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International Student Orientation

Student Services

UTSA Policy on International Travel to Restricted Regions Department Guidelines for International Policies

What to Expect at Orientation

What to Expect at Orientation

  • Orientation is a special program designed to meet the needs of all incoming new international students and introduce them to UTSA community.
  • All international students are required to attend New International Student Orientation. Failure to attend orientation will result in students not being able to register for classes.
  • Participants must be available during the entire time.
  • Timing for the program on the first day: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Topics Discussed at Orientation

In addition to information about immigration rules and regulations, the following topics will be discussed by presenters from various campus departments:

  • Enrollment and Registration
  • Academic Advising
  • Testing Requirements, including the English Language Assessment Program (ELAP) and Accuplacer
  • Health Information, including UTSA Health Insurance and immunization Requirements
  • Campus Resources

 

What to Bring

You must bring the following items to orientation:

  • Passport
  • Stamped/signed Form I-20 or DS-2019 Form
  • I-94 Form (the white card you receive upon entry into the U.S.)
  • Welcome Letter from International Student Services
  • All dependents' immigration documents, if applicable
  • Proof of Meningococcal Meningitis Immunization, if you did not submit it to Student Health Services before orientation
  • Copy of Quantiferon Gold Tuberculosis blood test result, if you did not submit it to Student Health Services before orientation

For students who are sponsored by a third-party agency

If you are sponsored by a third-party agency such as Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission (SACM), bring your valid scholarship letter and health insurance card with you to orientation.

Note: "For Admission Purpose Only" letter will not be accepted.

 

Directions from the San Antonio Airport

By Bus

  •   Bus #5 to St. Mary’s & Pecan and transfer to #36 to Commerce & St. Mary’s and transfer to #94 to UTSA
  •   Bus #5 to St. Mary’s & Pecan and transfer to #30 to Commerce & St. Mary’s and transfer to #93 to UTSA.

The fare from the airport to UTSA is approximately $2.65.  When you board the bus, please tell the bus driver that you will need to make a transfer.

For more information, call VIA Bus Service at 210-362-2020 or visit Personal Trip Planner on their website.

Shuttle Bus Service

SA TRANS Airport Express is located at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The shuttle bus pickup area will be outside baggage claim.

Shuttle tickets are sold curbside, and you do not need a reservation to go from the airport to UTSA or another destination. Shuttle buses run between 7 a.m. and 1 a.m. (Central Standard Time), and the fare to UTSA 1604 campus is $28 per person. A tip for the driver, usually $1–$2, is always appreciated.

For more information, visit SA TRANS's website or call 210-281-9900. Airport Shuttle Network has various shuttle options from San Antonio International to UTSA.

Taxi

The fare from the airport to UTSA is approximately $36–$40, depending on the route the driver takes. If you are interested in taking a taxi, you are encouraged to contact the taxi service to get a rate quote. Please contact 1–800–Taxi Cab (1–800–829–4222) for taxi services in San Antonio.

Note: It is customary to tip the driver 15% of the total fare, plus $1 per bag upon arriving at your destination.

Rent-A-Car

There are nine car rental agencies at the airport available to assist you. A driver’s license (an international driver’s license is fine), credit card and passport are required. Car rental booths are located near baggage claim.

 

Parking

Print the Visitor Parking Map of the UTSA Main Campus

During orientation new international students may park their vehicles in Visitor/Short Term Paid Parking spaces in the Bauerle Road Garage. You will enter the garage from Bosque Street.

Visitor/Short Term Paid Parking spaces are NOT free. The parking rate of these spaces is $1.75 per hour.

  • The Bauerle Road Garage

 

1.    Take ticket. Keep the ticket; you will pay when you leave.

2.    Do not park in reserved spaces.

3.    You can either pay the attendant or use the parking pay stations. Keep your ticket; you will need it to exit the garage.

4.    Cost is 1.75 per hour and no more than $17.50 per day.

Important: Any vehicle parked in violation of UTSA parking regulations will receive a parking ticket. You will NOT be able to register for classes if you have an unpaid parking ticket.

If you receive a parking ticket at orientation, you will need to file an appeal with UTSA Parking and Transportation.

Note: You can always stop at the Visitor’s Booths conveniently located on the Main Campus on John Peace Blvd. (north side) or Edward Ximenes Street (south side) if you have questions about where to park. The Visitor Booths are open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Housing & Meals

On-Campus Housing

At UTSA there are four housing options: Laurel Villages, Chaparral Village, Chisholm Hall and University Oaks.

Laurel Village and Chaparral Village are owned and managed by UTSA and residents are required to purchase meal plans. See UTSA Housing and Residence Life for more information. You will need to apply online to live in UTSA housing.

Chisholm Hall and University Oaks are owned and managed by a privately owned company, Campus Living Villages (CLV).

Off-Campus Housing

It is possible to rent an apartment, townhouse or single-family home. The Office of Student Life has information about how to rent an off-campus home.

It is important that you read and understand any housing contract before you sign and make that commitment. It is important to know cancellation deadlines, penalties for leaving at mid–year or during the contract period, and eviction penalties. Contracts in the United States are bound by law; you may not be able to  break them.

 

On-Campus Dining & Meal Plans

UTSA Campus Dish offers several different meal plans for students who choose to eat on campus. Visit the Campus Dish website for more information and locations, operation hours of campus restaurants and dietary information.

 

» Continue to: After You Attend Orientation