Pre-Arrival & Arrival


Pre-Arrival

Document Checklist:

  1. Password and Visa
  2. I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility
  3. SEVIS Fee Receipt
  4. Contact Information:
    • LSUA Address: 8100 Higher 71 South, Alexandria, LA 71302
    • Office of International Programs Phone: 318-473-6552, Email: ncox@lsua.edu
    • Office of Admissions Phone: 318-473-6417, Email: sgill@lsua.edu

Clothing and Personal Items 

Louisiana is mostly hot and humid and can reach a high of 93F/33C. During winter, however, the weather could drop down to as low as 25F/-3.8C. It is important to take note of the weather conditions in Louisiana when you are packing clothes.  

It’s a good idea to bring semi-formal dress, business attire, traditional clothing, and cultural artifacts  from your country. Also remember to bring an extra pair of glasses and/or contact lenses along with a copy of your prescription. You will need an adaptor if you are bringing any electronic items from home. The standard electrical outlet in the US is between 110 and 120 volts.

Flight Arrangement 

There are no direct International flights to Alexandria, Louisiana. You will need to fly into a larger airport in the United States and take another flight to Alexandria International Airport (AEX).

You could enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date as stated on your I-20 or DS-2019. Our recommendation is to come a few days before International Orientation date to move in your housing and adjust to time differences. If you must arrive later then the program start date, please notify the Coordinator of International Programs on the email address provided: ncox@lsua.edu 

Arrival

Port of Entry

When you first enter the United States, you will need to go through the United States Customs and Border Protection before you can go to your connecting flight. The officer there will need to see your I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility and may ask you a few questions regarding the purpose of your entry to the U.S. and your destination in the U.S. This process can take up to 3 hours so please ensure that you have enough time to get to your connecting flight. After you get past the Customers and Border Protection, you will need to pick up your luggage and proceed through Customs before dropping it off again and going to your next flight gate to Alexandria Airport (AEX). For more information about AEX, please go to https://flyaex.org/ 

Transportation from AEX

Alexandria International Airport is approximately 20 miles away from Louisiana State University at Alexandria campus. The university does not provide transportation. If you do not have pre-arranged transportation you will need to look at the taxi services listed below. Please note that this will cost between $30 and $40:

  • Designated Driver Cab Service: www.aexcabservice.com 1713 Shirley Ave. Alexandria, LA 71303. Phone: +1(318) 290-1180
  • A-Town Transportation: 2804 horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, LA 71301. Phone: +1(800) 261-8260
  • Magic City Taxi: 5200 Donahue Ferry Rd, Pineville, LA 71360. Phone: +1(318) 4640-2768

Residential Check-In

Once you have arrived on campus and moved into your dorm, please check in with the Office of International Programs located at Mulder Hall room 368. You should also visit the office of advising or schedule an appointment online to review your schedule with an advisor who will provide you with any information you should know.

The advising office is located at Student Center 207, which is directly above the campus bookstore. Alternatively, you can contact them on (318) 767-2604.