All of us at Pomona are excited to welcome our new international Sagehens to Claremont! Please review this page for key information to prepare for your arrival in the fall.
2026 Key Dates and Timelines
- Online Pre-Arrival Session: July 15, 2026
- Earliest Allowed Arrival in the U.S.: July 20, 2026 (refer to Earliest Admission Date on your I-20)
- Latest Allowed Arrival in the U.S.: August 19, 2026 (refer to Program Start Date on your I-20)
- Move-In Day: August 19, 2026
- New International Student Orientation: August 20, 2026 to August 21, 2026
- General New Student Orientation: August 22, 2026 to August 29, 2026
All international students are required to attend New International Student Orientation. If you expect problems with arriving by orientation or encounter unexpected delays, notify the ISSS Office as soon as possible.
What to Expect Next
What To Expect Next Information
Online Pre-Arrival Session
The ISSS Office will share a pre-recorded virtual session to prepare you for arrival. Information will include documents needed to enter the U.S., the airport experience, transportation options, as well as other topics. The recording link will be sent in the summer to all incoming international students.
International Student Mentor Program (ISMP)
The International Student Mentor Program (ISMP) is a Pomona College student-led mentoring program that pairs new international students with returning international students. These mentors are here to assist you with anything—from questions about traveling to campus for the first time to how to activate a bank account in the U.S. They’ll also host several social events throughout International Student Orientation for all international students!
The ISSS Office will send you a sign-up form to be individually paired with an ISMP mentor in July.
Transportation to Campus
Most of Pomona’s international students fly in to Ontario International Airport (ONT) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
New international students arriving at LAX or ONT on move-in day (August 19, 2026) may be eligible for an airport pick-up from Pomona College. The ISSS Office will provide you a link to request a pick-up later this summer. If you arrive earlier than move-in day or at a different airport than LAX or ONT, you will need to find and pay for your own transportation.
- Private Transportation Options: Uber, Lyft, Super Shuttle Express, Prime Time
- Cost and Payment Options: The cost of your trip to campus will vary based on many factors. Payment options can include credit or debit card, gift card (for Uber/Lyft), PayPal, Venmo, or Apple Pay. Cash is typically not accepted for rideshare apps but may be the only payment accepted for public transportation or taxis.
For more information, see Visiting Pomona or this infographic about arriving on campus.
2026 Move-In Procedures
Room Key Pick-Up Times: 9 AM to 4 PM on August 19, 2026 (Wednesday)
Room Key Pick-Up Location: Montgomery Hall (enter on Bonita Avenue)
Available Parking:
- Street parking on N College Ave
- Designated Pomona College parking lots:
Room Key Pick-Up Procedures:
- Follow the on-campus signs to the pick-up area.
- Pick up your key and I.D. at Montgomery Hall. Family members or friends cannot pick up the key for you.
- Take your luggage to your room. International student mentors will be available to help you with your belongings.
After-Hours Room Key Pick-Up: If you plan to arrive on campus after 4 PM on August 19, 2026 (Wednesday) or before 8 AM on August 20, 2026 (Thursday), visit the Campus Safety Office (open 24/7) to pick up your keys. You will need to show ID (i.e. your passport) to receive your key.
Preparing and Logistics
Pomona’s New Student Guide has a suggested packing list for all newly enrolling students. In addition, we have the following information/suggestions to help international students prepare for their life in the U.S.!
Preparing and Logistics Information
Dorm and School Supplies
During international student orientation, there will be an optional trip to Target. This trip is a great chance to pick up items on the suggested packing list, such as bed sheets and towels, if you aren’t already shipping them in advance. Target sells essential items such as bedding, clothing, electronics, office supplies, personal care, and beauty supplies. Other stores nearby include:
- Best Buy: electronics store next to Target. Helpful for those who need to purchase a computer, appliances, or a cell phone.
- Montclair Place: nearby shopping mall
You can also consider ordering supplies from Amazon. Amazon packages can be shipped to campus and picked up at either the Mailroom or one of several Amazon Locker locations on-campus.
ReCoop Sale
On the Saturday after new international student orientation, Pomona sells items donated to the college at the end of the previous school year at discounted prices. This is another great way to get supplies while also being sustainable. Learn more about ReCoop.
Other Useful Links
Mailing Packages
The Pomona Mailroom (open 8 AM to 7 PM at the Pendleton Building) will accept student packages starting Monday, August 10, 2026. Students must bring their student ID card to pick up their packages. Consider having the following mailed in advance to you: bed sheets, pillows, towels, and personal care items.
When shipping items to Pomona college, we suggest using the following carriers.
Bank Account
There are several nearby banks within walking distance of campus, including:
Cash/Currency
For new international students, we recommend having money to cover initial miscellaneous expenses (e.g. taxi rides, food in the Claremont Village, etc.). Past students have recommended having around $300-$500 available, either in cash or accessible with a credit/debit card.
Once you’re in Claremont, you can use Claremont Cash for purchases made on campus (such as books, food, laundry machine fees, etc.). You can also consider using Wise.
Cell Phone Access
To use a U.S. SIM card with your current cell phone, make sure your phone is “SIM Unlocked”. This means your phone can use SIM cards from different mobile phone providers. There are a number of options for getting a U.S. cell phone number, including:
- CampusSIMs: Your international student welcome folder will include a SIM Card from CampusSIMS. This company is not endorsed by the college and is an optional service for those who need additional assistance in getting a U.S. cell phone number.
Other Useful Links
Access on E. Bonita Ave., across from Wig Hall