Transportation to South Bend

Planning Travel to South Bend

Arriving on Time for Orientation

When you begin to plan your travel to IU South Bend, here are some things to keep in mind:

- The earliest you can arrive in the U.S. is 30 days before the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
- You must make every effort to arrive in South Bend by the date of International Student Orientation, as noted in your admission letter.
University offices are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, so it is wise to avoid arriving on these days.
- Be aware of housing move-in dates. These will vary depending on whether you are living on or off-campus.
- South Bend International Airport (SBN), about 20 minutes away from IUSB’s campus serves our region with flights through Allegiant, American Airlines, Breeze, Delta Airlines and United Airlines. You can fly into Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) for your first port of entry into the U.S. United and American Airlines offer daily service between ORD and SBN, and you could connect from DTW into SBN.

If circumstances arise which prevent you from arriving in South Bend by the date specified, you MUST contact the OISS by e-mail, fax, or telephone for guidance. Keep in mind that if you are not able to arrive by the date specified on your I-20 or DS-2019, you must postpone your admission until a later semester although you may NOT remain in the U.S. without enrollment.

After Arrival

Money for Immediate Expenses/Exchanging Foreign Currency

Students should be able to access approximately $6000.00 upon arrival to IU South Bend. Those renting off-campus apartments will likely need to pay the first month’s rent, together with a deposit. You will also need to purchase food and some clothing, as well as household and school supplies. Books, insurance, and local transportation and temporary lodging will also figure into your first expenses.
It is a challenge to exchange foreign currency once in South Bend. If you seek to make an exchange, you are best served in the larger cities as you pass through the airport.

Connecting to South Bend

By Air

South Bend is well connected by air through South Bend International Airport, with flights from most major ports of entry in the U.S.

By Bus

Please check the Greyhound Bus schedule to travel to South Bend by bus: http://www.greyhound.com/

South Shore Train

You may also opt to take the city train from the airport into Chicago’s Randolph Street Station, and then board a South Shore train which stops at the South Bend International Airport. http://www.nictd.com/

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