Lehigh University New Student Pre-Departure and Campus Life Guide

For students preparing to attend Lehigh University, decisions about arrival airports, ground transportation, housing, meal plans, shopping, and mobile service can significantly affect the experience of settling into life in the United States.

This guide is based on information from the 2019–2020 academic year. All flight options, transportation routes, ticket prices, rental rates, shuttle services, dining facilities, and meal plans reflect the arrangements available at that time and do not represent current policies.

This is a historical campus life guide. Students making current travel or enrollment arrangements should consult the latest information from Lehigh University and relevant service providers.

1. Choosing an Airport

Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. During the 2019–2020 academic year, students traveling from China commonly considered four airports.

Considering flight availability, transportation costs, and the number of transfers required, Newark Liberty International Airport was one of the most convenient choices at the time.

2. Traveling from the Airport to Campus

Lehigh and CSSA Airport Pickup

Approximately one month before the beginning of the semester, Lehigh University would generally work with the Lehigh Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) to announce airport pickup arrangements.

The main pickup location was typically Newark Liberty International Airport. Depending on the year, the service could be complimentary or require a fee.

Because pickup dates, capacity, and charges changed annually, students needed to monitor university emails and announcements from Lehigh CSSA and reserve a place in advance.

From EWR to Bethlehem

Students arriving at EWR could take a Trans-Bridge Lines bus to the Bethlehem station.

According to information available at the time, a one-way ticket cost approximately $30 and could be purchased at the airport. After arriving in Bethlehem, students could take Uber or Lyft for approximately 10 minutes to reach the campus or their accommodation.

From JFK Through Manhattan

Students arriving at JFK could purchase a NYC Airporter ticket from the Ground Transportation desk and travel to the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) in Manhattan.

From PABT, they could transfer to a Trans-Bridge Lines bus serving Bethlehem.

The total journey cost approximately $50 at the time. Because the route required multiple transfers, travel time could increase considerably during periods of heavy New York traffic.

Historical Transportation Links

The following links were referenced in the 2019–2020 materials and may no longer reflect current routes or services:

• Trans-Bridge Lines

• 2019 Trans-Bridge Lines Schedule

• Historical NYC Airporter Booking Page

3. On-Campus Housing

Lehigh University provided different on-campus housing options for undergraduate and graduate students.

Under the arrangements available at the time, housing application information was generally sent by email in mid-May. Students needed to complete the application within the designated period.

First-Year Undergraduate Residence Halls

Residence halls commonly available to first-year undergraduate students included:

• Dravo House

• Richards House

• McClintic-Marshall House, also known as M&M House

• Taylor House

• Centennial Complex

Residence hall rooms generally included:

• A bed and mattress

• A desk and chair

• A dresser

• A wardrobe or closet

Bathrooms and showers were commonly shared by residents on the same floor. Buildings generally included shared lounges, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Air-conditioning availability differed by building. M&M House, Taylor House, and some rooms in Dravo House were equipped with air conditioning at the time.

Students could compare location, room type, and building facilities before submitting their preferences.

Themed Communities

In addition to traditional residence halls, first-year students could apply to live in Themed Communities.

Common themes during the period included:

• ArtsAlive: Arts and creativity

• Global Lehigh: International culture and cross-cultural communication

• STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

• Substance Free: An alcohol- and drug-free residential environment

These communities organized activities around shared interests and helped students connect with peers who had similar interests or lifestyles.

Students who did not apply for a themed community were generally assigned to a traditional residence hall.

Graduate Housing

Graduate students and some upper-level students could apply for university housing such as:

• Saucon Village

• Packer House

• 230 West Packer

Graduate housing was generally assigned through a lottery, and availability was limited.

After receiving an admission offer, students were advised to monitor housing emails and prepare an off-campus alternative in case they did not receive a university housing assignment.

SouthSide Commons

SouthSide Commons was a student apartment community developed through a collaboration between Lehigh University and Greystar.

The property was approximately a five-minute walk from the campus and nearby commercial areas. It offered unit types ranging from studios to four-bedroom apartments.

According to information available at the time, monthly rent started at approximately $1,029. The property also included shared recreational spaces and professional apartment management.

Because rent depended on unit type, occupancy, and lease duration, students needed to confirm the actual price and included services before signing a lease.

4. Off-Campus Housing

Students seeking more independence could choose between shared houses and professionally managed apartment communities.

Common Housing Resources at the Time

• Campus Hill: Managed housing near campus. According to information available during the period, some properties offered Chinese-language assistance and accepted rent payments in Chinese yuan.

• Brighton Court: Located in downtown Bethlehem. Some units included furniture and internet service. The property was approximately 3.2 kilometers from the business school.

• Woodmont Mews: A professionally managed apartment community with relatively extensive facilities. Some units included balconies, and the drive to campus was approximately 10 minutes.

These prices and services reflect information from around 2019–2020. Actual costs and lease conditions depended on the individual contract.

Questions to Ask Before Signing

Long-term rentals in the United States are generally unfurnished unless otherwise stated.

