Arrival and Orientation

All new international students are required to attend the in-person International Orientation Program prior to the start of their first semester at Kutztown University.

• Transportation to Kutztown University

  Nearby Airports

  We are excited to welcome you to Kutztown University! You can choose a variety of airports for your entry to the U.S.:

  • Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) - 35 minute to campus
  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) - 1.5 hour to campus
  • Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) - 2 hours to campus
  • Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) - 2.5 hours to campus
  • John F. Kennedy Airport, New York City (JFK) - 3 hours to campus

  Pick-up by KU Shuttle

  Airport pickup is only available from ABE, PHL, and EWR airports during designated arrival dates. Pick-up is not automatic. Students MUST request airport pickup by completing their Arrival Form on their Accepted International Student Checklist. We will reach out to students in early August (fall term) or January (spring term) to confirm pickup times, meeting locations, and additional information and instructions. 

  Travel by Private Car Service or Rideshare

  Travel to KU from the airport by public transportation is not always direct, accessible, or time-reliable. Booking a private car service to travel to campus is a more expensive but more direct transportation option. The transportation companies listed below are not affiliated with Kutztown University in any way. They are provided for your reference.

  • J&J Luxury Transportation
  • Andrew’s Transportation
  • Taxi/UBER/Lyft (May only be possible from PHL or ABE airports)

  Transportation from Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) to Kutztown

  • Take the Trans-Bridge bus from Newark Airport to Allentown Transportation Center. Consult the Trans-Bridge website for detailed information: Trans-Bridge Lines | Daily Bus Service | Bethlehem PA. Trans-Bridge Lines pick up passengers at Newark Airport at Stop #1 at Terminals A and B and at Stop #2 at Terminal C. These stops are on the HOV Roadway, which is located on the lower level of the airport outside of baggage claim. The price is about $60 and takes 2.5 hours. 
  • Take a taxi/UBER/Lyft to Kutztown University. The price is between $35 - $60 and takes about 35 minutes. 

  Transportation from John F. Kennedy Airport, New York City (JFK) to Kutztown

  • Take the AirTrain from Terminal 8 in JFK Airport to Jamaica. The price is about $9 and takes about 10 minutes. 
  • Switch trains and take the LIRR train to Penn Station. This price is between $3-12 and takes about 30 minutes. 
  • Get to the Port Authority Bus Terminal on 8th Ave & 41st St. This is a 15 minute walk or a 7-8 minute taxi/UBER/Lyft ride. 
  • Take the Trans-Bridge bus to Allentown. Consult the Trans-Bridge website for detailed information: Trans-Bridge Lines | Daily Bus Service | Bethlehem PA. The price is about $60 and takes 2.5-3 hours. 
  • Take a taxi/UBER/Lyft to Kutztown University. The price is between $35 - $60 and takes about 35 minutes. 
• Hotels Near Kutztown, PA
  If you are traveling with your family OR arriving to Kutztown early, before the designated arrival days for on-campus move-in or the orientation program, there are nearby options for accommodations for you to explore: 

  Hampton Inn & Suites Kutztown
  15080 Kutztown Road
  Kutztown, PA 19530
  Phone: +1-484-641-8800
  
  Vintner's Inn
  401 West Main Street
  Kutztown, PA 19530
  Phone: +1-610-683-0401

• What to Bring to Campus

  Review items you should bring to campus or plan to purchase when you arrive:

  Travel Documents: 

  • Passport and Visa
  • Form I-20 or DS-2019
  • SEVIS I-901 Fee Confirmation of Payment
  • Financial Documents (including any bank statements or scholarship letters)
  • KU Acceptance Letter

  Academic Records: Students can bring a physical copy of their final high school or university transcripts with them to International Orientation. Only physical copies that are in a sealed envelopes with the seal unbroken, are considered official.

  Official Health Records: Official documentation of health history, immunizations/vaccines, proof of health insurance. 

  Medical and Personal Items: Review these medication tips from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Read more here about medication allowances) Bring your glasses, and/or contact lenses. Medication you would take to relieve pain or a minor cold or illness is over-the-counter in the U.S., meaning you do not need a prescription. You can find these common medications in Pharmacies and some grocery stores.

  Laptop: If you have your own laptop, you can bring it and use it on campus. There is wired internet access in the residence hall rooms and wireless access in the lounges and campus buildings. You are not required to bring your own computer; there are many computer labs with printers on campus for you to use and some are available 24 hours a day. Students can also temporarily check out laptops from the campus Library.

  Outlet and Plug Converters: Purchase an electrical outlet and plug converter for the U.S. from your home country to use with any electric device you bring. The U.S. operates on 120 V and has type A and type B electrical plugs.

  Credit Card and U.S. Currency: Plan to have multiple ways to access your money. Bring a credit card in case you have to quickly pay any fees at the Port of Entry or encounter other unexpected expenses. We also recommend that you travel with at least $100 of U.S. currency to use in places where credit cards are not accepted. Upon arrival, you can open a U.S. bank account to make local banking more easy and save money on credit card transaction fees. 

  International Driver’s License: If you plan to drive a car while in the U.S., you could get an international driver’s license in your home country prior to travelling to KU. International driver’s licenses are valid for one year. You may apply for a Pennsylvania State Driver’s License after you arrive if you will study at KU for at least one year.

  On-Campus Housing Items: You may travel a great distance to get to KU and the U.S. and you might not want to travel with everything. KU residence halls have a bed, desk, chair, and closet for every student. You must bring or purchase school supplies and any other items you want for your residence hall room. Visit the Housing & Residence Life Office website to find additional information on what to bring to campus, as well as a list of prohibited items. You may need to purchase the following items after arrival:

  • Bedding (Sheets/linens) for an extra-long twin bed (Twin XL) - This is a unique bed size for universities.
  • Pillow
  • Blanket
  • Clothes hangers
  • Laundry basket
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Toiletries
  • Shower shoes/sandals
  • Room decorations
  • Room fan
  • First aid kit
  • *Apartments have kitches that will require additional kitchen utensils and items. 

  If you wish to mail items to campus, mail them to the International Office at the following address:

  [Student Name]
  15200 Kutztown Road
  International Office, Old Main 24
  Kutztown, PA 19530 USA