Pre-Arrival Information

students moving in

We’re thrilled to host you and hope to make your transition simple and seamless. In this packet, you’ll find information you need before you leave home, information 
on getting to Millikin and information you’ll need for your first days on campus. As always, let us know if you have questions along the way.

At U.S. Immigration, you will be required to present the following original documents:

  • SEVIS Form I-20
  • I-901 SEVIS free receipt
  • Millikin University admission letter
  • Official proof of funding
  • Valid passport/visa
  • Before you leave home checklist:

  • ☑︎

    LOOK OVER FORM I-20
    to ensure that ALL of your information is correct. Email mbrinkoetter@millikin.edu IMMEDIATELY for any issues.
     

    ☑︎

    PRINT AND SIGN THE I-20
    at the bottom of the first page. Keep ALL THREE PAGES of this original document in a safe place at ALL TIMES! You will need it to apply for your F-1 student visa and when you travel to the U.S.
     

    ☑︎

    APPLY FOR your student visa!
     

    ☑︎

    FILL OUT THE HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION RECORD 
    with your doctor. You will be automatically enrolled in health insurance. Before July 1, you MUST email this completed form to mbrinkoetter@millikin.edu.

    ☑︎

    ARRANGE YOUR TRAVEL TO CAMPUS
    after your F-1 visa has been approved. Go to your airline's website to check luggage requirements, as each airline can be different.
     

    ☑︎

    EMAIL A COPY
    of your visa and flight information to mbrinkoetter@millikin.edu BEFORE July 1.
     

    ☑︎

    JOIN WHATSAPP
    Join the Millikin International Students Whatsapp for important updates.
     

    ☑︎

    THERE IS NO LOCAL CURRENCY EXCHANGE 
    You should bring U.S. currency as well as a bank or credit card from home that will allow you to make purchases in the U.S. until your U.S. bank account is established. This process usually takes about a week.

     

     

  • You will receive your housing assignment and campus address before you arrive on campus. We will provide a temporary set of sheets, light blanket, bath towel and washcloth for you. Please bring a light blanket, a towel and other basic toiletry items. Once meal plans become active, you will be able to use your campus meal card in the cafeteria, coffee shop and campus vending machines. Plan to bring about $100 USD for your first few days on campus; there are restaurants within walking distance of campus.

    Every international student will receive a tuberculosis (TB) test upon arriving at Millikin. If your TB test is positive, you will be required to get a chest X-ray to confirm that you do not have TB. This test can be expensive and will be the responsibility of the student, so please plan for these types of expenses.
     

  • Millikin staff will pick you up from Chicago O'Hare International Airport at 5 p.m. on August 12. If you arrive on another day or time, Millikin will not provide transportation to campus. If your flight is delayed, you will need to make your own arrangements for arriving on campus. Fly directly into Chicago O’Hare International Airport. DO NOT use other international airports as we have seen too many transfer and weather delays that cause students to miss their flights.

    • Decatur Airport (DEC) has limited flights directly from Chicago O'Hare to Decatur.
    • Baldwin Shuttle Service provides direct ground transportation from Chicago to Millikin.

    In case of travel complications:
    If your flight t is delayed or you encounter problems at immigration, contact Mary Brinkoetter as soon as possible at 1.217.521.6642 (cell) or 1.217.424.6340 (office).

  • As little as possible! Bring only what you need or truly can't replace or buy here. There will be a shopping trip during International Student Orientation and other opportunities to shop during the first weeks and throughout the semester, so don't bother packing things easily replaceable.

    What will you really, really need the first few weeks or first month of school? What is absolutely essential for the first few days, in case your luggage is lost? Things in the first category go in your checked luggage. Anything in the second category should be carried with you on the plane. Other items can be shipped, purchased online to await your arrival, or purchased here after you arrive (see suggestions for each category below.)

    Remember to bring photos and small mementos of home—your friends will want to see these! Bring one national festive outfit if you can, since you may wish to wear this for special occasions.

    Home to Campus Checklist

  • Immigration documents including your:

    • Passport/visa
    • I-20
    • Documents showing financial support
    • Admission letter from Millikin

    Cash: Bring at least $100 with you in case of emergency, if you want to purchase something to eat/drink when you arrive at the airport, or if you have any problems. Don't rely on bringing large amounts of your national currency or using airport exchanges, since these may not be open if you arrive late.

    Money: It is best to bring a bank card with you, so that you can directly access your bank account at home from an ATM machine. A credit card will also be helpful for larger expenses, such as textbooks. Travelers' checks are also accepted.

    Record of your required immunizations and any other required health forms.

    Medication: If you are on any special medication, make sure that you will have a sufficient supply. You may wish to consult your doctor about generic names of the drugs you must take rather than specific brand names.

  • The weather in Illinois is unpredictable. Weather can be quite hot in August, getting cooler through September and October. November and December are bitter cold and snow possibly lasting into March. Be sure to bring a variety of clothes for these extreme temperatures. More fall/winter clothing can be purchased after you arrive. Students dress informally on campus.

    Bring an outfit representative of your country to wear for special events and any other special things you think could be interesting to share (recipes, traditional objects…)

  • NOTE: You are required to be on campus by August 13, 2026 for the Fall 2026 term.

    For additional information or questions, please contact:

    Mary Brinkoetter
    Director, International Recruitment
    1.217.424.6340
    mbrinkoetter@millikin.edu