When you begin to plan your travel to IU South Bend, here are some things to keep in mind:

• The earliest you can arrive in the U.S. is 30 days before the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
• You will want to arrive a few days before the start of International Student Orientation, to give you time to recuperate from your journey and get used to your new environment.  You will take placement tests during orientation and you will want to be refreshed.
• Be aware of housing move-in dates. These will vary depending on whether you are living in a university-owned house or an off-campus location.
• When making an airline reservation, we strongly suggest you make either Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport or the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport your first port of entry. These airports are the closest international airports to IU South Bend, and both offer direct connecting flights to the South Bend Regional Airport. Also daily bus service is available to and from Chicago from South Bend by United Limo.

To discuss your travel plans, and receive additional guidance, please contact the Office of International Student Services.