General Travel & Arrival Information for New Students

No doubt you are already busy getting ready for your journey to Amherst College! As you begin to make necessary arrangements, please be sure to review this important information regarding travel, arrival, and Pre-Orientation. You’ll also want to keep in mind some key dates and procedures. 

Additionlly, please visit the New Student Information page to find information relevant to all incoming students. Feel free to check out both Residential Life FAQs and Things You Can Do Now to be on top of your planning!

Important Dates

Aug. 24, 2023                 Arrival

Aug. 25- 28, 2023          New International Student Pre-Orientation

Aug. 29- Sept 4, 2023   New Student Orientation

Sept 5, 2023                   Fall Classes Begin

Pre-Orientation is a required program for all new international students and exchange visitors. Your move-in date to your residence halls is on Thursday, August 24. Please note that the College does not accept early arrival requests as the residential halls will not yet be ready for new international students. On August 24, we will provide free airport shuttles from Boston Logan Airport at designated times between 8am and 8pm. Further details and a full Pre-Orientation schedule will become available in the summer of 2023!

Covid-19 Vaccination & Testing

As of April 12, 2023, the College no longer requires the COVID-19 vaccine for community members. However, the College strongly recommends that all community members follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination, including being up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses.
The CDC provides the most up-to-date information on vaccines and boosters and eligibility criteria.

Packing Tips

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAG: Before you leave for the airport, make sure that you have the following documents with you in your carry-on bag. You will be expected to present these documents upon arrival in the United States for inspection by a CBP officer at the border crossing.

  • Airline tickets (if applicable), boarding passes, travel itinerary
  • Current passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
  • Valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp
  • I-20 (for F-1 Students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 Exchange Visitors)
  • Copy of I-901 fee receipt
  • Financial documentation (i.e. financial aid award letter and/or Certification of Finances form with supporting documents)
  • Offer of admission from Amherst College

BE AWARE OF AIRLINE & CUSTOMS RESTRICTIONS: Please check all airline and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) restrictions BEFORE you pack your bags. Many items that you might wish to take from home (such as foods, medicines, smoking products, certain amounts of liquid or gel products, etc.) may be legally restricted on flights or not legally allowed into the United States. Customs violations (even unintentional ones) have the potential to impact your visa status and can incur serious legal consequences, so when in doubt - check!

Looking for more insider tips? Check out this packing list put together by Amherst international students!

Transportation to Campus

AIR TRAVEL: If you are travelling from abroad, you have several airport options including: John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York, NY), TF Green International Airport (Providence, RI), Logan International Airport (Boston, MA) and Bradley International Airport (Windsor Locks, CT). The two airports closest to campus are Logan and Bradley. The airport you select will depend on your originating airport, convenience, budget, and individual circumstances or preferences. 

GROUND TRANSPORTATION FROM AIRPORTS TO AMHERST: Please contact the CISE for advice on ground transportation from your arrival airport. Several options might be available depending on your location, arrival time, and budget. Some common options include taxi, regional trains via Amtrak, bus service via Greyhound or Peter Pan, and private shuttle services. While rental cars might also be an option, be sure to check applicable age and driver’s license restrictions before reserving a vehicle to ensure eligibility. You may also want to take advantage of the free airport shuttle service offered by the CISE (see below for more information).

FREE AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE: Amherst College will be providing free shuttles from Boston Logan Airport on August 24, 2023, at 10am, 3pm, 9pm, available only to incoming students. International Student Leaders will meet you at a designated spot at the Logan Airport (will be communicated prior to arrival) and guide you to the shuttle location. You must submit the travel form below to request this shuttle service. Please note that it may take some time to get through immigration and customs, and you may face unforeseen delays, so please take those considerations into account when selecting a shuttle time. 

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR TRAVEL INFORMATION

Please note: regardless of whether or not you will be utilizing the free service, all incoming students are required to fill out the travel information form above. 

Campus Contacts

CAMPUS CONTACTS: If you encounter difficulties during your travel and are in need of assistance, please reach out to these campus offices for assistance.

  • Monday-Friday during business hours (non-urgent):

Center for International Student Engagement +1 (413) 542-2612 / cise@amherst.edu

Office of Immigration Services +1 (413) 54-5971 / ois@amherst.edu

Office of Student Affairs +1 (413) 542-2337 / studentaffairs@amherst.edu

  • Urgent matters or immediate assistance outside of office hours:

Campus Police:

business line +1 (413) 542-2291

ON-CAMPUS EMERGENCIES ONLY +1 (413) 542-2111