Traveling to and Arriving in the US

Once your visa is approved, you’ll need to coordinate your trip to the US, keeping in mind the date your department expects you to arrive. This date is set to align with orientation programs or housing access restrictions, or other University activities. You may also have travel restrictions based on your specific visa status.

Note: F-1 and J-1 visa holders are expected to arrive no later than the start date listed on your initial I-20 or DS-2019. If your travel is delayed for any reason, you may need a new document to enter the country.

Reference our Visa Categories page for more information.

While you may find cheaper flights to other airports in New York State, getting to Rochester from there can be time-consuming and expensive. Though most international flights arrive at a different initial Port of Entry, you can schedule a domestic flight to Rochester on the same day.

Rochester is more than 300 miles away from New York City, which means either an additional 50-minute flight, six hours of driving, or a seven-hour train or bus ride. We recommend traveling directly to Rochester if possible.

You’ll likely need immediate access to money as you get settled in Rochester. The exact amount you’ll need depends on various factors, such as whether you’re living in campus housing, have a University dining plan, are bringing family members, or plan to buy furniture or a vehicle.

Even if you open a US bank account when you arrive, there might be some delay in having access to that money while the account is being set up. Please plan ahead and bring some money with you.

When you arrive, you must declare all money to the US Customs and Border Patrol Agent at the Port of Entry.

Rochester’s weather varies substantially throughout the year.

Summer months (June–September) are often very warm and breezy, with daytime temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°–30°C). During the winter months (November–March), temperatures can drop below 10°F (-12° C), with even lower wind chills and frequent snow accumulations. Other months are more moderate in temperature.

Check out current weather information in Rochester from The Weather Channel.

During the coldest months, you will need:

• A warm, heavy coat (preferably resistant to wind and water)
• Waterproof boots
• Gloves and hat

You can buy these items in Rochester if you prefer not to transport them from home.

Please note that most American students generally wear informal and comfortable clothing in the classroom like jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers. Professional attire for scholars, researchers, and other employees tends to vary; ask your department for guidance.

You may choose to ship items from your home country, rather than bring them with you when you travel.

We suggest coordinating delivery with your department or having someone ship these items after you arrive and have a specific shipping address. ISO cannot accept or store packages for incoming students, scholars, or visitors.

Be sure to research your local shipping options (including International Parcel Post) to ensure that your packages clear inspection by US Customs and that you get a fair price for this service.

When you arrive in the United States, you’ll go through some inspection procedures at the Port of Entry. Your ability to enter the country before your program or scheduled activities at the University is based on the permissions of your requested status (more details are on our Visa Categories page).

At the Port of Entry, an officer with US Customs and Border Protection will check your immigration documents and determine whether you’re permitted to enter the country and for how long. This information will be recorded on your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.

In line with the US-VISIT system, you may be required to have your photograph taken and/or your fingerprints scanned. You’ll also need to obtain US Customs clearance, which may include an inspection of your personal belongings.

Do not use any other visa to enter the US other than the category you have requested. If you fail to enter properly, you’ll need to leave the US and re-enter before you can begin your scheduled activity.

• When checking baggage internationally, remember to personally reclaim your luggage for customs inspection. If you’re connecting to another flight domestically, you’ll have the opportunity to recheck your luggage with the airlines afterward.
• Find out from the airline if there are any restrictions on the number, size, or weight of baggage items.
• Review guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) about prohibited carry-on items.
• Do not leave your bags unattended or with strangers.
• Carry a small flight bag with medications you may need, valuable belongings, a change of clothing, and any essential personal hygiene items in case any checked baggage is lost or misdirected.

• Always hand-carry your passport, other immigration documents, and money or traveler’s checks.
• Carry some US currency with you when you travel. You may need to make a phone call, purchase a meal, pay for taxi fare, or rent a baggage trolley when you arrive.
• Expect the unexpected! Check in for all flights well in advance of your scheduled departure time. If you’re planning to spend the night in a hotel, either in transit or upon arrival in Rochester, you should guarantee your reservation with a credit card in case your flight is delayed and you arrive later than expected.

The University of Rochester is located minutes from the Rochester International Airport and other transportation hubs in the city.

If you can’t arrange for someone to meet you at the airport, taxi services are always available. A typical fare is approximately $10 to $20, depending on the number of passengers and baggage. It’s customary to tip the driver approximately 10–15% of the total fare, which typically amounts to $2 to $3.

Ask for special University rates at the following hotels:

• Staybridge Suites—Located within walking distance to the River Campus and offering long-term discounted rates for University-affiliated international students, scholars, and families.
• Hilton Garden Inn Rochester—Located within walking distance of the River Campus and Medical Center as well as College Town business, shopping, and restaurants.
• Fairfield Inn by Marriott Rochester Airport—Located at the Greater Rochester International Airport, two miles from the River Campus.
• Holiday Inn Rochester—Adjacent to the Rochester airport, two miles from the River Campus.

Many area hotels also offer free shuttle service to their guests, including pick-up from the airport and transportation to the University campuses.