International student travel to the U.S.
If you are not a U.S. citizen/permanent resident and have been admitted to a graduate program at a physical K-State campus (in Manhattan, Olathe, or Salina, Kansas), the information here will help you plan and prepare for your travel to the U.S.
New international graduate student guide
This guide is a great resource for new international graduate students! You will find information to assist you with travel, including guidance on what to bring with you, what to pack in your checked luggage and carry-on luggage, and tips for helping you navigate the steps and processes involved in international travel and entering the U.S.
When to arrive to the U.S.
You may arrive as early as 30 days prior to the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
You must arrive no later than the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
*If you have been offered an assistantship (GTA, GRA, or GA), we recommend that you arrive as early as possible, up 30 days prior to the program start date.*
If you are unable to arrive by the program start date, please notify us at gradapply@ksu.edu prior to the arrival deadline.
Travel to Kansas
You are responsible for making your travel arrangements. We have information to guide you in making your travel arrangements.
Airport information
We recommend that you make air travel arrangements to the Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) as your final destination. The MHK airport is approximately 7.5 miles/12 km from the K-State campus.
The closest national and international airports are located in Kansas City (MCI) and Wichita (ICT), both of which are approximately 130 miles/210 km from Manhattan.
Transportation from the airport to K-State
MHK limited airport shuttle
Kansas State University provides shuttle service from the MHK airport to the K-State campus two weeks before the start of the fall and spring semesters for approximately a 5-day period. Shuttle dates and registration will be available here in July (for the fall semester) and in December (for the spring semester).
Other transportation options from MHK airport
- Request transportation from Helping International Students (HIS)
HIS is a community organization that supports international students. Complete the airport ride request form to receive transportation from HIS. - Schedule transportation with Riley County Area Transportation Agency (ATA Bus)
You must call ATA bus service to schedule at least 24 hours in advance (785-537-6345). The cost is $2.00. - Uber and Lyft services are available in Manhattan.
Housing
You are responsible for making your own housing arrangements. We have information and support to guide you through the process of securing housing!
When to make housing arrangements
Make your housing arrangements as early as possible. It is very important that you have housing secured well before you arrive to Manhattan. It is best to have housing arrangements made at least several months before your arrive.
Where should I live?
While there are no requirements for graduate students live, it is highly recommended that international students reside in K-State's Jardine apartments at least for the first year of their studies.
Benefits of living in Jardine
- Located on campus
- ATA bus stop at Jardine with free service to other stops on the K-State campus
- Large community of international students, many of which are graduate students--a great way to make new connections and build a supportive network!
- International students AND graduate students on assistantships (GTA/GRA/GA) are eligible for a housing payment deferment, which means that your first housing payment is not due at the time of move in. This benefit is not available for off-campus housing.
Please direct questions about K-State's Jardine apartments to K-State Housing and Dining Services, 785-532-3790, apartments@k-state.edu.
More housing options and information
You can find additional information about other housing options and about living in Manhattan on our Moving to Manhattan page.