/Office of Global Affairs
International Student Success

Arriving to Stony Brook

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CHECK-IN

All new and transferring F-1 and J-1 students, including those returning from leave, must complete the International Student Check-In with Visa and Immigration Services (VIS). This is a federally mandated process that ensures compliance with immigration regulations and activation of your SEVIS record.

Complete Part 1 of the International Student Check-In before arriving in the United States. Doing so will help expedite the overall process and ensure that you have an understanding of how to maintain your status.

 

 

How to Get to Stony Brook

There are a wide variety of ways to get to campus depending on where you are coming from. Some of the well known airports are John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty (EWR). The John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the major airport closest to campus.

From the above airports, there are a variety of ground transportation options to travel to Stony Brook University, which include:

  • The free Shuttle Service provided by Stony Brook University’s Mobility & Parking Services (MAPS) - Learn about this option in the tab above labeled "SBU's Airport Pick-Up".
  • Long Island Railroad (LIRR).
  • Official Taxis or Rideshare options such as Lyft/Uber.

From John F Kennedy Airport (JFK) to Stony Brook
If you prefer video format, please watch this YouTube Video showing the steps to travel from JFK airport to Stony Brook University.

Before starting your journey, it is highly recommended to download the MTA TrainTime App, which will allow you to see train times in real time, buy tickets, see transfers, and more. Please note that during this journey, you will need to pay two fares, one for the AirTrain and one for the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). The cost of this trip will depend on the time of day, but you should be prepared to pay up to $20 per person.

  1. After you have collected your baggage, follow signs in your terminal to the AirTrain.
  2. Board the next AirTrain to Jamaica station. Please note that three different AirTrains arrive to the same platform. Pay close attention that the train you are boarding is the train bound for Jamaica Station. 
  3. Exit the AirTrain at Jamaica Station and prepare to pay your fare at the exit. You can either pay via contactless payment methods or by purchasing a ticket from the ticket machine next to the exit. 
  4. After exiting the AirTrain area, follow signs for the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). This will be a short walk and you will remain inside.
  5. If you have not already done so, take this time to check the next train's arrival time and track. This information can be found in the MTA TrainTime app or on the information boards at Jamaica station. Please also note any transfers for the next train, which can be seen on the MTA TrainTime app.
  6. Purchase a ticket either from the ticket machines at the station or directly on the MTA TrainTime app. 
  7. Close to the train's arrival time, the train's platform will be announced and appear on the MTA TrainTime app and info boards in the station. Once you know your train's platform, walk to the correct platform. You can use elevators or stairs as needed to arrive to the platform.
  8. It is important to remember to transfer at the correct stations and take the correct next train. This information is in the MTA TrainTime app and on station info boards in each station. If you have questions, you can ask MTA workers on the trains or in the stations.
  9. Arrive at Stony Brook station, conveniently located on Stony Brook University's campus. From the station, you can take SBU's on-campus buses for no additional cost or you can request a rideshare service via your preferred app.

From LaGuardia (LGA) to Stony Brook
If you prefer video format, please watch this YouTube Video showing the steps to travel from LaGuardia (LGA) airport to Stony Brook University.

Before starting your journey, it is highly recommended to download the MTA TrainTime App, which will allow you to see train times in real time, buy tickets, see transfers, and more. Please note that the cost of this trip will depend on the time of day, but you should be prepared to pay up to $25 per person for this journey.

  1. Follow signs in LGA airport to the free Q70 bus, which departs from Level 1, located beyond baggage claim.
  2. Ride the Q70 bus to the Woodside and 61st stop. 
  3. Exit the Q70 bus and walk toward 61st street, which should be to your left as you exit the bus. The entrance to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) will be straight ahead.
  4. Take the elevator to the train platform, marked by the "P" button in the elevator.
  5. If you have not already done so, take this time to check the next train's arrival time and track. This information can be found in the MTA TrainTime app or on the information boards at Woodside station. Please also note any transfers for the next train, which can be seen on the MTA TrainTime app.
  6. Purchase a ticket either from the ticket machines at the station or directly on the MTA TrainTime app. 
  7. It is important to remember to transfer at the correct stations and take the correct next train. This information is in the MTA TrainTime app and on info boards in each station. If you have questions, you can ask MTA workers on the trains or in the stations.
  8. Arrive at Stony Brook station, conveniently located on Stony Brook University's campus. From the station to your accommodations, you can take SBU's on-campus buses for no additional cost or you can request a rideshare service via your preferred app.

From Newark Airport (EWR) to Stony Brook
Before starting your journey, it is highly recommended to download the New Jersey transit app and the MTA TrainTime App (for LIRR), which will allow you to see train times in real time, buy tickets, see transfers, and more. Please note that during this journey, you will need to pay two fares, one for the New Jersey Transit and one for the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). The cost of this trip will depend on the time of day, but you should be prepared to pay up to $35 per person.

