When should you arrive in Kansas City?
You MUST arrive in the U.S. BEFORE the start date listed on your I-20, but DO NOT ARRIVE more than 30 days BEFORE your start date. There is a mandatory International Student Check-In before classes begin, which is during the Hawk Scholars Program. International Student Services will inform you of the date of International Student Check-In and important arrival information.
If you plan on residing on campus please note that Residence Life is open Monday through Friday from the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for check-in to your room. They will be unavailable to assist you if you arrive during the evening or weekend. In an emergency, you can contact Rockhurst Security at 816-501-4010.
TRAVEL TIPS: We want your trip to Kansas City to be safe and pleasant, so please observe the following travel tips:
- Carry your passport, I-20, admission letter, bank or funding verification, and any other official or original documents like transcripts or diplomas.
- Confirm your flight at least three days before leaving your country.
- To reduce jetlag, drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids on the plane, and get some rest. Refrain from eating lots of foods that contain a significant amount of salt and sugar.
- Never carry a large amount of cash. Carry your money, passport, immigration documents and important documents with you on the plane. You should have at least $1,500 in traveler’s checks when you arrive to cover initial expenses such as taxi or bus fare, meals, first rent installment, books and supplies. Bank drafts, other than negotiable traveler’s checks, will take one or two weeks to clear.
- If you need help, ask an airport employee.
- Never leave your luggage unattended.
- Be cooperative, patient and courteous when waiting in travel lines (queues).
Airport/Arrival Information
Kansas City International (MCI) Airport is served by large airlines including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Midwest Airlines, United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines. Please make sure that Kansas City is your final destination (the airport code is MCI).
Luggage: Be aware that airlines have a maximum weight requirement per suitcase. Airlines also charge to check luggage per bag. If you have a great deal of luggage to bring with you to Kansas City, you may want to ship some items to the University before you leave your country. Please contact our campus post office. See detailed information below in the on-campus resources section.
How to get from the airport to Rockhurst University
Rockhurst is a 35-minute drive (26.4 miles/42.5 km) from the airport.
Super Shuttle The cost for ONE-WAY transportation on a Super Shuttle, for up to 3 people, is between $39 USD and $79 USD, plus tip. Please note that rate quoted is dependent on destination zip code. Additional passengers on the same trip may not be discounted. All major credit cards, cash and traveler’s checks are accepted. You can arrange for the Super Shuttle to pick you up by calling 1-816-243-5000 or you can make a reservation online.
Taxi The cost for ONE-WAY transportation via taxi is $70 to $100 USD, plus tip. Please note that the final charge is based on miles and time-traveled to destination. Please use this link to estimate your fare.
Uber: Must have the app on a smartphone and available credit card, cash is not accepted. The cost will be between $30 and $40 USD. Please see the following link for more information.
Official Arrival to the U.S.
You will need to report to the Director of International Services when you arrive in lower level Massman Hall Room 3 if you are unable to attend International Student Orientation as soon as possible.
What do I bring to International Student Orientation?
- Passport
- I-20
- I-94 card or printed electronic I-94 from cbp.gov/I94
- Current address in or near Kansas City, even if it is only temporary (we will need this to register your I-20)
- If you do not attend International Student Orientation or check-in with the Director of International Student Services, you will be out of student status
University Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed on Saturday, Sunday and national holidays.
Need a temporary place to stay near Rockhurst campus?
Here are several hotels near Rockhurst University:
Courtyard by Marriott Country Club Plaza
816-285-9755
4600 JC Nichols Parkway Kansas City, MO 64112
Ask for Rockhurst rates
Hampton Inn & Suites Country Club Plaza
816-448-4600
4600 Summit Kansas City, MO 64112
Ask for Rockhurst rates
Best Western Plus Seville Plaza Hotel
816-561-9600
4309 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
Sheraton Suites Country Club Plaza
816-931-4400
770 W 47th Street, Kansas City, MO 64112
Holiday Inn Express-Westport/Plaza
816-931-1000
801 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111
*The average cost per night at a local hotel will be $80 to $120 USD.
