Travel and Arrival Information

Tips on Travel

  1. Search for different ticket prices and check baggage regulations before choosing the airline tickets.
  2. Allow sufficient time for connecting flights, especially between your first entry into the U.S. and any subsequent connection.
  3. To avoid unnecessary delays, confirm your ticket at least 2 weeks before the day you will travel to the U.S.
  4. Government/private organization sponsored students should work together with their sponsors in every step.
  5. Pack important items such as prescription eye glasses, money, a bilingual dictionary, medication, and your documents in your carry-on bag.
  6. Carry sufficient money for unexpected expenses or events, such as missing a flight.
  7. Arrive at the departure airport about three hours before the scheduled flight.
  8. Travel with your passport, visa, and I-20 in your carry-on bag. You will be inspected at the port of entry before you claim your checked baggage.
  9. Arrange for a family member or friend to meet you at the airport or bus station or return the Arrival Form to the Office of International Student Services to arrange for transportation to the college.
  10. Do not attempt to bring food, plants, or anything that can be interpreted as drug paraphernalia (such as pipes or tobacco papers). These items will be confiscated at the port of entry.

All articles brought into the United States, including gifts for other persons, must be declared to U.S. Customs.

Carry-On Luggage

Before departing for the U.S., please be sure to pack a few essential items in your carry-on bag. The following items should be in your carry-on bag and NOT in your checked luggage:

  • Passport (including the attached, sealed envelope of immigration documents) with visa.
  • SEVIS Form I-20
  • Evidence of financial resources
  • Evidence of Student status (admission letter, recent tuition receipts, or transcripts)
  • Contact information for the Hiram College International Student Advisor/Designated School Official
  • Important items such as eyeglasses, medication, bilingual dictionary, and sufficient money in traveler's checks or US$ for unexpected expenses or events (such as missing a flight)

Contact Information for Arrival in the U.S.

Keep this information in your carry-on luggage when traveling to the U.S.

Office of International Student Services
Hiram College
Kennedy Center
11730 Garfield (State Route 700)
Hiram, OH 44234

Telephone: (US country code - 1) 330-569-5388

An Emergency After Hours phone number is in your Form I-20 packet.
Fax: (US country code - 1) 330-569-5183
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tips for Arrival at the U.S. Port of Entry

Upon arrival at the port of entry, proceed to the terminal area for arriving passengers for inspection at one of the Department of Homeland Security stations. As you approach the inspection station, have your:

  • Passport with Visa
  • SEVIS Form I-20
  • Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Card (this is a small white card that you are given on the plane) and Customs Declaration Form
  • Financial documents (only if required)

Like all entering visitors, you will be asked to state the reason you wish to enter the United States. It is important that you tell the Customs and Border Protection Officer that you will be a student or exchange visitor.

The Customs and Border Protection Officer will review your documents and provide the proper stamps. You will then proceed to Immigration. The immigration officer will process your documents and will staple your I-94 Arrival/Departure Card into your Passport. Upon completion of all requirements, the immigration officer will return the I-20 to you. Please keep all documents in a safe place until you arrive at Hiram College.

Transportation to Hiram College

As you arrange for your arrival in the U.S., please send us your complete travel itinerary or e-ticket. This information will help us make your transportation arrangements to the College.

If you have made transportation arrangements, the Hiram College driver will meet you at the Baggage Claim and will be holding a sign that says "Hiram College". If you are lost, your plane is delayed, you missed your flight or the flight is cancelled, please call the Office of International Student Services immediately.

Additional Information

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