Housing and Transportation
Welcome to your new home¡ªSilicon Valley!
Resources for relocating to °®¶¹´«Ã½ Silicon Valley Extension
Silicon Valley Housing Guide
Finding your new home
We understand that the rental and housing market in the Bay Area can be hard to navigate.
We hope that this easy-to-use housing guide created by °®¶¹´«Ã½ Silicon Valley Extension with the help of JM Consulting, will help you find housing in the San Francisco Bay area. It's filled with great tips to ease some of the stress and make your relocation an exciting new adventure.
3 International Airports in Silicon Valley
With three major international airports, you can shop the best price or choose the most accessible airport to get here from anywhere in the world.
San Jose Airport
Airport Code: SJC
, the primary airport in Silicon Valley, offers domestic and international flights and is located just four miles from °®¶¹´«Ã½ Silicon Valley Extension. You can connect to numerous public transportation systems, taxis, and ride-shares from the airport. Visit the website for more information.
San Francisco Airport
Airport Code: SFO
The largest airport in the Bay Area region is the , serving more international flights than SJC. Located approximately 30 miles from our campus.
Oakland Airport
Airport Code: OAK
Oakland International Airport can also be a cost-effective option for traveling in and out of the Bay Area. Just south of downtown Oakland in the East Bay, it is easily accessible by (Bay Rea Rapid Transit), the taxis, Uber, and Lyft.
Transportation
Getting around the Bay Area can be difficult without a car. Depending on your preferences, you can spend very little ($) or a lot ($$$$), on transportation.??
Before you go to the Department of Motor Vehicles
- Make an appointment to get your license through the .
- Complete the .
- Study the law. Be sure to and the .
Your DMV Appointment: Part I
- Go to the DMV on your appointment day. Bring the following documents:
- Valid passport
- I-94
- I-20
- Two residency documents, such as a copy of your house lease, utility bill, or credit card bill.
- Pay the $38 application fee.
- Give a fingerprint scan and have your photo taken.
- You will be asked for a Social Security Number. If you don¡¯t have an SSN, tell the DMV clerk that you are not eligible for an SSN and are exempt from this requirement.
- You must pass a vision exam.
- You must pass the written exam about traffic laws and signs.
Your DMV Appointment: Part II
After you pass the written test, make an appointment to take the driving test. Driving tests are not given without an appointment. You will need to provide proof of auto insurance.
A California driver's license is required to purchase a car and obtain auto insurance. An international driver¡¯s license is not recognized by the DMV.
Leasing a Car
Instead of purchasing a new car, you can opt to do a short-term lease and pay month-to-month. is one company that has a leasing program for international students so check them out for pricing and terms.
Buying a Used Car
Another cost-effective option is to buy a used car. There are many sold on but beware of scammers.?You can also visit a ?location when you're here.
- CAR SHARING: ?and are popular ways to get around if you just want to pay per ride. The average cost per ride is about $10.?
- BUS: ?is the public transportation authority. A single ride is $2.25 and a monthly pass is $80.
- TRAIN: ?runs from San Francisco to Gilroy. Rides cost $3.75 ¨C $30 depending on the number of zones (1-6) you travel through.
- BART: Another popular option is which travels between San Francisco, the East Bay, and East San Jose.
- TAXI: Some people still use a
International Inquiry Form
Speak to an international programs representative.
Call +1 (408) 450-4945
Envelope extensioninternational@ucsc.edu
To schedule an online meeting with an international advisor, please .