OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

Pre-Arrival Information

There is also a train from the airport to the Metro Train station downtown. However, the Metro train station is located about two blocks from the Amtrak station. If you have a lot of luggage you will find it very difficult to get from one station to the other.

Amtrak has five trains daily leaving Chicago for Springfield. Cost is approximately $35 one way; travel time is three-and-a-half hours. For information call the Amtrak telephone number: 1-800-USA-RAIL or e-mail them at service@sales.amtrak.com. You can also check out their website at www.amtrak.com

There are five trains daily from St. Louis to Springfield. If you fly into St. Louis, inquire at the Ground Transportation information station  about traveling to the Amtrak station. For a schedule and fare information you can contact Amtrak using the information in the preceding paragraph.

The Amtrak station in Springfield is downtown.  A taxicab ride to the University will cost about $15.  With advance notification we can arrange to meet your train and bring you to campus.

Bus

Greyhound runs buses to Springfield from Chicago and St. Louis.  In either case check with the Ground Transportation information station at the airport concerning traveling to the bus station.  You may need to take a taxicab.  The fare from Chicago is $38, from St. Louis $20.  Greyhound telephone number: 1-800-231-2222. You can also check out their web site at www.greyhound.com

The Greyhound bus station is on the East Side of Springfield.  A taxicab ride will cost about $10.  With advance notification we can arrange to meet your bus and bring you to campus.  However, some of the buses reach Springfield in the middle of the night and it will be difficult to arrange to meet you and to get you into your on-campus housing.  Please try to reach Springfield before 8:00 p.m., if at all possible.

If you wish to be met upon arrival in Springfield you should notify Office of International Student Services as soon as you make your travel arrangements. We need one week notice- minimum.             Call 217/206-6678 or email sbone1@uis.edu.

After you arrive, come to Office of International Student Services for student intake at either 10:30am or 3:30pm.We are located in HRB Room 52.Bring passport and I20.
 

Tipping

You should add approximately 15 percent to taxi and meal charges for tips. In transportation terminals, it is customary to tip porters $1.00 for each suitcase.

Taxis

Taxis have meters. Pay only what the meter indicates, plus tip and toll (if applicable).

Subways and Buses

Fares vary in different cities. Subway fares range from 75 cents to $1 in token form. Tokens are purchased at the station and inserted in a turnstile to enter the platform. Bus fares range from 50 cents to $1 (exact change) or a token. Transfer is free.

Public Telephones

Public telephones operate as follows: for local calls, remove receiver, deposit 75 cents (or amount indicated on phone), wait for steady hum, then dial the number. For long-distance (out-of-town) calls, insert coins as above and dial 0 for the operator, who will place the call for you or give you instructions. (You will need several coins, quarters and dimes, to pay for the call.) If you do not receive an answer or if the line is busy (a buzz-buzz-buzz signal), hang up and your money will be refunded.

Emergencies

A police officer can be counted on to give assistance. Also, some taxis have radios and can summon police. Telephone aid may be had by dialing 911 (no money required) and requesting police, fire, or medical assistance. Medical aid is available at the emergency entrance of most hospitals (at your expense).

Traveler's Aid representatives are available at rail and bus terminals and can help solve travel problems.

Climate of Springfield

Please be prepared for extremes of heat and cold for Springfield is located in the Humid Continental Climate zone and is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. A warm coat or jacket, scarf, hat, gloves, and boots are necessary attire for winter weather. Do not arrive in January without warm clothing. The clothing worn by most students, however, is very informal.

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