Our Services to Incoming Students

International Graduate Orientation & Techsan Day

Beginning of Fall & Spring Semesters

International Techsan Day is designed to answer questions unique to you as an international student. The Office of International Affairs has created and designed this with you in mind, to help guide you through your transition to Texas Tech and the culture of West Texas. Professionals who know what you are about to go through will discuss with you the people, programs, groups, materials, and resources that will help you achieve great success as a student here at Texas Tech University!

Techsans Day is mandatory, so be sure you schedule your flights to arrive several days before so you will be well rested.

We will provide insight into the following:

• Health Care & Insurance
• Risk-Intervention & Safety Intervention Immigration
• Campus Life & how to thrive
• Engage in person with Global Guides and new peers
• Learn about the numerous resources available around campus designed to help you THRIVE mentally, physically, academically, financially, emotionally, and socially!

Learn More

Graduate Students:
International Graduate students will need to attend both the International Graduate Orientation (International Affairs) and the New Graduate Student Orientation (with the Graduate School).

You will receive an email from the Graduate school with information on how to attend the virtual program.

Airport Pick-up (New Students only)

January , 2024

Texas Tech and the Lubbock community would like to welcome you to your new home away from home. West Texas is known for "Strong Hospitality" and we would like to show you what that means from your first moments. Tech has partnered with the university’s community and the Lubbock community to offer you an airport pickup service.

Service is run by volunteers and therefore only offered from August 12th- 18th. Thank you for your understanding.

Free SIM Cards

SIM Cards

Need a FREE US SIM card? Stop by the International Affairs Office at your earliest convenience between Monday-Friday, 8 AM-12 PM, 1-5 PM to obtain one from the front desk, your F-1 counselor or ISL staff.

Check out our SIM card partner, Campus SIMS!

Welcome to Campus!

"To help you get set up with your life in the US, campusSIMS is giving you one month of FREE wireless from Mint Mobile. Your free month comes with 5GB of 4G • 5G LTE data and unlimited talk & text, as well as free mobile hotspot and WiFi calling & text."
*E-Sims not available

Hotel Partnership Program

TTU International Student Life has partnered with Visit Lubbock, the city's tourism department to provide international students with special rates as they arrive for the start of the semester. We are very excited to be able to offer you several hotel choices, each with wonderful accommodations and great rates to help you settle into your new life in Lubbock before the dorm/apartment move-in begins.

This service is for STUDENTS and immediate family traveling with them for Orientation only. It can not be utilized for friends and family coming to visit.

Book a Hotel

Temporary Stay Options in Lubbock

TTU Housing does not offer any type of temporary housing options between move-in or during winter break. You are responsible for ensuring you have somewhere to live during this time. This is part of your lease agreement if you signed a non-12-month lease with on-campus housing.

TTU International Student Life has put together a Temporary Hotel Discount Program to help students during these times. We have also compiled a list of options that might help you find somewhere to stay.

There are NO hostels in Lubbock.

Hotel Partnership Program

Furnished Housing Resources:

• Airbnb
• Travel Nurse Housing (Yes, we know you are not nurses, but this might still be a viable option for you to try)
• Furnished Finder.com
• Tripping.com
• Home-to-go
• Vrbo
• Short-Term Housing.com
• Extended Stay America

Global Guides Mentor Program

F-1 Undergraduate students new to Texas Tech will be assigned a Global Guide to help you transition into life here in Lubbock.

These GlobalGuides are fellow students, who have been where you are and want to help connect you to the community, and generally be a friend and helper to you as you settle here in Lubbock. They will help out at our International Student Orientation, they will assist with dorm move-in, they will be inviting you to go to different welcome events on campus and more! Take advantage of their expertise!

Texas Tech Global Guides Program

Early Move in for Dorms

International students are allowed a 24-hour early move-in or move outside of your scheduled move-in slot. This allowance is made due to having extended international travel times. We hope this early move-in letter makes your arrival at TTU easier.

Things to keep in mind:

• You still must schedule a move-in slot with Housing, even if you end up not using that slot and moving in earlier. This is to confirm you are moving into the dorms. 
• If you have a roommate: If you are arriving late in the evening, and your roommate(s) has already moved into your shared dorm, you need to notify them of your late arrival time and get their permission to arrive late. You will be living with your roommate for a long time and do not want to make a bad first impression by waking them up when you arrive. Make sure they are prepared for you!
• Have a copy of your early arrival letter on hand when you check into the dorms. 

Downloadable Letter

Frequently Asked Questions