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.