Carry (on your person not in your checked baggage!) your passport with the US visa stamp, your I-20/DS-2019 form, SEVIS fee receipt, and the supporting documentation you provided to obtain the visa when you travel to the US. You should have U.S. currency available for travel expenses and any emergencies that might occur. You will be issued a Form I-94 to process your entry into the US in the appropriate visa status. Please keep the I-94, which will be given to you at the port of entry at the airport, with your passport.

Do not leave the immigration area at the port of entry until your documents are in order as follows:

You should have your Form I-94 stamped 'F-1' or 'J-1' and the letters 'D/S' (for 'Duration of Status') printed on it. Family members should have 'F-2' or 'J-2' and 'D/S' on their own I-94 forms. You will receive your I-20/DS-2019 back with an immigration stamp indicating 'F-1' or 'J-1' and 'D/S'. Your family members will also receive their DS-2019 forms back with an immigration stamp indicating 'F-2' or 'J-2' and 'D/S'. If you have a question or if there is a problem, it is much easier to take care of it there before you leave the immigration area.

Most students coming to the University of Delaware arrive in the United States at JFK Airport in New York or Newark, New Jersey or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The most convenient way is via Philadelphia. If you are flying into New York, you should purchase an add-on ticket to Philadelphia from New York at the time you purchase your ticket to the US. It is more convenient and less expensive. Once you arrive in Philadelphia, you can take the Delaware Express Shuttle to Newark, Delaware, but a reservation must be made at least 48 hours in advance. The reservation can be made on-line at www.delexpress.com or call 1-800-648-5466. The cost is around $50 plus a $7.00 tip. Please mention the University of Delaware discount to benefit of this rate. If making a reservation on-line, use code '129676' to get a discount. ELI can help you reserve the shuttle from the airport (for more information please visit the ELI website . We encourage you, if at all possible, to make arrangements to arrive in Philadelphia. Do not take a taxi from New York to Newark, Delaware.

Those arriving in New York City can reach Newark, Delaware by bus. To travel by bus to Newark, Delaware after you arrive at Kennedy International Airport, take the Shuttle Bus to Eastside Terminal in Manhattan (around $15), and you will be transported to the Port Authority for free. Bus service from the Port Authority to Wilmington, Delaware leaves at frequent intervals (around $35). Once in the US, call 1-800-343-9999 for bus schedule information. Be sure to take the bus to Newark, Delaware (150 miles from New York City) rather than to Newark, New Jersey (across the Hudson River from Manhattan). The bus arrives at 2nd & French Street in Wilmington, Delaware across the street from the AMTRAK train station. There is DART bus service at the train station. The DART bus goes to Newark, Delaware several times a day (cost under $3).

F-1 & J-1 students:
If you were unable to check-in during the ELI orientation, make sure you stop by our office (413 Academy Street) and bring the following documents with you:

• Passport
• I-94
• Visa
• I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)

Additional documents: in addition to the documents listed above New ELI students must read, sign and submit the following documents:

• International Student Responsibilities Contract
• SEVIS form

Students transfering to UD from another US institution will need to check-in with OISS in order to receive their new I-20/DS-2019 unless they require the new I-20/ DS-2019 to enter the U.S.

Note: Students attending ELI on a visa status that allows study in the U.S., (besides F-1 or J-1), must also submit their immigration documents to OISS.

If you do not check-in with OISS, you will not be registered in SEVIS, and your I-20 will no longer be valid!

Please bring sufficient items of personal use as you might not be able to visit the stores here soon after your arrival. Do not bring items that are easily available in the US (Utensils, Food, school supplies ect.)

The ELI provides housing for all students who need it. Some housing choices include kitchens, but students can also buy meal plans and eat in University dining halls or food courts. For more information reagrding housing and dinning plans for ELI students, please visit the ELI website WARNING: Do not sign a lease until you arrive and see the room or apartment.

Students in the U.S. tend to dress quite informally, Jeans, T-shirts, shorts, and sweatshirts are all very acceptable to wear around the campus and in class. The weather in Delaware requires both summer and winter clothing. Students have found it useful and enjoyable to bring the national dress to wear on special occasions. In addition to the shops locates in Main St. , there are several places to shop in Newark although some are in driving distance: Christiana Mall (10/15 min drive), Concord Mall (20/30 min drive), Tanger Outlet Center (Lancaster, PA; Rehoboth, DE; both within 1hrs/1.5hrs drive).

Many shops, restaurants, and banks are located close to the University of Delaware campus. Ethnic grocery stores are also nearby including Wang's Oriental Food Store, apna Bazaar, and Zahara International Food Market. Newark Natural Food carries organic produce, herbs, grains, and groceries. A Farmer's market where fresh fruits and vegetables can be purchased is a 10-minute drive from campus, and there are large grocery stores (Acme, Pathmark, Shop-Rite) in the Newark area.