International Services Office MOVING GUIDE

International Services Office

MOVING GUIDE

ARRIVAL AT DFW AIRPORT

There are various options we have made available for you to move from the airport to the city of Fort

Worth:

Take a Cab/Taxi from the Airport

There are many airport taxis that can bring you straight to Fort Worth. This service varies in cost from

$60 - $80.

Uber or Lyft

You can request a Lyft or Uber pickup from DFW Airport.

To use Lyft, follow these three steps (you must have the app downloaded to your phone). You may also

1. Find your pick up zone – After you land and grab your bags, open the Lyft app on your phone

and find your pickup zone. Head’s up – you’ll be directed to the green curbs at Arrivals.

2. Request a ride – Once you’re in the pickup zone, select your ride type and tap request

3. Meet your driver – Look for your driver near the pickup zone you selected.

To use Uber, follow these three steps (you must have the app downloaded on your phone). You may also

1. Request when you’re ready to walk outside - choose a ride option that suits your group size and

luggage storage needs.

2. Exit on the arrivals level – Head outside and look for the passenger pickup sign. This is where all

Uber driver-partners at DFW meet travelers for pickup

3. Confirm your location – Enter your terminal and door number so your driver knows where to find

you.

Board a train from the Airport to Downtown Fort Worth

From the airport to Downtown Fort Worth by this route takes about an hour. If you consider this option,

- Board the transfer bus (Remote south) from the terminal you arrive at to the south side of the airport.

- Board another bus (TRE bus) from the south side of the airport to the train station at

CentrePort/DFW Airport.

You can ask for directions for these transfers.

At the train station, buy a ticket from CentrePort/DFW Airport to downtown Fort Worth (ITC – Intermodal

Transportation Center) or download the free Go pass

App and buy your ticket on the app. It should cost

about $3.50, and it takes about 30mins from CentrePort/DFW Airport to ITC. There is a bus that travels

from Downtown Fort Worth (ITC) towards the school, bus number 02. You don’t have to buy another

ticket for that; you can use the one you bought before boarding the train. Tell the driver you are going to

UNTHSC, so he/she can stop at the right place. Alternatively, you can take a cab [call ((817) 426-6262.

Toll-free: (800) 444-6400 to your predetermined destination.

TEMPORARY ACCOMODATION

There is no on-campus housing available.

You can make your arrangements before arriving. See the hotel rates below. Pricing is very expensive. It is

recommended that you secure housing before your arrival by using the services listed below. Contact the

apartments near campus as soon as possible.

Note: You will be asked to provide a Social Security Number (SSN), although it is not needed to rent an

apartment. Please be sure to give the information that you are a non-immigrant visa holder, and you do not

have a SSN. Then ask what else you can provide as proof of a good renter.

Hotel Rates/Contacts in Fort Worth

1. Residence Inn-Museum Way-2500 Museum Way, Fort Worth, TX 76107.

Contact: Rachel Ickes| Rachel.Ickes2@marriott.com |817. 344.1865

Amenities: Complimentary parking, breakfast and happy hours and 24/7 coffee, wireless Internet, shuttle within

5mile radius, fully equipped kitchens, same- day dry-cleaning, heated pool, court/gym, grocery service and coin-

operated laundry.

2. Hilton Garden Inn Fort Worth/Medical Center-912 Northton Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104

When using a GPS to locate our property, please use: 2222 West Rosedale

Contact: Holly Denton |817.921.0788

Amenities: Indoor Pool, Full Service Restaurant and Bar, In-House Catering, 3,400 Sq. Ft of Meeting and event space.

3. Courtyard University-University Drive & Riverfront- 3150 Riverfront Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Contact: Mark Pierce| [email protected]| 817.584.5407

Amenities: WiFi, Bottled water, cookies, close to restaurants and shopping in University Park Village

4. Springhill Suites-Lovell Ave & 30 - 3250 Lovell Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Contact: Mark Pierce| [email protected]| 817.584.5407

Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, WiFi, Bottled water, cookies, close to restaurants and shopping in University

Park Village.

