Guest Post
Moving to the U.S. for college is an exciting leap into a new chapter of your life, filled with new experiences.
But before you can settle into your off-campus housing or attend your first class, you’ll need to navigate the often overwhelming process of arriving at a U.S. airport.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through each step so you can feel confident and prepared for your journey.
Navigating Customs and Immigration
Upon arrival at a U.S. airport, you’ll go through customs and immigration, where officers verify your visa, passport, and eligibility to enter the country.
This step is important because it ensures you’re legally admitted to the U.S. as an international student.
What to Do
- Have your passport, visa, I-20 form, and university acceptance letter ready.
- Answer officers’ questions honestly.
- Declare any food, gifts, or restricted items you’re carrying.
What Not to Do
- Don’t joke or provide false information to officers.
- Don’t bring prohibited items like fresh produce or meat.
- Don’t use your phone while in the immigration line.
Collecting Your Luggage
After clearing customs, you’ll head to the baggage claim area to retrieve your luggage.
Look for digital screens displaying flight numbers and their assigned baggage claim belts, your flight’s details will guide you to the right spot in the terminal.
What to Do
- Check the screens for your flight’s baggage claim belt number.
- Verify your luggage tags to ensure you’re taking the correct bags.
- Report any lost or damaged luggage to the airline’s desk immediately.
What Not to Do
- Don’t leave your bags unattended in the claim area.
- Don’t rush off without checking for all your luggage.
- Don’t hesitate to ask airport staff for help if you’re confused.
Clearing Airport Security Checks
After collecting your luggage, you may need to pass through additional security or customs checks before exiting the airport.
These are located near the baggage claim area or clearly marked with signs directing you to customs service exits.
What to Do
- Follow signs to the customs service or secondary screening area.
- Present any required forms or receipts from customs declarations.
- Be prepared to open your luggage if asked by officers.
What Not to Do
- Don’t try to bypass or rush through security checkpoints.
- Don’t carry prohibited items in your bags.
- Don’t argue with security officers if asked for additional checks.
Arranging Transportation to Your Student Housing
Once you’ve cleared all airport checks, you’ll need to arrange transportation to your student housing in Washington D.C., or your desired destination.
Head to the airport’s ground transportation area, usually near the terminal exit, where you’ll find shuttles, taxis, and rideshare pickups.
What to Do
- Check if your university offers a shuttle service and locate their pickup point.
- Use a rideshare app or taxi service with clear pricing to your destination.
- Keep your housing address and university contact details handy.
What Not to Do
- Don’t accept rides from unlicensed drivers offering services.
- Don’t share personal details with strangers at the airport.
- Don’t leave your belongings unattended while arranging transport.
Conclusion
With these steps in mind, you’ll be ready to handle the airport process with comfort.
Welcome to your new adventure in the U.S., and best of luck with your college journey!
How can amber help you?
amber helps you secure student accommodation of your choice on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop for all your accommodation needs. Download the amber app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.
About author
Archit is an avid writer who is keen to get his doctorate. When not writing, he can be found reading, taking the metro, and then questioning this decision, and haunting local bookstores.
Unless otherwise stated, all posts on the Bentham site are written by our team of consultants. We will occasionally share guest posts from qualified and reputable 3rd parties, where we feel they can add value for our audience. This is one such post.
