I am pretty sure classes start on Jan 2nd. I am leaving on 28 of november just because tickets in December were more expensive than last winter b/c of hajj/Eid and winter break. Also its harder to get tickets in December anyways. I got my economy class ticket 4 $900....one way only. Thats insane because I went to Pakistan in June and I got my ticket then 4 $1200. If you don't have any other commitments you should atleast come a week earlier so that you can get little adjusted and get done by all the things you need 4 college. It really depends on how many things u need to get done...like if you have to find a place to live then you might need more time.