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 during orientation to activate your F-1 or J-1 status.

Arriving at the Pittsburgh Airport

Please see the information below about transportation from Pittsburgh International Airport on arrival day and other options. Complete the IUP Airport Transportation Form to reserve your seat on arrival day.

Students admitted to the IUP Culinary Academy, will attend International Student Orientation at the Indiana campus. Students admitted to IUP Pittsburgh East arrange their own airport transportation.

Early Arrival

Where should I go when I arrive at IUP?

Hotel Information

There are many local accommodations in Indiana, Pennsylvania, including hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and more. Some hotels may offer a discounted rate for new IUP students; check with the hotel prior to booking.

If you need to reserve a hotel room in Pittsburgh, see the list of Pittsburgh hotels on the Airport Hotel Guide site.

Please be aware that most hotels do not accept cash payment.

IUP Airport Shuttle Service

IUP offers shuttle service from Pittsburgh International Airport to Indiana, Pennsylvania on arrival day. Complete the IUP Airport Transportation Form to reserve your seat. Most students will be admitted to the IUP main campus in Indiana, Pennsylvania, which is approximately 80 miles northeast of the Pittsburgh International Airport. Indiana does not have a commercial airport; the closest airport is in Pittsburgh. Students admitted to the IUP Culinary Academy come to Indiana campus first for orientation. Contact OIE for additional details. Students admitted to IUP Pittsburgh East campus arrange their own airport transportation.

The shuttles from the airport to IUP will begin at noon and end at 7:00 p.m. Please try to arrange your flight so that you will have shuttle available to transport you. That means try to arrive at the Pittsburgh airport before 7:00 p.m.

IUP Airport Pickup

The Office of International Education will take reservations for an IUP van/bus to transport new incoming students from the Pittsburgh International Airport to the IUP main campus on the official arrival day listed on the I-20/DS-2019.

Submit the IUP Airport Transportation form and pay $60 fee online. Email questions to intl-education@iup.edu.
An email will be sent to students with the times that students will be picked up at the airport.
If you miss your scheduled shuttle due to flight delays or cancellations, please call 724-357-2295 and listen to the message with instructions on how to get to IUP.
IUP students will be in the baggage claim area A and B with "Indiana University of Pennsylvania" signs to greet you. They have a list of all students who reserved a seat on the bus and will be looking for you.
The van/bus will depart from the Ground Transportation section of the Pittsburgh International Airport on arrival day. Please wait in the Baggage Claim Area between carousels A and B.

Please be aware that the university does not have the resources to meet or transport students on an individual basis.

Other Airport Transportation

Students who come outside of arrival day can arrange independent transportation from the Pittsburgh International Airport to IUP. View the IUP Campus Maps and Directions page for driving directions. All rates for airport transportation are subject to change. Please be aware that the university does not have the resources to meet nor transport students on an individual basis.

Uber

Get the free Uber app from the App Store or Google Play on your smartphone.
Open the app and create and account.
Request a ride by entering your destination and choosing a ride option.
The driver's picture and vehicle details will be available.
You will also have the ability to track your driver's arrival.
Prices vary depending on ride option and travel distance.
Visit Uber for more information.

Fullington Trailways

Shuttle Wizard

Office of International Education
Delaney Hall, Suite B25
920 Grant Street
Indiana, PA 15705
Phone: +1-724-357-2295
Fax: +1-724-357-2514
intl-education@iup.edu

Office Hours (Mon–Fri)

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.