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Now that you have your visa in hand

Phase 3: Pre-Arrival Steps

The earliest that you can legally enter the country is 30 days prior to the Program Start Date listed on your Form I-20. However arriving too early in JMU/Harrisonburg is not advisable. Based on student feedback, we suggest you arrive 10 days before classes. The first graduate international student orientation is scheduled for January 13. Many logistics need to be taken care of before the first day of classes:

  • Finalize details and moving in to your living unit
  • Configure your phone settings
  • Open a bank account
  • Go shopping
  • Meet with your Academic Department to finalize your schedule
  • Meet with your Graduate Assistant supervisor
  • Complete you SEVIS Registration
  • Complete payroll documents
  • Apply for a social security nmber
  • Attend orientation sessions
  • Pay your student bill

Airport Options

  • We recommend that you fly in to Dulles International Airport (IAD). It is approximately 2 hours (driving distance) from JMU.  
  • Instead of flying into IAD, you could choose to fly into Shenandoah Regional Airport (SHD). It is the closest airport to JMU, located only 25 minutes (driving distance) from Harrisonburg. To get to Harrisonburg, you can arrange (online) for an airport shuttle to transport you to Harrisonburg. The cost is approximately $40. 

Getting from IAD airport to JMU/Harrisonburg

  • The Virginia Breeze/Megabus provides a daily round-trip bus to JMU/Harrisonburg and the Dulles International Airport. A one-way ride to JMU is approximately $20, and drops you off on campus near the bookstore. Please note:
    • you will need to pay, in advance, online with a debit/credit card to reserve your seat. 
    • Reserving a seat for yourself on the 10:40am bus may be the best option so that you will arrive on campus by 12:50pm (when most offices will be open on weekdays). 
    • The bus stop is located next to the JMU bookstore. Feel free to go inside and to ask for information.
    • During the week days (as opposed to weekend), you may come to our office CGE (Center for Global Engagement) so that we can  orient you, have you use our phone, etc. To do so, ask anyone you see on campus to point you to the Student Success Center. Once inside, go to the 2nd floor as you will take the skybridge to get to Holland Yates Hall where our office is located.

Getting from the JMU Megabus bus stop to your lodging:

  • Use the UBER or Lyft app to have a local driver pick you up
  • Call a local Harrisonburg taxi company:
    • Royal Cab (540) 438-7777
    • ABC Cab Co (540) 564-1214
    • Green Taxi Cab (540) 810-2074
  • Ask your academic advisor if they know someone who can pick you up

Questions to ask before meeting with your landlord

  • What date and time can I obtain the keys to the apartment? Your arrival date and time, or even if you will need to plan an overnight stay at a hotel will depend on that information. For example, many offices close at 5pm
  • What is the total amount of money I will need to pay? What is the method of payment? Find out if you will need to pay with a certified check, your new debit card from your US bank account, or via Zelle or Venmo account. Remind them that you do not have a social security number so that they keep that in mind when they answer the question. You may be asked for an additional piece of information.

Before you sign a contract or lease agreement

  • Make sure to agree to all of the terms indicated on the contract/form that you are about to sign. Once a lease or contract is signed (even virtually), you cannot cancel it or alter it such as changing a 12-month lease to a shorter one. 
  • Your deposit cannot be more than twice your monthly lease

Due to the timing of international travel, public transit options, office openings, etc, you will likely need to spend at least one night in a hotel.

Near the IAD Airport:

Based on when you land and how long it takes to go through customs, etc., you may not be able to find a ride that day, as such you may need to or want to stay overnight at a nearby airport hotel.

Our office has connections with the following hotels, which also offer a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel:

In Harrisonburg:

Your specific arrival date and time in Harrisonburg will impact your ability to move directly into your apartment. 

If you arrive early, you may need to find a hotel to stay until you can move in. 

Please note that hotel availability may be limited in Harrisonburg, as all new students are moving in that week.

In addition to my tuition, will there be additional fees and costs I need to know about?

When calculating expenses you will incur, you need to keep in mind the following costs and fees:  

  • The International Student Administration Fee: $100 per semester   
  • Health Insurance Fee: approximately $700 per semester  
  • Books and school supplies  
  • Additional departmental fees

How will I pay for these fees?

  • The University Business Office (or UBO) is the office that oversees that any fees and payments are paid for. Different payment methods (including international payments to JMU) are provided.
  • You will start receiving bills in early August. This will mark the many communications you will receive from UBO
  • M3, short for Madison Money Manager, is the student financial account portal. This is where you can view or make an online payment to your student account.
  • Installment payment plans are available for the fall and spring semesters to all enrolled students. You may want to consider signing up, in advance, for a payment plan to make it easier to offset making large payments all at once. 

How much should I bring to get started with getting settled?

We recommend having $4,000 available, for your first couple of months at JMU, to cover expenses related to getting settled especially as administrative procedures can take time. (For example: if you have a GA, it could be many weeks before you get your first paycheck.)

Will your apps allow you to pay others/for services, once in the US, in US dollars?

You may need to check your app configurations such as Uber, Venmo, Apple Pay, etc to see if you will be able to pay in US dollars eventhough your app. is using another country's currency.

Should I consider opening a bank accountin the U.S.?

Yes, it will easily facilitate the transfer of funds (between your home country, JMU's Business Office, and you) but also as JMU willl need an account to transfer your stipend (if you have a GA). Your main options, as someone who does not yet have a US Social Security Number, are:

  • Large international banks, such as: Bank of America or Wells Fargo
  • The other bank worth considering that is within walking distance and which offers very minimal fees such as overseas transaction fees ,is Atlantic Union Bank located a block away from the ISSS office

 All of these banks are used to working wih international students

Make sure to pack:

  • Passport
  • Form I-20
  • SEVIS Fee receipt
  • Cash/credit card
  • Admission letter
  • This handout to assist with your transportation from IAD to JMU and finding your way on campus
  • Travel voltage converter & adapter
  • Medicine & prescriptions

If your checked luggage is lost, ask the airline to deliver the luggage to:

JMU’s Center for Global Engagement
100 East Grace Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22807. 

Have them contact Thomas Lavenir at (540) 568-7314. 

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Center for Global Engagement - Study Abroad
Holland Yates Hall (formerly Madison Hall)
MSC 5731
100 East Grace Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
Email Us
540/568-5209
Fax: 540/568-3310