What to Know Before You Arrive at St. Mary’s

The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team is excited to meet you at the International Student Check-in. We hope the information provided will be useful to you as you prepare for your arrival at St. Mary’s.

Should you have any questions, contact Maria del Mar Aponte, Director of the Center of International Programs, at 210-431-5091 or isss@stmarytx.edu.

Arriving to St. Mary’s

Arrival Confirmation Form

Along with this Pre-Arrival Checklist and Packet, you should will receive a link to a Portal to Complete Arrival Confirmation Information. Please make sure you have submitted this form prior to your arrival. If you have not received it, email isss@stmarytx.edu.

Transportation

If you select to live on campus, airport pickup is provided, however, there is limited availability for this service. To schedule your airport transportation pickup, email your flight number and expected arrival time to cip@stmarytx.edu.

St. Mary’s Pickup

Taxis are available outside baggage claim at the airport. For assistance, contact an airport ground transportation agent. Estimated cost for a taxi is $30 to $40. Rates may vary and are subject to change.

Campus Address:
One Camino Santa Maria
San Antonio, Texas 78228

Note: Most taxi drivers are familiar with St. Mary’s University and can drop you off directly at your residence hall.

For more information about taxi service and costs, visit www.sanantonio.gov/aviation/taxicabs.

Taxi Service

Lodging and Housing

St. Mary’s University offers 13 residence halls with a variety of communities and layouts. All on-campus student housing options are easily walkable to classrooms, dining options and student services.

Already applied to student housing but haven’t received your housing assignment? Contact Residence Life at reslife@stmarytx.edu.

student housing
Living on Campus
Living On Campus

For off-campus housing options, the resources below will assist with finding the right off-campus option for you:

Factors to consider when choosing to live off campus:

  • Cost
  • Security deposit
  • Cleaning fees
  • Insurance
  • Parking
  • Lease term
  • Utility costs
  • Safe neighborhoods
  • Furnished/unfurnished options
  • Laundry services
  • Roommates
Living Off Campus

Students who wish to arrive before student housing opens for the semester must arrange to stay at a hotel.

InTown Suites
6625 Bandera Rd.
Leon Valley, Texas 78238
210-509-4322

Motel 6
7500 Louis Pasteur Dr.
San Antonio, Texas 78229
210-616-0030

Travelodge
4934 NW Loop 410
San Antonio, Texas 78229
210-680-3351

InTown Suites
6451 Bandera Rd.
Leon Valley, Texas 78238

Short-term and Weekly Lodging Near St. Mary’s

Packing List

Bring a list of medications you are taking and/or carrying with you, translated to English. Certain medications, including vitamins, may be confiscated if you do not have proper documentation.

Medical and Immunization Records

During the first couple of weeks, you will have many expenses, especially if you will be living off campus. We recommend you bring a debit or credit card that can be used in the U.S. If you are bringing cash, we recommend you bring it in small bills (no more than $400 in $20, $10 and $5 bills.) Traveler’s checks in U.S. dollars are also recommended in case of an emergency. Additionally, make sure you have money set aside to pay for tuition on time. St. Mary’s accepts credit cards for tuition payment through Gateway.

Money

Temperatures in San Antonio can get into the high 90s in the summer and low 40s in the winter. Plan accordingly when packing clothing.

Clothing

Students are responsible for bringing their own pillows, blankets, towels and room furnishings for on- or off-campus housing. For bedding, we recommend you wait until your arrival to purchase since bed sizes vary.

Linens, bedding and room furnishings

Students can bring photos, books, musical instruments, traditional clothing, etc. should there be sufficient room in luggage.

Personal Items

Most electrical outlets in the U.S. give 110-volt AC current at a frequency of 60 cycles. Appliances brought from some countries may not work on this current. They may work with a special electrical outlet adapter that has blade-like (not rounded) prongs.

Electrical Adapters

Financial Matters

Cash

Do not bring more than $400 in cash with you. Use traveler’s checks for larger amounts. You can pay tuition and fees by credit card via Gateway. You are also encouraged to open a banking account. See below for banking options in San Antonio.

Bank of America
901 Bandera Rd.
San Antonio, Texas 78228
210-433-1444

BBVA Compass Bank
1038 Culebra Rd.
San Antonio, Texas 78201
210-736-2186

Broadway Bank
4347 W Commerce St .
San Antonio, Texas 78237
210-283-6500

Chase Bank
707 Bandera Rd.
San Antonio, Texas 78228
210-431-5850

Citibank
803 Castroville Rd. Ste. 322
San Antonio, Texas 78229
210-220-4011

Frost Bank
4715 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, Texas 78229

Wells Fargo
10 St. Cloud
San Antonio, Texas 78228
210-200-1009

Banking Options

Paying Your St. Mary’s University Bill

Once a student has registered for courses, students will be able to access their account details through Gateway, the University’s online portal. Keep in mind: tuition, academic fees and housing rates are subject to change. For updates on tuition and fees, visit www.stmarytx.edu/business-office.

