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

  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) - 30 minute to campus
  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) - 1 hour to campus
  • Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) - 2 hours to campus
  • Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) - 2 hours 15 minutes to campus
  • John F. Kennedy Airport, New York City (JFK) - 2 hours 45 minutes 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) with pickup times, meeting locations, and additional information and instructions. 

  Travel by Private Car Service

  Travel to KU from the airport by public transportation is not always direct, accessible, or time-reliable. We highly recommend booking a private car service to travel to campus if you will not be utilizing KU shuttle service. The transportation companies listed below are not affiliated with Kutztown University in any way. They are provided for your reference. You may choose to use a different service if you prefer. You should get an exact quote from the company for the service, including tolls, gratuity, and any other charges before making a reservation.

  • J&J Luxury Transportation
  • Andrew’s Transportation

  Transportation from Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) to Kutztown

  • Take the Trans-Bridge bus to Allentown, then a taxi/UBER/Lyft to Kutztown.
  • 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.
  • Consult the Trans-Bridge website for detailed information: Trans-Bridge Lines | Daily Bus Service | Bethlehem PA

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

  • You will need to take the air train from Terminal 8 in JFK to Jamaica, and then Penn Station, then walk to the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT)
  • Take the Trans-Bridge bus to Allentown, then a taxi/UBER/Lyft to Kutztown.
  • Consult the Trans-Bridge website for detailed information: Trans-Bridge Lines | Daily Bus Service | Bethlehem PA
• Hotels Near Kutztown, PA
  KUTZTOWN HOTELS

  If you are traveling with your family OR arriving early-before the designated arrival days for orientation (or earlier for student athletes), 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
  https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/abekzhx-hampton-suites-kutztown/

  Vintner's Inn
  401 West Main Street
  Kutztown, PA 19530
  Phone: +1-610-683-0401
  www.vintners-inn.com

• 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 tmporarily 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
  • *Apartments have kitches that will require additional kitchen utensils and items.