5. Embassy Suites-Downtown FW- 600 Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Contact: Sterling Hunter| Sterling.Hu[email protected]m |817-200-2870

Amenities: Complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast served daily

Complimentary Evening Manager’s Reception, with complimentary appetizers, and cocktails served daily.

Fully Remodeled, Spacious 2 room suites with 2 50” LCD televisions, wet bar, refrigerator, and microwave

Complimentary High-Speed Internet access offered in all our rooms, meeting rooms and public areas

Indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub

Newly Remodeled State-of-the-art Fitness Center

Executive Business Center

24-hour coin- operated laundry facilities and dry cleaning available (fee applies)

Guests earn Points & Miles through Hilton Honors program.

6. Holiday Inn Express-Lancaster & Henderson - 1111 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76102.

Contact: April McGuire|april.mcguire@hieftworth.com|817-698-9595

Amenities: WiFi, shuttle within 3-miles radius, indoor heated pool, and spa. 24 Hour fitness center, complimentary

breakfast, complimentary parking, self-service, guest laundry room, and 24 Hour Business Center.

7. Fort Worth Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott-1505 S University Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76107.

Contact: Kimberly Kimbrell|mailto:Kimberly.Kimbrell@aimhosp.com|817-999-3494

Amenities: Night patrol, business center, Wi-Fi, laundry, fitness room, Snack Shop, renovated, Indoor pool & spa,

continental breakfast, microwave & fridge, free cable & movie channels, Free on-site parking, Close to shopping,

restaurants, museums and zoo, NO shuttle

8. Town Place Suites-Marriott-805 East Belknap, FW, TX 76102.

Contact: Jennifer Noble| Jennifer.noble@marriott.com|817-840-0726

Amenities: Kitchen/Kitchenette, high- speed internet, and free breakfast.

9. Stockyards Hotel-109 E. Exchange Avenue, Ft. Worth, Texas 76164

Contact: Catherine Markle| cmarkle@stockyardshotel.com|817-869-4003

Amenities: Texas-style hospitality, The H3 Ranch Restaurant next door can be billed to room, numerous historic

saloons within walking distance with live entertainment, Billy Bob’s Texas, The Stockyards, Fort Worth’s best

shopping for Western Wear, antiques & souvenirs. Gym and business facilities, valet parking, WiFi and snack

baskets in every room.

10. Homewood Suites Fort Worth City view by Hilton-6350 Overton Ridge Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76132

Contact: Jorge Valez | jorge.velez@lodgestar.net |817-585-1578.

Amenities: All-Suite hotel, complimentary daily hot breakfast buffet, and complimentary evening social Monday-

Thursday 5:30P-7:30P. Fully equipped kitchens in all suites, Netflix-ready TVs, Indoor heated pool & whirlpool, and

Fitness Center

11. Courtyard Fort Worth West at City View- 6400 Overton Ridge Blvd · Fort Worth, Texas 76132

Contact: Victoria Robinson|Victoria.Robin[email protected]m

|817-294-7600

Amenities: Indoor pool and hot tube, gym and a 5 hole putting green in the courtyard. 24-hour front desk staff and

a Bar/Bistro open from 5PM - 10PM that serves, drinks, appetizers, snacks, and full meals. Guests can also use the

on- property laundry facility at no charge.

12. Hilton Downtown

Contact: Linda Brown Turner |817-882-1334.

Amenities: 24 hr Pavilion Pantry Market, Automated Teller (ATM) ($4.00), Baggage Storage, Bar Area, Concierge

Desk, Digital Key Available, and Electric Service. Elevators, Laundry/Valet Service, Lounge, Luggage Hold, Multi-

Lingual Staff, Room Service, Safety Deposit Box, and Snack Shop.

13. Omni Fort Worth Hotel - 1300 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Contact: 1-888-444-OMNI

14. Extended Stay America Hotel Medical Center - 1601 River Run, I-30, Exit 12, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Contact: 1-800-916-1392.

Amenities: Budget, smoke-free, all-suite, kitchen in every studio, free continental breakfast, free WiFi, and free

parking.

