Pre-Arrival Information

New Jersey Climate and What to Pack:

New Jersey has variable climates: cold winters with periodic snowfalls, humid summers, and some very pleasant periods in between. Warm jackets, scarves, hats, gloves, and boots are essential for winter (November-March). Waterproof outwear and umbrellas are essential in rainy weather. You may also want to bring small personal items, such as photographs, traditional dress, or other items to personalize your new home. Keep in mind residence halls have limited space. It is best to purchase electrical appliances after you arrive in the U.S., as appliances manufactured outside the U.S. may not be compatible with the power supply.

It is advisable to carry a small amount of U.S. cash, in paper currency and coins, for baggage carts, bus/train fares, and tips. Most airports have currency conversion stations for this purpose.

When to Enter the U.S.:

When purchasing your plane ticket, please note the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019. You are allowed to enter the United States no more than 30 days before the reporting date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. You should not enter the United States after the start date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019. If you are facing unexpected delays, please notify our office as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Important Documents to carry with you on the plane in your personal item:

• Passport
• Original I-20 or DS-2019 (the immigration officer at the embassy or consulate may have put this in a sealed envelope or stapled it to your passport. Do not open; the officer at the airport will open it)
• Payment receipt of I-901 SEVIS Fee
• Evidence of financial support
• In the event that the officer needs to verify information with your school or program, you can call campus police at 973-655-5222 and they will contact the Office of Global Engagement on your behalf.

Inside the Terminal: I-94 Arrival/Departure Record:

Once inside the airport terminal, proceed to the immigration booth, and present your passport and your I-20 or DS-2019.  Expect to have your index fingers scanned for fingerprint purposes and a digital photograph taken, as required by regulations. The officer will stamp your passport for duration of status (D/S) and the date you entered the U.S.  The officer will create an electronic I-94 record for duration of status (D/S) and the date you entered the U.S. You can access your I-94 online immediately at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/‎. When you are able to check it, be sure the I-94 has the appropriate visa status (F-1 or J-1).  In certain cases, if there is a problem with your documents, you may be issued a 30-day entry and issued a form I-515, with instructions to see your international student advisor. If you receive this form, please email oge@montclair.edu upon your arrival.

If you are traveling by land, you will be distributed an I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Form, before arriving. It is a long white card and students complete the top and bottom sections of the form. Complete the form accurately. Make sure your name, date of birth, and citizenship matches exactly as it is written in your passport. If you do not understand a form, ask an attendant for assistance.

Secondary Inspection Requirements:

If the officer at the port of entry cannot initially verify your information, or you do not have all of the required documentation, you may be directed to an interview area known as “secondary inspection.” Secondary inspection allows inspectors to conduct additional research in order to verify information, without causing delays for other arriving passengers.  The officer will first attempt to verify your status by using the Student and Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS). In the event that the officer needs to verify information with your school or program, you can call campus police at 973-655-5222 and they will contact the Office of Global Engagement on your behalf.

For more information, visit US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Office of Residence Life supports you as a student that lives in the residence halls on campus. When living on campus you will have the opportunity to meet people and attend events and activities in your residence hall. Each residence hall has its own lounges, recreation areas, study rooms, and a variety of services.

You will receive an email from Residence Life that will include your room details and information regarding how to access the names and contact details of your fellow roommates. The email will be sent to your Montclair email address, so be sure to check your email.  Each room has one bed, closet, desk, and chair per student. Please note that bed linens, blankets, pillows, and towels are NOT provided.  When purchasing these items, remember that the beds are Twin XL: Extra Long Twin, not traditional twin size.  If you would like to order these items and have them shipped to Montclair State University, you can look into the following:

• Our Campus Market
• Bed Bath and Beyond
• Dormco
• Walmart

When ordering items, please plan ahead and take shipping time into consideration.  Although mail (envelope size) is delivered directly to your residence hall, please note that your packages will NOT be delivered directly to your room assignment.  You will have to go to Central Receiving (located on campus in Lot 60—the shuttle can take you there) to retrieve your package(s) and you will need to bring a photo ID. You will receive an email to your Montclair State email address when your packages arrive.  Central Receiving’s hours can be found here under Student Pickup.  We recommend packing a pillow, blanket, towel, sheet, and any other necessary items until you are able to get your packages.

For a list of other items you may want to bring, as well as a list of prohibited items please click here.

For students residing in Blanton, Bohn, Sinatra, Freeman and Russ Halls, The Village at Little Falls and The Heights, your address is:

Your Name

Montclair State University

1 Normal Avenue

Your Residential Building Name & Room Number

Montclair, NJ 07043

For students residing in Hawk Crossings, your address is:

Your Name

Montclair State University

65 Clove Road, Apt. #

Little Falls, NJ 07424

In case of an emergency upon arrival (if you are locked out, if your taxi driver cannot find the residential complex, etc.), please call your assigned residence hall for assistance:

Bohn Hall – (973) 655-5262

Stone Hall – (973) 655-3784

Freeman Hall – (973) 655-4487

Blanton Hall – (973) 655-3289

Russ Hall – (973) 655-4487

Dinallo Heights – (973) 655-4664

Machuga Heights – (973) 655-4668

Hawk Crossings – (973) 655-4475

Sinatra Hall – (973) 655-5257

The Village at Little Falls (973) 655-6689

If you arrive after hours and your residence hall office is locked, there will be an emergency phone number posted on the door. You can also call the University Police at (973) 655-5222 if you are not able to reach anyone else – they are available 24 hours a day.  If you will be arriving late in the evening, please make arrangements to stay at a hotel the first night and come to campus the next morning.

For a list of hotels near campus, please reference the list below:

For more information contact:

The Office of Residence Life

Bohn Hall, Fourth Floor

reslife@montclair.edu

973-655-5188