Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, SUNY Brockport will provide transportation from the transit hubs in Rochester, NY to campus. Transportation will be available on the designated move-in day for that semester. This is also the first day that students living on campus can move into their rooms. You can find the most updated dates on the Accepted Student Checklist.
FLIGHTS
The closest airport to SUNY Brockport is the Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC). SUNY Brockport will provide a shuttle from her to the campus on move-in day.
Some students choose to arrive early to John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York City – to tour or visit. If you do this, you will still need to take a bus, train or another flight to get to Rochester.
TRAIN & BUSES
There are also trains and buses available from many major cities to Rochester. Each transportation method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Train: The fare may be more expensive than using a bus, however it tends to be easier and more comfortable, since you do not need to transfer trains like you may have to do with bus travel.
If you arrive by train, you will take Amtrak and arrive to Rochester at:
Louise M Slaughter Train Station
320 Central Ave.
Rochester, NY 14605
Bus: Fares are typically a lot cheaper than the use of train. Buses often stop in different cities so that may make your travel a little longer.
If you arrive by bus, you will arrive at various locations, depending on the bus company:
Greyhound & Trailways
186 Cumberland St,
Rochester, NY 14609
Megabus (located outside of Louise M Slaughter train station)
320 Central Ave.
Rochester, NY 14605
TAXI
Taxis will cost approximately US $60 plus a 15% tip (US $7-$8). After you have picked up your luggage at the baggage claim area (or have retrieved it from the train or bus you arrived on), call for a taxi at (585) 235-7777 (If you have trouble, please visit an information desk for help).
Tell the taxi driver that you are a student and you need to go to the SUNY Brockport campus. From the Rochester Airport, students receive a $50 flat rate fare to campus when using Genesee Taxi. Show your acceptance letter or other document that identifies you as a Brockport student and show it to the driver. The taxi stand for Genesee Taxi is located outside of the airport using the Ground Transportation exits.
Once the taxi has picked you up, tell the driver again that you are going to the SUNY Brockport campus and indicate which residence hall or off-campus apartment you are scheduled to live in. It is also advised to have a printed map of campus to assist your taxi driver to find your residence hall.
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
- Money: Plan to travel with a small amount of U.S. currency (preferably bills such as $1, $10, and $20). While ATMs and banks will likely be available at the airport, it is wise to bring some cash with you, if possible.
- Immigration Documents: Your passport, F-1 visa, I-20 form and financial documentation will be necessary in order to pass through customs. Be sure to pack those documents in your carry-on where they are easily accessible.
- Contact information: Bring contact information (address and telephone number) for the Office of International Student Services in case you have any problems upon arriving in the United States. You should also write down the name and address of your residence hall or your off-campus apartment.
- Medications: If you have medications that need to be taken daily, be sure to pack them in your carry-on baggage in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed.
CHECKED LUGGAGE
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Clothes: Most students do not dress formally for class, except on special occasions. Clothing such as T-shirts, jeans, pants, and shirts are acceptable for both men and women.
- Winter Clothing: Winters in Brockport can be very cold, with temperatures dropping below 10°F (-12°C). It is recommended that you bring a heavy coat as well as winter boots, waterproof gloves and a hat for these months. You will also be able to buy additional winter clothing once you arrive.
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Bedding and towels: SUNY Brockport will provide you with basic linens upon your arrival:
- Fitted sheet (Twin XL)
- Flat sheet (Twin XL)
- Standard pillow
- Comforter (duvet)
- We recommend you bring:
- Towel
- Clothing items appropriate for the climate
- Medications
Additional items can be purchased after your arrival. We will provide a shuttle to local stores during orientation week.
To find out more about items that you should and should not bring with you to campus, please refer to the Office of Residential Life/Learning Communities’ Survival Guide - Helpful Information for Students. You will have plenty of time to shop for items during orientation. Only bring the essentials.
SMALL GIFTS FROM YOUR COUNTRY
Living abroad as an international student, you may have times where you receive unexpected help from someone, or you make special acquaintances. At times like these, you may want to give a little gift. Consider bringing small gifts that represent your culture and your home country, it will be a meaningful and wonderful gift at the same time!
YOUR HOBBIES
Another great way to feel more at home while a new country is having a hobby. If you play a musical instrument or have a specific hobby, consider bringing it with you. There are many student organizations that you can join and possibly share your hobby with your roommates and new friends!
It would be useful to bring other hobby-related items, even if they are not necessarily musical instruments. If you have a traditional costume from your home country, you will be able to show off your unique fashion at parties and other fun places.
There are different types of room options at SUNY Brockport. There are six-person suites, four-person suites, and two-person corridor style. Suite style means that you will share a room with one other person but will share a common room and bathroom with your suite mates. Corridor style means that you share a room with one other person, but share the bathroom with the other students in your hall. There are also townhomes available to upperclassmen.
