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.

WELCOME TO THE GOLDEN BEAR FAMILY!

Welcome to Kutztown University and the Golden Bear Family! At International Orientation you will meet other students, faculty and staff. You will also receice information about campus resources, obtain your student ID card, tour campus, and get important information for maintaining your immigrations status. We know you have lots of questions and we are here to help you. Email international@kutztown.edu

International Orientation Program

Fall 2024 - Welcome Week and International Orientation Program

  • Monday, August 19 through Wednesday, August 21: Arrival Dates
  • Thursday, August 22: International Orientation Day 1
  • Friday, August 23: International Orientation Day 2
  • Saturday, August 24 through Sunday, August 25: Free Days; University-wide planned events  
  • Monday, August 26: First day of classes
  • Friday, August 30th: Orientation session for international students in the Honors Program. 

Save the Date: Wednesday, September 4th, 5:00pm-7:00pm: International Picnic!

FIRST YEAR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

In addition to the in-person International Orientation, you are required to attend a virtual Freshman Orientation Program session. This session is required to receive your class schedule. Register for ONE session below. 

TRANSFER UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

In addition to the in-person International Orientation, you are required to attend a virtual Transfer Orientation Program session. This session is required before you can register for classes. 

ARRIVAL AND ORIENTATION RESOURCES:

  • Transportation to Kutztown University

    We are excited to welcome you to Kutztown University!
    We recommend that you choose one of the following airports for your entry to the U.S.:

    • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
    • Newark Liberty Airport (EWR)
    • Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
    • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
    • John F. Kennedy Airport, New York City (JFK)

    Pick-up by KU Shuttle

    Airport pickup is only available from Newark Liberty Airport (EWR), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), and Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) on Monday and Tuesday of Welcome Week.

    Pick-up is not automatic. You MUST request pickup on your Arrival Form, and provide your flight information. 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 pick-up. 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.

    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 athletic training), 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
    • Desk lamp
    • Room decorations
    • *Apartments have kitches that will require additional kitchen utensils and items.