15. Aloft Hotel Downtown Fort Worth - 334 West 3rd Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Contact: 1-800-916-1392.

Amenities:

Indoor swimming pool, 24-hour exercise room, restaurant – lounge, restaurant open for breakfast only, and

free Wi-Fi.

LIVING IN FORT WORTH

Housing

There are various apartment complexes close to campus where most UNTHSC students live. There are a

few tips you should have before renting an apartment.

• Apartments are leased on a contract basis.

• Most managers prefer you to sign a 1-year contract. There are few however that would lease out on

a 6-month contract·

• Moving out of the apartment before the lease period is over gives you a bad rental history and

might deter your relocation into another apartment. This is particularly important for students who

intend to make their arrangements before arriving in the U.S. It is better to see what you are paying

for, and be satisfied with it before you sign the contract.

• Most managers require a one-time application fee ($30-$50) and a security deposit ($150-$300)

before you move in.

• In addition to the monthly rental fees, you are required to pay for your utilities (electricity, water,

gas, etc.) except if it is specified in the application that utilities are included in the monthly fees, or

“ALL BILLS PAID”.

Most students prefer to stay alone, so they rent a 1-bedroom apartment. However, it is cheaper to rent

the 2 (or more) bedroom apartments, as you can share the bills with your roommate(s).

We have included in this guide a list of some popular apartments where most of our students live. You

can also check out “UNTHSC Real Estate with Honors off-campus housing listing service” at

https://www.unthsc.edu/students/student-development/housing-information/

. Please, remember to also

consider the distance from school and proximity to the bus route before making a decision,

especially if you don’t intend to get a car.

Some popular houses/apartments among International students:

• CAMP BOWIE APARTMENTS --- about 0.7 miles from school (817-737-3153).

• CRESTWOOD APARTMENTS --- about 0.8 miles from school (682-204-9270).

• MONTICELLO APARTMENTS --- about 0.5 miles from school (817-626-6041).

• MONTICELLO CROSSROADS --- about 0.2 miles from school (817-592-9877).

• TAJ MAHAL APPARTMENTS --- 2656 Merrick street about 2.5 miles (817 732 8133)

• ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ---- Premier Gardens Apartments and Whisper Wind -- 1 mile from

school ((817 738 8701)).

• SPRING GLEN APARTMENTS --- (817-334-0555) about 1 mile from school.

• SPRING HILL APARTMENTS --- (817-347-9200) about 1 mile from school.

Please note: Most apartments are furnished with carpets, fridge(s), cooling and heating systems. You

might need to buy chairs and tables for your apartment. Cheap furniture can be found in the

UNTHSC’s “Property control” department, Salvation Army stores, Craigslist or any other local

auctions available. You may also rent furniture on a monthly basis from Cort furniture. Information

about the prices is included in this packet or at www.cort.com/student

. It is expensive but the

convenience of having the furniture delivered and set up and removed when you complete your

program may be worth the added expense. Cort furniture will also assist you with setting up

utilities, such as internet, electricity for your new apartment.

CAUTION: Beware of bedbugs when buying used furniture/leasing an apartment.

Communication

There are several phone companies with cell phone coverage in Fort Worth and most parts of the United

States. The choice depends on the cost of monthly plans, services, personal experience or

recommendations by current users. The following phone companies are popular among many

international students and have shops closest to school. You also have the option of purchasing a SIM

card to use in your current phone. We recommend using Simsmart USA (www.simsmartusa.com

AT&T 2834 S Hulen St Fort Worth, TX 76109

• Stand in front of UNTHSC EAD Building on the same side as the school building along Camp

Bowie Blvd.

• Take bus 2 camp Bowie westbound.

• Get off at Camp Bowie and Hulen and Cross to the other side of the street.

• Transfer to Bus 25 eastbound.

• Get off at Hulen & Hartwood - Oak Park -southbound and walk to your destination.

T Mobile 7th St & University (8685) 3020 W 7th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107.

• Walking distance of 0.49 miles from school. Located to the left of the Intersection between 7

street & University drive, beside the Chipotle and Mandarin restaurants.

