PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION
Now that you have your F-1 student visa, it is time to prepare for your life in San Marcos. The following information will help you get ready for life as an ALCI student. Click here for a copy of our Pre-Arrival Packet for new students. Contact the ALCI if you have questions.
HOUSING
Before you arrive, you must plan to stay with a local host family, live
in on-campus apartments (UVA), or live in an off-campus apartment.
There are several good housing choices for ALCI students.
View the Housing page on our website.
Do not arrange to live with
family or friends in Los Angeles.
San Marcos is too far away from Los Angeles (about 100 miles/160 km).
AIRPORT INFORMATION
Make your travel plans
early. San Marcos is about 37 miles (60 km) north of the
San Diego International Airport (SAN) and 100 miles (160 km) south
of the
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). We recommend that you
arrive at the San Diego International Airport. If you have to change
planes in the U.S., you must allow at least three hours to go through
immigration and find your connecting flight.
TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT
You must make your own
travel arrangements from the airport to San Marcos. We recommend that
you arrive at the San Diego International Airport. If you arrive in San
Diego, and you are living in homestay, then you may reserve airport
transportation with the homestay company. You may also reserve an
airport shuttle from Los Angeles International Airport. You must
reserve a shuttle or arrange your transportation before you leave your
home country. The ALCI does not provide airport transportation.
MEDICAL
REQUIREMENTS
You must provide proof of shots
(immunization) against measles (rubeola),
rubella, and Hepatitis B. You must also provide documentation of a
negative tuberculosis skin test. All students are required to have
health insurance.
MONEY & EXPENSES
You must bring enough money to pay for your ALCI tuition, homestay or
housing fees, health insurance, books, and personal expenses. Most
businesses will accept Visa or MasterCard credit cards. However,
you should arrive with enough cash to pay for food, transportation, and
other expenses during your first days in San Marcos.
ALCI OFFICE LOCATION
The ALCI office is located on the California State University San
Marcos campus in Academic Hall, room 111.
Download a campus map.