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A
Short Guide to get you started at UIW
 How
to get to the campus
If
you notify in advance the International Student Office (210-805-5705
or e-mail intl@universe.uiwtx.edu)
of your arrival (Name, date and time of arrival, airline and flight
number) we will try to pick you up at the airport. However, if
nobody is there to meet you, please see a transportation agent
or airport security to assist you in finding a taxi or shuttle.
The fare will be between $8.00 - $10.00. It is a 10 to 15 minutes
drive to the University. The transportation agents are familiar
with the University location. If you plan to arrive in San Antonio
after office hours (9 A.M. – 5
P.M., Monday through Friday) or on the weekend, you must notify
the International Student Office prior to your arrival so that
housing arrangements can be made. It
is good to have a place to stay.... If
you have not done so already, be prepared to sign a contract for your
room. The contract is valid for the entire academic year, that is, the
Fall and Spring semesters of the school year. Summer housing is available
under a separate contract. Students who live on campus are required to
purchase a meal plan. If you did not arrange for campus housing prior
to your arrival, stop by the Campus Life Office at the Student Center
in Marian Hall to find out the availability of a room in the Residence
Halls. The Residence Life Staff will make every effort to assign you
to a room.
Food Food
in the U.S. is probably different from the food you are accustomed to
eating in your country. In fact, each region of the U.S. has its own
unique style and means of preparing food. We encourage you to try a variety
of foods while you are here. Most large cities have restaurants that
specialize in the cuisine of other countries or regions of the U.S. Even
if you find a restaurant that specializes in food from your country,
don’t be surprised if it does not taste exactly like the meals
prepared in your home. On campus, there
are two dining locations. One is the Food Court located in the Student
Center at Marian Hall, and the other is the Crusader Café located
on the ground floor of the Administration Building. Your meal card (Student
ID card) is valid at both locations.Don’t be afraid to ask about the ingredients of foods you don’t
recognize. Ask for a sample if you are not sure you will like it. If
there is a food that you would to have prepared, ask the Food Service
Director to assist you. He/she will do their best to accommodate your
needs.Students who live on campus are required to purchase a meal plan.
If your religion, culture, or dietary requirements do not permit you
to eat certain foods, please inform the Food Service Director so that
he/she can assist you in selecting foods that satisfy your needs.Exemptions
or reductions to the required meal plan are authorized by the Dean of
Campus Life for medical reasons only. They are only permitted if the
Food Service Director is unable to prepare the foods required by the
student’s physician or dietician. Such requests must be
presented in writing with documentation from a licensed physician or
dietician.
Personal
Identification
Each
student who comes to who comes to UIW is required to obtain and keep
in their possession a University Identification Card (ID Card). Please
visit our Campus Life Office to obtain the ID Card that will operate
as your ID on campus, meal card, residence hall access card, and library
card.
Orientation
for International Students is a must!
Attend
International Student Orientation. It is mandatory for all students (regardless
of their status as undergraduate, graduate or doctoral students) to attend
orientation. A hold will be put on the student’s records
that do not attend orientation. You will not be able to register for
classes. During Orientation, it will be necessary for you to bring your
passport, visa, I-20 and I-94 to the Office of International Programs
for us to make copies. We are required to keep these documents on file.
Language
requirements
All students whose first language is not English need to present
their TOEFL scores. If your score does not meet our university standards
or you did not take the TOEFL test, you will be required to take our
Language Assessment Test at the International Language Institute that
is located on campus at the International Conference Center.
Academic
Advising
As
an undergraduate student you will make an appointment with the Academic
Advising Office. It is located in the Administration Building. Graduate
and Doctoral students will make arrangements directly with their respective
advisors.
Register
for classes and purchase textbooks
Registration
procedures are discussed at the International Student Orientation.
The Registrar’s office is located on the first floor in the Administration
Building while the Bookstore you will find underneath the Main Cafeteria
in the Student Center
Apply
for Texas identification card or driving license
You
should apply for a Texas identification card or driving license so
that you can use that instead of carrying your passport around. Keep
your passport in a safe place. Bring your passport and I-20 to the
Texas Department of Transportation. Further information how to apply
will be available at the Orientation.
Open
a bank account
The
nearest banks are Bank of America, Frost Bank, and Broadway National
Bank. It will be very useful to have a bank account near the university.
Transportation
If
you need to travel to or from another part of the city, consider using
the bus system called VIA. You may purchase semester passes or pick
up half price cards in the Campus Life Office by showing your UIW ID
Card. This is much less expensive than taking a taxi, for example.
Your
Religious Heritage is important
Although
the University has a rich religious history and tradition in the Roman
Catholic Church, we understand and welcome students, staff and faculty
from other religious beliefs and customs. While we celebrate our Catholic
faith, we want to assist you in your own spiritual needs while you
are with us. Know that you are invited to join us at our services in
Our Lady’s Chapel in the Administration Building anytime. However,
if you would like assistance in finding a faith community in this area
to pray in your own tradition, please contact the office of Campus
Ministry in the Administration Building. Counseling
Counseling
is available to both domestic and international students. Professional
counselors and interns are available to assist students with their
adjustment to university life. Counselors help with problem-solving,
coping with stress, emotional concerns, working out relationships and
other issues that may require discussion and planning. Counseling is
located in the Library and an appointment may be made by calling 829-3126.
The services are provided by the University and are free to the students.
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