Important information

Estimated Cost of Living

Please check the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) webpage of the estimated cost of living. The exchange students need this information to apply for the I-20 document.

Please scroll to the bottom of the page to the “Exchange Student through the Education Abroad Office” on the ISSS website. 

Note: tuition and fees will be waived for the exchange students. 

Student Bill and Number of Covered Credits

Student Bill

Students will be billed through Texas State Student Business Services (SBS). The student bill will include

  • the international operations fee
  • lodging and meals (for students living on campus)

To view/pay your bill, please go to our Student Business Services website (SBS).

You can pay your bill in full or in three installments. More information about payment deadlines and payment plan, you can find on the Important Dates SBS webpage

*Please note that the student account will also show tuition and fees associated with registration at Texas State. These charges will be covered by Texas State Education Abroad according to the agreement between Texas State and the sending institution.

Number of Covered Credit Hours 

  • All Gradute Incoming Exchange students are covered for 9 credit hours (full-time status).
  • According to the Institutional Agreements, Undergraduate Incoming Exchange students are covered for 12 credit hours (full-time status). Only students from the listed partner institutions may register for up to 15 credits:
    • Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University Mosbach/Heilbronn
    • Hogeschool Zeeland
    • MAUI-Utrecht Network
    • Université Rennes 2
    • Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez

Attention: Please remember to register for only face-to-face courses on the San Marcos campus. Our office will not cover additional fees associated with online or hybrid courses. 

Any additional charges, not specified in the agreements, will be covered directly by the exchange students.

On-campus Housing Contract & Meal Plan

Upon request and depending on room availability, the Exchange Program Coordinator may assist with on-campus housing reservations. 

All students residing on campus are required to purchase a meal plan. After being assigned a room you will need to sign up for a dining plan through Dining Services.

Please click here for more detailed information on the housing contract process.

Off-campus Housing

There are many off-campus options that are walking distance to campus and have a shuttle bus to and from campus. 

For more information, please contact: 

Off-Campus Living - Department of Housing and Residential Life 

512.245.5595 - OffCampusLiving@txstate.edu

Travel Plans

Check-in Date(s)

Official accommodation will be available for early check-in one week before the semester starts. Therefore, we do not recommend that you arrive in Texas earlier than one week before your first day of classes. The Exchange Program Coordinator will notify you in advance by email regarding the check-in date(s) for on-campus accommodations. Click here for more details about on-campus accommodations

Students who are living off-campus, please verify the move-in dates with your apartment complex.

Temporary Housing before Orientation

If you decide to arrive earlier than the Texas State housing accommodations are open for check-in, the Exchange Program Coordinator may assist you with finding accommodations for your earlier arrival. However, you will be responsible for any and all costs associated with this temporary housing arrangement.

Immigration Checking-in with ISSS and Ready, Steady, Go session

Immigration Checking-in with ISSS

All exchange/international students are required to check in with ISSS to comply with immigration requirements and attend the Ready, Steady, Go Session.

Check-in procedures and dates 

Bobcat ID Card

Once you arrive at the university, you will need a Bobcat card. This student identification card has many features. These features include:

  • Linking your Bobcat card to a Wells Fargo account, so you may use your card as an ATM card
  • Borrowing library material
  • Door access to campus facilities