Arriving at the Airport
To ensure a smooth transition in the United States please be aware you will need to have certain documents ready in order to enter the US. Have available and in hand the following documents for the immigration official at the airport:
- Your passport & visa
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- I-901 SEVIS Fee receipt
- Rider University Acceptance letter
- Contact information of the Designated School Officer (see below)
- Financial documents as required
Do not bring large amounts of money or checks drawn on a foreign bank. We recommend that you bring traveler’s checks in American dollars for your personal funds and about USD 200 in cash for items such as food, transportation, tips, and telephone calls. Additionally, we recommend bringing a major credit card (VISA or MasterCard) with you.
During the International Student Orientation there will be time to open a bank account.
Requesting Your Airport Pick-Up
If you are arriving at Newark and living on campus, you can send us your request for airport pick up by selecting one of the options below. There is USD 65 for this service. After completing the form you will receive an email confirmation with important information. If you do not receive an email within 24 hours, please contact us at [email protected]. We can only guarantee your airport pick up if you submit the Airport Pick Up form.
Select the choice that best fits your situation:
- International Undergraduate or Graduate Student (includes U.S. citizens living abroad)
- U.S. citizens living in the United States (includes the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico)
If you decide not to request airport pick up or arrive before August 20, 2025, you will have to make your own travel arrangements to get to the campus.
General Travel Assistance
Students seeking public transportation to Lawrenceville, from New York, Newark or Philadelphia area airports should ask to be directed to the Airport Ground Transportation counter near the baggage claim area. Students requiring additional travel assistance may ask to be directed to an airport customer service representative at any of the three airports.
Airporter Shuttle Service
The Olympic Airporter maintains a daily shuttle service (shared ride) between Newark and JFK airports and downtown Princeton. Reservations are necessary and should be made in advance or at the Airport Ground Transportation counter at either Newark or JFK airports. For more information on rates, pick-up times, and reservation scheduling, please consult the Olympic Airporter website or call (800) 385-4000.
Trains from Newark Airport
Students can travel via the New Jersey Transit Northeast Corridor Line. You can access information at njtransit.com or call (973) 275-5555. To access the Lawrenceville campus, purchase a train ticket to the Hamilton Station. You can easily get to the train station from the airport by taking The Air Train shuttle.
Taxis
Once you arrive at the train station in Hamilton, you may want to take a taxi to your final campus destination, especially if you have a lot of luggage. Taxis are usually available at the train stations but students can call A-1 AAA Princeton Taxi (800) 481-8294 or (609) 921-1177. Verify the fare and pickup locations with the taxi dispatcher when you call; there are two sides to the tracks (eastbound and westbound), each with separate taxi stations.
Security and Emergencies
While traveling, students should keep money, passports, travel and visa documents, jewelry, and other valuables on their person at all times. Students are advised not to leave luggage unattended or leave items of value and importance in their luggage, locked automobiles, or in airport or train station storage lockers. Travelers are advised to monitor their belongings at all times. Do not accept packages or offer to watch unattended luggage at an airport for people unfamiliar to you.
Travelers with serious emergencies should seek airport security or the nearest Travelers Aid Society representative during business hours. Visit The Travelers Aid Society website at travelersaid.org.