Before signing a lease, students should confirm:

• Whether rent includes water, electricity, gas, heating, and internet

• Whether there is an additional trash collection fee

• Whether the unit has air conditioning

• Whether laundry facilities are private or shared

• The amount and refund conditions of the security deposit

• Whether subleasing or early termination is permitted

• Whether the lease covers the entire academic year

Bethlehem experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters. Students should pay particular attention to the heating system and whether heating costs are included in the rent.

5. Choosing a Meal Plan

During the 2019–2020 academic year, Lehigh offered several campus dining plans for first-year undergraduate students.

Students generally selected a Meal Plan when applying for housing in May.

Common First-Year Meal Plans

• Unlimited Plan: Unlimited entry to all-you-care-to-eat dining halls during the semester, plus $100 in Dining Dollars

• 19 Meal Plan: Nineteen dining hall meals per week, plus $50 in Dining Dollars

• 225 Block Plan: A total of 225 meals per semester, plus $50 in Dining Dollars

• 200 Block Plan: A total of 200 meals per semester, plus $150 in Dining Dollars

Students who expected to eat most meals on campus could consider the Unlimited Plan or 19 Meal Plan.

Those who frequently left campus on weekends or preferred greater flexibility could consider a Block Plan.

6. Main Campus Dining Locations

Lehigh’s campus dining system included four main dining areas during the period.

UC Lower Court

UC Lower Court was one of the university’s main all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.

Students used one Meal Plan entry each time they entered and could select from the available food stations inside.

Compared with other dining halls, UC Lower Court offered a relatively broad selection and was especially popular during peak dining hours.

Rathbone Dining Hall

Rathbone also operated as an all-you-care-to-eat dining hall and offered a relatively spacious dining environment.

Food options included hot meals, salads, and other selections. The dining hall also provided designated areas for special dietary needs and allergy-conscious food.

UC Upper Court

UC Upper Court used a retail-style dining model with several separate food counters.

Options available at the time included:

• Chinese food

• Japanese food

• Mexican food

• Italian food

• Salads

• Burgers

• Other quick-service meals

The area also sold snacks, fruit, and drinks. It was convenient for students seeking a quick meal or lighter food.

Hawk’s Nest

Located partway up the hillside campus, Hawk’s Nest was a popular late-night dining and social space.

At the time, it could remain open until approximately 2:00 a.m. and primarily served American-style food such as burgers, fried items, and milkshakes.

The upper level included recreational facilities such as pool tables. Students used the space for late-night meals, group discussions, and evening study.

Operating hours varied by semester, weekend, and holiday and needed to be confirmed through the university’s announcements at the time.

7. Campus Payment Methods

Dining Dollars

Dining Dollars were generally included with a Meal Plan and could be used at designated campus dining and retail locations.

GoldPLUS

Students could also add funds to the GoldPLUS account associated with their campus card.

During the period, GoldPLUS could be used at:

• Campus dining locations

• Vending machines

• Laundry facilities

• The campus bookstore

• Selected participating off-campus businesses

GoldPLUS operated separately from Meal Plans and Dining Dollars. It was useful for laundry, snacks, and other campus expenses.

Campus Cafés

Lehigh’s two major libraries—Linderman Library and Fairchild-Martindale Library—as well as the Campus Square area included cafés or quick-service dining options.

Locations such as Saxbys provided coffee, light meals, and refreshments for students studying on campus.

8. Shopping and Daily Essentials

Lehigh Valley Mall

Lehigh Valley Mall was approximately a 20-minute drive from campus.

At the time, the university provided a shuttle bus to and from the mall, allowing students to purchase clothing, household goods, and other daily necessities.

Because the shuttle did not operate every day, students needed to review the schedule for the relevant semester before traveling.

King of Prussia

King of Prussia, located near Philadelphia, is one of Pennsylvania’s larger shopping destinations.

Under the arrangements available at the time, Lehigh’s Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) occasionally organized bus trips for students.

Travel dates and registration procedures were announced through OISS.

Online Shopping

Online shopping was widely available, and platforms such as Amazon offered most household and personal items.

Students living on campus could have packages sent to the university-designated mailing address. Those living off campus could use their residential address.

Before placing an order, students needed to confirm the package policies and required address format of the Lehigh Mail Center or their apartment management office.

9. Choosing a Mobile Phone Plan

Major mobile carriers listed during the 2019–2020 period included:

• AT&T

• T-Mobile

• Verizon

• Sprint

Sprint was still listed as a separate carrier at the time.

Students generally considered three types of mobile plans.

Prepaid Plans

A prepaid plan required users to pay before using the service and generally did not require a long-term contract.

This was a flexible option for international students who had recently arrived in the United States.

Some providers serving Chinese students, such as China Telecom Americas under the CTExcel brand, also offered number-suspension or account-holding services for up to approximately 90 days. This could be useful for students returning to China during extended vacations.

Family Plans

A Family Plan generally allowed four or five users to share a service account, reducing the average monthly cost.

One member needed to manage the account and make the monthly payment. Participants therefore needed to agree in advance on how charges would be collected and paid.

Monthly Contract Plans

Contract plans often required a one- or two-year service agreement.

Students could be asked to provide a passport, security deposit, or U.S. credit history. Some plans included discounted phone purchases, but early cancellation could result in additional charges.