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Office of International Programs
3620 Varsity Drive
Tyler, TX 75701

Office Hours:
M - F: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

800 UT TYLER
Ph: 903.565.5960
Fx: 903.566.6230
oip@uttyler.edu


3900 University Blvd.
Tyler, TX 75799



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Office of International Programs

Entering the U.S.

Timing of Arrival

U.S. immigration regulations allow F-1 students with Initial I-20s to enter the U.S. up 30 days before the program start date listed on their I-20. Transfer students may arrive any time before classes start.

Port of Entry

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security website, Study in the States, provides essential information about what to expect upon arrival in the U.S.

Contact a UT Tyler International Advisor

International Advisors at UT Tyler can be reached by email or phone: oip@uttyler.edu or 903.565.5960 for assistance. If it is after business hours or during a holiday break and you have an immigration emergency, such as problems at the port of entry, you can call campus police at 903.566.7300. They will locate an advisor for you.

What to Pack

  • Do not put your immigration documents in checked luggage. You may need to present them during your flight. Keep them with you.
  • Pack Light — Visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration website where you can determine which items are prohibited in luggage for air travel.
  • Clothes — The weather in Texas changes with the seasons. It is very hot during the summer (High 100 degrees Fahrenheit / 37 degrees Celsius) and can be cold in the winter (Low 32 degrees Fahrenheit / 0 degrees Celsius). So pack your clothing accordingly for summer and winter climate.
  • Fashion — There is no formal dress code at UT Tyler. Most students wear casual clothes, such as jeans and shirts. It is recommended that you bring at least one semi-formal outfit for professional presentations and job interviews. We encourage you to bring at least one traditional dress from your country for special occasions.
  • Mementos from Home — You may want to bring items that remind you of home such as family pictures.
  • Household Items — Plan on purchasing most of your household items (small electrical appliances, kitchenware, bed sheets, towels, etc.) after you arrive in Tyler.
  • Important Documents — Consider having your important documents (school transcripts, marriage license, medication prescriptions, etc.) translated into English and bring them with you.

Travel to the U.S.

Upon receiving your visa, travel plans to the U.S. and Tyler should be secured, and the travel plans submitted to your school official/advisor.

It is recommended to have your vital documents easily accessible upon disembarkment to provide to the Border and Customs Officer.

Travel to Tyler, TX

Travelers should consider arranging transport from the arrival airport to UT Tyler campus or pre-determined housing. There are a number of available options, however, UT Tyler does not currently offer a regular shuttle service for student/scholar pick up.

From Tyler Pounds Regional

From Shreveport Regional Airport

From Dallas/Forth Worth Airports

  • Airport Shuttle Services of East Texas
    ph: 903.534.3688
    email: info@shuttleofeasttx.com

    This shuttle service, located in Tyler, offers daily airport pick-up service from the Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport and Love Field Airport to any hotel or college campus in the city of Tyler. Daily airport pick-up times are offered in the following time slots: 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at a cost of $88. Groups of two or more people traveling together pay reduced rates based on the number of people in the group.

    This shuttle service, located in Tyler, offers daily airport pick-up service from the Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport and Love Field Airport to any hotel or college campus in the city of Tyler. Daily airport pick-up times are offered in the following time slots: 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at a cost of $88. Groups of two or more people traveling together pay reduced rates based on the number of people in the group.

    A reservation on one of the daily shuttle buses should be made at least 72 hours ahead by calling or emailing. Travelers should provide the following details when making a reservation: Full name, arrival airport, arrival date and time, airline and flight number.

    Cancellation of reservations requires advance notice of 48 hours for a refund.

    The Airport Shuttle Services of East Texas pick-up service accepts cash payment made at the time of pick-up, travelers’ checks paid at the time of pick-up, or credit card payment made by phone at the time a reservation is made.

    The shuttle driver will meet you at your gate holding a sign with your name on it. Two checked bags and a carry on are permitted per rider. If traveling with large trucks, please notify at time of reservation.

    Tips/Gratuity are not mandatory but are customary, especially if the driver assists with heavy luggage.

  • ETXshuttleoftyler offers daily airport pick-up service to D/FW Airport or Love Field Airport for about $80, including an Early Bird option for a little more. Reservations should be made at least 24 hours ahead. For more information, see the website or call 903.355.2322.
  • Tyler Shuttles is available for travel between Tyler and D/FW Airport, Love Field Airport or other destinations. Call 903.316.4502 for reservations and pricing or email service@tylershuttles.com.
  • Rental car services

From George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Planning to Live in Tyler, TX

F-students, contact Resident Life for guidance with obtaining housing that is right for you and your situation. J-Holders, consider asking your sponsor for guidance and/or assistance in finding housing. You may be able to secure an apartment before you arrive and sign an agreement to rent upon arrival.

While preparing a budget for your time in Tyler, note that you should expect to pay $650-$950 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. The legal occupancy limit for a one-bedroom apartment is 2 people, thus, a family of three would only be eligible for a two-bedroom apartment.

  • Unfurnished apartments generally contain a refrigerator, stove, and oven, but no furniture. You must obtain the necessary furniture on your own.
  • Furnished apartments generally contain a refrigerator, stove, and oven, as well as basic furniture such as a bed in each bedroom, a desk in each bedroom, a sofa and table in the living area, and a dining table with chairs, or stool seats at a kitchen bar. The renter must provide personal items such as bedsheets, blankets, lamps and kitchen utensils.

If you choose to reserve off-campus housing as your long term option, public transportation is available but is very limited in times and service areas. Public bus service is provided by Tyler Transit. Route 2 Green and Route 3 Yellow have bus stops convenient to the UT Tyler campus.

Campus Parking

If you have a vehicle, a valid UT Tyler parking permit is required to park on campus. View the Traffic, Parking, and Safety Regulations on the UT Tyler Police Department webpage. You can initiate purchase of your permit here. Parking permits for UT Tyler students, faculty and staff are available for pickup at the University Police Department, Monday - Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm.

Taxi and ride-share services are available in Tyler, but may become costly over time.

Short-Term Housing

On-Campus Housing

  • Liberty Landing
    (Only available to individuals, not families)
    903.566.7008
    Basic Furniture, 3- or 4-bedroom units with shared living space and kitchen, private or shared bathrooms.
  • University Pines
    3333 Varsity Drive
    903.566.3565
    Basic Furniture, 2- or 4-bedroom units with shared bathrooms, living space and kitchen. 1-bedroom units available with private kitchen and bathroom, no furniture.
  • Victory Village
    903.565.4700
    Furnished

Off-Campus Housing