Metro PCS 6510 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76116

• Stand in front of UNTHSC EAD Building on the same side as the school building along Camp

Bowie Blvd.

• Take bus 2 Camp Bowie westbound.

• Get off at Camp Bowie & Bingham.

• Take a 1- minute walk to your destination.

Verizon Mobile 4601 Bryant Irvin Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76132

• Stand in front of UNTHSC EAD Building on the same side as the school building along Camp

Bowie Blvd.

• Take bus 2 Camp Bowie westbound.

• Get off at Camp Bowie & Winthrop — westbound.

• Cross to the other side of the road.

• Transfer to Bus 32 Bryant Irvin (direction: Hulen Mall).

• Get off at Bryant Irvin & Fire — southbound.

• Take a 3-minutes’ walk to your destination.

Boost Mobile Walgreens 4515 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107.

• Stand in front of UNTHSC EAD Building on the same side as the school building along Camp

Bowie Blvd.

• Take bus 2 Camp Bowie westbound.

• Get off at Camp Bowie & Hulen — westbound.

• Cross to the other side of the road.

• Walk into Walgreens which is the final destination.

Money Matters

There are several banks close to school. To open an account, you will need the following: your

passport (or any form of government ID), and your I-20. A Social Security Number (SSN) is not required

to open a bank account, however, you may be asked to provide one. Please volunteer the information that

you are a non-immigrant visa holder and currently do not have a SSN. The banks listed below have worked

with our students and are aware you will most likely not have a SSN, we highly recommend them.

All banks are involved in international transfer of money from your home country.

For money to be sent from your country, you will need to send your routing number and the address

listed in your account with a zip code.

The list of banks is by no means exhaustive, but the following have worked with our students in the past

and are eager to assist new International students:

BB&T

4605 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107 (bank and ATM).

• Stand in front of UNTHSC EAD Building on the same side as the school building along Camp

Bowie Blvd.

• Take bus 2 Camp Bowie westbound.

• Get off at Camp Bowie & Hulen — westbound.

• Cross to the other side of the road.

• Destination is opposite Walgreens.

Chase Bank

600 Bailey Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107

• Stand in front of UNTHSC EAD Building on the opposite side along Camp Bowie Blvd.

• Take the Bus number 2 towards downtown

• Get off at Camp Bowie & Van Cliburn-University

• Walk about 5 min to 600 Bailey Ave

Credit Union

• On-campus ATM machine is located in the RES building.

First Financial Bank

1000 Forest Park Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76110

• Stand in front of UNTHSC EAD Building on the opposite side along Camp Bowie Blvd.

• Take the Bus number 2 towards downtown (ITC).

• Transfer to Bus number 4

• Get off at 8

and Humbolt

• Walk about 10 min to 1000 Forest Park

Wells Fargo

Montgomery Plaza 525 Carroll St, Fort Worth, TX 76107.

• Stand in front of UNTHSC EAD Building on the opposite side along Camp Bowie Blvd.

• Take the Bus number (2) towards downtown (ITC).

• Get off at 7

& Carroll.

• The destination is on the other side.

Public Transportation

Within the city:

The T bus is the major means of public transportation. Buses are numbered according to their routes. Bus

stops are specific along the routes and are indicated by the T stop sign. Buses pass at specific times during

the day and operate between 5:30 am and 11:00 pm except on Sundays and holidays.

Note: Limited routes and times on Sundays and Holidays

BUS 2 – Camp Bowie passes in front of the school.

For more information, visit the T website at: https://ridetrinitymetro.org/rider-services/

To Dallas, Irving, and some other surrounding cities:

The train service is called the Trinity Railway Express, TRE. It is a relatively comfortable means of

transportation to Dallas and nearby cities.

For more information, visit the TRE website at: http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org

To distant cities in Texas and nearby states:

Of course,

you can board a flight and travel from the Love field airport or DFW airport. If you

choose to use the bus:

(i.) the Greyhound is available: http://www.greyhound.com/

(ii.) the Megabus is available: http://www.megabus.com/ .

