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MANAGEMENT
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MANAGEMENT
Global Programs and Services (GPS)

Pre-Arrival Information

Information for New Students

If you are coming to the U.S. for the first time on an F-1 visa, please review this Pre-Arrival Information. 

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 strongly 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, but this can cost about $200 and can take 2 hours to get to San Marcos.  Flights from Los Angeles to San Diego cost between $50 - $150.  You must reserve a shuttle or arrange your transportation before you leave your home country.  CSUSM does not provide airport transportation.   Companies that provide transportation from the airport include:

Cloud 9 Super Shuttle: 800-258-3826

PrimeTime Shuttle:  (800) 733-8267

GETTING TO YOUR NEW HOME

It is very helpful to print or write out your new address in the U.S. to give to the shuttle driver so that they know exactly where you want to be dropped off. Make sure you have your address with you when you board your flight to the U.S.

  • If you will be living in the University Village Apartments (UVA) on campus, your address will be: 305 Campus View Drive, San Marcos 92078

The front office of UVA is open during the following hours:
 Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
Saturday:12pm-10pm
Sunday: 3pm-8pm
If you arrive at UVA outside of these hours, you MUST call 760-750-6400 and the Resident Advisor on duty will open the door for you.

  • If you will be living in The Quad apartments, your address will be: 200 East Barham Drive, San Marcos 92078

                      The Front office of the QUAD is open during the following hours:
                      Monday-Friday: 8:30am-9:00pm
                      Saturday and Sunday: 3:00pm-8:00pm 
                      If you arrive at The Quad outside of these hours, you MUST call
                      760-750-3733 and the Resident Advisor on duty will open the door
                      for you.

  • If you will be living in homestay, make sure you have your host family's address.

MONEY & EXPENSES
 You must bring enough money to pay for your 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.  Estimtaed expenses for the first semester are as follows:

  • Tuition: $8,113 (based on enrollment in 12 units)
  • Books:$830
  • Room and Board: $5,850
  • Health Insurance: $404
  • Transportation: $450
  • Personal Expenses: $1,250 
  • TOTAL ESTIMATE FOR 1st Semester Only: $16,897