You can expect the following in your room:
- ISS will provide your basic linens
- One desk, desk chair, and dresser per person
- One bed frame and mattress (twin XL size) (per person)
- One closet (per person)
- One wastebasket and recycling bin (per room)
- Venetian blinds are provided on all windows
- Free-wifi
- Vacuum cleaners are available to loan out in Resident Assistant offices
- Free laundry machines (open 24 hours)
*Items like clothes hangers, laundry baskets, and snacks can be bought at our shopping trip to stores during Orientation.
There are many areas to study around campus. Our library has multiple single-study rooms, group study rooms, open study spaces and computer labs. Other buildings such as Hartwell Hall, the Student Union, Dailey Hall, Smith Hall, the Fine Arts building, and the SERC also have multiple computer labs equipped with both Windows and Mac computers. Your residence hall will also have a lounge or open space for residents to use when studying.
In addition to study spaces, the Academic Success Center offers tutoring in math, writing, and a variety of specific courses you may be taking. We are here to help you be as successful as possible during your time here at Brockport.
You can buy your textbooks from Brockport Bookstore. To check them, click the button below. The bookstore offers you the list of selected textbooks by your professors.
If you want to buy textbooks at a cheaper cost, search online and compare their prices. Check ISBN numbers to make sure it is the right book. There is also a way to rent it for one semester without buying it.
You can use Amazon Prime Student membership program created for college students with your Brockport email address!
As a Prime Student member, you receive a six-month trial that includes free two-day Shipping on over 50 million items, unlimited streaming of Prime movies and TV shows, unlimited photo storage with Prime Photos, 20% off pre-order and new release video games, and exclusive deals and savings.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE TO CAMPUS
If you are looking to purchase items online in advance of your arrival, you may use companies like DormCo!, Amazon, or Target. When you purchase your items, make sure to complete the shipping address as below. This will allow us to receive your boxes and have them ready for you when you arrive.
Dylan George and Your Name
Global Education and Engagement
350 New Campus Drive
202B Dailey Hall
Brockport, NY 14420
AFTER ARRIVING TO CAMPUS
You will receive your letters to your mailbox in your residence hall. If you have ordered a package, it will go to the Student Union package room, where you can pick it up.
You can use your cellphone device brought from home here in the U.S. the device is unlocked. Check with your carrier prior to arriving to Brockport.
AT&T, one of the major cellphone carriers, will be at Brockport on orientation week and can help you set up your phone plan at that time.
There are also other pay-as-you-go options that students have used. Some examples are MintMobile and StraightTalk.
While it is possible to transfer or wire money, there can been fees associated with this. Establishing a U.S. bank is helpful in ensuring you have access to your money whenever you need it.
Additionally, if you choose to work on campus, you may have your paycheck deposited directly into this account. The direct deposit feature typically does not work with non-US banks.
You will have the option to open a local bank account during International Student Orientation with Chase Bank. There are also other options that are easily accessible in the area.
When you go to the bank to open the account, bring the funds you plan to deposit into the account, your passport, your I-20 form and your student ID card from the College. Banks have different policies for opening new accounts and may ask for additional identification.
In addition to cash, credit cards (or bank cards) are widely used in the US. It is very common to see credit cards used for purchases as low as $1.00. You may choose to bring your credit or debit card issued in your home country - but these may have foreign service charges (another good reason to have a US bank account).
Usually, credit cards or bank cards are locked from use overseas to prevent theft. Be sure to inform your bank of your travels to the US before you leave your home country!
Yes, SUNY Brockport offers a variety of transportation methods to get around campus. You can view them here.
CAMPUS SHUTTLE
This campus shuttle takes you from campus to the major shopping areas in Brockport. The schedule varies by time of year. You may download the app to get up-to-date status of any of the buses.
UBER AND LYFT
These options are available in an around Brockport. There may be limited service early in the mornings, so please consider scheduling taxi pick-up for early flights, important appointments, etc.
BIKESHARE
You may rent these during the warmer months to get around town. These bikes are good for
ZIPCAR
International students can rent these cars, provided you have a valid US or international drivers license.
ROCHESTER TRANSIT SYSTEM (RGRTA)
This regional bus system connects Brockport to the city of Rochester. The service to Brockport is only a few times per day so please check the bus schedule before making your plans.
INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE
Make sure both your International Driver Permit and Driver License from your home country have a sufficient period of expiration! While living in the U.S., there are many chances to drive for traveling etc., and you will need both to do so.
The NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows foreign students to drive in New York State using their Original Home Country Driver’s License and International Driving Permit from your country, if the home country license is not in English.
However, the expiry of an International Driver Permit is usually within one year. So, it will be wise to check the expiration date of the Driving permit and the Driver license in advance and renew it before leaving your home country!
*You may also wish to apply at the NYS DMV for a NYS Learner’s Permit or a NYS Driver’s License. For more information, visit our webpage.