Welcome, students!

Trinity welcomes new and transferring international Tigers of all stripes! ISSS assists with application information, records and documents, and preparation for your visa interview.

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Become a Tiger in 3 Steps

STEP 1

Apply to Trinity

You are an international first-year or transfer applicant if you are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.

Step 1 

STEP 2

Prepare for Arrival

Ease the transition to the United States, San Antonio, and Trinity University, and understand requirements and documents.

Step 2 

STEP 3

Make Campus Your Home

Welcome to Trinity! From housing to dining to employment opportunities, campus amenities can help make it feel like home.

Step 3  

STEP 1

Apply to Trinity

All new and transfer international students are required to submit an application to Trinity University. Students who are granted enrollment must submit a deposit by their required deposit deadline.

Apply to Trinity as an international first-year or transfer student if you are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident, regardless of where you went to secondary school. 

International Student Application Details

Before submitting your Trinity application, consider how the following may affect you and your family:

STEP 2

Prepare for Arrival

As you prepare to enter the U.S. and become a Trinity student, there are several steps you and your family should take to help ease the transition.

 We're here to help!

During the summer and ISO, your primary contact will be the I-Team member to which you are assigned.

Email isss@trinity.edu to get in touch with ISSS staff.

 Watch your Trinity email!

Applying for an F-1 Visa

  1. Activate your Trinity email account
    • Your Trinity account (including email and account login information) should be active within 10 days of placing your deposit with Trinity University.
    • If you need help accessing these two accounts for the first time, please contact ITS via email at @email or by calling 210.999.7409.
  2. Submit the Initial I-20 Request Form for an I-20 from the International Student and Scholar Services office at Trinity University. Upon approval of submission, an Initial I-20 will be issued and emailed to your Trinity email.
  3. Make an appointment at the local U.S. embassy or consulate and compile the documents they require for the F-1 visa application.
  4. Required Documents in order to obtain an F-1 Visa:
    • Signed I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Status Students
    • SEVIS fee receipt
    • Completed Application: Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant, Form DS-160
    • Some applicants are required to complete the form DS-157
    • Interview at the US embassy/Consulate
    • Passport, valid for at least six months after proposed date of entry to the U.S.
    • One 2x2 passport-style photograph

Specific questions about the appointment should be directed to your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate!

Additional Documents:

  • Transcripts and Diploma
  • Scores from standardized tests (i.e. TOEFL, SAT, etc.)
  • Financial Evidence (i.e. tax documents, bank statements)
  • Scholarship Award letter from Trinity University (if any)

Additional Information:

  • Don't Forget.

    • Apply for Housing on Campus: Be sure to check the deadline. Please contact Residential Life if you have any questions or concerns.
    • Course Registration: Students register for classes through the Trinity University “Workday” system with the help of their Academic Advisor.
    • Departure Checklist
    • Required Documents & Fees: To enter the United States as an F-1 student, you must have the following documents:
      • Passport: valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your stay
      • I-20: signed by a Trinity Designated School Official (DSO). (Your I-20 is e-mailed to you by ISSS
      • after adequate proof of financial support is received, prior to your arrival.)
      • F-1 Visa: please refer to this ISSS web page for detailed information and procedures
      • Proof of financial support: Search for “Financial Certification Form” on this ISSS web page.

Airport Arrangements

Arriving students are responsible for making their own arrangements from the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to Trinity’s campus.

 

  If you need airport pick-up, you must complete the New International/Exchange Student Arrival Form, which will be made available to new students during the summer.

  Alternate option: Download ride-sharing apps on your phone such as Uber or Lyft

  •   Late Arrival: Students will need to request for permission to arrive later than the new international student move-in day by emailing @email. Special arrangements can be made for extenuating circumstances such as delayed/missed flights or other unforeseen circumstances while in transit. Also, be sure to contact Residential Life so they can assist you in moving into your dorm accordingly.

What to Expect Upon Arrival

Welcome to the United States, and to San Antonio! There are a few steps to take before you check-in at Trinity, and the information below will help set expectations.

International Student Check-In and Orientation

International Student Orientation (ISO) is mandatory for all new international students on F-1 and other nonimmigrant visas.

 

ISO Dates

ISO helps you meet immediate needs and prepares you for Welcome Weekend directly after. Parents and families are welcome to attend various ISO sessions with their students.

 

ISO I-Team

In June, your ISO I-Team member, a current Trinity student, will contact you. Throughout the summer, s/he will be available to answer any questions you have, primarily by email. S/he will be your guide as you prepare to move to Trinity!

 

International Student Orientation Course

After the ISO, during the fall semester, all incoming international students are also required to register for the International Student Orientation course (INTL 1100). During this course you will learn about your responsibilities as an international student on an F-1 visa. The course will also assist you in adjusting to the US culture and guide you to be a successful student at Trinity University.

 

Your Student Account and Email

Your Trinity account (including email and account login information) should be active within 10 days of placing your deposit with Trinity University.

For more information on initial access to your online Trinity account, visit Information Technology Services.