Places of Worship

Listed below are some places of worship for different religions

Buddhist temples

1. Wat Saginaw/ Wat Lao Thepnimith. 7105 Marvin Brown St, Fort Worth, TX 76179

2. Chùa Hương Đạo. 4717 E. Rosedale St. Fort Worth, TX 76105

3. Quang Chieu Zen Monastery. 5251 Rendon RdFort Worth, TX 76140

Note: At the moment there appears to be no available bus route to the above addresses but it will take

about 25 minutes to get there by car.

Churches

1. Fountain of Fulfillment: 4430 Foard St, Fort Worth, TX 76119.

2. Holy Family Catholic Church: 6150 Pershing Ave. Fort Worth, Texas 76107.

3. St. Patrick Cathedral: 1206 Throckmorton Street. Fort Worth, TX 76102.

4. Fellowship Church: 508 Carroll St, Fort Worth, TX 76107.

5. Christ Chapel Bible church: 3701 Birchman Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107.

Note: All are within bus routes and some destinations are within walking distance from school

Hindu temples

1. 3000 Longvue Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76108 (817-292-4444)

2. 1605 North Britain Road, Irving, TX 75061 (972) 445-3111

3 4517 Pine Bluff Court, Fort Worth, TX 76123. (817) 423-0840 [Hindu Temple-Greater

Fort].

Note: No bus routes available

Mosques

1. Islamic Association of Tarrant County: 4901 Diaz Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76107.

(817) 737-8104

2. Dar Alhuda Inc: 1245 Karla Drive, Hurst, TX 76053. (817) 280-0201

3. Dar Elsalam Islamic Center: 500 West Road to Six Flags St, Arlington, TX 76011. (817)

548-1700

Synagogues

• Congregation Ahavath Sholom Office: 4050 S Hulen St, Fort Worth, TX 76109.

Texas ID & Driver’s License

It is important to obtain a Texas ID (or Driver's License) as it provides a means of identification in place

of an international passport. They are issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/

Office in Fort Worth: 6413 Woodway Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76133.

• Stand in front of UNTHSC EAD Building on the opposite side along Camp Bowie Blvd.

• Take the Bus number (2) to downtown (ITC).

• Get off at ITC (Jones & 11

• Transfer to bus 6 --- 8

Avenue/Mccart/Hulen.

• Get off at Woodway & Cibolo—northbound.

• Walk to destination (1 minute).

Shopping in FW

There are a few affordable restaurants and eateries around the school environment. However, we

understand that some international students prefer their native delicacies. Here are some places in

Fort Worth where you can visit to get your local food:

i) St Joe African Market 1148 E Seminary Drive, Fort Worth TX 76115

• Stand in front of UNTHSC EAD Building on the opposite side along Camp Bowie Blvd.

• Board the Bus number (2) towards downtown (ITC).

• From ITC, board the bus number (1) towards LA Gran Plaza Transfer centre #4. Walk to

LA Gran Plaza transfer centre #3.

• Then board the bus number (25) eastbound.

• Stop at seminary & Fair Park (4 stops); walk to your destination.

ii) India Bazaar 5400 Woodway Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76133

• Stand in front of UNTHSC EAD Building on the same side as the school building along

Camp Bowie Blvd.

• Take bus 2 Camp Bowie westbound.

• Get off at Camp Bowie and Hulen and Cross to the other side of the street.

• Transfer to Bus 25 eastbound.

• Get off at South & Segurs - eastbound and walk to your destination.

iii) Asian Market 3835 Chesser Boyer Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76111.

• Stand in front of UNTHSC EAD Building on the opposite side along Camp Bowie Blvd.

• Take the Bus number (2) to downtown (ITC).

• From ITC take bus 11 Sylvania/ Mercantile — northbound.

• Get off at Beach & Chesser Boyer — southbound.

• Take a 1-minute walk to the destination.

Student Organizations

There are several organizations on campus, as diverse as the student population. These organizations

provide avenues for social interaction, community service, and self-improvement. A complete list of

organizations can be found on Engage.