(Did you see the header page on this navigational thread? If not, click 'Help Getting Started' first.)
Getting to Monterey
If you are arriving at either the San Francisco or San Jose International Airports, you will need to use the Monterey-Salinas Airbus Shuttle to get to Monterey. Check out www.montereyairbus.com for schedules and on-line rate discounts. Allow yourself 45 minutes to get through customs and get your baggage (may be more now because of pandemic related issues).
Please reserve your Airbus passage online. It's cheaper but it will also assure you there is space -- mostly because of everyone’s luggage. There is only one “official” Airbus stop in Monterey, on Calle Principal in front of a parking garage. If the bus goes someplace else also (at passenger request), only get off at this one place. This is where we will meet you so do not get off anywhere else.
Be sure to give us your flight number and the time it arrives (in San Francisco or in Monterey) so we can monitor for delays. If for some reason there is a delay, do not wait until you get it all solved. Email or call us right away. If your phone doesn’t work in the US airport, go to customer service and ask for help. DO NOT WAIT until you are on your way after making a change – by then we may already be on the road to meet you according to the first planned meeting time… but you won’t be there.
Please reserve your Airbus passage online. It's cheaper but it will also assure you there is space -- mostly because of everyone’s luggage. There is only one “official” Airbus stop in Monterey, on Calle Principal in front of a parking garage. If the bus goes someplace else also (at passenger request), only get off at this one place. This is where we will meet you so do not get off anywhere else.
Be sure to give us your flight number and the time it arrives (in San Francisco or in Monterey) so we can monitor for delays. If for some reason there is a delay, do not wait until you get it all solved. Email or call us right away. If your phone doesn’t work in the US airport, go to customer service and ask for help. DO NOT WAIT until you are on your way after making a change – by then we may already be on the road to meet you according to the first planned meeting time… but you won’t be there.
Looking for Rentals
Let Us Help You Get Started
The rental market in Monterey can be tough – especially if you arrive late. You should expect to pay at least $750/month for a room, and up to $950 in some cases -- could be very lucky to get something less, but be prepared. If you plan to arrive in the second half of August, take steps now because many others are finding places before they arrive! Use the resources available to you through the school. Also be sure to check our tips on the separate Finding Rentals Page on this website.
This is big: Network with other students already here – you may find this is the best way, working with students who are here and actively searching, either for themselves or for friends. Do what you can ahead of time. Eighty percent of students find places within their first week -- but only if they come early.
For a more on this, including tips & tricks for calling about rooms, or connecting with property management companies before arriving, go to our more expanded "Finding Rentals" page of this website.
Also print out the special Monterey map with notes added just for you! You will find it just below this page in the navigation bar.
Please note that ISI is NOT a housing search or placement service, but we will try our best to assist you as our resources allow, including temporary housing for the first few days.
Getting around:
Monterey itself is not a very large area so it is often possible to get places by walking or biking. There is a very nice bike/walking path along the shoreline that runs from Marina (north) to Pacific Grove (south), passing through Monterey. You will certainly enjoy this once you get here.
Another way to get around is by bus, though Monterey’s transit system may not be as efficient as in larger metro cities. Check out www.mst.org for bus routes, schedules and pricing. Also see more information on page for Public Bus Transportation, including buses that go to San Francisco.
The rental market in Monterey can be tough – especially if you arrive late. You should expect to pay at least $750/month for a room, and up to $950 in some cases -- could be very lucky to get something less, but be prepared. If you plan to arrive in the second half of August, take steps now because many others are finding places before they arrive! Use the resources available to you through the school. Also be sure to check our tips on the separate Finding Rentals Page on this website.
This is big: Network with other students already here – you may find this is the best way, working with students who are here and actively searching, either for themselves or for friends. Do what you can ahead of time. Eighty percent of students find places within their first week -- but only if they come early.
For a more on this, including tips & tricks for calling about rooms, or connecting with property management companies before arriving, go to our more expanded "Finding Rentals" page of this website.
Also print out the special Monterey map with notes added just for you! You will find it just below this page in the navigation bar.
Please note that ISI is NOT a housing search or placement service, but we will try our best to assist you as our resources allow, including temporary housing for the first few days.
Getting around:
Monterey itself is not a very large area so it is often possible to get places by walking or biking. There is a very nice bike/walking path along the shoreline that runs from Marina (north) to Pacific Grove (south), passing through Monterey. You will certainly enjoy this once you get here.
Another way to get around is by bus, though Monterey’s transit system may not be as efficient as in larger metro cities. Check out www.mst.org for bus routes, schedules and pricing. Also see more information on page for Public Bus Transportation, including buses that go to San Francisco.
Finding Furniture, household items
and even groceries
Get More for Less!
ISI Monterey may also be able to help you obtain used furniture & household items, bikes, and other useful things.
There are several stores that sell good quality used household items of all sorts, real cheap. Need a warm jacket that's almost new? You might find one of those also.
Monterey.Craigslist.org is also a great site to find things very cheap. One of their links is for free things, but understand that someone else might get to it faster than you if it was left on the curb to be picked up! It's also a good way to get used bikes. Offer an additional $5-10 if they will bring it to you at MIIS.
For Groceries, the closest food store in walking distance is Trader Joes and is very good for most foods you need. The larger super-food stores with more variety are farther away, by bus or car -- Safeway and Lucky are the biggest. There are also great fresh fruit & vegetable markets as well as culturally specific stores – and they are cheaper than the larger grocery stores. You can find more information about these on our "Finding Good Food" page.
ISI Monterey may also be able to help you obtain used furniture & household items, bikes, and other useful things.
There are several stores that sell good quality used household items of all sorts, real cheap. Need a warm jacket that's almost new? You might find one of those also.
Monterey.Craigslist.org is also a great site to find things very cheap. One of their links is for free things, but understand that someone else might get to it faster than you if it was left on the curb to be picked up! It's also a good way to get used bikes. Offer an additional $5-10 if they will bring it to you at MIIS.
For Groceries, the closest food store in walking distance is Trader Joes and is very good for most foods you need. The larger super-food stores with more variety are farther away, by bus or car -- Safeway and Lucky are the biggest. There are also great fresh fruit & vegetable markets as well as culturally specific stores – and they are cheaper than the larger grocery stores. You can find more information about these on our "Finding Good Food" page.