Finally Here

Your new address: Av. Aviacion 4055 Fracc. Porta Real, Int. Turin "insert the number of your house here" Zapopan, Jal. C.P. 45019

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1. Pack your style - Guadalajara boasts an endless summer, so bring shorts and casual clothes. However, remember it's not a beach, so include some stylish clothing for parties or nights out. While nightclubs and bars don't demand formality, having your A-game style is recommended. Tec's final presentations have a formal dress code, so pack at least one formal jacket and shoes. Don't forget your summer clothes too.
    

2. Linen and towels - Check your bed size and come prepared with linen and towels, consider buying them online before your arrival (Amazon.com.mx) find our picks below or purchase them locally once you're here at Walmart or any other super market. 
   + Linen
   + Duvet
   + Duvet Cover
    

3. Plug converter - If you're from Europe, ensure you have a plug converter as Mexican plugs differ from European ones.
   + Converter
    

4. Internet - The easiest way is to go to the OXXO (Convenience store) and buy a prepaid SIM card from Telcel. Just buy $200 min, and you'll have social media access for a month. But if you wait until the start of Introduction week, Tec de Monterrey will give you one for free. More info here
    

5. About the trip to Puerto Vallarta and Tequila during Intro week - Every semester, it gets more expensive, so I'll skip it. It's fun, and you get to meet a lot of people, and of course, you'll have a blast in the nightclubs. The hotel is all-inclusive, but yes, I will skip it or just create a group of people and go on your own, there's a lot of airbnbs, best areas to stay are: Zona hotelera, downtown, Zona romantica. people going to the trip with Tec will stay in a hotel inside the area "La Marina" you can also get an Airbnb there. I prefer to stay by downtown and attend this Saturday party: Majahuitas ALL INCLUSIVE 
    

6. Taxi at the airport - Opt for airport taxis; Uber at the airport can be messy. Expect the fare to Fisvo Houses - Porta Real Residencial to be around $400 - $500 MXN. Porta Real Residencial - Av. Aviacion 4055, Fracc. Porta Real, Interior Turin Casa (insert your number here), Zapopan, Jal. C.P. 45019.
    

7. Arriving at Porta Real - You will find 2 security gates, the first one to enter Porta Real and the second one to enter Turin. Just give MY house number "Turin 4" to enter and security will call ME to grant access.
    

8. Tec Classes - At the beginning of every semester, discussions about Tec classes can seem overwhelming. Please listen to my advice; everything will be fine. Tec de Monterrey is a top university with excellent service, and you are not their first exchange student. Give them some space; they will fix everything for you.
    

9. Extra Curricular - It's mind-blowing to see the range of optional classes Tec de Monterrey offers. Choose only two; you won't attend more than that. Salsa class is the most popular, so if interested, join ASAP. Besides, there are numerous sports classes, Mexican cuisine, circus, breakdance, etc.
    

10. Safety - While Mexico, like any other country, is safe, take care of yourself as you would anywhere in the world. Avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations, and be alert. Some students enter a holiday/vacation mood and make imprudent decisions YOLO style. Please don't. You'll be experiencing what I call "The bubble," a surreal world inside Mexico, where Tec and Fisvo Houses areas are super safe.
     

11. Don't drink tap water - We buy water at the supermarket or use a delivery service. Use tap water for washing your teeth and cooking, but do not drink it.
     

12. About Conexion trips and Parties - Fisvo and Porta Real residents receive a discount on tickets through an agreement we made some years ago. Please ask us for the promo code before purchasing tickets at https://www.conexionmexico.com.mx

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Feel free to share this guide with students that might find it useful

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Welcome to Mexico! There are few cities in the world that can match the great experience you are about to have in Guadalajara. Believe me, you made a great choice, and you are not expecting what's coming. Enjoy!

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