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Making Travel Arrangements to Erie

Initial Entry into the U.S.
You may not enter the United States sooner than 30 days before the program start date indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019 status form.

What to Expect at the Port of Entry
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Campus Housing Opening Date
On-campus housing for international undergraduates opens for the Fall 2010 Semester on Sunday evening after 5pm, August 15, 2010. Gannon does not offer on-campus housing options for graduates or married students.

Arriving in Erie
Erie is located within 120 miles of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Cleveland, Ohio; and Buffalo, New York. You can take a connecting flight, the train, or an intercity bus into Erie. If you drive, be sure to map your route all the way into campus at 109 University Square, Erie, PA, 16541. Toward the bottom of this page, you will find direct links to intercity bus and train companies with fares and time schedules.

Local Transportation Options after Arrival to Erie
(Please print out as a reference.)
Chinese Translation of Airport Shuttle Service
Arabic Translation of Airport Shuttle Service
Telegu Translation of Airport Shuttle Service

• ISO Airport Shuttle Service:
• The ISO will transport new international students from the Erie airport to campus during the following days only:
  August 5-August 18
  (All students are expected to be on campus to attend the mandatory International Student Orientation on August 19, 2010.) Outside of these shuttle dates, you may contact the ISO for assistance, but it can not be guaranteed. Please be prepared to select an alternative means of local transportation.
• The ISO can not provide shuttle service before 7am or after 12 Midnight during any of the days listed above.
• In order to be eligible for this service, you must submit the linked ARRIVAL FORM to the Admissions office at least two weeks before arrival. Itinerary changes may be submitted up to 3 days before arrival if an ARRIVAL FORM is already on file.
• If you experience travel delays en route, you must notify the ISO by sending an email to global@gannon.edu, or phoning ISO (814-871-5356) between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday, or phoning Gannon Campus Security (814-871-7690), before 8am and after 5pm on weekdays and all day and night on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Please meet the ISO shuttle driver in the baggage pick-up area of the Erie Airport. Shuttle drivers will wear identifying clothing or carry a Gannon University sign.
• The ISO shuttle can only transport you to Gannon's Waldron Student Center, your on-campus residence hall, pre-arranged temporary housing or a hotel.
  
• From the Erie Airport: The airport lies some distance from campus, although it is close to some area hotels. You can use special hotel shuttles from the airport directly to a hotel (Avalon Hotel, for example, has a special phone line at the airport which links you directly to the hotel), take a taxicab, or board a city bus to travel into the city and onto campus.
  
  
• From Amtrak Train Station: The station is about 4-9 blocks from local hotels, Gannon University, and nearby student housing. Cabs and the city bus are good transportation options.
  
  
• From Greyhound Bus Station: Greyhound buses arrive at the Intermodal Transportation Center on the lakefront, about 6-10 blocks from local hotels, Gannon University, and nearby student housing. You can take a free bus from the Station uphill to Gannon, or call for a cab from one of the payphones inside the Station.
  
  
• Erie City Bus: (company known as EMTA) You can catch a bus from the airport, train station, or Intermodal Transportation Center and stop at Perry Square in downtown Erie, which is about 2-8 blocks from local hotels, the University, and student housing. You can take the Bayfront Trolley for free up to Perry Square near Gannon University, or if the schedule does not suit you, the cost each direction for other city buses is $1.10 (one dollar and ten cents; you can purchase a ticket or pass at the Intermodal Transportation Center or use exact change on the bus). All buses marked M will travel on to the Millcreek Mall shopping plazas.
  
  
• Erie Yellow Cab company has taxis waiting at the airport upon arrival, or you can call and arrange for a one by using the phone (free of charge) located in the baggage pick-up area of the airport or by phoning: 814-461-8294. The average rate of a ride from the airport to Gannon University is $15.00-$17.00 and, of course, a cab can also take you to other locations, but plan to pay a little extra.

PLAN TO ARRIVE FOR THE MANDATORY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION, ASSESSMENT EXAMS, AND ACADEMIC ADVISING DAYS.

Please remember as you set your travel date:

• All NEW international students in F and J status must attend the REQUIRED Fall 2010  International Student Orientation on Thursday, August 19, 2010. 
  
  
• ESL language skills assessments will be administered on Tuesday, August 17, and Wednesday, August 18. (Time: 8am; Room: TBA)
• All students (graduate and undergraduate) who have not met the English Language Proficiency Standard for admission to the University will take a language skills assessment exams on August 17 and 18. The exam will be evaluated by August 20 and classes scheduled at that time.
  
• Graduate students who have met the English Language Proficiency Standard should plan to arrive early enough to take advantage of the Academic Advising Days which be August 16-18 for the Fall Semester 2010. During the Advising Days, eligible graduate students will meet with an advisor, select appropriate course work, and complete registration. Graduate students who have not met the English Language Proficiency Standard may meet with an academic advisor only after the ESL exams and evaluation are completed.
  
• Undergraduate students who have already met the English language proficiency standard through documentation provided prior to arrival should discuss with the ISO how to secure a copy of the class schedule or meet with an academic advisor.