Remember to:

Tell International Studies when and how you will arrive, and whether you would like someone to meet you at the local bus station or airport.

For questions, please contact International Advisors Betsy Drillon or Stephanie Gonzalez at 309-438-5276.

Step 3: Planning Your Arrival to Illinois State

Traveling to Bloomington-Normal

When arranging your travel plans, you may see that Illinois State University is located in Bloomington-Normal. Since there are other towns called "Bloomington" in the United States, be careful to make your final destination Bloomington-Normal, ILLINOIS.

Getting from Chicago to Illinois State University

Illinois State University is about 3 hours south of Chicago O'Hare and Midway International Airports so you will need to take air or bus transportation to Bloomington-Normal. (Do not hire a taxi because it is extremely expensive!)

Air

There are direct flights from Chicago to our local airport, Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIRA). It is located in Bloomington, ILLINOIS and is currently served by AirTran, Northwest Airlink, American Eagle, American Connection, and United Express. It takes about 30 minutes to fly from Chicago to Bloomington-Normal. ”

The Peoria Charter Bus

This bus service provides transportation to Illinois State University from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. Many faculty, staff, and students use this bus service. The cost is around $30 and the trip takes about 3 hours. You may review schedules and costs at the Peoria Charter web site. The bus leaves the O’Hare Bus/Shuttle Center – Door # 4 at 10:15 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. and leaves Terminal #5 – Door 5E at the Center Curb about 5 minutes later. It arrives at Illinois State University at 12:55 p.m., 5:40 p.m. 9:40 p.m. and about 12:30 a.m.

What Will Happen at the Airport: Going through Customs

When you first land in America and go through “Customs and Immigration ” at the airport, you will show the Customs inspector your Immigration papers and your passport. You must also show your “I-94 Arrival/Departure Card” (which you will receive on the airplane before your flight lands).
If you are given permission to enter the United States, the Customs inspector will stamp your passport and your I-20 or DS-2019. Your I-94 card will also be stamped to show your “date of entry” and how long you may stay. Your I-94 will then be stapled into your passport, usually on the page opposite your visa.
When traveling, be sure to carry your Immigration documents on your person rather than putting them away in your checked luggage. You must be able to find and show your papers quickly at various points during your trip.