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Home Insights Santa Clara Clara University (SCU) | 2025 Incoming Student Pre-Departure Guide
Santa Clara Clara University (SCU) | 2025 Incoming Student Pre-Departure Guide

Santa Clara Clara University (SCU) | 2025 Incoming Student Pre-Departure Guide

Santa Clara Clara University (SCU) | 2025 Incoming Student Pre-Departure Guide

Dear incoming SCU students, welcome to Santa Clara University! Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SCU is a top-tier institution renowned for its robust business and engineering programs, as well as its unparalleled geographical advantages. This pre-departure guide covers essential topics including visas, packing lists, housing, and campus life to help you seamlessly transition into your study abroad journey!

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1. Arrival & Border Protection

Key Considerations

Once you receive your official immigration documents—I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 exchange visitors)—and obtain your visa stamp, you can begin planning your travel to the United States. Please keep the following in mind:

  • Earliest Admission Date: You are eligible to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.

  • Mandatory Arrival: You must enter the U.S. at least one day prior to the International Student Welcome (ISW) to complete your mandatory immigration check-in.

  • Dependents: Any F-2 or J-2 dependent family members must enter the U.S. either alongside you or after your official arrival.

Carry-On Essentials

The following items must be kept in your carry-on luggage and should never be placed in checked baggage:

  1. Original Passport

  2. Original Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1)

  3. SCU Official Admission Letter

  4. Financial support documents proving sufficient funds for your studies at SCU

  5. Prescriptions for any medications you are bringing into the U.S.

  6. Cash for food, transportation, and immediate expenses

  7. Phone charger and power bank (with a U.S. power adapter)

  8. Written emergency contact information of your family and contacts in the U.S.

  9. A written transportation plan from the airport to SCU

Passing Through U.S. Customs

Upon arrival at a U.S. Port of Entry (airport or land border), you will undergo an immigration inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. During this process, you must present your immigration documents (including your valid passport with a valid F-1/J-1 visa stamp and your original I-20/DS-2019) and answer routine questions.

Pro-Tip: Keep all supporting documents handy to verify your funding sources. Be prepared to answer questions regarding SCU (such as its location, your intended program of study, your housing arrangements, and tuition costs).

Before leaving the immigration checkpoint, double-check that the CBP officer has returned all your original documents, including your passport and I-20/DS-2019. Once you leave the station, you should log online to download your electronic Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) to confirm your entry was processed correctly.

2. Transportation & Transit

Santa Clara University is exceptionally transit-friendly, with the Santa Clara Transit Station located directly across from the campus. This hub connects students to Caltrain, Amtrak, and various regional transit services. Additionally, a free shuttle service operates between San Jose International Airport (SJC) and the Santa Clara Transit Center.

Airport Public Transportation

  • From San Jose International Airport (SJC): You can take the free Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) shuttle to the Santa Clara Station across from campus. The shuttle runs continuously every 15 minutes between the airport (Terminals A & B), Metro Light Rail, and Santa Clara Station.

  • From San Francisco International Airport (SFO): You can reach SCU in approximately 90 minutes by taking BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and transferring to Caltrain. For fares, routes, and schedules, please visit their official websites.

  • From Oakland International Airport (OAK): Traveling to SCU via bus and train takes about 2.5 hours. Pricing, route planning, and schedules can be found on the respective transit websites.

Bay Area Ground Transportation Networks

  • Alameda-Contra Costa Transit (AC Transit)

  • Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)

  • BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

  • Caltrain

  • Metro Light Rail

Alternative & Private Transportation

  • SuperShuttle: A private, paid shuttle service that offers airport pick-ups from SFO, OAK, and SJC to various points across the Bay Area. You can check rates and book rides on their website.

  • Taxis: Licensed taxi companies service the entire Bay Area. A ride to Santa Clara typically costs between $60 and $100 from SFO or OAK, and between $15 and $30 from SJC, depending on your exact destination and the company.

  • Ridesharing Apps: You can download and use apps like Uber and Lyft to arrange immediate on-demand transportation upon arrival.

3. Housing Arrangements

On-Campus Housing

  • Undergraduate Students: First-year undergraduate students are typically required to live on campus.

  • Graduate Students: Have the option to choose between university-affiliated apartments or off-campus housing.

  • Facilities: On-campus residence halls come fully furnished, providing an easier way to integrate quickly into campus life.

  • Application: Demand is high, so please apply as early as possible. International students are often given specific priority consideration.

Off-Campus Housing

4. Comprehensive Packing Checklist

Required Documentation

  • Original passport, visa, and I-20/DS-2019, along with photocopies (we recommend making 3 copies and storing them separately).

  • A copy of your SCU Admission Letter.

  • International Certificate of Vaccination (or equivalent official immunization and health records).

  • Major Credit Cards (Visa or Mastercard are highly recommended) and a small amount of cash (do not carry more than $10,000 USD in cash due to customs regulations).

  • Driver's license (if applicable; can be used to apply for a temporary California license).

  • Passport-sized photos (Note: U.S. passport photo dimensions differ from domestic standards, but having a few spares is always useful).

Electronics

  • Laptop computer (Note: The standard voltage in the U.S. is 110V; please verify your electronics' compatibility).

  • Smartphone (An unlocked phone is recommended so you can swap in a local U.S. SIM card upon arrival).

  • Power adapters (U.S. standard two-prong or three-prong plugs).

  • External hard drive or USB flash drive for backing up important academic files.

  • Headphones or a headset with a microphone for online calls and classes.

  • Ethernet cable (around 5 meters; handy for initial network setups in certain dorms).

Personal & Everyday Essentials

  • Seasonal Clothing: The Silicon Valley climate is mild, averaging 25°C (77°F) in the summer and around 10°C (50°F) in the winter. Bring layers.

  • Formal Attire: At least one set of formal business attire for career fairs, presentations, or interviews.

  • Bedding: You may bring one basic set for your first night; the rest can easily be purchased at local stores upon arrival.

  • Common Medications: Over-the-counter cold medicine, gastrointestinal remedies, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Double-check that none of your medications contain ingredients banned by U.S. Customs.

  • Eyewear: An extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses, as getting an eye exam and prescription lenses in the U.S. can be quite expensive.

  • Cultural Gifts: Small, unique traditional gifts from home to share during cultural exchanges or to give to new friends.