International student travel guide to the U.S.

This guide helps incoming international graduate students who have been admitted to a graduate program at a physical Kansas State University campus (in Manhattan, Olathe, or Salina, Kansas) plan their travel to the U.S.

What education and immigration documents do I bring?

Please make sure you have all your diplomas/degree certificates and transcripts from your prior coursework with you before you leave your home country. Documents must have an official English translation. When you arrive to K-State, you must check-in at the Graduate School and provide original copies of your diplomas/degree certificates and transcripts for prior education reported in your application. Then your K-State student record will be matriculated, and you may enroll in courses.

Carry all critical documents (passport, USA Visa, I-20/DS-2019, transcripts, funding support documentation, passport-size photos) with you in your carry-on baggage, not in your checked luggage. Leave copies of your documents at home. Do not laminate your I-20.

Mandatory documents

I-20 or DS-2019 / Passport / Visa / Admission Letter / Funding support documentation / Flight Ticket Printout (Itinerary)

Other documents

Academic Documents / Degree Certificate / Course Completion Certificate / Provisional Certificate / Original Mark Sheets

Extra copies

Recommendation letter / University transcripts / Passport size photos / Any other documents, like certifications, paper presentation reports

What is the visa application process?

You will apply for a visa through the U.S. Department of State, not through the university. Begin the visa application process after you receive the I-20 from K-State.

Given the often-extensive time required to process visa applications, it is important to apply for your visa as early as possible. Each embassy or consular post has its own application procedures, so you should consult the office where you will be applying for specific details. All students must complete a visa application to schedule a visa interview. Student visa information from the U.S. Department of State is available to applicants for F-1 or J-1 visas. The Department of Homeland Security requires the submission of a SEVIS I-901 form and fee, which must be paid before the Embassy will issue your visa.

When should I arrive in the United States?

You may arrive as early as 30 days prior to the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
You must arrive no later than the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.

*If you have been offered an assistantship (GTA, GRA, or GA), we recommend that you arrive as early as possible, up 30 days prior to the program start date.*

If you are unable to arrive by the program start date, please notify us at gradapply@ksu.edu prior to the arrival deadline.

How do I get from the airport to Kansas State University?

You are responsible for making your travel arrangements. We recommend that you make air travel arrangements to the Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) as your final destination. The MHK airport is approximately 7.5 miles/12 km from the K-State campus. Direct flights to Manhattan Regional Airport are available from two international airports: Dallas, Texas (DFW), and Chicago, Illinois (ORD).

The closest national and international airports are located in Kansas City (MCI) and Wichita (ICT), both of which are approximately 130 miles/210 km from Manhattan.

MHK limited airport shuttle

Kansas State University provides shuttle service from the MHK airport to the K-State campus two weeks before the start of the fall and spring semesters for approximately a 5-day period. Shuttle dates and registration will be sent to international students in July (for the fall semester) and in December (for the spring semester).

Other transportation options from MHK airport

  • Request transportation from Helping International Students (HIS)
    HIS is a community organization that supports international students. Complete the airport ride request form to receive transportation from HIS.
  • Schedule transportation with Riley County Area Transportation Agency (ATA Bus)
    You must call ATA bus service to schedule at least 24 hours in advance (785-537-6345). The cost is $2.00.
  • Uber and Lyft services are available in Manhattan.
  • Go-Van-Go (785) 410-2005
  • Taxi 4 Less (785) 776-5508
  • Wildcat Taxi (785) 477-8808

Shuttle Services from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) or Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)

How do I make housing arrangements at K-State?

You are responsible for making your own housing arrangements. We recommend you make arrangements as early as possible to make sure you have a place to stay when you arrive.

Where should I live?

While there are no housing requirements for graduate students, it is highly recommended that international students reside in K-State's Jardine apartments for at least the first year of their studies.

Benefits of living in Jardine

  • Located on campus
  • ATA bus stop at Jardine with free service to other stops on the K-State campus
  • Large community of international students, many of which are graduate students--a great way to make new connections and build a supportive network!
On-campus housing information for international students

Please direct questions about K-State's Jardine apartments to K-State Housing and Dining Services, 785-532-3790, apartments@k-state.edu.

More housing options and information

Several apartments and houses off-campus are also available for rent. Costs are moderate to expensive, depending on individual choices. Apartments are generally available but can be difficult to find at the beginning of the semester. You can find additional information about other housing options and about living in Manhattan on our Moving to Manhattan page.