Frequently Asked Questions
Do I reach out to your office to request my initial I-20?
No. Your I-20 must be requested from our office by the TCU Office or Department that is admitting you. For undergraduate study, that request comes from International Admissions. For graduate programs, that request will come from the Academic Department or your specific program.
My department is hosting an orientation. Do I still need to attend the International Workshop?
Yes, you do. USCIS requires your attendance at an orientation as part of the guidelines for having issued the visa, and requires our office to verify your presence. The International Workshop will contain some material you might already be familiar with if you’ve studied in the U.S. before, but because we cover immigration law, employment, and TCU culture, there are many particular components that you will not be aware of. Because we receive as many as 150 new students during this time-frame, it is not feasibly possible to conduct one-on-one interviews during the first two weeks.
Are their hotel options near the university?
Yes, TCU has several options located within 1.5 miles of the university. The Marriott Courtyard at 3150 River Run Rd is located close to several restaurants, jogging trails and a number of “high-end” retail stores. A number of other good hotel options are within 4 miles of the university.
My country (or family) has national insurance that covers me in the US. Can I be waived from TCU’s requirement?
No, but it is great that you also have insurance. The U.S. Healthcare system—including insurance—is complex and difficult to navigate. An overnight stay in a US hospital is expensive and can run into several thousand dollars—TCU’s insurance covers 80% of those costs, so having your own insurance as back-up may help with the 20% you are expected to pay out of pocket.
Universities in my country don’t have residence halls or sporting events or student organizations. Can you explain why I have to participate in these things since I am trying to save money?
TCU is ranked #2 nationally for engagement, and we believe that the overall university experience is a significant part of getting an education. Living on campus, participating in extra-curricular programs and other non-graded experiences brings you into the “shared culture” of the TCU experience, one that does not end upon graduation. Relying on data, there is ample evidence—including retention rates—that confirm these experiences are key factors in your growth as a person, and TCU has built its model around a holistic educational experience.
How do I get to TCU upon arrival?
Upon arrival at the DFW airport, you will need to contact either Supershuttle, a taxi, or reach out to Uber or Lyft for transportation to TCU. Because it will be summer and it will be very hot, you should check the Housing & Residence Life website for the precise location of check-in.
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