Pre-Arrival Information

Once you have been admitted to TWU and received your Form I-20, learn more about getting started at TWU.

International orientation

There is a mandatory orientation required of all new international students to TWU.

More details regarding International Student Orientation, arriving on campus, placement tests, and health insurance will be provided once you are accepted to TWU.

As per TWU policy, all new international, newly transferred international students, and those considered to be International who were born in, resided in, or traveled to a country other than the United States, are required to have completed the screening process for tuberculosis (TB Blood testing only) prior to registering for class. Your TB hold must be cleared before you will be able to register for classes. TB tests must be conducted in the U.S.

Explore tuberculosis screening

Initial international students should plan to arrive at least 4–5 business days before the start of class in order to get the TB test and receive the results.

Find housing

If you are looking for information on how to find an off-campus apartment and/or a roommate there is a resource to help you through the TWU Campus Alliance for Resource Education. Visit their Living page to get started on your housing search within Denton, Dallas, and Houston. You can also access the roommate database if you are looking to share a space.

Transportation

Airports

The TWU Denton campus is located about 30 miles north of Dallas. Two airports service the area encompassing Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denton.

• Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW)
• Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)

The TWU Houston campus is located in the Texas Medical Center district of Houston. Two airports serve this area:

• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

Public transportation & commuting

All three communities where TWU campuses are located support options for public transportation at discounted rates for students. Parking is also available at all three campus locations.

Explore commuting resources

U.S. driver’s license

International students may obtain a Texas driver’s license while studying at TWU.

License for new drivers

If you have never had a driver license, either in your home country or in the United States, you must get a Driver License Permit (good for one year) by first taking a written test. After passing the written test, and after practicing your driving with a licensed driver, you can make an appointment to take a driving test. Written and driving tests are available at a local Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) office.

Explore Texas Department of Public Safety - Driver License Information 

License for holders of an international driver license

If you have a valid international driver license or a driver license from your own country, it is good for one year after your arrival in the United States. After that time, you will need to take a written test first. Upon passing the written test, you will need to make an appointment to take a driving test. More information about obtaining a driver license along with scheduling a driving test is available online.

Explore Texas Department of Public Safety - Driver License Information 

License for holders of a driver license from another U.S. state

If you already have a driver license from another U.S. state, it is good for only 30 days in the state of Texas. Your car must be registered in Texas, and you must show proof of registration (i.e. a Texas registration receipt).

Explore Registering Your Vehicle Information 

After registering your vehicle, you must also show proof of car insurance that meets Texas requirements and surrender your out of state license.

Explore Texas Department of Public Safety - Driver License Information

Required Documentation

In general, the following documentation is required to receive a Texas Driver License:

• Passport
• Current Visa Stamp
• Current TWU I-20
• Social Security Card (if applicable)
• TWU Photo ID
• Letter of Good Standing from International Student & Scholar Services verifying you are in F-1 compliance and good academic standing

If you need driving instruction in Denton, explore the TWU Driver Education program offered through a partnership with a local driving school.

Opening a U.S. bank account

Please see the links below for information on the U.S. Bank account process, necessary documentation, and how to choose the best bank account for you.

A guide to international student bank accounts in the US

For more information on financial wellness please visit the TWU Student Money Management Center.

Page last updated 11:49 AM, May 4, 2026