Newly Admitted International Students
Arriving in the United States is very exciting, but it can also be stressful. If you have already been admitted into a Fordham program, please read the following information carefully so that you can be prepared for your time in New York, and to make your trip and your first few days easy and stress-free.
The Office for International Services White Book contains important and helpful information about your visa application and moving to/living in New York City.
International student orientations
Once your busy academic and social lives begin, you might not find time to seek out certain vital information, or to make sure that the ‘information’ you receive from your friends/family is correct. This is why it’s very important for you to attend this orientation. We want to make sure all Fordham international students stay in legal status!
Global Transition is a program to welcome undergraduate international students to Fordham and help with adjustment to the first days and weeks here. During Global Transition, new students will have the opportunity to meet and get to know other international students from all over the world, attend important and helpful information sessions, and engage in some fun activities/events. During Global Transition, you will also be able to ask current Fordham students all the questions you may have about life at Fordham.
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What to expect at orientation
During this orientation, we will answer your questions and provide important information and resources regarding:
- Immigration – maintaining your status!
- Social Security cards
- Driver’s licenses
- Banking, cell phones, credit cards
- Travel
- Employment
- Health insurance
- Safety
- Cross-cultural adjustment
- Student activities
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Find orientation dates for your program
Please contact your school's admissions office for more information regarding their upcoming orientation dates.- Gabelli School of Business
- School of Law
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS)
- Graduate School of Education (GSE)
- Graduate School of Social Service (GSS)
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What to bring: Helpful tips for international students
When you arrive at the airport in the United States, it is important to carry your immigration-related documents (passport, I-20/DS-2019, financial documentation), U.S. currency, and credit card(s) on your person. You should also bring the following important items in your carry-on luggage:
- Airline tickets
- Travel insurance documents (if any)
- Medications you use regularly
- Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Valuables such as jewelry or other items that cannot be replaced if luggage is lost
- Experienced travelers recommend a change of clothing and toiletry items, especially for long flights and in case of unexpected delays, missed flight connections, or lost luggage
Things you should bring:
- Clothing and shoes
- Remember that the climate in New York might be different than where you are from. New York experiences four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. If you are arriving in the autumn, make sure to bring some clothes to keep you warm as winter approaches
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Rain jacket and/or umbrella
- Spending money (we recommend at least $200.00, and possibly more if you will not open a bank account early)
- Note: Undergraduate students may not have the time to open a bank account until the end of the Global Transition program. Please plan accordingly. This has not caused any trouble for students in the past.
- Alarm clock
- Cell phone
- Laptop, tablet, etc.Voltage Converters and/or Outlet Adapters
- Any medications you take regularly
- Prescriptions (officially translated into English)for any medications you may need while at Fordham
In the US, the outlets are three-pronged and have a voltage of 120V AC 60HZ. Many other countries use different plug shapes and/or voltages, so Converters and Adapters will let you use any electronics you bring from home.
Take a look at this website for more information about electric voltage and outlet shape in the US and in your home country.
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Packing tips
Pack lightly: You are responsible for your luggage during your travel. Arrivals can be overwhelming in New York (or any US airport) and it can be tiring to carry lots of heavy bags. Heavy bags may also be a challenge if you plan to take public transportation.
Purchase items after your arrival: We recommend that you buy household items after you arrive here in New York. Many of these items (bed linens, towels, cooking supplies, small electrical appliances) can be found for moderate prices and in easily accessible stores.
Note: undergraduate students will have the opportunity to go to Target or Bed Bath and Beyond to shop for such items on Tuesday, the first day of Global Transition.
Clothing: Casual attire is worn by most students on campus. There is no need to wear formal clothing to class every day. But, it could be useful to bring a few nice outfits, in case of class presentations, school functions, or events in the city.
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Things you should prepare before leaving home:
- Have a physical examination
- Have an eye exam and get your teeth cleaned
- Medical care can be very expensive in the US, and your standard Fordham health insurance plan does not cover dental and vision care (the only way to receive coverage for dental and vision is to register and pay for those plans separately. Therefore, we recommend that you get your eyes and teeth checked before leaving your country!)
- Make sure you have gotten all the immunizations and vaccinations required by Fordham’s Health Center. You must submit proof of this to the Health Center, at [email protected], before you arrive
- If you require medications, contact lenses, and/or eyeglasses, we recommend that you bring extras
- Check with your airline regarding limits for weight and size of baggage
- Make photocopies of all important documents, and keep them in a different place than the originals
- Personal and University phone numbers in case you need to contact someone after you arrive
Medicine and Narcotics (from the US Consulate Website)
Please see these tips from the U.S. Department of State.Narcotics and dangerous drugs are prohibited entry. There are severe civil and/or criminal penalties if such drugs are imported. Declare all medications to Customs when entering the United States.
