Before You Arrive In the United States

Before You Arrive In the United States

The university is located in midtown Baltimore at 1420 N. Charles Street, at the Mt. Royal Avenue intersection and across from Penn Train Station. UB's Public Safety Office is located in the Academic Center building lobby. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 410.837.5520 for general information and assistance.

Travel Information

  • Mark all luggage clearly on the interior and exterior. Print your name, c/o International Services Office, University of Baltimore, 1420 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-5779, USA. Tel. 410-837-4756.
  • Keep your passport, Form I-20, money, and all important papers with you at all times. Do not lock these items in your luggage, which could be lost or misplaced en-route.
  • Do not carry large amounts of cash. (US$ 1000 maximum) Use travelers' checks or bank drafts.
  • Do not leave your luggage or personal belongings unattended for even a brief moment. Avoid strangers. Seek assistance inside, not outside, the airport or train terminal. Don't walk alone outside at night.
  • Do not leave any personal belongings in the taxicab. Ask the driver to remove all your belongings before you pay. Determine the cost of your fare before entering the taxicab. Ask, “How much is the fare to the University of Baltimore?” Give the address to the driver. The fare given by the driver should be close to the fares listed below. If you think you have been overcharged, ask the driver for a receipt and bring it to the International Services Office.

Ports of Arrival

  • Baltimore-Washington International -- (410.859.7111) BWI airport in Baltimore is 20 minutes by car from the university. If possible arrange for BWI Airport to be your port-of-entry to the United States or arrange a connecting flight from your port-of-entry direct to BWI Airport. There are four ways to get to the University of Baltimore:

    1. Light Rail -- a 30 minute ride from lower-level BWI directly to the UB campus from Monday to Saturday 6:00am to 11:00pm and Sunday 11:00am to 7:00pm for $1.60.  Get off at the University of Baltimore/Mt. Royal stop.(tel: 410.539.5000 or web: www.mtamaryland.com)
    2. Taxi -- A 20 minute taxi ride to the University costs $27 + tip.
    3. Airport Super Shuttle Bus -- Operates daily from 6:00 am through 12:59 am. It leaves every 30 minutes from the lower level of the center terminal. The fare is $21from BWI to the University of Baltimore. (tel.: 1.800.258.3826 or 410.859.0800)
    4. MARC or Amtrak Train -- The train ($6) leaves BWI Airport at regular intervals. The ride takes 15 minutes. Get off at the Penn Train Station stop. Walk across the street to the University. (tel.: 1.800.872.7245 or web: www.mtamaryland.com)
  • Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia -- It is about two to three hours by public transportation. To get to University of Baltimore via public transportation, take a taxi from the airport to Union Station in Washington, D.C. From Union Station take the train (Amtrak or MARC) to Penn Station in Baltimore. Dulles website
  • Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. -- It is about two hours by public transportation. Take the Metrorail (metro/subway), a taxi or Super Shuttle from the airport to Union Station in Washington, D.C.  From Union Station take the train (Amtrak or MARC) to Penn Station in Baltimore.Instructions on trasport from Reagan National Airport can be found at Reagan website

Accomodations

The university does not provide dormitories or student housing. However the Center for Student Involvement maintains a housing web site that lists temporary and permanent accommodations. Members of the International Student Association offer assistance in finding apartments, roommates and other permanent living arrangements.

New students should expect to spend up to one week in temporary lodging. Budget your money carefully because hotel room, meals and local transportation can be costly. Bring additional funds to cover these and other personal expenses upon your arrival.

Suggestions

Entering a new university in a new city is an exciting, busy and sometimes stressful experience. New academic policies, new people, new customs and a new language can be confusing and frustrating. We want to make your adjustment to the University of Baltimore as smooth as possible. Here are some suggestions:

  • Arrive in Baltimore as early as possible -- Give yourself extra time to find an apartment and to familiarize yourself with the city and the campus.
  • Bring sufficient funds -- Tuition and fees must be paid the day you register for classes. You will need to pay for temporary hotel accommodations, food, taxi, books and supplies, furnishings, appliances, and deposits for apartments rent, utilities and telephone service. We recommend that you use Traveler's Checks.
  • Attend the International Student Orientation -- A campus tour and information about class registration, academic policies and student services will be provided. Our orientation packet contains useful information about medical insurance, tutoring assistance, banking, personal safety, student organizations, employment, American culture and other topics of interest. You will meet staff, faculty and members of the International Student Association at the Welcome Luncheon.
  • Meet with your academic advisor -- New students must obtain an advisor's signature before registering for classes. Make an appointment to discuss your program of study and to select your courses for the semester. Business majors should call 410.837.4944 to meet with Ray Frederick (graduate) or 410.837.4945 to meet with Ms. Sabaluskas or Ms. Lewis (undergraduate). Undergraduate and graduate liberal arts majors should contact their program director for advising. Names and telephone are listed in the schedule of classes booklet.
  • Read the University catalog -- Copies are available in the Admissions Office.
  • Review the Schedule of Classes -- Pay attention to important dates on the academic calendar, the deadline to add/drop courses (change your class schedule), and the tuition refund policy. Learn the location of the Academic Resource Center, Athletic Club, Bookstore, Career Center, Center for Student Involvement, Library, and other resourceful offices.
  • Ask questions -- The International Services Office is here to assist you. We will try to help you resolve any academic, financial, housing, immigration, personal or other matters that arise during your stay at UB. Visit or contact the office by telephone, fax or e-mail.