Housing Information
Admission to the University does not guarantee you will receive University housing. You are responsible for arranging your own housing. Rockhurst University’s classrooms and buildings are smoke and tobacco-free areas. Smoking is prohibited inside all Rockhurst buildings but may be permitted outdoors in designated areas.
- First and second year students are required to live on campus. You will need to contact the office of Residential Life directly to reserve your on-campus housing. Contacts are listed on page 15 and also under “Student Life” on the website.
- If you are coming prior to the semester it is required that you contact Residence Life to obtain short-term temporary housing. Pre-semester housing is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so make your arrangements early. Charges will vary depending on the type of accommodation.
Residence halls and on-campus apartments
Residence halls provide on-campus accommodation with single, double and townhouse style options. A meal agreement is required with the campus cafeteria for the residence halls.
At this time we are unable to provide on-campus housing options for married couples or families.
Can I stay on campus during holiday breaks?
- Residence halls close for all breaks except fall break, Thanksgiving break and Easter break. Residents living in the Townhouse Village, Kateri community and Rockhurst Row housing may remain in their housing during all breaks. The residence halls close during winter and spring breaks. Detailed information, including registration deadlines for break housing, will be sent to all residents prior to the beginning of each break. Failure to be out of the residence hall at the designated break closing time will result in a monetary fine. Room payments do not cover such periods when the halls are closed, so a daily rate will be charged for any break housing.
Are there laundry and kitchen facilities in the residence halls?
- There are laundry facilities located in each residential facility for residential student use only.
Pre-Arrival
Pre-Arrival Checklist
- Obtain a valid passport and visa
- Complete travel arrangements and notify the Director of International Student Services if in need of special assistance
- Fill out the International Student Arrival Form
- Complete the online housing application, along with a deposit (if applicable)
- Give your family the Director of International Student Service's address and phone number in case of emergency
- Obtain and upload your immunization information
Obtain a Visa
In order to apply for F-1, you must present the following documents at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate:
- Passport valid for at least another six months past the date when you plan to begin your studies at Rockhurst University.
- If your passport is about to expire, be sure to get a new one, or an extension, before applying for your visa.
- I-20 issued by the school where you plan to attend (make sure to sign your I-20 upon receipt).
Recent (less than 6 months) documents indicating financial support, i.e., original bank letter(s) (if supported by private funding).
It is critical that you apply for your visa early, as it can take several weeks or even months. Once approved, the visa is placed in your passport. Canadian students who enter from Canada are exempt from having to get a visa but must use the Form I-20 to enter the U.S. in F-1 student status and must obtain a Form I-94 clearly indicating F-1. If you have a valid B-1/2 visa (business/tourist visa) in your passport, do not use it for travel to the United States if your intention is to study.
Note:
If you enter the United States using an I-20 from Rockhurst University you are obligated to attend Rockhurst for at least 1 semester before you can transfer. If you enter on another school's I-20 you will need to attend that school for one semester before transferring to Rockhurst. Failure to follow these procedures is a violation of status.
Arrival
Official Arrival Date
Additional information about orientation/events will be given prior to your arrival on campus. You may arrive in the United States as early as 30 days before the official arrival date indicated on your I-20; however, if you have applied for on-campus housing, your official move-in date is January 8, 2025.
When you check in at Rockhurst, you will need your:
- Passport
- I-20
- I-94 (you can obtain this online)
- You must attend International Student Check-In during the Hawks Scholar Program. If you are unable to attend the check-in, then you must meet the Director of International Student Services upon arrival in Massam 3.
Baggage and Mail
Baggage and mail should be sent to your residence or the residence of a contact you have established in the U.S. If you have applied to live on campus you will receive via email in July your housing assignment which will list your campus mailbox and address information. If you ship your baggage, use a reliable carrier that will ensure proper customs clearance and delivery. Be certain to purchase insurance protection for your shipment.