Pre-Arrival Informational for Incoming International Students
Buddy Program
When will I know who my buddy is?
Incoming students are typically contacted in May regarding the Buddy Program. Then during the summer information on Buddies will be sent to your email account.
Transportation
Who should I contact regarding my arrival time in Texas?
We do our best to suggest housing and transportation methods during the transition period to College Station, Texas. Please fill out this form regarding your arrival information to ensure we can assist you with your arrival.
Does IBA offer transportation to Texas A&M from the airport?
IBA does our best to assist students in getting from the airport to their residence once they are in College Station. Our best recommendation is to fly into George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas. To get from Houston to College Station, Texas we recommend you take the Ground Shuttle which is typically about $30 USD. The shuttle can drop you off at the College Station Easterwood Airport for no extra charge and IBA will do our best to coordinate a ride for you to your residence through our Buddy Program, or if you prefer the shuttle will drop you off at a different location for about $10 USD extra. If you plan on getting a ride through IBA please fill out this form.
Do I need a car?
You do NOT need a car. We recommend either living within walking distance to campus or on the Texas A&M bus route. The bus routes run on and off campus and can get you everywhere you need to go! Check the bus routes on Texas A&M App.
Should I get a bike?
This is all up to personal preference! Some students do, some students don't! If you do choice to get a bike there are several options:
VEO Ride Bike Share - Day Pass $6.99, Monthly Pass $28.99, Year Pass $99.99, or pay per ride $0.50 per 30 mins.
Lease a Bike through TAMU Transportation Services- $50-$75 per semester
Borrow a bike for a day
Buy a University collected used bike
For all other information on getting a bike and registering your bike with Transportation Services visit this link.
Housing & Day-to-Day
Should I sign a year housing contract?
It is up to you to decide what method of housing is best for you but in the past we have found it can be hard for students to find sub-leasers when leaving to fill their year contract. In some cases it may be better to sign a semester or six month lease even if that means waiting till you arrive here to find one.
What are some places that offer a six month or semester lease?
Leasing options are changing daily but as we last checked Campus Village, Traditions at Northgate, Reveille Ranch, and The Trails* all are offering 6 month or semester leasing options. These options all offer housing that is located on a Texas A&M bus route or walking distance to campus and are fully furnished!
If you know of a housing complex offering a six month or semester lease please contact us and we will be happy to add the information here.
How should I get groceries?
During the first week IBA will coordinate rides through our Buddy Program to assist in getting exchange students to in from the local grocery stores. We do suggest exchange students live on Texas A&M bus routes as we have found this to be extremely helpful during the year as the bus routes will drop-off at on-campus as well many off-campus locations (grocery store, mall, etc.). In the past many exchange students have said although they looked up the distance to the local grocery store and thought they could walk it turned out being a much longer and more difficult walk, particularly in the Texas heat.
What is a good phone plan?
There are multiple phone carriers off-campus. If you need specific help with a plan, feel free to ask in our GroupMe or WhatsApp.
University Life
What is a Sports Pass?
A Sports Pass gives you access to every home sporting event during the school year. With a Sports Pass you gain admission into regular season varsity sporting events including football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, track, baseball, softball, and tennis.
Should I get a Sports Pass?
We encourage all students to get a sports pass as sports are a large part of campus life! If you do not get a sports pass, typically tickets are sold individually to each event EXCEPT football games.
When can I register for a Sports Pass?
Registration is currently open. Please be aware that Sports Passes have historically sold-out and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where can I register for my Sports Pass? And where will my Sports Pass be billed?
Registration for Sports Passes is online, click here to register. Your student business account will be billed for your Sports Pass.
Where can I find the degrees Mays Business School offers, schedule of classes, full time workload, course selection & enrollment information?
The Center for International Business Studies has set up a web page with helpful information you can find here.
Is there a chance for me to promote my home University while I am studying at Texas A&M?
Yes there is! The Center for International Business Studies hosts Go Global with Mays once in the fall and once in the spring and we encourage exchange students to come talk about their home universities at this event! For more information on this or to sign up please contact the IBA advisor, Natsuki Hara in the Center for International Business Studies. You also can contact our Chief Marketing Officer, Caroline Franzmann to feature your home university on our Instagram!