 You can enter the United States 30 days before your program's start date. It is also a good idea to carry your original documents with you at all times. Don't put them in your check baggage. Make at least two copies of these documents, one copy to leave with your family before you depart, and another to give to your international student advisor or DSO. Also, be sure to carry your name and contact information of your school official. If there is a 24-hour emergency contact phone number at your school, be sure to include that too.