As a newly admitted international student in F-1 or J-1 status who is still in your home country you may enter the United States (U.S.) 30 days before the Program Start Date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. Please DO NOT attempt to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before your program start date!
Upon arrival in the Port of Entry (airport, seaport or border) you will need to present to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer the following:
Travel to EKU in Richmond, Kentucky
The nearest commercial airport to EKU is the Lexington Blue Grass Airport (LEX) located 35 miles from Richmond, Kentucky. EKU will provide FREE airport pick-up for students on selected arrival dates before the International Student Orientation. To request free transportation to the campus, you must complete the Airport Pick-up Form as soon as possible and no later than two weeks of your intended arrival date. An EKU representative will be waiting for your arrival with a name card near the baggage claim area. We cannot be responsible for your transportation if you have not made arrangements in advance.
If you are not arriving on the selected days or would not like to participate in the free airport pickup, please be prepared to pay for a taxi service at the Lexington Bluegrass Airport for $90-100 (cash only) or by calling Central Cab Company in Richmond, Kentucky by dialing 859-624-8294 for a fee of $75. The Central Cab Company will come from Richmond to pick you up in about 45 minutes. It will not come unless you call after your arrival in Lexington. You must have $75.00 in U.S Dollars ready to pay the cab driver. After you have called, wait for the white taxi from Central Taxi Cab Company in Richmond.
If you will arrive to campus between 0800 hours and 1600 hours (Monday – Friday), you can ask the taxi driver to drop you at the Whitlock Building. Tell the driver the address for GPS is 100 Park Drive, Richmond, Kentucky 40475. Once at the Whitlock Building, please come to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Room 455 on the 4th floor. Someone will assist you locating your residence hall and with checking into your room.
Airport Pick-up
You must email your request for an Airport Pick-up at least 2 weeks before your arrival in order to receive a free airport pick-up and move in early to your on-campus room. Please note that Residence Halls do not open until the week before the start of courses and arrangements will need to be made for any move-in earlier than the weekend before classes begin.