Student Life

UDLAP organizes orientation sessions for all international students in order for them to get to know the university, as well as get the student ID, sign up for courses, check the visa status, etc.

Amigos Internacionales is a group of Mexican students who provide assistance with transportation from the Mexico City Airport to UDLAP on the official arrival day. They also support the International Office with Orientation activities and logistics, and are a resource for international students as they get to know Puebla and Cholula.

Mexico City Airport Reception - Our Amigos Internacionales will be waiting for the International Students on the official arrival day at the Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City. They will help and guide them to utilize the shuttle bus system to get to Puebla. The approximate cost for the shuttle bus ticket and taxi in Puebla is $500.00 pesos ($30 USD approx.).

How to arrive at UDLAP

Airports - The two nearest airports to UDLAP are:

• Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City (MEX): At Mexico City airport there is an Estrella Roja bus station where you can get a ticket directly to Paseo Destino bus station in Puebla. The trip may take from 2-3 hours, depending on traffic. From Paseo Destino station to Cholula, you may take a safe taxi or an Uber. The approximate cost for the bus ticket plus taxi is $500.00 pesos.
• Puebla Airport "Hermanos Serdán" (PBC): It is located only 40 minutes away from UDLAP by taxi. The approximate cost is $250.00 pesos.

UDLAP offers on-campus housing to all students. There are 4 residence halls at UDLAP: Cain Murray, Ray Lindley, Ignacio Bernal and José Gaos. All dorms have a 24-hour reception, secure swipe-card entry system.

Dorms are divided into suites with between 4-8 students that share each suite. All suites are equipped with a shared kitchen, living area, toilet/shower facilities, and a washer/dryer. There is a television with cable in each living room, and all suites have wireless Internet included. There is a daily cleaning service provided for all common areas. Please note that kitchen utensils and linens will not be provided.

Example of two Dorm suites each with 3 shared rooms and 1 single room:

Once a dormitory reservation has been made, it cannot be cancelled and housing deposits will not be refunded. For more information about the Residential Colleges please check: https://www.udlap.mx/colegios/ or contact colegios.univeristarios@udlap.mx.

On Campus Housing: $28,740.00 to $43,050.00 Mexican Pesos per semester, depending on room selection and additional amenities. No meals included.*

Trips

International students at UDLAP always want to travel Mexico to get to know the many beautiful cities that make up our country. Get to know Mexico, as well as its culture and traditions, through the Trips organized by the UDLAP. Trips may include visits to museums, archeological sites, historical sites, visits and interviews with artisans and craftsmen. All trips include: ground transportation, guides and entrance fees.

Explore Mexico through the exciting and enriching travel opportunities offered by the Office of Student Life. Please consult the following link for more information: https://www.udlap.mx/vidaestudiantil/

Welcome Trip

As part of the Orientation Week Activities, all International students are invited to take part in the Welcome Trip. It is a day filled with fun and challenging activities where students get to know each other as well as develop teamwork and leadership skills.

"Brilliant trip!" Exchange Student, 2014, United Kingdom.
"It is the best way to get to know people!" Exchange Student, 2013, Australia.

Workshops

UDLAP organizes various workshops for the student community, within the following categories:

1. 1

   Dance

   (Salsa, bachata, contemporary dance, Polynesian dance, Arabian dance, etc.)

2. 2

   Physical Wellbeing

   (Fit dance, stability ball, Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, etc.)

3. 3

   Artistic Expression

   (Drawing, painting, Photography, Acting, etc.)

4. 4

   Music

   (Guitar, drums, piano, choir, saxophone, etc.)

5. 5

   Sports

   (Cross Fit, Body Work, Boxing, Jiu Jitzu, Ice Hockey, Swimming, Kick Boxing, etc.)

All workshops are organized by the Office of Student Life, and are a great way of getting to know other students at UDLAP. You will receive more information about these workshops during Orientation Week.

For more information on workshops please visit: https://talleres.udlap.mx/

Estimated Expenses

Important Additional Costs

Students must consider the following costs:

• Travel expenses between home country and Puebla, Mexico and during vacation periods.
• Large purchases, such as computers, furniture, etc.
• International Medical Insurance.
• Medical expenses not covered by health insurance, such as eye care, dental care, and medical problems developed before arriving at the university.
• Food and housing during school holidays. Refer to UDLAP's School Calendar.

Important additional information

Bank information: Students are advised to bring an international credit or debit card. There are several ATMs located on campus and throughout the city.

It is not possible to open a bank account in Mexico while on exchange, so it is recommended that students handle their finances through their home bank.

Cell Phone: All International students are required to have a Mexican phone number during their stay in Mexico.

A SIM card may be easily acquired at many shops and convenience stores throughout the country. International students MUST provide their Mexican phone number to the International Affairs Office to be contacted in case of emergency.

The UDLAP campus is the ideal place for students to live in a healthy and safe environment. UDLAP's security personnel is committed to the safety of our community through their various activities which take place 24 hours a day, 365 days a year:

• Campus surveillance, through patrols and CCTV monitoring.
• Controlled access to the UDLAP campus and facilities.
• Response to all types of accidents and incidents on campus.

In regard to the safety of Puebla as a state, we encourage you to look at the State Specific US Department of State Travel Warning: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html
Puebla: No advisory in effect.

How safe is Mexico? Website: http://howsafeismexico.com/index.html