Welcome to Austin! After months of planning, you’ve finally arrived at The University of Texas at Austin. Your first day in a new country may feel exciting, overwhelming, or a little of both, but knowing what to expect can help you start your journey with confidence.
From clearing customs to finding transportation to campus, here’s what you need to know after your plane lands.
Step 1: Go Through U.S. Customs and Border Protection
If you’re arriving on an international flight, your first stop will be U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Before you travel, pack your immigration documents in your carry-on bag or personal item. Do not place these documents in your checked luggage. You’ll need them before you can retrieve your bags.
Have these documents readily available:
- Passport.
- F-1 or J-1 visa (if applicable).
- Form I-20 (F-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 exchange visitors).
- Admission letter from The University of Texas at Austin (recommended).
- Address where you’ll be staying in Austin.
A customs officer may ask about your academic program, where you’ll be living, or the purpose of your visit. Answer each question honestly and clearly. Once you’ve completed the immigration inspection, you’ll continue to baggage claim.
Step 2: Pick Up Your Luggage
Follow the overhead signs for baggage claim after leaving the customs area.
Airport monitors display each arriving flight, and the baggage carousel assigned to it. Collect all of your luggage before leaving the baggage claim area.
If a bag is missing or damaged, visit your airline’s baggage service office before exiting the airport. Airline representatives can help you file a report and explain the next steps.
Step 3: Travel to Campus
Once you’ve collected your luggage, you’re ready to head to campus or your new home in Austin. Basic transportation information is provided below. For more detailed guidance, visit the ISSS Airport Transportation webpage to explore transportation options based on your budget, arrival time, and the amount of luggage you’re bringing.
Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft are the most popular transportation options for arriving students.
Follow airport signs to the designated rideshare pickup area beneath the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, then request your ride through the app. The trip to the UT campus typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
This option works well for students arriving late at night, carrying multiple suitcases, or visiting Austin for the first time.
Private Airport Transfer
If you’d like your transportation arranged before you arrive, consider booking a private airport shuttle or car service in advance of your trip.
Most companies provide instructions before your flight explaining where to meet your driver after you’ve collected your luggage. This option offers extra peace of mind after a long international journey.
Capital Metro
Austin’s public transportation system, CapMetro, provides an affordable way to reach campus.
CapMetro Route 20 travels between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, downtown Austin, and the UT campus area. The bus departs from the airport’s lower level throughout the day, and a one-way fare costs $1.25.
Students can pay with a contactless credit or debit card, a mobile wallet, or the CapMetro app.
Route 20 is a great option if you’re traveling with lighter luggage and arriving during the day.
Step 4: Find Food, Groceries, and Essentials
After a long day of travel, it can be helpful to know where to find food, groceries, and basic essentials for your first night in Austin. Review the ISSS Food and Shopping webpage for information about restaurants, grocery stores, shopping centers, and other options near campus.
Another great way to find information on settling in once you arrive in Austin is the International Orientation Canvas course. Review the “Buying Food and Essentials” page in Module 2: Arriving and Getting Started in Austin. This page includes helpful information about where to buy meals, groceries, household items, and other necessities as you settle in.
Before You Leave the Airport
Before heading to your destination, take a few minutes to make sure you’re ready for the next part of your journey.
- Keep your passport, visa, Form I-20 or DS-2019, cellphone, wallet, medications, and other valuables with you in your carry-on bag.
- Save the address of your residence hall, apartment, hotel, or temporary housing so you can easily share it with a driver if needed.
- Charge your cellphone before traveling, or connect to the airport’s free Wi-Fi after you arrive.
- Review any arrival information sent by Texas Global before your trip, especially if you’re participating in International Orientation.
Welcome to Austin! We look forward to meeting you during International Orientation and helping you settle into life at UT.
This blog post was contributed by Sarah Chiu, program coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