Health Insurance and Meningococcal Vaccination

Trinity University requires all students, undergraduate and graduate, enrolled for nine or more semester hours or enrolled in a full-time graduate program to have current hospitalization and accident insurance.

You will be billed for health insurance.

To comply with the mandatory health insurance requirement all students will be billed for annual coverage of the student health plan in July.

 Visit Health Services for plan details and costs.

You may apply for a waiver of Trinity health insurance.

If you have other personal health insurance and don’t want the student health plan you must submit an online insurance waiver annually. If the waiver is not completed by the deadline you will be enrolled in the student health plan and the corresponding charge cannot be cancelled.

 Visit Health Services for waiver information.

Health Record Form

Trinity students living on campus are required to have a complete Health Record form on file. This includes a completed physical exam form as well as information regarding immunizations and health insurance coverage.

 Visit Health Services for info on the Health Record Form.

Meningococcal Vaccination

The Meningococcal Vaccine is required by Texas state law and must be administered at least 10 days before the first day of classes.

  •  The following are REQUIRED by Trinity University:

    • Health Insurance
    • Health Record Form
    • Meningococcal Vaccination

  •  If you have any questions about health insurance or vaccinations, contact Health Services at Trinity University.

STEP 3

Make Campus Your Home

Welcome to Trinity University! We are here to help make this new campus, city, state, and country your home away from home. All of Trinity’s departments and offices have available support for international students.

Dedicated to Student Success

Use these helpful links in your journey to becoming a Trinity Tiger:

Hi, Roomie!

As a residential university, Trinity is focused on learning through living. The University’s three-year residency requirement means you’ll have ample opportunity to get to know your classmates and make new friends from all walks of life.

Residential Life Trinity Dining Services

Tips for rooming with an American Student
  • Contact your roommate ahead of time to get acquainted. Research a little about Texas and America, so you can talk with your roommate about what you already know about their home.
  • If you are flying, your luggage allowance is limited. Make sure your roommate knows this so they are aware you may not be able to contribute as many things to your shared area—most American roommates are more than understanding about this!
  • Make the best of your first-year experience: Fight feelings of isolation by being involved with your roommate and your new lifestyle as much as possible. It’s comforting to have a familiar face to come home to, and you have the added benefit of receiving great social and cultural advice.
  • Ask questions about your roommate’s background and interests, and share your own. The more you know about each other, the more you will understand and appreciate the diverse perspectives.
  • While the media may color your impression of what Americans are, please try to be open-minded and prepared to learn about a society that is diverse, complex, and can’t be reduced to stereotypes. Ask your roommate about important differences that exist between regions, urban and rural areas, and social classes.
  • Try to speak in English with your roommate, but don’t feel that communication has to be perfect! Trinity students are very welcoming of diversity, and your roommate will appreciate your efforts. Ask them to explain commonly misunderstood aspects of the English language, or anything verbal you’re not sure of.
  • Consider time differences, especially if you need to make international calls to your family at what may seem to be inconvenient times of day for your roommate. Work together to identify times to make personal calls that suit both of you.
  • If you are unable to return home during breaks, your roommate may offer for you to go home or on holiday with them. This is a great way to experience more of America! Remember to offer to contribute in any little way to show appreciation for them bringing you into their home.
Tips for rooming with an international student
  • Contact your roommate ahead of time to get acquainted. Research their home country, so you can talk with your roommate about what you already know about their home.
  • Since international students are usually limited as to how much they can bring with them, offer any extras that you can, if you have room and means: bedding, pillows, bath towels, small lamps, clothes hangers, and small storage.
  • International students may be shy in talking to you because they are unsure of social cues and may feel uncomfortable speaking English. Help them feel comfortable by opening up to them, inviting them to meals, and bringing them on errands with other friends.
  • As questions about your roommate’s home country, family, culture, religion, and more. The more you know about each other, the more you will understand and appreciate the diverse perspectives.
  • International students may have preconceived notions that color their impression of what it’s like to live in America, or who Americans are. Help them learn about American society through discussions on important differences that exist between regions, urban and rural areas, and social classes.
  • Ask your roommate to teach you a few helpful phrases in their native language, like “Thank you” or “Hello.” If you already speak some of their language, try to speak it with them whenever possible—you’ll get a sense of how your roommate feels trying to speak English all the time.
  • International students may need to make personal calls to their families at what may seem to be inconvenient times of day or night. Work together to identify times to make personal calls that suit both of you.
  • During long breaks (Thanksgiving, spring break, etc.), your roommate may not have a place to stay except the residence halls. If you can, offer to take your roommate home or on vacation with you, or offer to help them make plans to stay with other friends in town.
  • International students may deal with some physical, mental, and social challenges while living in the US. The majority go home feeling positive about their experience and believe that the time spent abroad was beneficial academically and personally.
  • Keep in touch with your roommate after they return home for the summer or after graduation. If you're ever planning to travel to your roommate's country, staying in touch will ensure that you have a friend to call when you visit their hometown!