Your safety is our top priority. Whether you're on campus or exploring the local community, it's important to know who to contact and where to go in case of an emergency. Use the resources below to stay informed, prepared, and supported throughout your time in Santa Clara.

Emergency Contacts

• Dial 911 for immediate police, fire, or medical emergencies (available 24/7 across the U.S.).
• City of Santa Clara Emergency Services – Find info on disaster preparedness, fire safety, and local updates.

SCU Campus Safety Services

Provides 24/7 patrol, emergency response, and student escort services. Escort Services available at night and they will also assist with lockouts, lost items, and on-campus emergencies. Their phone number is (408) 554-4441.

Nearby Urgent Care & Medical Centers

For non-emergency health concerns (e.g., minor injuries, cold/flu, sprains), visit urgent care centers nearby:

• Santa Clara Valley Medical Center –  751 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA
   Full-service hospital with emergency room
• Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center – 700 Lawrence Expy, Santa Clara, CA
• Find Walk-In Care & Urgent Care Clinics nearby on Yelp: Urgent Care Santa Clara

Mental Health & Crisis Support

• SCU Cowell Center Counseling Services – Free and confidential services for enrolled students. You can contact them at (408) 554-4501
• Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services – Offers multilingual crisis support and mental health resources
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for 24/7 free mental health support in multiple languages across the U.S.
• Bill Wilson Center (Local support for youth and young adults) – 3490 The Alameda, Santa Clara, CA

Other Helpful Local Resources

• Santa Clara Fire Department (Non-Emergency): (408) 615-4900
• Santa Clara Police Department (Non-Emergency): (408) 615-4700
• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
• Roadside Assistance (AAA membership required): 1-800-222-4357

Navigate your new environment with ease using the many transportation options available in Santa Clara and the greater Bay Area. Whether you're heading to campus, exploring the region, or just running errands, these resources will help you travel confidently and safely.

Getting to SCU from the Airport

Arriving in California?

Here’s how to reach Santa Clara University from major nearby airports:

• San Jose International Airport (SJC) – ~10 minutes
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – ~45 minutes
• Oakland International Airport (OAK) – ~50 minutes
• Arrival and Getting to SCU

Transit Options from Airports

• Airport Shuttles: SuperShuttle, local hotel/ride services
• Taxis: Available at all terminals (approx. $25–$80 depending on airport)
• Rideshare Apps: Uber & Lyft are convenient and widely used
• Public Transit: BART, Caltrain, or VTA connections (see below)

Public Transportation Resources

• 511 Transit – Your go-to website for real-time transit schedules, trip planning, and service alerts in the Bay Area.
• Clipper Card – A reusable transit card used for discounted fares across buses, BART, Caltrain, VTA, and more. 

Transit Options Near SCU

• Caltrain Schedule & Fares – Connects Santa Clara to San Francisco, Peninsula cities, and San Jose.
  • Santa Clara station is within walking distance from campus
  • Student discounts available
• BART Routes (Bay Area Rapid Transit) — Fast rail transit to SFO, Oakland, and the East Bay.
  • Connect via Caltrain or bus from Santa Clara
• VTA (Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority) — Buses and light rail service around Santa Clara, San Jose, and neighboring areas.
  • SCU Light Rail stop is nearby
  • Discounted monthly passes for students

Additional Transportation Options & Resource

• Bicycles & Electric Scooters  – Eco-friendly and fun ways to get around campus or the neighborhood.
  • Bay Wheels (bike rentals)
  • Lime & Bird (electric scooters)
  • Most require an app for rental and payment
• SCU Transportation Services

Safety Tips for Traveling

• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Use crosswalks and bike lanes where available
• Download transit apps like Transit, Moovit, or Google Maps with public transport layers
• Keep emergency contacts and SCU Campus Safety info saved in your phone

Whether you're commuting around the Bay Area or driving to campus, it's important to understand local driving rules, parking options, and available transportation services. Here’s everything you need to know to get started safely and confidently:

Parking on Campus (SCU)

• Learn about student parking permits, visitor parking rules, overnight restrictions, and designated parking zones on campus
• Make sure to display your permit properly to avoid fines or citations
• Visit SCU Parking & Transportation Services for full details

Driving in California

If you plan to drive, here are some important steps and resources:

• Apply for a California Driver’s License –  International students can drive using their home country license + International Driving Permit (IDP) for a limited time, but it's strongly recommended to get a California license if staying long-term. Learn more at California DMV
• Driver Knowledge & Testing – You’ll need to pass a written test, vision exam, and possibly a behind-the-wheel test depending on your driving history and license origin.
• Traffic Laws & Road Signs — Take time to study California driving laws, speed limits, and signage. The DMV provides a Driver Handbook online in multiple languages.

