Travel Information

This resource is to help students and scholars plan for their expenses and arrange lodging and travel while they are in the United States. The information is provided for your convenience only. 亚博官方网站 does not recommend or guarantee any particular businesses or services.

Arrival Information

If you are arriving by airplane, the nearest airport is the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, airport code ATL. The airport is 28 miles (45 kilometers) from the Marietta campus and 35 miles (56 kilometers) from the Kennesaw campus. Logistical information for you regarding arrival, customs and immigration, and transportation from the airport is provided below.

  • You will arrive at the International Terminal of the airport. After leaving the plane, you will walk to the Customs and Border Protection and Immigration process hall. You will need to show the officer your immigration documents (passport, visa, and I-20 or DS-2019.) Also, be prepared to show your financial documentation. The officer may ask what your plans are in the US. Answer honestly. The officer will stamp your visa. The stamp indicates the date and place you entered the U.S. It will also indicate your status (F-1 or J-1) and allowed length of stay. Usually, the officer will write D/S on the stamp. This means you are allowed to stay in the US as long as you have your F or J status.

    After you are finished with immigration, you will go to Baggage Claim. After you find your luggage, you will turn right to go to the arrivals hall. If you have family or friends meeting you at the airport, you will most likely meet them at the arrivals hall.

    Follow the signs for Ground Transportation. There are various types of transportation services such as taxis, ride shares such as Uber and Lyft, and community shuttles. Costs can range from approximately $50-$100 for transportation. More information can be found on the airport website here.  Please note that 亚博官方网站 does not endorse any particular transportation provider. Please do your due diligence regarding the companies prior to arranging transportation.

  • If you have a layover in another city in the U.S., most likely you will go through Customs in that city. Be sure you have your immigration documents (passport, visa, and I-20 or DS-2019) and funding information on hand. The officer may ask what your plans are in the US. Answer honestly. The officer will stamp your visa. The stamp indicates the date and place you entered the U.S. It will also indicate your status (F-1 or J-1) and allowed length of stay. Usually, the officer will write D/S on the stamp. This means you are allowed to stay in the US as long as you have your F or J status.

    When you arrive in Atlanta, you will arrive at the domestic terminals of the airport. When you land, follow the signs to Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation. Usually, you will need to board the airport train to take you to Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation. When you get off the train, take the escalator up to Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation. All Delta Airlines flights have baggage claim areas in the South (red) baggage claim area. All other airlines are in the North (blue) baggage claim area.

    If you have family or friends meeting you at the airport, they will meet you outside either the North or South terminal. If you are on a Delta flight, they should meet you outside the baggage claim in the South terminal. If you are on any other flight, they should meet you outside the baggage claim in the North terminal.

    If you plan to take a taxi, follow the signs for Ground Transportation. There are various types of transportation services such as taxis, ride shares such as Uber and Lyft, and community shuttles. Costs can range from approximately $50-$100 for transportation. More information can be found on the . Please note that 亚博官方网站 does not endorse any particular transportation provider. Please do your due diligence regarding the companies prior to arranging transportation.

  • Occasionally, a student or scholar may be asked to visit secondary inspections before they can be admitted to the U.S. If this happens, remain calm. Usually, secondary inspections are needed in order to clarify some piece of information regarding your record. This can normally be resolved quickly, but can sometimes take a while. Remain patient. Occasionally, the inspections officer may want to talk to an ISSSO advisor, sometimes called a P/DSO or A/RO. If it is during normal business hours (9 am-5 pm), we can be reached at 470-578-6336. If it is outside of normal business hours, call the 亚博官方网站 Police at 470-578-6666 and ask to speak to an ISSSO advisor. They will connect you with one of our staff.

Housing Options

Degree-seeking students at 亚博官方网站 may apply to live in the on-campus residence halls, although it is not required. Please visit the for more information. J-1 exchange students are assigned on campus housing, unless their exchange agreement does not require it. 亚博官方网站 currently does not offer any on-campus housing for IEP students, families, scholars or student interns.

There are several off-campus housing options in the area including hotels, extended stay hotels, apartments, homestays, and private rentals. When researching off-campus options, we suggest doing the following:

  • Determine your budget.
  • Refer to a map to see which options are near to campus. If you will not have a car, see if the accommodations are within walking distance of campus, or if a  or  is nearby. Please note that the university buses do not operate when students are not in classes.
  • Refer to an internet search engine for reviews and photos of the accommodations you are interested in.
  • Determine whether you will want to be able to prepare meals in your accommodations.
  • If you are bringing a spouse or child(ren), be sure that the cost of your accommodations is based on the family, not an individual guest. Also consider the educational system and location of schools nearby should you wish to enroll your children in school.
  • ACCOMMODATION ESTIMATED COST KITCHEN CONSIDERATIONS
    Hotel $50-$200 per day Usually no Some offer a complimentary breakfast
    Extended-Stay Hotel $60-$200 per day. Daily rates usually decrease as the length of stay increases. Usually yes Some offer a complimentary breakfast and local transportation
    Dorm-Style Apartment Approx. $30 per day, plus utilities such as electricity, trash, water, and internet Yes Furniture, linens, and cooking supplies generally not included; usually rented per room in a suite with other students; 12 month contract usually required
    Apartment Approx. $30 per day, plus utilities such as electricity, trash, water, and internet Yes Furniture, linens, and cooking supplies generally not included; 6-12 month contract usually required
    Homestay Approx. $30 per day Depends on host family Some meals are usually included. Scholar will be sharing a house with the host family. Location might not be within walking distance to campus or public transportation
    Private Vacation Rental Approx. $20-$100 per day, depending on style Depends on rental