Plane on ground after landing

Arrival & Transportation to Campus

When to Arrive

You must be at UWM and ready to start attending classes on the first day of classes, which is the start date on your I-20. F-1 students can enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to the start date on the I-20; this date is listed on your I-20 as your “Earliest Admission Date”.

Graduate students with assistantships must arrive to campus prior to the start date on your employment contract.  

When planning your arrival time to Milwaukee, consider the following: 

  • Housing move-in date: 
    • On-campus housing: UWM Housing has strict move-in dates, and you MUST complete the Early Move-In form. Please refer to your UWM Housing portal. 
    • Off-campus housing: You cannot move in until your lease date begins.  
    • Temporary housing: UWM offers very limited temporary housing. If you need accommodation before your move-in date, you may need to stay in a hotel, Airbnb, or with friends/relatives.  
  • Arrival time: Pay attention to the local time of arrival in Milwaukee and verify that your accommodation can serve you.  
    • Transportation: Options will be more limited late at night.  
    • On-campus housing: Check your UWM Housing portal to verify your scheduled move-in time. 
    • Off-campus housing: Prior to arrival, contact your landlord to verify your move-in time. 

Transportation Options Upon Arrival

The Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is the closest airport to the UWM campus. For ease of transportation, we recommend you fly into MKE if possible.

From Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport
From Chicago O’Hare International Airport
  • Airport pick-up is not provided by UWM.
  • CoachUSA Bus Service
    • Take a CoachUSA bus from O’Hare to Milwaukee General International Airport.
    • Purchase a ticket in advance (before you travel) and print your ticket.
    • The Coach USA bus station at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport is located at the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) at 10255 W. Zemke Boulevard. The MMF is accessible from each terminal via the Airport Transit System.
    • Pay attention to the CoachUSA schedule, as buses do not run late at night.
  • Amtrak (Train) / Milwaukee City Bus
    • At O’Hare Airport, take the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line service to Chicago Union Station.
      • The CTA station is located in Terminal 2 of O’Hare Airport (not in Terminal 5). You need to take the free Airport Transit System to Terminal 2 and follow the sign to “CTA Trains” or “Trains to City.”
      • The CTA Blue Line takes you to downtown Chicago. You need to exit at Clinton Station. From Clinton Station, it’s a 5-minute walk to Union Station.
    • At Chicago Union Station, take Amtrak Train service to the Milwaukee Intermodal Station.
      •  Amtrak Train service runs on a fixed schedule, please plan your trip beforehand. 
    • From the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, follow the instructions above for those who arrive at the Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport.