Orientation: Arriving to Kalamazoo

For your arrival, you will need to prepare for the following:

  1. Travel to Kalamazoo
  2. Contact information during arrival
  3. U.S. travel requirements
  4. Food

Travel to Kalamazoo

By Air

We recommend new students arrive 1-2 days before orientation to rest and adjust to the time change. We recommend students fly directly to the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO). Even though Chicago and Detroit are nearby, both are at least three hours away by car. 

To use this transportation, report to the WMU sign near the Leisure Limousine transportation desk in the baggage claim area or call them at 269-343-0848. 

By Train

If you arrive to Kalamazoo by bus or train you can arrange for transportation to WMU’s main campus by calling a taxi. We recommend the following services:

  1. Bronco Express, (269) 343-3000, Estimated fair $7
  2. Godspeed Taxi, (269) 547-5477, Estimated fair $10

Contact Information During Arrival 

WMU International Admissions and Services is ready to help you during your arrival to Kalamazoo. Please feel free to reach out with questions, concerns, or difficulties!

Normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET):

Phone: +1 (269) 387-5865
Fax: +1 (269) 387-5899
Email: oiss-info@wmich.edu

After normal business hours (Saturday-Sunday or after 5 p.m. ET):

Phone: +1 (269) 203-5482
Email: oiss-info@wmich.edu

For police or medical emergencies in the U.S. call 911.

If you need to send things ahead, your WMU temporary mailing address is:

First name, family name, c/o orientation
International Admissions and Services
3110 Faunce Student Services
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 49008–5246 U.S.A.

U.S. Travel Requirements

Please be advised to stay up-to-date on airline and travel requirements as U.S. immigration and travel policy is very fluid. Further, U.S. airlines have imposed new requirements on electronic devices and checked luggage; therefore please be sure to inquire with your airline for specific restrictions and requirements. Students may also reference the WMU Immigration Services website for further immigration information.

Food

During Orientation

During orientation you will be provided with a free breakfast and lunch each day or orientation. Student dining meal plans will not start in WMU dining halls and cafeterias until the first day of classes. However, the Bernhard Center Café and Market will be open with meals to buy. The Bernhard Center café is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Food in the Community

Kalamazoo offers a wide variety of food options within the community that have convenient hours.