International Student Operating System
Santa Monica, CA — housing, visa, costs, and arrival in one dashboard
International student score
71/100
Combines safety, affordability, career outcomes, campus support, and international student fit.
Annual tuition
—
Living cost (9 mo)
$13,950
Safety score
93/100
Intl. student score
71/100
Average rent
$2,700/mo
Nearest airport
13 mi
Adjust each line item to match your situation — visa officers expect proof of funds near this range.
Estimated first-year cost
$58,000
Can you afford this school? Compare against family savings, scholarships, and education loans before visa interview.
107 apartments available near RAND campus
Average rent
$2,700
Shared apt.
$1,900
Studio
$2,200
Distance
1.6 mi
Rent trend
↑ Rising
4 students are currently looking for roommates near RAND School of Public Policy
1
Male students
0
Female students
2
International
1
Graduate
Track your journey from acceptance to campus arrival
0% complete
Accepted
I-20 Received
SEVIS Paid
Visa Interview
Flight Booked
Housing Secured
Arrived on Campus
Checklists for before departure through your first month on campus
Your progress
0 / 4
Your progress
0 / 3
Your progress
0 / 4
Your progress
0 / 4
Your progress
0 / 10
Student-friendly accounts and cards for international arrivals
Wise
PopularZolve
Student-friendlyCapital One 360
No monthly feeDiscover Student
Credit builderOn-campus work can offset living costs — F-1 students have specific hour limits
Potential monthly earnings up to ~$1,550 for research roles. Confirm CPT/OPT rules with your DSO.
Find student jobsConnect with country communities before you arrive
India
~60 students nationally
China
~80 students nationally
Nigeria
~100 students nationally
Vietnam
~60 students nationally
South Korea
~80 students nationally
Four distinct seasons — budget for winter gear.
Winter
31°–39°F
Spring
43°–63°F
Summer
59°–85°F
Fall
41°–69°F
Pack insulated layers, waterproof boots, and a warm coat for December–February.
Light breathable clothing; campus AC can feel cold indoors.
Your progress
0 / 5
How RAND School of Public Policy fits an international student profile
Overall match
73%
Budget roughly $58,000 for year one: tuition ($32,000), housing ($13,950), food, insurance, travel, and personal expenses. Add a 10–15% buffer for currency shifts.
Merit and departmental awards vary by school. Search CollegeFind scholarships, confirm aid policies with admissions, and budget as if aid is uncertain until officially awarded.
Most students choose off-campus apartments within 1.6 miles of campus. About 107 listings are active near RAND School of Public Policy, with average 1-bedroom rent around $2,700/mo.
Start 60–90 days before orientation. Peak demand hits before fall term — have deposits, guarantor paperwork, and proof-of-funds ready for landlords.
Yes — 4+ students are currently seeking roommates near RAND School of Public Policy. Post your preferences or browse active requests on CollegeFind.
You will need an I-20 from the university, proof of financial support, a valid passport, SEVIS fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation, and a successful F-1 visa interview before travel.
Arrive no later than the program start date on your I-20 unless your DSO approves a deferral. Report to international student orientation and check in with your Designated School Official within required timelines.
Santa Monica International Airport is about 13 miles from campus. Options include campus shuttles (if offered), rideshare ($25–$60), or regional transit. Book temporary housing for your first 1–2 nights if move-in is later.
Many undergraduates use campus transit, biking, and rideshare. Graduate students and families may prefer a car — compare parking costs vs. transit passes before deciding.
Bring passport, I-20, admission letter, and local address proof. Student-friendly options like Zolve or Wise help before SSN; branch banks often require SSN or ITIN after arrival.
Carry $300–$500 cash for transit, meals, and SIM setup. Keep larger funds in a U.S. or multi-currency account — avoid carrying tuition-scale cash through customs.
Yes — RAND School of Public Policy hosts cultural organizations, graduate councils, and peer mentorship programs. Use CollegeFind roommate matching and country communities to connect before arrival.
Data sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, CollegeFind housing intelligence, and editorial international student guides.