Summary of Pre Arrival Webinar 1 Flights, Forms, and What to Bring

Summary of "Pre Arrival Webinar 1: Flights, Forms, and What to Bring"

This webinar provides essential pre-arrival information for new students coming to ABA University, focusing on flights, arrival logistics, housing, required forms, and packing tips, including weather considerations in Kansas City.

Main Ideas and Concepts

1. Flights and Arrival Timing

• Legal entry to the US: Students can enter the US up to 30 days before the official start of their term (e.g., for Fall 2024 starting August 26, arrival can be from July 27/28).
• Campus move-in dates:
  • Graduate students: August 21
  • Undergraduate students: August 22
  • Check-in time for both: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Orientation begins: August 22
• Students should not arrive late unless prior communication is made with housing and the Designated School Official (DSO) to avoid being marked absent.

2. Arrival at Kansas City Airport and Transportation to Campus

• ABA does not provide transportation from Kansas City airport to campus.
• Transportation options include:
  • Free but complex city bus system (multiple transfers, time-consuming)
  • Rental cars
  • Taxi services
  • Recommended: Ride-share services like Uber or Lyft (usually cheaper and more convenient)
• Airport is on the north side of Kansas City; campus is on the south side, so travel time may be significant.

3. Housing Information

• Undergraduate students under 21: Required to live on campus unless living with parents (proof required).
• Graduate students: Required to live on campus for at least the first semester.
• After the first semester, graduate students may live off-campus or enroll in hybrid programs.
• Dorm options and costs (2024-2025 academic year):
  • Coret Dorm: Triple ($3,200+), Double ($4,800+), Single ($8,700)
  • Ridgeway Dorm: Similar pricing structure (triple, double, single)
  • Wy Hall Suite A, Thompson Hall Suite, Airy Hall: Options include singles up to quads, with varying costs.
• Single rooms are limited; early application recommended.
• Meal plans offered:
  • 19 meals/week (~$4,400/year)
  • 14 meals/week
  • Minimum plan (one meal/day)
• Meal plans are flexible depending on students’ preferences for eating on/off campus.

4. Required Forms

• Two key forms must be completed:
  • Housing form: Collects student information, roommate preferences (e.g., quiet vs. loud environment), dorm and meal plan choices.
  • Pre-arrival form: Provides arrival date/time, especially important if arriving outside of official check-in times.
• Early submission of forms improves chances of getting preferred housing and meal plans.

5. What to Bring and Weather in Kansas City

• Packing list available on ABA’s Residence Life website includes:
  • Necessary items
  • Possible shared items (coordinate with roommates)
  • Optional/fun items
• Packing tips:
  • Avoid overpacking due to limited dorm space and shared rooms.
  • Consider heavier packing if traveling internationally.
• Kansas City Weather Overview:
  • Four distinct seasons with variable and sometimes unpredictable weather.
  • Summer (May-Sept): Hot, average highs ~90°F (32°C), lows ~75°F (24°C).
  • Fall (Sept-Nov): Mild, average highs ~75°F (24°C), lows ~55°F (13°C).
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold, average highs ~41°F (5°C), lows ~24°F (-4°C), with occasional snow and temperatures below freezing.
    • Important to bring warm layers and a good winter coat.
  • Spring (Mar-May): Mild, rainy (especially March-April), average highs ~80°F (27°C), lows ~60°F (16°C).
    • Bring a raincoat for April showers.

6. Additional Notes

• The webinar is part of a series held every Tuesday.
• Questions are welcomed at the end of the session.
• Reminders and further information will be sent out regularly.

Detailed Bullet Points (Methodology / Instructions)

• Flight and Arrival Planning:
  • Book flights no earlier than 30 days before term start.
  • Plan to arrive on official move-in dates (Aug 21 for grads, Aug 22 for undergrads).
  • Communicate any late arrivals to housing and DSO.
• Airport to Campus Transportation:
  • Research transportation options before arrival.
  • Consider ride-share services for convenience and cost-effectiveness.
  • Be prepared for travel time from north KC airport to south campus.
• Housing and Meal Plans:
  • Submit housing form early to secure preferred

Category

Educational

Video