Visitor Information

Visitors to IMI-NFG, Lehigh University

We are pleased to welcome you to the International Materials Institute for New Functionality in Glass (IMI-NFG) at Lehigh University. We hope that you will enjoy your stay.

The IMI-NFG office is open from 9:00 to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Arrival at Lehigh: If possible, we advise you to plan on arriving in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania during office hours (9:00 am – 5:00 pm) so we can assist you accordingly with your arrival at Lehigh University. If your schedule does not permit arrival within our office schedule, please call (610) 758-1112/ (610) 758-6677 or email us at imi@lehigh.edu.

We are here to assist you in preparing for your visit to IMI-NFG and also throughout the duration of your stay at Lehigh. Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have any questions or concerns, or requests for information

We hope that the following information will help you further to settle in and understand the place and its people.

Traveling to Lehigh University

By car: Point to Point Driving Directions to IMI Office

By public transportation from nearby airports.

There are 4 airports that serve the Lehigh Valley area:
1. Lehigh Valley International Airport (Allentown ABE)
This is the closest airport to Lehigh University.
You can take LANTA buses that will transport you directly to South Bethlehem at East 4th & Taylor Streets which are a few blocks from the University.

If you are staying at Comfort Suites Hotel or Hotel Bethlehem near Lehigh University there is a complimentary shuttle service is available which can be arranged directly with these hotels.

Local taxi service: Lehigh Valley Taxi: 610-867-6000

2. Newark International Airport is approx. 1 hour 30 mins away from Bethlehem, PA by bus or car.
There is a direct bus service from the airport. You can take the Transbridge Bus from Terminals A, B & C (courtyard slot 10) which will take you directly to the BETHLEHEM SOUTH BUS TERMINAL which is located at Adams Street and Mechanics Street, just a couple of blocks away from Lehigh University campus and Comfort Suites Hotel.
Tickets for Transbridge Buses are available from Olympis Bus Co., (agent for Transbridge) located at ground transportation. Cost ~$24 one way.
Please check bus times and pick-up locations when you purchase your ticket as schedules are subject to change.

If you prefer renting a car to Lehigh, there are several rental car companies at the Newark International Airport where you can find driving directions.

3. JFK International Airport is approx 2 – 3 hours away from Lehigh University.
This involves taking public transportation or the airport shuttle service from the airport to downtown New York and then changing buses to continue your journey to Lehigh University. Transbridge Bus from Terminal 4 will take you directly to PABT in New York City, where you can get a connecting bus to South Bethlehem Bus Terminal (stop at Adams Street and Mechanics Street).

4. Philadelphia International Airport is approx. I hour drive from Bethlehem but public transportation will take longer. You will take the R1 train from Terminals A to E to 30th Street Station (29th St. Side at SEPTA Bus Shelter) then take the Bieber Bus to the bus terminal located at Adams Street and Mechanics Street, South Bethlehem. There is no direct bus transportation from the airport.

Accommodation

The Institute has a two-bedroom apartment in the main campus, available on a first-come-first-served basis. There is also other housing available for longer visits (3 or more months) near the campus such as apartments, condominiums and rooms which we can help organize for you.

If the IMI apartment is not available and you are only staying for a very short period of time (less than 2 weeks) the following are close by

• Comfort Suites Hotel (Lehigh University has special room rates for visitors)
• Hotel Bethlehem
• Residence Inn

Important Information to all International Exchange Researchers

The office of International Students and Scholars website is also an excellent source of information.

Visa Requirements

Visitors are responsible for the organization and the costs of any VISA requirements for their visit to the US. Please let us know if you need any assistance.

Health Insurance

Visitors are responsible for the organization and the costs for their own health insurance.  Health insurance is vital in the United States and a State Department requirement for any J visa holders. Details of exactly what minimum coverage you are expected to have is sent to you along with your DS2019 information packet headed "The Exchange Visitor Health Insurance Requirement". Please ensure you read this and contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Lehigh requires you have medical insurance coverage. The university offers coverage, and you should be absolutely sure to take that, or any comparable insurance that you may find, since medical costs are very high. Please visit the OISS webpage on health insurance for more information.

Tips for International Travelers

Money: If you are coming from abroad, we advise you to exchange some of the currency you bring with you into US dollars upon your arrival or before you leave your home country. You could find money exchange booths in most international airports.

Documents: We highly recommend that you make extra copies of your passport and other important documents.

Luggage: please make sure that you take the right luggage or bags before you leave the airport!