Questions & official links ❓

Check your email for the official admit letter and next steps, then track everything through the Future Bobcat Portal. After that, read our New Bobcat Guide — it walks through the I-20, visa prep, what to pack, and your first 30 days.

Once you've confirmed enrollment and paid your deposit, ISSS issues the I-20 alongside your admissions file. This is exactly the kind of thing we tell you to confirm directly with ISSS — we're students, not immigration advisors.

Up to 20 hours/week on-campus during fall and spring, full-time during official breaks. Off-campus work (CPT/OPT) has separate, stricter rules — always confirm your specific situation with ISSS before accepting any job.

Your advisor is assigned by major and listed on CatsWeb / Bobcat Experience. Meet them before registering (mandatory for some majors), then register yourself through TXST Self-Service. More detail on our Academics 101 page.

Don't panic and don't ignore it — you have rights and a process. Read the Honor Code Student Resources page, reach out to the Honor Code Council, and ask an NSA senior if the paperwork feels overwhelming. Full breakdown on Academics 101.

SSN: you'll need an on-campus job offer letter plus an ISSS support letter. Bank account: bring your passport, I-20, and proof of address — most banks near campus don't require an SSN to open a basic account, you can add it later. Checklist on the New Bobcat Guide.

River Oaks Villas, Country Oaks, Hill Country, Colony of San Marcos, and Arise San Marcos are the usual spots — each with different tradeoffs on price, distance, and amenities. Full comparison on Living in San Marcos.

Extremely normal — almost everyone here has had a rough week (or month) missing home, festivals, and family food. It usually eases once you've built a routine and found your people, which is a big part of why NSA exists — come to a dinner, message the group chat, or find a senior to talk to. If it's more than a rough patch — you're not sleeping, not eating, or it's affecting your classes — that's worth a real conversation with the Counseling Center, not just pushing through alone.

Yes — the Counseling Center offers free individual and group counseling to every enrolled student, no extra cost. Call (512) 245-2208 to schedule, or use the TimelyCare app for free 24/7 on-demand virtual care, including nights, weekends, and breaks. You don't need a "big enough" problem to go — stress, homesickness, and adjusting to a new country all count.

The Student Health Center handles primary care, mental health, sports medicine, and travel health at student-friendly prices — you don't need insurance to be seen. International students are also enrolled in the mandatory Aetna student health insurance plan, billed each semester (see the New Bobcat Guide for the budget breakdown). One correction worth knowing: WellCats is actually Texas State's wellness program for benefits-eligible staff and faculty, not students. For free fitness classes and the rec center as a student, look at Campus Recreation instead — you're already a member if you're enrolled in at least one credit hour.