Skip to header Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Planning Your Arrival

Prospective Students

This page is to help international students make travel plans to UNCW.

Arrival and Important Dates

Visiting international students are allowed to enter the United States up to 30 days before their program start date identified on their immigration forms (DS-2019 or I-20).

  • You can view the UNCW calendar dates through the Registrar's Office: Calendar of Events.
  • The recommended arrival date at UNCW is August 15th and 16th for Fall 2025. Students must attend the mandatory International Student Orientation on August 18, 2025. 

Port of Arrival

You will need to keep the following items with you as you travel:

  1. Your passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay
  2. Your DS-2019/I-20.

Find more immigration information, visit Current Visiting International Students FAQ.

Airport Information

It is recommended to fly into Wilmington, NC airport: "ILM International Airport."

We are proud to offer airport pick-ups! You must sign up for the airport shuttle:

Moving In to Your On-Campus Housing

Steps to Check-In

  1. Review the Recommended Arrival Dates: By reviewing the academic calendar dates, you can plan your travel dates and will have the best move-in experience to UNCW on-campus housing. You can plan your arrival for when the UNCW Shuttle is running.
  2. Go directly to your residence hall
    On your move-in day, you may go directly to your residence hall. You can also learn more about the UNCW move in procedures through the Housing and Residence Life website. You can also email UNCW Housing. See UNCW Campus Map for directions.
Housing staff will be available 24/7 (all day, every day) at your building check-in location once housing opens. Room keys are given when you check-in.

Check-in Locations

Table lists check-in locations for on-campus housing units
Communities Where to Check In
University Suites Schwartz Hall
Seahawk Landing Seahawk Landing Building 6 (Office)
Seahawk Village Seahawk Village Clubhouse
Seahawk Crossing Seahawk Crossing Building 2

What to Pack

What to Bring to UNCW.

International Student Orientation

UNCW's mandatory Fall 2025 International Student Orientation is on Monday, August 18th. Learn more about orientation here.

Register for Fall 2025 International Student Orientation here.

Immigration Check-In

Upon arrival in the USA, you must complete the Immigration Check-In via Terra Dotta.

Required Immigration Check-In (Online)

  • Required immigration video
  • Required immigration quiz
  • Required submission of immigration documents