Payments can be made online through Gateway. Check and credit card payments are accepted. Payments can also be made in person. Do not mail a cash payment.

Note: Students with an outstanding balance will result in a hold on the account, preventing registration for future semesters and may result in termination of I-20/DS-2019.

For more information or to set up a payment installation plan, contact the Business Office at businessoffice@stmarytx.edu or 210-436-3731.

Visa Requirements for International Students

If you are admitted to St. Mary’s University and are not already in the U.S. with a Visa that allows study, St. Mary’s can sponsor you as an F-1 Visa student or a J-1 exchange visitor.

You will be asked to provide additional documentation as required by U.S. law to produce the appropriate forms (I-20 or DS-2019), which you will use to apply for a Visa. Required documentation includes your basic biographical information, proof of financial ability (to cover your expenses and expenses for your spouse or children (if they are accompanying you) and proof of English ability.

Most students come to the United States to enroll in a full-time degree program on an F-1 student status. A Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for an F-1 student Visa) is issued to students by St. Mary’s University for entry into the U.S. dependents (spouse or children) of an F-1 Visa holder can accompany the student on F-2 dependent Visas. F-2s are not permitted to be employed in the United States, study full-time, or take classes toward a degree.

F-1 Student Status

Some students enter the U.S. in J-1 student status. The J-1 Visa is administered by the Department of State and is used for a variety of educational purposes. The Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for a J-1 Visa) may be issued to a student with a scholarship, either from a sponsoring organization or from St. Mary’s University. Dependents of a J-1 Visa holder can accompany the student on a J-2 dependent Visa. J-2s may study and may apply for permission to work in the U.S.

J-1 Student Status

U.S. Immigration Law requires students in F-1 and J-1 status to be enrolled full-time for the duration of their program of study. Additionally, students beginning their program during the summer session must be enrolled full-time.

  • Undergraduate Students: Must be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours per semester. Up to 3 credit hours may be from distance education courses from accredited institutions.
  • Graduate Students: Must be enrolled for at least 8 credits per semester. Up to 3 credit hours may be from distance education courses from accredited institutions.
  • Law Students: Must be enrolled for at least 10 credits per semester. Up to 3 credit hours may be from distance education courses from accredited institutions.

Health Insurance and Immunization Information

Student Health Insurance Coverage

In the U.S., every person is responsible for paying for his or her health care. A visit to the doctor can cost approximately $160 to $250. Medication will be out-of-pocket unless you have health insurance to help cover it. Health insurance companies normally pay a portion or all of medical expenses.

All international students holding an F-1 or J-1 Visa are required to have health insurance. Students will be automatically billed for health insurance unless a waiver has been submitted and approved.

student health insurance
health insurance costs

Health Insurance for Dependents

Medical insurance coverage is mandatory for accompanying spouses and children of J-1 Visa holders under the regulations of the Department of State. If you hold a J-1 Visa, you must maintain health insurance with the required minimum coverage for all accompanying or subsequently arriving dependents. Failure to do so will result in termination of your program.

Immunization Requirements

All new students of St. Mary’s University who are under the age of 22 must submit the Meningitis Vaccine Requirement Form prior to registering for classes.

All international students must complete the Tuberculosis Screening Requirement.

immunization requirements

Identification

Texas Identification Card (Texas ID)

This is a card with your picture, name, birthday, address and Texas identification number. You can prove that you are living in Texas with this card. Many stores, nightclubs, and other places ask for some kind of identification. They usually ask for driver’s license.

Since your passport is such an important document it is better to leave it in a safe place at home. When you get your Texas ID you will not need to carry your passport with you, at least while you are in San Antonio.

Apply at:
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
1258 Babcock Road, San Antonio, Texas 78201-6644
210-737-1911

Texas Driver’s License

If you want to drive in Texas, you must get a Texas driver’s license. (You may drive with an international driver’s license for 90 days). In Texas, most people use their driver’s license as an identification card. If you get a driver’s license, you do not need a Texas ID. In order to get a driver’s license, you must take a written test and a driving test. If you are between the ages of 18 and 24, you also must provide proof of Adult Driver Education.

