Arrival Information (2023-2024)

• When:

  • Exchange (J-1) Students: 
    • Your arrival and move-in date is Sunday, August 20, 2023.
  • New International (F-1) students:
    • Non-athletes: Your arrival and move-in date is Sunday, August 20, 2023.
    • Athletes: Please check your welcome letter about arrival details and consult your coach for guidance in terms of early accommodations prior to the beginning of the Pre-Season Camp. Most fall season athletes (rugby and varsity soccer) will need to arrive on August 16th to start pre-season activities on August 17th.
  • Returning International (F-1) students:
    • Your arrival and move-in date is Saturday, August 26, 2023. Returning Athletes should consult with their coaches about early arrival!
  • Visiting Language Instructors/Coordinators (VLI/VLC):
    • Your arrival and move-in date is Sunday, August 20, 2023.

Link to Academic Calendars, with information on move-in and move-out.

• Where:

  • CIE recommends flying into:
    • Washington D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  • However, there are other airports in the region:
    • Baltimore Washington International (BWI)
    • Richmond International Airport (RIC)
  • You could also choose to fly into an airport farther away, such as JFK in New York, and get a connecting flight or train (Amtrak) to the region.

Once you book your flight, all international students (F-1 & J-1 visa holders) need to complete the Airport Arrival & Emergency Contact Information Form

• Getting to Campus:

CIE will provide transportation for J-1 Exchange Students (and VLI/VLCs) from Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to the UMW Fredericksburg Campus IF you arrive during the indicated arrival window as stated in your welcome letter.

• • Upon your arrival at the airport, you will connect with your shuttle driver from Chop Chop Shuttle Service.
    • After collecting your luggage, please exit to the main welcome hall and call or WhatsApp the shuttle driver at +1-703-906-6939 and notify him/her that you are through customs.
      • Follow the ramp up to the Departure Level and go outside through the glass doors to the waiting area by Door #1.
      • The shuttle driver should have told you what type of vehicle to look for. It will either be a van marked “Chop Chop Shuttle & Tour,” or an unmarked vehicle. You must look for the van/vehicle and wave to get the driver’s attention. If you have any problems, please call or text the number above.
    • Keep the following phone numbers with you in case of complications or emergency:
      • Center for International Education (CIE): +1-540-654-1434 (9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday)
      • CIE WhatsApp: +1-540-445-1731

For all F-1 students and J-1 students (and VLI/VLCs) arriving outside of the arrival window, there are multiple options to get to the UMW Fredericksburg Campus on your own:

1. Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft are easily accessible from any of the regional airports. Budget about $100 -$150 for this transportation option. CIE recommends downloading and setting up the app on your mobile phone prior to your arrival in the US.
2. Fredericksburg, VA has a train station about a 20 minute walk from campus, serviced by Amtrak and the commuter rail line, the VRE. Cost options vary.
3. You could take a taxi from the airport to campus but know that this cost is likely to be more expensive compared to Uber/Lyft.

The UMW Fredericksburg campus address is:
1301 College Ave.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Campus Map.

First year F-1 Students will need to pick up their EagleOne ID cards and residence hall room keys from Eagle Landing (#1 on the campus map). The front desk is staffed 24/7.

J-1 students will be greeted by CIE staff upon arrival to campus and residence hall room keys and EagleOne ID cards will be distributed at that time.