Travel and Arrival Information
Tips on Travel
- Search for different ticket prices and check baggage regulations before choosing the airline tickets.
- Allow sufficient time for connecting flights, especially between your first entry into the U.S. and any subsequent connection.
- To avoid unnecessary delays, confirm your ticket at least 2 weeks before the day you will travel to the U.S.
- Government/private organization sponsored students should work together with their sponsors in every step.
- Pack important items such as prescription eye glasses, money, a bilingual dictionary, medication, and your documents in your carry-on bag.
- Carry sufficient money for unexpected expenses or events, such as missing a flight.
- Arrive at the departure airport about three hours before the scheduled flight.
- Travel with your passport, visa, and I-20 or DS-2019 in your carry-on bag. You will be inspected at the port of entry before you claim your checked baggage.
- 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.
- 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. If all items you have to declare are entitled to free entry under an exemption, you may orally declare to the Customs Inspector and do not complete the reverse side of the Declaration Form. However, the Inspector may ask you to make a written declaration if deemed necessary.
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 or DS-2019
- Evidence of financial resources
- Evidence of Student/Exchange Visitor status (admission letter, recent tuition receipts, transcripts)
- Contact information for the Hiram College International Student Advisor (from the "Information to Know Before Coming to Campus" folder")
- 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
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 or DS-2019
- 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 or DS-2019 to you. Please keep all documents in a safe place until you arrive at Hiram College.
Starting in January 2005, you will participate in a entry/exit process called US-VISIT. During this process you will visit a kiosk where you will follow the directions to 1) scan your left index finger, 2) scan your right index finger, and 3) look into the camera for a digital photograph.
Transportation to Hiram College
As you arrange for your arrival in the U.S., please complete and return as soon as possible the Arrival Form. This forms requests information that will help the Office of International Student Services assist you with 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, plane is delayed, missed your flight or the flight is cancelled, please call the Office of International Student Services immediately.