Costs & Fees

Fees include a fully furnished home and bedroom (see photos under “facility”), wireless internet access throughout the House, utilities (electricity, gas, water, waste disposal), well-equipped computer room, a complete meal plan (residents do not need to worry about shopping, cooking, cleaning); a fully stocked kitchen for those who do prefer to shop, cook, and clean (residents provide only their own food), 3 televisions, 2 pianos, on-site parking, and so much more.

Room and board costs vary depending upon the meal plan chosen. There are no additional hidden costs for internet connection, access to the computer room, televisions, or game equipment.

The following thorough cost and living comparison was created in 2009/2010 by a resident from the U.S. who had lived at I-House, moved out, and then moved back in to I-House.  We hope it will be helpful to prospective residents of I-House considering off-campus Housing versus I-House living.  Please note that I-House costs as well as local off-campus living costs have increased each year and are not reflected exactly in the figures below. Following the comparison chart document, you will find comments from another recent international alumnus with his reflections on comparisons.  Dion also moved out and then returned to stay at the I-House.
See the cost comparison by a resident!

I-House is open year round

We do offer a one-semester contract. Most of our residents choose to live at the I-House for at least 5 semesters while they attend SJSU. While we hope our residents will choose to extend their stay, we do offer the option of moving out mid-year if that is a student's preference.

Students may stay during winter and summer breaks at per diem rates. Many residents work towards a reduction in their rent while staying over the winter and summer breaks.

International House is financed entirely through payments made by residents to cover their room and board expenses.

Financial Aide recipients

Students receiving Financial Aide must provide copies of paperwork from the Financial Aide office indicating that all forms have been submitted, and as processing is completed, must provide copies of statements indicating that Financial Aide will be provided in amounts sufficient to cover room and board fees after tuition and books have been deducted.

Unless other arrangements are made with the Director, Financial Aide recipients make a $250.00 deposit when accepted to stay at International House. That amount will be deducted from the amount paid later through Financial Aide.

Grant-in-Aide

Also, in exchange for work at the I-House throughout the semester or the breaks, the Grant-in-Aid program offers room and board at reduced rates. 25-30 Grant-in-Aid positions are available to residents who work 3 - 8 hours per week towards a rent reduction of $325 - $1400 per semester. Applications for Grant-in-Aid positions are reviewed at the beginning of the semester.

Fall 2013/Spring 2014 Semester Charges:

The following housing rates reflect our one semester contract at the International House.  While most residents choose to stay semester after semester at I-House, residents are not locked into a full year contract. Please note that I-House rates will remain the same for Fall 2013 and Spring 2014.

* Payment Options:

- Academic semester paymentsare made in 3 installments.
Payment plans can be arranged for payments to be made on a monthly basis.

- We accept credit cards for most payments. Once you are accepted to live at International House, we will provide you a link so that your payments can be made online using your credit card.

- All checks must be drawn on a U.S. correspondent bank in U.S. dollars and made payable to the SJSU Foundation.

- Once in the United States, payments may be made may be made by credit card, by personal check or cashier's check from a local bank, or by traveler's checks.

* Refund Policy:

Before making your payment, please be aware of our cancellation and refund policies:   
For Fall and Spring semester residents:

       Once accepted to stay at International House and up to the cancellation deadline, a $100 non-refundable reservation fee + 7% of total refund will be charged upon cancellation of contract. The license of an incoming student may be cancelled without further penalty 60 days prior to the official Fall semester move-in date, and 45 days prior to the Spring semester move-in date. The financial penalties for voiding a signed license without meeting the deadline are as follows: After the deadline and up to 14 days prior to the move-in date, $2,155.00 will be forfeited; 14 days prior to move-in date and thereafter, no refunds will be given on a broken contract.

For Summer/Winter residents: 
Once accepted to stay at International House and up to 14 days prior to the move-in date, a $100 non-refundable reservation fee + 7% of total refund will be charged upon notification of cancellation. Less than 14 days prior to move-in, or once a resident has moved in to the International House, no refunds will be provided. Please note that for Russian Music Competition participants, no refunds will be provided. 

For Parking Fees:
Requests for cancellation of reserved parking will be reviewed at the discretion of the Director. Refunds may be pro-rated, and a 7% cancellation charge will be levied in addition to funds owed.

For Linen:
TTo rent linen from I-House for the entire semester, the cost is a non-refundable $50 rental fee and a $50 refundable deposit. Both must be paid by credit card. We will refund the linen deposit upon return of all linen in good condition.

* Meal Plan Options:   http://www.spartanshops.com

The Dining Commons (DC) is an “All-You-Care-To-Eat” program. Please eat all you take. No food is allowed out of the DC. In addition, Dining membership plans also include a retail component which can be used at any of the campus retail dining facilities according to the rules of the chosen plan. A wide variety of nationally, regionally and ethnically branded concepts are available for you to enjoy.

Please select one of the following:

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
Dining membership plans allow plan holders unlimited entry to the residential Dining Commons during DC operating hours. Students can use their plan Dining Dollars in any quantity in any Retail Dining Facility during business hours.

GOLD MEMBERSHIP allows plan holders unlimited entry to the Dining Commons five days per week, Monday – Friday, plus $200 Dining Dollars per semester, and five guest meals. Dining Dollars may be used as desired at any open retail dining facility.

PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP allows plan holders unlimited entry to the Dining Commons seven days per week, plus $300 Dining Dollars per semester, and five guest meals. Dining Dollars may be used as desired at any open retail dining facility.

Spartan Dining Dollars can be purchased anytime to augment your meal plan independently of your Housing contract. Please stop by the Dining Commons office, the Spartan Dining Dollars office in the CAF Building or visit them online at http://www.spartanshops.com/

Special Dietary Needs
The license to occupy a residence at the International House includes mandatory food service. The Dining Commons cannot accommodate dietary restrictions.  Please note that no reduction of food service fees will be permitted for dietery or related concerns. Contact the Spartan Shops Dining Commons at (408) 924-1740 with questions.

Dining Commons Meal Services
Dining plan memberships are designed to provide the maximum value to residents, but like a gym membership, the cost is the same regardless of how frequently you visit. A percentage of absenteeism is used in projecting the meal costs.

Summer Rates

Year-round residents pay $20.00/night for double rooms, not including linen (sheets, blankets, towels)

Individuals who stay only during the summer or winter and stay at I-House for MORE than SIX WEEKS, pay $25.00/ night for double rooms. The cost for linen (sheets, blankets, towels) is $50 returnable deposit + $50 rental fee.

Individuals who stay only during the summer or winter and stay at I-House for SIX WEEKS OR LESS, pay $30.00/ night for double rooms. The cost for linen (sheets, blankets, towels) is $50 returnable deposit + $50 rental fee.

For conference groups, please contact the office to make arrangements regarding availability and rates.

Parking Rates per Semester

Parking rate is $200.00 for residents and $300.00 for non-residents (subject to availability).

Spaces in the I-House parking lots are assigned as parking fees are paid. Residents have priority to receive parking and choose a preferred space as the payment is made. Space permitting, parking is made available to non-residents.

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