If you require prescribed medicines (e.g. cough medicine, diuretics, heart drugs, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, stimulants, diabetes medication etc.) you should:
- Have all drugs, medicines, and similar products properly identified
- Carry only the quantity that you would normally use in the given amount of time
- Have either a current prescription or written statement from your personal physician that the medicine is being used under a doctor's direction and that it is necessary for your physical well-being while traveling. The doctor's note should state the name and the exact quantity of the medicine you are bringing into the U.S.
- Carry all medication in your hand luggage (including needles for diabetics) also in case of loss of luggage
- We recommend that you ask for a medical passport from your pharmacy/physician.
Medication can be sent by post if the prescription or doctor's letter is included. Not all medicines are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or allowed into the United States.
More information, including a list of approved medicines, can be found in the FDA Orange Book.
Student check in
If you are an F-1 or a J-1, you must check-in with the OIS within 10 days of your arrival at Fordham.
Learn how to check-in
Revisions to federal immigration policy
Immigration regulations for F-1 students can change frequently. Stay informed about any updates that may affect your status or travel as you begin your studies in the U.S.
Learn more about immigration policies
Transportation from the airport
Unfortunately, the Office for International Services does not have the resources to meet students at the airport. However, we have compiled information and instructions about different ways to get from the airport to Fordham.
At the airport
After you get off the airplane, the first thing you will do is go through Immigration. Then you will retrieve your checked bags. After you have your bags, follow signs to the “Ground Transportation” area.
Do not accept offers of transportation from anyone while getting to the ground transportation station. There, the official dispatcher will direct you to legal and safe transportation services.
Getting to Fordham
Read detailed recommendations, tips and instructions about how to get to either Fordham campus.
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Transportation options from John F. Kennedy (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA)
Taxicabs
From JFK to Bronx is about $52 - $57 plus tip and tolls
From LGA to Bronx is about $40 plus tip and tollsThe fare will be shown on a meter inside the taxi and it covers all passengers in the car. All bridge and highway tolls are paid by the passenger and a 20% tip is customary. To avoid problems, take only the yellow cabs at the taxi booth outside the terminal. Read the posted rate charts and note the taxi number.
Airport shuttles
NYC Airporter: $16 JFK or LGA to Grand Central
Go Airlink Shuttle: $19.95 JFK or LGA to Grand Central
Car Service
Carmel: $59 from JFK to Bronx, $44 from LGA to Bronx; call 1-866-666-6666
Dial 7: $66 from JFK to Bronx, $51 from LGA to Bronx; call 212-777-7777
ExecuCar: $65 from LGA to Bronx, $75 from JFK to Bronx; call (800)-410-4444
Miles Car Service: $58 plus tolls and tips from JFK to Bronx, $35 plus tolls and tip from LGA
- This is another company that works with Fordham. They are available 24 hours and 7 days a week. The same company can be hired for service into Manhattan, they have other rates. They accept all major credit and debit cards. Inquire about these when you call them. To dispatch this Car Company, call (718) 884–8888 after you have collected your luggage.
Public Transportation
SubwayIf you arrive during the day, you can safely take the subway from JFK. Take the parking lot bus to the “A” subway. Take the Bronx bound “A” to 59th street and transfer to the Bronx bound “D” train. Take the “D” to the Fordham Road station. Follow the signs to the Fordham Road and Grand Concourse entrance/exit. Once above ground, take the BX12 bus east to the campus.
The subway ride will cost $2.75 with free transfer to the bus. Buy a “Metro Card” in the amount of $5.50 at the subway station to use for the subway and bus. If you make it to the Bronx in less than two hours, the transfer from the subway to the bus will be free.NOTE: Subways and buses cost $2.75 per ride. You may transfer subway trains or from the subway to bus without paying a second fare with your Metro card. You can buy a Metro card from the vending machines in the subway stations. Until you are settled and comfortable at Fordham avoid the subway after dark.
This method will be slower, and may be more difficult if you have many bags.
Uber
Another option many people choose to use because of its convenience is Uber.
Uber is an on-demand car service that allows you to request private drivers through applications for iPhone and Android devices. The service utilizes dispatchers to send the nearest driver to your location. The service provides a cashless solution that charges your ride directly to the credit card on file with your account.