  1. Take the NJ Transit or Amtrak train to New York City’s Penn Station. Tickets can be bought at the ticket machines at the station as well as the NJ Transit app. You will scan your ticket at the exit. 
  2. From Penn Station take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) train on the Port Jefferson Branch to Stony Brook University. 
  3. If you have not already done so, take this time to check the next train's arrival time and track. This information can be found in the MTA TrainTime app or on the information boards at Penn Station. Please also note any transfers for the next train, which can be seen on the MTA TrainTime app.
  4. Purchase a ticket either from the ticket machines at the station or directly on the MTA TrainTime app. 
  5. It is important to remember to transfer at the correct stations and take the correct next train. This information is in the MTA TrainTime app and on station boards in each station. If you have questions, you can ask MTA workers on the trains or in the stations.
  6. Arrive at Stony Brook station, conveniently located on Stony Brook University's campus. From the station, you can take SBU's on-campus buses for no additional cost or you can request a rideshare service via your preferred app.

Taxis and Rideshare Apps to Stony Brook
Please note that taxis and rideshare options are the most expensive option. If you plan to take one of these options, be prepared to pay between 150 and 350 dollars for the trip, though the cost could be even higher depending on surge prices and tips.

Taxis:
  • Official taxis can be found in the taxi ranks outside of most terminals at all airports. Follow signs in your terminal to the taxi rank area.
  • Please note, official taxis are not allowed to solicit riders inside terminals. To avoid potential scams, ignore solicitors in the terminal and use official taxi ranks.

Rideshare Apps:
  • Rideshare apps, like taxis, can be found at most terminals at all major airports. Follow signs in the terminal for designated pickup areas.
  • The most common Rideshare apps include Lyft and Uber. All Rideshare app options require the rider to download an app and have data to use the service. If you are planning to use this option, please be sure that your phone's data services will work when you arrive in the United States as Wi-Fi is often limited or difficult to access once you leave the airports.
  • Please note, Rideshare app workers are not allowed to solicit riders inside terminals. To avoid potential scams, ignore solicitors in the terminal and use official pickup areas to meet with your driver.

 

Shuttle Services from JFK Airport to SBU

Stony Brook University coordinates free bus transportation to campus on select dates and times for undergraduate and graduate students who sign up. Transport is provided from John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport to Stony Brook University’s Main Campus located in Stony Brook, New York on the approved days and times as listed on the MAPS website.

 

Airport Shuttle Information

To take the free shuttle bus, you must register during the appropriate time window and receive a confirmation email or you will not be allowed to board the bus. The free shuttle service form will be open for a limited period of time before the start of each semester. Please visit MAPS website for future semester services. Please note that the shuttle bus is only for Stony Brook students, not family members, and strictly limits those riding to two large pieces of luggage.

If you are flying into a different airport, the free shuttle bus will not be available from there. You are welcome to purchase, at your own cost, separate transportation to JFK airport from where our free shuttles will depart.

Students living on or off-campus will sign up for the shuttle through the housing portal. However, this free shuttle will only stop on campus. Students living off campus will need to find transportation from campus to their house or apartment.

 

How to Find the Shuttle at JFK

  1. After collecting you luggage, take the AirTrain from your current terminal to Terminal 4. The AirTrain is free between terminals in the airport.
  2. Get off the AirTrain at Terminal 4. Walk from AirTrain to Terminal 4 Arrival Hall.
  3. Wait for the Stony Brook bus to arrive for pick up. Typically, the shuttle bus will arrive at Passenger Pick Up, between signs for C1-C4. However, we recommend you wait inside the Arrival Hall until you see the bus arrive or a Stony Brook University worker who can update you on where the bus will be this time.
  4. There will be signage in the bus and Stony Brook University employees check students in for the free shuttle. If you have not signed up and received approval to take the shuttle, you may not be allowed to board the shuttle.


If you prefer video format, please watch this YouTube Video showing the steps to travel from JFK airport to Stony Brook University via the SBU Free Shuttle service.

Moving In to your Residence

Move in day can feel stressful after a long flight. However, using the tools below can help you feel less overwhelmed.

 

Find Your Residential Community

All buildings at Stony Brook University can be found on services such as Google Maps and Apple Maps in order to find walking and driving directions. During official move-in days, please use the Campus Residences' Move In Map. 

 

Move-In Process

There is a Check-In tent located in your residential community. Upon arrival on campus, please report to the check-in tent and have your check-in passes and photo ID ready (Passport, Stony Brook ID card, Driver’s license, etc.)

On the Campus Residences' Arrival Dates page, you can find information on the following topics:

  • Arrival Dates/Times for Undergraduates
  • Arrival Dates/Time for Graduate Residents
  • Check-In tent locations

Questions about living on campus or moving in? Contact: reside@stonybrook.edu and include your Stony Brook ID number in all correspondences to receive the most efficient answers.