Entering the United States

Students coming to the U.S. on a F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible to enter the country up to 30 days in advance of the program start date printed on his/her I-20 or DS-2019.

Have your passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and financial documentation with you in your carry-on luggage.  

1. You will complete an I-94 "Arrival/Departure Record" on the airplane. This is a very important form -- do not lose it!!
2. Give the immigration officer your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94.
3. The officer will verify your information in the SEVIS database, stamp your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94 card, and note "F-1 or J-1 D/S" on your I-20 and I-94.
4. Your picture and two digitally scanned fingerprints will be taken

Arriving in Indianapolis Airport

Each Fall and Spring semester, Rinker Center for International Programs offers free shuttle service from the Indianapolis International Airport to Muncie. When you book your flight to Indianapolis, make sure that you arrive in time to catch the shuttle.  The shuttle will be available in January and August.   You will need to meet at luggage carousel #1 and watch for a person with a "Ball State University" sign.  To reserve a seat on the shuttle, please complete the Arrival Form.  Reservations MUST be made for the Fall and Spring shuttle. 

The bus service from Indianapolis to Muncie has recently been cancelled.  Don't confuse this with the free shuttle that will be running in January and August.   Due to this development, all new international students are urged to try to arrive in time to take the free shuttle provided in January and August.  However, for anyone not able to do this, here are some suggestions:

1.  Taxi from Indianapolis Airport to Muncie - 765-254-1815.  Cost is $110 and must be prepaid.  Taxi must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance.

2.  Hired car from Travel Dimensions - 765-284-4144.  This must be scheduled in advance.  At this time, the cost is $110.

3.  Take a taxi to the downtown Indianapolis bus station, then take the Greyhound bus to Anderson and then catch a taxi to Muncie. The cost is approximately $15 for the bus and then $40 for the taxi, if one is available. It is recommended that you call in advance. The phone number is +1-765-643-3131.

4.  A & A Limousine Service from Indianapolis Airport to Muncie - 765-288-2270.  Reservations must be made in advance.  Ask for Greg when making reservations.
A sedan is $115 + 15% tip for the driver.  An 8 passenger limo is $130 and the cost can be shared by the passengers.  A 12 passenger limo is $155.  If there are no other passengers, you will be charged the full cost.  Be sure to tell Greg that you are a new international student and are willing to share a ride with another newly arriving student.  If there is more than one person needing a ride at the same time, Greg will be able to coordinate this so that you can ride together and share the cost.

Students who arrive in Muncie before the dormitories open or after our regular office hours, are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements. When calling to make a reservation, be sure to indicate that you will be a BSU student.  Hotel possibilities in Muncie are:

• Best Western
  (765) 282-0600
  3011 W. Bethel Ave., Muncie, IN 47304
  Approximate cost per night: $65 + tax   weekdays; $75 + tax weekends
• Days Inn
  (765) 288-2311
  3509 N. Everbrook Lane, Muncie, IN  47304
  Approximate cost per night: $55 + tax weekdays; $75 + tax weekend
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suite
   (765) 289-4678
   4201 W. Bethel Ave., Muncie, IN  47304  
   Approximate cost per night: $115 - $150 + tax  
•  Lees Inn & Suites Muncie 
   (765) 282-7557
   3302 N. Everett Lane, Muncie, IN  47304
   Approximate cost per night: $71 - $84 + tax
• Super 8 Motel
  (765) 286-4333
  3601 Fox Ridge Lane 
  Approximate cost per night: $49 - $62 + tax

Checking-in at the University

Follow the instructions in your admission packet for reporting to RCIP and for International Student Orientation attendance requirements.

RCIP will want to see and make Xerox copies of the following documents to verify that they have been processed correctly.

• I-94 for you and all dependents
• Passport for you and all dependents
• I-20 and/or DS-2019 for you and all dependents

Ball State is required to report in SEVIS that you have arrived within 30 days of the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.

Return to pre-departure preparation page