Preparing to Come to TLU

Planning for your arrival to TLU is very important in making your experience abroad a positive one. The more preparation and research done in advance, the better your adjustment and experience will be. Following are some tips to help you in your preparation.

Pre-Arrival Checklist
Plan to attend the orientation programs. There is an orientation for new international students planned each semester that helps you register for classes, check in to your housing, become familiar with the university, pay fees, and finalize other matters before starting classes.

There also is an orientation for all new and transfer students on Saturday and Sunday following the international orientation. This will be a great opportunity for you to meet other new and transfer students as well as to work with some of your professors. This is a required event for all new students and optional (although highly encouraged) for transfer students. For more information click here.

During the first week of classes, there will be fun events planned for each evening. This will give you a chance to meet people and enjoy good food and entertainment!

Make financial arrangements to receive at least $28,150 in U.S. currency each year. You will need to access at least $14,075 by credit card, traveler's checks, or wire transfer when you arrive to cover tuition, fees, books, insurance, transportation, personal, and living expenses for the first semester.

Approximately $11,375 per semester for tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and meals is to be paid in full at the time of registration in the forms of a bank draft or cashier's check in U.S. dollars, cash, personal check, traveler's check or credit card (drawn on a U.S. bank). Students who wish to make payments may pay 40percent at registration and 20percent each month following with a 1percent interest charge added each month.

Approximately $4,300 per semester will be needed to cover personal, living and other expenses. It is recommended to bring traveler's checks and some cash along with a bank draft or cashier's check in U.S. dollars. The International Education office can help you open a bank account.

Obtain Your Visa
If you live outside the United States, take your valid passport, Form I-20 from Texas Lutheran University and evidence of adequate financial resources to the nearest U.S. Consulate to apply for your F-1 student visa. You may also need to provide proof of ties to your home country, such as copies of bank statements from a bank in your home country, job offers, evidence of ownership of a residence, or property in your home country.

Health Form and Immunization Record
Complete the blue health form, which includes spaces for documentation of immunizations and shots. Return it to the International Education office as soon as possible or bring it with you to Seguin.

Health Insurance
All international students must have health insurance. Texas Lutheran University has a complete insurance package that you may purchase. If you already have a policy, you must submit a copy of the policy (in English) to the Director of International Education for comparison. Your insurance must have at least the same amount of coverage. The cost of the heath insurance through TLU is approximately $224 per semester, $168 for the summer or $672 for 12 months.

Mailing Address
There is a post office in the campus student center at which you can send or receive mail. All TLU students have mailboxes.
 
Your mailing address will be:
 
Even if you live off campus, you can still use this address.

Arrival Information
Plan to arrive the day before new international student orientation. You will be able to move into campus housing at that time. The International Education office can make arrangements for a staff member to meet you at the San Antonio International Airport. You will need to e-mail your flight information as soon as possible to the International Education office.