Arriving in Fort Kent
Student Life
Destination: UMFK
Before planning your flight and arrival on campus, ensure you have submitted or obtained the following necessary documents:
- I-20 VISA: International students require a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) to study in the United States.
- Immunization Records: All students, both domestic and international, must provide proof of two MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations and a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccination within the last 10 years, as required by Maine state CDC regulations. Non-compliance may affect your VISA status.
- Upload your records to the UMS Immunization Portal.
- Full instructions are available on the UMS ITS Website: Student Guide.
- Driving in the US (optional): If you plan to drive, you’ll need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) and a valid driver’s license from your home country. Be sure to obtain your IDP before traveling to the United States.
- Housing: First-year students are required to live on campus unless granted an exemption. Learn more or apply for an exemption here.
- Register for Classes: All incoming students must be enrolled in classes before moving into residence halls. Contact your advisor for assistance.
Once all required documents are secured, you can book your flight to Maine. The closest airport to UMFK is Presque Isle International Airport (PQI), located about an hour south of campus. Bangor International Airport (BGR)Â is the second closest, about three hours south of UMFK.
Travel to Fort Kent
Shuttle Service:
If you need to travel on a different date or time, you’ll be responsible for arranging your transportation.
Cyr Bus Line:
For the most affordable travel to Northern Maine, consider the Cyr Bus Line. View their daily service schedule. When completing the shuttle form, include the date and time you expect to arrive in Presque Isle or Caribou.
Aroostook Regional Transportation System (ARTS) Bus:
Schedule a ride with the local regional transportation system, ARTS. The ARTS bus will provide rides at these times and days:
| Pickup Locations | To | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle Lake, Winterville, Wallagrass, Fort Kent & Quimby | Fort Kent | Monday (in town 8:30 AM-12 PM) |
| Allagash, Saint Francis, Fort Kent, & Saint John | Fort Kent | Tuesday (in town 8 AM-12:30 PM) |
| Fort Kent, Wallagrass, Quimby, Winterville, & Eagle Lake | Presque Isle | 1st Wednesday (in town 10 AM-2 PM) |
| Fort Kent, Saint Francis, Saint John, Allagash, & Wallagrass | Presque Isle | 2nd Wednesday (in town 10 AM-2 PM) |
| Fort Kent, Sinclair, Saint Agatha, & Frenchville | Presque Isle | 3rd Wednesday of the month (in town 10 AM-2 PM) |
| Fort Kent, Sinclair, Saint Agatha, Frenchville, & New Canada | Fort Kent | Thursday (in town 8:30 AM-12:30 PM) |
Please call one day in advance to schedule your ride with dispatch: (207) 764-5246. The bus can provide a text to let you know they have arrived on campus for pickup. They will provide two stops and pickups before you are returned home (additional stops $1 each) for $3.
You Have Reached Your Destination
DON’T FORGET — CHECK-IN WITH YOUR DSO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UPON ARRIVAL
Upon reaching Fort Kent, you’ll first want to settle into your dorm and familiarize yourself with the locations of various campus buildings. Our campus map will help guide you while you find your way around. You’ll also want to learn about the businesses and activities available in Fort Kent and the surrounding area. The Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce is a wealth of information for those purposes. The town of Fort Kent’s website is also a valuable resource to learn about the area and the services the town offers.
