Frequently Asked Questions from International Students
What is a community college and how is it different from a university?
A community college serves several purposes:
- For students seeking a Bachelor's degree, it is the most economical way to complete the first two years of the degree and transfer to a university of their choice.
- We provide skilled workforce training for those who seek to upgrade their skills and to enhance preparedness for economic opportunity.
- Tomball College offers lower tuition rates, smaller classes, and more personalized instruction.
- We also provide an excellent English program at lower cost tuition than most private schools and universities.
Do I have to take the TOEFL?
No, you do not have to take the TOEFL test to be admitted to Lone Star College; however, we require you take local placement tests before registering for classes. Please check with your advisor for more information on testing.
Can an F-1 international student work?
International students on F-1 visas are allowed to work on campus only for a maximum of 19.5 hours per week. Special permission to work off campus must be granted by the U.S. Immigration office and filed through your International Student Advisor.
When does school start, and when should I arrive?
At Lone Star College-Tomball, you can start school three (3) times a year: In the fall semester which begins in August, the spring semester that begins in January and the summer semester that begins in June. We recommend that you be in Tomball one month prior to starting school, so you can get settled in before classes begin.
How many classes must I take?
F-1 students must enroll in and maintain a minimum of twelve credit hours per semester. Per immigration rules, F-1 visa holders are only allowed to take one distance learning or internet class per semester.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Lone Star College System mandates that all F-1 visa holders must purchase and maintain medical insurance at all times. Insurance fees are included in the tuition and vary from semester to semester. Students having their own insurance may submit a waiver prior to the semester start date. Additional information can be obtained at www.lonestar.edu/ips .
Social Security Card or a Texas Identification Card
See the International advisor for recent information.
Student Housing
The Lone Star College System serves only commuting students. There are no dormitories available, however a wide range of apartments is available in Houston with varying prices vary. Students are responsible for obtaining information and making arrangements for housing as early as possible. Distance from campus and transportation should be considered in choosing housing. Bus service is available to most areas.
Clothes and Personal Belongings
The weather in Houston is generally mild and sunny year-round. The spring [March-May] and fall [September-November] are mild seasons. Sometimes you will need a jacket, especially in the evenings. Summer days [June-August] can be very hot and humid. Summer-wear is cool cottons; winter-wear is a light jacket. Casual clothes, blue jeans and casual shirts are acceptable. Men should also bring long pants [not jeans], leather shoes [not sneakers or sandals], and short-sleeve sport shirts [not t-shirts]. Women should bring skirts, blouses, pants or jeans, and dresses. Bring dress shoes as well as comfortable walking shoes. Participants are cautioned not to bring high value items to Houston. Expensive jewelry, watches, radios, CD players, photography equipment, computers and other valuables are subject to loss, theft and breakage. North Harris Montgomery Community College District assumes no responsibility for participants' personal effects during their stay. Ultimately, each participant is responsible for the safekeeping of her/his personal belongings. The Community As a multi-ethnic and multi-racial metropolis, Houston is the fourth most populous city in the nation (trailing only New York, Los Angeles and Chicago), and is the largest in the southern U.S. and Texas. Founded in 1836, the City of Houston has a population of 1.9 million. The Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (Houston CMSA) consists of eight counties: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller. City of Houston: http://www.cityofhouston.gov/ Strategically located about 28 miles northwest of Houston, Tomball has a population of approximately 180,000. Tomball Chamber of Commerce: http://www.tomballchamber.org/news/index.html