To set up an account, you need to download the Uber app on your phone. You will need to provide your name, mobile number,email, language, and billing information. You need a valid credit card or PayPal account to use the Uber service.
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Transportation options from Newark Liberty Airport (EWR)
TaxicabsFrom EWR to Bronx is about $70 plus tip and tolls.
The fare will be shown on a meter inside the taxi and it covers all passengers in the car. All bridge and highway tolls are paid by the passenger and a 20% tip is customary. To avoid problems, take only the yellow cabs at the taxi booth outside the terminal. Read the posted rate charts and note the taxi number.
Car Service
Carmel Super Saver: $71 from EWR to Bronx
Dial 7: $95 from EWR to Bronx
ExecuCar: $103 from EWR to Bronx
Public Transportation
NJ Transit/AmtrakFrom Newark Liberty, take the AirTrain and transfer to NJ Transit which will take you to Penn Station. The AirTrain is free with the purchase of a NJ Transit or Amtrak ticket, which costs about $15 one-way. Once you arrive at Penn Station, you can walk to Grand Central station in order to take Metro-North to the Fordham Road stop (See instructions in section below). It is also possible to take a cab to Grand Central station, or to the Bronx campus directly, or to take the Subway to Grand Central. For the subway, you can take the 1/2/3 line going Uptown/Bronx, get off at Times Square-42nd Street and then take the Shuttle (S) line to Grand Central.
Read more about the AirTrain and NJ Transit.
Buses
Newark Airport Express Bus: $16 one-way to Grand Central
Airport Shuttles
Go Airlink Shuttle: $17.10 EWR to Grand Central
Uber
Another option many people choose to use because of its convenience is Uber.
Uber is an on-demand car service that allows you to request private drivers through applications for iPhone and Android devices. The service utilizes dispatchers to send the nearest driver to your location. The service provides a cashless solution that charges your ride directly to the credit card on file with your account.
To set up an account, you need to download the Uber app on your phone. You will need to provide your name, mobile number, email, language, and billing information. You need a valid credit card or PayPal account to use the Uber service.
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Transportation Options from Manhattan to Rose Hill Campus
Ram Van
This is a student-driven van that commutes students between the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses. The ride is about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Vans arrive and depart from Lincoln Center on Columbus (9th) Avenue at 61st street and arrive and depart from Rose Hill right outside the Ram Van Office. The van leaves every half-hour from both campuses and it costs $3.50 each way. You can sign-up for the van online and you can purchase tickets at each campus.
Additional information is available at the Ram Van Office, located on the ground floor of the parking garage on the Rose Hill campus. Tel: 718-817-4636
Subway
Take the D subway line headed Uptown to 205 Street. Get off at the Fordham Road station, which is located on E Fordham Rd and Grand Concourse, just a few blocks from the Rose Hill campus. For local bus service, take the Bx9, Bx12, Bx22 or Bx61 to the Fordham Plaza stop.
MetroNorth
From Grand Central Station (89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017) take the MetroNorth Commuter Railroad going to North White Plains. Get off at the Fordham Road Station stop. Exit left out of the train station. The Fordham University Third Avenue gate will be a few steps ahead of you, on your left.
You will have to buy a MetroNorth train ticket. You can buy your ticket before you board the train by using one of the machines in Grand Central. You can also buy your ticket on the train, but it will be about $4.00 more expensive.
Uber
Another option many people choose to use because of itsconvenience is Uber.
Uber is an on-demand car service that allows you to requestprivate drivers through applications for iPhone and Android devices. Theservice utilizes dispatchers to send the nearest driver to your location. The service provides a cashless solution that charges your ride directly to thecredit card on file with your account.
To set up an account, you need to download theUber app on your phone. You will need to provide your name, mobile number,email, language, and billing information. You need a valid credit card orPayPal account to use the Uber service.
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Transportation options from John F. Kennedy (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA)
Go to the Ground Services Information Booth at the airport. There, you can arrange for door-to-door car service to locations in Manhattan, between 23rd and 63rd Streets. Costs vary depending on the service.
From JFK to midtown Manhattan, Super Shuttle costs $23 for one passenger, and another $19 for every additional passenger.
From LaGuardia to midtown Manhattan, Super Shuttle costs $17 for the first passenger and $15 for every additional passenger.
Learn more about Super Shuttle or other door-to-door services available for JFK and for LaGuardia.
