Information for Visiting Students

Welcome! It isn't easy getting settled into a new place while also starting a new research project. Let us help ease you through that transition. Below you will find information that will help you get started and settled at Caltech.

Orientations
All students participating in an SFP program are required to attend a virtual orientation session prior to their start date. For JPL students, this orientation is IN ADDITION to the orientation provided by JPL's Education Office. Information about orientation sessions will be sent by Carol Casey.

Start Date Information
Please refer to the Working and/or Living at Caltech or Working at JPL tabs for start date details.

Pre-arrival Information
Forms: Please be sure to complete all forms in your sfponline.caltech.edu account.

Getting to Caltech: Airport, Shuttle, and Driving Information:

• If you are flying to the Pasadena/Los Angeles area the nearest airports are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), and Ontario International (ONT). LAX offers more flight options, but Burbank is closer and more convenient. Ontario is further from campus than LAX or BUR but may be more convenient for some travelers.
• To get to the Caltech campus from the airport: The main, and least expensive, way to get to Caltech from the airport is to take either shared shuttle services such as Prime Time Shuttle Service or Super Shuttle. You should contact these companies in advance to make a reservation. You can also take a Lyft or Uber, but this may be expensive.
• Find a campus map and driving directions to Caltech here.

Local Hotels if you arrive before your start date can be found here.

Mail and Packages
Visiting students living at Caltech should use the following address for mail and small packages:
SFP – (Student Name)
California Institute of Technology
1200 E. California Blvd.
Mail Code 104-6 TE
Pasadena, CA 91125
Mail can be picked up from the Keith Spalding Building 1st floor lobby. Hours are M-F, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Safety Trainings
All students working with a Caltech mentor are required to attend safety training upon starting your program. SFP will email students with safety training dates, times, and registration links.

Health and Wellness
Insurance: All visiting students are required to secure health insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay at Caltech. Please be sure to submit a Health Insurance Verification form through your SFP Online account. Visiting SFP students living and/or working at Caltech are required to pay a $120 health services fee. This fee provides access to Caltech's Student Wellness Services. Information about these services and paying the fee is in your SFP Online account.

Pasadena / Local Area Information