Car Rentals & Ride-Share Services

• Zipcar: Convenient car rentals by the hour or day, available near campus
• Traditional Rentals: Avis, Sixt, Hertz, and Enterprise all operate in the area (airport and local branches).
• Ride-Share Apps: Uber and Lyft are widely used in Santa Clara County and are great alternatives to driving.

Driving Tips for International Students

• Parking Enforcement is Strict – Always read signage before parking to avoid fines or towing.
• Don't Park in Red Zones or "Permit Only" areas without the proper pass.
• Avoid Rush Hour (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM) when possible to reduce stress and delays.
• Gas is Self-Serve – Pay at the pump with a card or prepay inside the station.

Set up a strong financial foundation with the tools and information you need to manage your money confidently while studying and living in Santa Clara County.

Banking in Santa Clara County

Opening a U.S. Bank Account

Having a local bank account helps with rent payments, receiving wages, and day-to-day purchases. Many banks near Santa Clara University offer accounts designed for students:

• Chase – Multiple locations in Santa Clara; offers student checking with no monthly fee for up to 5 years.
• Wells Fargo – Student-friendly accounts and international wire transfer services.
• Bank of America – Convenient for international students with online and mobile banking tools.
• Citibank – Known for international accessibility and global account services.
• University Credit Union – A local, student-friendly credit union with lower fees and personalized service.

What You’ll Need to Open an Account

• Passport with visa
• I-20 or DS-2019 form
• SCU student ID or admission letter
• U.S. address (temporary is acceptable)
• Initial deposit (usually $25–$100)

Currency Exchange & International Transfers

• Currency Exchange is available at major banks, airport kiosks, and centers like Travelex.
• Consider using Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Remitly for lower-cost international money transfers.
• Check if your home country’s bank has a U.S. partner (e.g., HSBC or ICICI), which might simplify transfers.

Using Debit & Credit Cards in the U.S.

• Most places accept Visa and Mastercard; American Express is accepted in fewer locations.
• Foreign transaction fees may apply—check with your card issuer.
• Many U.S. ATMs charge $2–$3 per withdrawal for out-of-network cards.
• Once you have a U.S. bank account, you can request a debit card and apply for a student credit card to start building U.S. credit.

Budgeting & Financial Management

Budgeting Apps & Tools:

• Mint – Tracks expenses, bills, and budgets in one place.
• YNAB (You Need A Budget) – Great for goal-setting and long-term money management.
• Splitwise – Useful for roommates to track shared expenses.
• Zelle & Venmo – Common apps for peer-to-peer payments (rent, groceries, group outings).

Tips for Smart Spending:

• Monitor monthly costs (housing, groceries, transportation).
• Look for student discounts on subscriptions, restaurants, and transit.
• Plan for seasonal expenses (e.g., winter clothing, travel during breaks).
• Be aware of SCU student specific discounts

Financial Aid & Scholarships

• International students may have limited federal aid eligibility, but there are still options:
  • Graduate Business Admissions – Reach out for info on program-specific scholarships and assistantships.
  • SCU Financial Aid Office – Offers resources and guidance for all SCU students
  • External Scholarships – Search platforms like IEFA.org and Scholarships360.org for international student funding.

Staying connected is essential—for keeping in touch with loved ones, navigating daily life, and staying on top of classes and campus updates. Whether you're arranging your first phone plan in the U.S. or setting up the internet for your apartment, here’s what you need to know.

Mobile Phone Plans

Many carriers offer prepaid, postpaid, and student-friendly plans. Some also allow you to keep your current phone if it’s unlocked and compatible with U.S. networks.

Major U.S. Carriers:

• T-Mobile – Offers flexible prepaid and international-friendly plans.
• AT&T – Wide coverage and options for both prepaid and long-term contracts.
• Verizon – Known for strong coverage, especially in suburban and rural areas.

Budget & Online-Only Options:

• Mint Mobile – Affordable prepaid plans; requires upfront 3-, 6-, or 12-month payments.
• Visible (by Verizon) – Low-cost unlimited plans with good network access.
• Cricket Wireless – Budget-friendly and uses AT&T’s network.
• Google Fi – Great for international calling and data flexibility.

Tip: Ask about student or international promotions. Some carriers offer deals for new arrivals or discounts with a student ID.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

If you’ll be living off campus, you may need to set up your own internet. These providers serve most areas in Santa Clara and the surrounding cities:

• Xfinity (by Comcast) – Widely available and offers bundling options for TV and internet.
• Sonic – Local Bay Area provider known for reliable service and customer support.
• AT&T Internet – Fiber and broadband options available in many neighborhoods.
• T-Mobile Home Internet – A wireless alternative to traditional cable/fiber.
• Astound (formerly Wave Broadband) – Available in parts of the South Bay.

Tip: Many providers offer self-installation kits. Ask your landlord or housing provider what’s already available in your unit.