Taxicabs
The average taxi trip from JFK to midtown Manhattan will cost $52 (flat-rate), with additional costs for bridge and highway tolls, which are paid by the passenger. A taxi trip from LaGuardia will cost about $32, again with additional costs for tolls. Additionally, a 15% tip is customary. The fare will be shown on a meter inside the taxi and it covers all passengers in the car. To avoid problems, take only the yellow cabs at the taxi booth outside the terminal. Read the posted rate charts and note the taxi number.
Miles Car Service
This is a company that works with Fordham. They are available 24 hours and 7 days a week. To dispatch this car company, call 718-884–8888 after you have collected your luggage. Their rates will be provided at the time of reservation and will not include tolls, tax, and gratuity. They accept all major credit & debit cards.
Public Transportation
Subway/Bus
If you arrive during the day, you can safely take the subway from JFK to the Lincoln Center campus. After arriving, go to the terminal for the AirTrain and buy a Metro Card of at least $7.75: $5.00 for the AirTrain and $2.75 for the subway. Take the AirTrain to Howard Beach station. From there, take the Bronx bound “A” train to 59th street. At 59th, get off and walk one block west to 9th Avenue.
Taking public transportation from LaGuardia Airport is also possible, but a little more difficult. From any of the terminals, take the M60 bus to Astoria Blvd station. From there, take the Brooklyn bound N or Q train to Times Sq-42 St. To do so, you will need to purchase a Metro Card of at least $2.50. Once at Times Sq-42 Street, take the Uptown 1 train to 59th Street. Once there, get off the subway and walk one block west to 9th Avenue.
Note: Subways and buses cost $2.75 per ride. You may transfer between subway trains, from the subway to a bus, or from a bus to the subway without paying a second fare with your Metro card. You can buy Metro cards from the vending machines in the subway stations. Until you are settled and comfortable at Fordham, avoid the subway after dark.
Uber
Another option many people choose to use because of its convenience is Uber.
Uber is an on-demand car service that allows you to request private drivers through applications for iPhone and Android devices. The service utilizes dispatchers to send the nearest driver to your location. The service provides a cashless solution that charges your ride directly to the credit card on file with your account.
To set up an account, you need to download the Uber app on your phone. You will need to provide your name, mobile number, email, language, and billing information. You need a valid credit card or PayPal account to use the Uber service.
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Transportation options from Newark Liberty Airport (EWR)
By inquiring at the Ground Services Information Booth at the airport you can arrange for door-to-door car service to locations in Manhattan, between 23rd and 63rd Streets. Costs vary from service to service. Super Shuttle, for example, costs $21 for each passenger to midtown Manhattan from Newark. Read more about Super Shuttle or other door-to-door services available from Newark.
NJ Transit/Amtrak
From Newark Liberty, take the AirTrain and transfer to NJ Transit which will take you to Penn Station. The AirTrain is free with the purchase of a NJ Transit or Amtrak ticket, which cost about $15 one-way. Once you arrive at Penn Station, take the 1, A, or C trains up to 59th St, then walk one block west to 9th Avenue. Read more about the AirTrain and NJ Transit.
Newark Airport Express
The service runs starting around 4 a.m. in the morning and is available to different parts of Manhattan. To inquire, call them at 212-964-6233 or visit their website. The fee is about $16 to Manhattan. Take the Airport Express to Port Authority Bus Terminal, 42nd St, and from there, you can take a taxi or the A or C subway trains to 59th St.
Taxicabs
The average taxi trip between midtown Manhattan and Newark will cost $50, not including the customary 15% tip or tolls for the bridges or highways, which are paid by the passenger. The fare will be shown on a meter inside the taxi and it covers all passengers in the car. To avoid problems, take only the yellow cabs at the taxi booth outside the terminal. Read the posted rate charts and note the taxi number.
Uber
Another option many people choose to use because of its convenience is Uber.
Uber is an on-demand car service that allows you to request private drivers through applications for iPhone and Android devices. The service utilizes dispatchers to send the nearest driver to your location. The service provides a cashless solution that charges your ride directly to the credit card on file with your account.
To set up an account, you need to download the Uber app on your phone. You will need to provide your name, mobile number, email, language, and billing information. You need a valid credit card or PayPal account to use the Uber service.
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The Fordham Ram Van offers shuttle service to all airports in the NYC area. You can learn more here.
Contact information
Phone: (718) 817-3145
New students: [email protected]
Current students: [email protected]
Rose Hill campus
441 East Fordham Rd., Walsh Library, 049
Bronx, NY 10458
Lincoln Center campus
New York, NY 10023
Office hours
Regular hours:
Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Summer hours:
Monday through Thursday from 9: a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed on Fridays
Appointments are available in person, by phone, or via Zoom.
Make and appointment