Apply at:
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
1258 Babcock Road, San Antonio, Texas 78201-6644
210-737-1911

Living in the U.S.

About San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio ranks seventh among the largest cities in the U.S., however, its friendly people make the city feel much smaller. For information about the city, visit:

Climate

San Antonio has more than 300 days of sunshine a year with August being the warmest month of the year (average daytime temperature is 94.7 degrees Fahrenheit) and January being the coldest month (average overnight temperature is 38.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

Public Transportation

If you don’t have a car and need to get around San Antonio, check out our local bus service, VIA Metropolitan Transit, also known as VIA. The VIA website lists routes and schedules.

Student Semester Pass: VIA’s five-month student Semester Pass is $35. Getting a semester pass is as easy — all you need is your school photo ID, proof of current class registration and proof of paid tuition along with filling out the required VIA forms.

Reduced Fares: Are you an occasional bus rider and don’t feel you need a semester bus pass? Students qualify for a free VIA Student Reduced Fare ID. With this card, you can a half-price monthly Big Pass or pay half fare each time you board, including VIA’s Special Event Park & Ride Service.

American Customs

While many customs are the same around the world, there are some observations made about American culture and attitudes by newcomers to the United States.

  • Americans expect a “hello” upon arrival and a “goodbye” when departing.
  • Americans prefer to be called before you visit them.
  • Unescorted dating is accepted.
  • It is acceptable for a woman to ask a man out on a date.
  • It is considered impolite to point at a person.
  • Interrupting someone who is speaking is considered rude.
  • American women seldom like to reveal their age or weight. Do not ask them.
  • Questions that refer to money, such as salary, make Americans uncomfortable.
  • Punctuality is important. Do not arrive late.
  • Americans do not consider these questions offensive: What is your job? How many children do you have? What church do you attend?
Social Situations
  • Most retail stores are open seven days a week, with shorter hours on Sundays.
  • It is OK to return merchandise you are not happy with, simply bring your receipt.
  • Sales taxes in Texas is presently 8.25 percent of your purchase. All purchases will include sales taxes added to your final purchase.
Shopping
  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • The legal drinking age is 21 years old.
  • All vehicle drivers and passengers are required to wear a seat belt.
  • No phone usage while driving (including texting). You may, however, use a hands-free device to talk (i.e. Bluetooth).
  • Traffic violations result in expensive fines, loss of driver’s license and possible jail time, depending on the infraction.
Common Laws
  • When eating at a restaurant, you may need to make a reservation ahead of time.
  • It is customary to tip. Leave the waiter/waitress 10-20 percent of the total bill in cash on the table or added to your credit card bill.
Restaurants
  • Americans are very conscious of hygiene. Bathing daily and daily use of deodorant is highly encouraged.
  • Dress is generally casual.
  • Americans are free to worship any religion.
  • Americans are free to express opinions.
  • Americans make eye contact.
  • Americans volunteer without pay.
  • Men help with housework.
  • If you are having difficulty understanding something, ask for help.
  • In the U.S., people are independent and are expected to take care of themselves.
  • Initiative, action and ambition are respected traits.
General Customs

Cell Phones

Students can choose from a variety of cell phone service providers, some of which offer two-year service contracts or pay-as-you-go services. Cell phone service providers include:

  • AT&T
  • T-Mobile
  • Verizon Wireless
  • Sprint Mobile
  • Boost Mobile

SIM Card

St. Mary’s offers SIM cards as an alternative to cell phone contract fees. There is a monthly service charge to use SIM cards. Students may select from three different monthly plans. For more information, contact International Student and Scholar Services at +1 210-431-2096 or isss@stmarytx.edu. SIM cards will be available at the Mandatory International Check-in.

Overcoming Culture Shock

When studying abroad, you will experience new cultures, people, food, music and languages. All of the new experiences may cause anxiety called culture shock. It is expected to experience some level of culture shock. Here are some helpful tips to overcome culture shock:

  • Do not stay alone. If you feel lonely, get involved in on-campus activities. Contact Student Life to get involved. Activities will help you meet people and learn more about the American culture. Do not be afraid to try new things.
  • Keep an open mind. Consider other ideas. You may be quick to judge the food, manners and communication style of the host culture, but try not to think of it as better or worse–just different.
  • Talk about it. Do not forget that there are organizations and individuals available on campus to help you throughout this journey. If you are struggling, visit the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office located at St. Louis Hall, Room 105. Additionally, counseling services are available on campus.

  • Questions?

    International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
    Center for International Programs
    Center for Life Directions, Room 132

    210-431-5091
    isss@stmarytx.edu

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