dfsXZ Office for International Programs, Loyola University Chicago

Office for International Programs|Loyola University Chicago

Office for International Programs

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Getting to Loyola

What to Bring to Chicago

You can purchase most household items and school supplies, including computers and books, in Chicago. The items you must bring with you from your home country are:

  • Your passport and immigration documents (I-20 or DS-2019)
  • The sealed envelope given to you by the U.S. Department of State Consular Officer, attached to your passport. DO NOT open this envelope.
  • Academic credentials from your home country, if you did not provide original documents translated into English at the time of your admission to Loyola
  • Proof of prior immunizations
  • Cash (U.S. dollars) or travelers' checks to cover transportation from the airport to campus. If you haven't found a place to live, you should also bring money to cover 5-7 days of temporary lodging and food in Chicago. This amount could vary between $500-$1,000 depending on your lifestyle. You can arrange to have additional money sent/wired to Chicago after your arrival. For more information about housing options, please see Housing.
  • Clothing for a climate that is very hot and humid in the summer (June - September: 70-100 degrees Fahrenheit) and very cold in the winter (November - March: 0-40 degrees Fahrenheit). You may purchase additional clothing after your arrival in the many discount clothing stores in the Chicagoland area.

Optional documents you may wish to bring include:

  • Evidence of your financial resources
  • Evidence of your student or exchange visitor status, such as tuition receipts, transcripts or letter of acceptance
  • Your paper receipt for the SEVIS fee
  • The name and contact information of your designated school official or sponsor. To veiw a list of Loyola designated school officials, click here.

Entering the U.S.

On the airplane, you will be asked to complete the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. Please make sure that you complete the white version of this form. (The green version is used for people entering on the Visa Waiver Program).

After you get off the airplane in the U.S., you will go through an immigration inspection. Please present your I-20 or DS-2019 and passport to the inspector. Inform the CBP Officer at the port of entry as soon as possible that you will be a new student or exchange visitor in the U.S. The inspector may ask to review your admission and financial documents, so have them available. The inspector will then stamp your I-20 or DS-2019, return it to you, and staple the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record into your passport.

The I-20 or DS-2019 and I-94 are proof of your legal admission to the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 student. Please keep these documents safe at all times.

Getting to Chicago

You may travel to Chicago by plane, train or bus. For more information about these travel options, click one of the following links:

Getting to Loyola

Students may travel to either of Loyola's two lakeside campuses by using the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) system of buses and trains, or by taking a taxi. The Norshore Taxi Association offers relatively inexpensive transportation from Chicago's airports. To reserve a Norshore taxi, call: 773.743.0066.

Check-in with OIP

Once you have arrived at Loyola, you must visit the OIP office to register your arrival. We will send further information about this process with your I-20 or DS-2019 form.

Orientation

All new students should attend an international student orientation, which specifically covers information about your non-immigrant status in the U.S. Information about orientation will be sent to you along with your I-20 or DS-2019 form.

Student Life

International students are encouraged to get involved on campus. Several current international students are members and/or leaders to clubs, organizations and other student activities. To view more information about Loyola's student organizations, click here.

The International Club is composed of international and American students interested in meeting each other and welcoming new international students to campus.