Accepted Students

Pre-arrival Information

Things to bring with you, things to keep behind

New Jersey has variable climates-cold winters with periodic snowfalls, hot humid summers; some very pleasant periods in between. Warm jackets, scarves, hats, gloves, and boots are essential for winter (November-March). Waterproof outerwear and umbrellas are essential in rainy weather.

If you will be living on campus, basic furniture is provided, but bed linens, blankets, pillows and towels are not. If possible, bring a bed sheet, light blanket, and a towel with you from home. Keep in mind the single bed is extra long, longer than the normal beds, so bring an extra long sheet and blanket if possible. You will have the opportunity to go shopping with staff members of International Services for food and necessary items a few days after your arrival on campus.

You can also bring small personal items such as photographs, traditional dress, tapes or CDs, or other items to personalize you new home. Keep in mind that residence halls have limited space.

It is best to purchase electrical appliances after you arrive in the U.S., as appliances manufactured outside U.S. may not be compatible with the power supply.

If you are intending to drive in the U.S., it is important that you obtain an international driver’s license before you leave your country. You can then apply for a New Jersey driver’s license.

It is advisable to carry a small amount of U.S. cash, in paper currency and coins for telephones, baggage carts, bus fares, and tips. 

Arrival in the United States

All new students are required to arrive no later than Monday, August 23, 2010 for the Fall 2010 Semester.  Please refer to the Pre-Arrival Guide for New International Students and make careful note of the dates and activities you are required to attend. During this time, you will participate in new student activities. It will also give you time to adjust to the campus, the culture, and the community. The Village at Little Falls and Russ Residence Hall will be open starting August 21, 2010 to international students who have been assigned a room. If you plan to arrive before August 21, 2010 you will need to arrange your own accommodations off-campus. If you plan to live off-campus, be sure your housing arrangements are available to you upon your arrival.

Documents to carry in your hand luggage

• Passport
• I-20 or DS-2019 (the immigration officer at the embassy or consulate put this in a sealed envelope. Do not open the envelope; the officer at the airport will open it)
• Payment receipt of SEVIS Fee
• Evidence of financial support
• Name and contact information of Designated School Official or Responsible Officer at Montclair State University: Jacqueline Leighton, Director, International Services, 973-655-6862

Completing the I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Form

If you are traveling by plane, the flight attendants on board will distribute I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Form, before you land at the airport. Complete the form accurately. Make sure your name, date of birth, citizenship matches exactly as it is written in your passport. If you do not understand a form, ask the flight attendant for assistance.

Inside the Terminal

Once inside the terminal proceed to the immigration booth, and present your passport, your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019, and your completed I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Form. Expect to have your index fingers scanned for fingerprint purposes and a digital photograph taken, as required by regulations. Once the inspection is complete, the officer will:

• Stamp your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 for duration of status (“D/S”) and the date you entered the U.S.
• Stamp your I-94 card for duration of status (D/S”) and the date you entered the U.S., and staple it in the passport. Be sure the I-94 card has the appropriate visa status (F-1 or J-1).

In certain cases, if there is some problem with your documents, you may be issued a 30 day entry on your I-94 card, and issued a form I-515, with instructions to see your international student advisor. If you receive this form, come to the International Services office upon your arrival.

Secondary Inspection Requirements

If the CBP officer at the port of entry cannot initially verify your information or you do not have all of the required documentation, you may be directed to an interview area known as “secondary inspection.” Secondary inspection allows inspectors to conduct additional research in order to verify information without causing delays for other arriving passengers.

The inspector will first attempt to verify your status by using the Student and Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS). In the event that the CBP Officer needs to verify information with your school or program, provide them the name of the Director of International Services, Ms. Jacqueline Leighton, 973-655-6862. In the event you arrive during non-business hours (evening, weekends, holidays), you can call campus police at 973-655-5222 and they will contact Ms. Leighton on your behalf. For more information, read the fact sheet, Arriving at a U.S. Port of Entry, What a Student can Expect

Citizens of Canada

Citizens of Canada are not required to obtain a U.S. visa to enter the United States. The following documents should be presented to either the customs officer at the border or to an officer at the airport:

• Valid Passport
• Montclair State University Admission Letter (sent to you by either undergraduate admission or graduate school)
• Montclair State University I-20 or DS-2019
• Payment receipt of SEVIS Fee
• Proof of financial support

Note: Permanent residents of Canada are required to obtain a visa from the U.S. embassy or consulate before entering the U.S.

Getting to Montclair State University

When making your flight arrangements, remember that students on F and J visa can arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019. You must arrive in the U.S. before the orientation week begins (see "Orientation Schedule") to make sure you take the required tests, and meet with your advisor and attend the required International Student Orientation.

We strongly recommend that you arrange your airline flights so that you arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport (the closest airport to the campus) between 7am and 6pm. Arrival at LaGuardia or JFK airports located in New York State will require a lengthy drive to the campus. 

From Newark International Airport:
 From the airport, take the New Jersey Transit bus No. 62 to PENN Station in Newark. Make sure you have single dollar bills and coins before boarding the bus (The bus fare is approximately $2.00 from the airport to Newark PENN Station).  When you arrive at PENN Station in Newark, take bus No. 28 of New Jersey Transit to Montclair (The bus fare is approximately $2.00 from Newark PENN Station to Montclair). This bus will take you directly to Montclair State University. Be sure to keep close watch of your bags. You may want to consider bringing just what you will need and ask your family to ship the remainder of your belongings at a later date.

Although it will cost more money, we strongly suggest that you take a taxi from Newark Airport. Ask the taxi driver to take you to Montclair State University in Montclair (Valley Road Exit off Route 3 West). The cost will be approximately US$50.00 including the customary driver’s tip. Cost should be arranged with the driver before leaving the airport. Enter the University at the Normal Avenue entrance and proceed to either Russ Hall or the Village at Little Falls. Go to the Residence Hall Office and ask for assistance in getting to your assigned room. If you plan to live off-campus, give the taxi driver the address of your arranged housing.

If you must arrive at LaGuardia or JFK airport, we suggest that you arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up and bring you to campus. Do not take a taxi from these airports, as the cost will be very high.
Or you may arrange to take the "Airporter", a ground shuttle bus from Kennedy Airport to Newark Airport. The "Airporter", runs from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and the cost is $24.00. You should call in advance to reserve a seat on the "Airporter", 1-800-385-4000.

If you have difficulty in your travels, you may call us from anywhere toll-free by dialing 1-800-624-7780; when you hear a recording, dial 0 - a campus operator will answer - then ask for International Services at extension 6862. Our regular office hours are 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday.  During the months of June through August, the University operates on a summer schedule, and our summer office hours are 8:00 a.m.—5:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The campus is closed on Fridays. After office hours, you may contact the Campus Security at (973) 655-5222.