Welcome!

Here are some resources to help answer your questions as you move to Texas.

🚙 Transportation

Get around San Marcos using the Bobcat Shuttle (see schedule & routes). ISSS has a good explanation of other modes of transportation here.

💰 Banking

ISSS US Money & Banking explains how to open a bank account, get a credit/debit card, and get wire transfers.

🛒 Shopping & Home Goods

• HEB (Small) @ 200 West Hopkins Street has groceries & toiletries

• HEB (Large) @ 641 East Hopkins Street has groceries & toiletries

• Walmart @ 1015 Highway 80 has groceries, toiletries, clothes, housewares, small furniture

• Sometimes you can connect with students graduating/moving who will give (or sell) house items. If you hear of or see students moving you can ask them!

• Craigslist is an online site where people from San Marcos can sell or give away free (used) things...but BE CAREFUL and follow these safety tips 

🪪 SSN & IDs

From the ISSS website:

"I need a Social Security Number to apply for an apartment/cell phone/utilities, how can I get one?

You cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN) unless you have a job offer. You should not really need one to rent an apartment, although some apartment complexes say that you must. Many apartment complexes have worked with International Students before and will allow you to complete your application using other immigration documents that suffice to prove your identity instead of a SSN.

If you are looking for a cell phone, you must find a company that does not require a SSN. Usually pay as you go, or services that allow you to pay monthly (such as Cricket, Simple Mobile, and Boost) do not require a SSN, but signing up for a service contract which lasts years (Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon) may require a SSN."

🚑 Get Help

• 911- For life-threatening emergency (fire, ambulance, and police) call 911.

• Attorney for Students- FREE legal help regarding housing, immigration, etc. 

• Protect yourself from scams- UC Berkeley's International Office has information about scams targeting international students. While some information is specific to the Bay Area of California, much is relevant in Texas too. TXST has some information as well.

📞 Phones

From the ISSS website:

Where can I get a phone or phone service?

Our office cannot recommend the best phone service for International Students, but we can let you know that many International Students prefer using their own (GSM unlocked) phone from home, or buying an affordable phone with an Unlimited Plan from a provider who they pay monthly and can discontinue service with at any time.  Some providers of pay-month by month phone plans in San Marcos include: Simple Mobile, Cricket and Boost Mobile.

🇺🇸 Campus and Culture

• Don't be afraid to reach out to your advisor/professors. It is acceptable and actually good to contact your professor if you need help or have questions.

• Share your honest opinion. It is not rude to say "No, thank you" if you do not want to do something.

• Being on time to classes, meetings, and appointments is expected.

• Advice for cultural adjustment

• Texas State University campus history & traditions

⚖️ Legal Matters

• You have rights, especially with your housing, so review them here to make sure you are not taken advantage of. If you need help or have questions, contact the Attorney for Students.

• Laws with cars- Everyone MUST wear a seatbelt in a car, and it is illegal to use a cell phone (talk, text, internet) while driving a car.

• Academic Integrity- There are cultural differences regarding academic integrity, but there can be serious consequences if you break the Texas State Honor Code.

🌏 Additional Resources from ISSS

Visit the ISSS page "Steps After Being Admitted" for information on:

• Activate TXST Net ID

• Housing

• Student Orgs

• TXST mobile app

• Transportation

• Health Insurance

• Employment