Journey

This section includes suggestions for making travel plans and reservations. It discusses immigration procedures you must follow at your point of entry into the US. It suggests how you might obtain travel assistance to when you arrive in the country and to continue on to Austin, your final destination.

All my bags are packed.. I’m ready to go

Before deciding your route of travel I suggest you look into various carriers, flight schedules, fares, routes etc. Doesn’t really matter what you choose as long as you feel you’ll be comfortable. Most flights from India don’t have Austin as their port of entry, which is the first airport in the US that you arrive at. That’s where you go through customs and immigration. Be aware that this might take a li’l time sometimes and you need enough time between flights for this so make sure you account for that. The Austin Bergstrom Intl’ Airport where you’ll arrive at, is about 10 miles from campus and cabs, shuttle services and ours run from there!

Timing

Plan to arrive at the university atleast 3-4 days before the International Student Orientation (mentioned in the “New Student Arrival Packet”), which usually occurs before the period of advisement and registration of courses. This gives you opportunity to settle in before participating in required student activities. It will also provide time for you to become familiar with the campus and the community and to make friends before the pressure of coursework begins.

Since the university does not provide on campus temporary housing, you should adjust your budget to take into account temporary accommodation in an off-campus hotel room. Though ICA has arranged temporary housing for incoming students by putting them up with existing students, we do not guarantee one.

Finally, you should avoid arriving at the university on a Saturday, Sunday or U.S. national holiday, since the college/university offices are usually closed on these days.

Luggage

By now, you must have received tons of advice on what to take with you from all and sundry. This “tons of advice” will most probably translate to “tons of luggage” and while you may not be averse to the idea of performing the Herculean task of carrying it around airports of the world, we doubt if your back or the airlines would look kindly on this venture. Remember that if you are coming from outside the U.S., you are allowed only 2 pieces of luggage of specified weight and dimensions.

On my way…

Port of entry procedures

Customs Declaration Forms and Immigration Forms

Sometime before your arrival, the flight attendant will distribute customs declaration forms and immigration forms. You have to fille these out and submit them to the U.S. Customs authorities. Make sure that once you land you have the following with you:

Passport with a valid visa
SEVIS I-20 Form , or Form IAP-66
Evidence of financial resources (just incase) and
I-94 which is a form that you will be given on board to fill out.

Customs

Baggage

Even if your luggage is booked through to your final destination, it will be off-loaded at your port of entry. Collect it and answer the customs officer honestly when questioned and make a full declaration in your customs form since he can inspect your bags and consequences can be severe.

Connecting Flights

If you will be continuing your journey by air, check in at the airline counter as soon as you are through customs. In most airports, you might have to change terminals to board your connecting flight. Please ask the airline representatives about changing terminals. Remember, it is your responsibility to collect your baggage after passing through immigration, clear it through customs, and get it checked in again for the onward connection. In case your baggage does not arrive on the same flight as you, do not waste too much time hunting for it. Mention it to the airline representative and give them a forwarding address and phone number where you can be reached. In any event, do not miss your connecting flight. In case your flight came in late, or the onward flight is cancelled, it is the responsibility of the airline on which you flew into the country, to make arrangements for another flight. If the delay involves an overnight stay, then the airline has to put you up for the night and also pay for your meals. Do not let the airline representative convince you otherwise.

Note: Please don’t panic if it so happens that your flight arrives late and the time for the connecting flight is too near (say, within the next 10-15 minutes) for you to make it due to Immigration and Customs delays. Simply follow the same actions outlined above and get your airline to arrange things for you. Don’t be rude, but be firm while dealing with the airline representatives.

I’m here!!

Taking a Taxi/Shuttle

Taxis (referred to as cabs) are very convenient, but pretty expensive, approximately charging about $22 – $25 till campus. They’re available just outside the baggage claim area. There is a shuttle service available as well which you can get for about $11.75 a person. If you can’t locate the counter, ask someone around. This is almost like a taxi except its designed to serve upto 4 people at once.

Hopefully you shouldn’t have any problems travelling here, if you have carefully read the above information. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any help. Bon Voyage!