Preparing your Arrival

STEP 1: Book your Flight and Request Airport Pick-up

We offer complimentary pick-up at the Rapid City Regional Airport prior to the start of each semester (Fall and Spring) and before the start of the new student orientation.

If you wish to take advantage of our complimentary airport pick-up service, you must arrive at Rapid City Regional Airport on the dates specified below, and confirm your pick-up time and date with the International Relations and Global Engagement Office. You will receive communications from our office via email about this service, so check your email regularly!

Spring 2021 Pickup Dates: January 7 and 8

STEP 2: Clearing US Customs and Passport Control

We recognize your initial arrival in the United States may be stressful! The better prepared you are to talk with the Customs and Border Patrol agent upon your arrival at the US Port of Entry (usually, this will be the airport you arrive at from your international flight), the less stressful it will be. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Review the Study in the States website to learn about the arrival process and requirements.
• Ensure you have with (NOT in your checked baggage!) the following documents:
  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity
  • US visa (F-1 or J-1)
  • Original, signed I-20 (for F-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1)
  • Financial documents (recommended)
  • University admission letter (recommended)
  • Contact information for your DSO at BHSU (recommended)
• If you have not visited the US before, it might be helpful to watch this video to give you an idea of what to expect as you proceed through US customs and passport control upon arrival at the US port of entry.

STEP 3: Review Additional Resources:

We know students will rely on their friends, family, and other social networks to gather information about what it is like to study and live in the US. We encourage you to use this information to help prepare for your arrival, but we also know a lot of misinformation is shared through personal networks and the “stories” people tell. In addition to your personal contacts, we suggest you take advantage of these official resources in preparing for your studies in the US: