How the One-Weekend-Per-Semester Residency Works (Travel + Housing Tips) at CTX

If you’re considering Concordia University Texas (CTX) for your MBA with CPT eligibility, one of the most common questions is how the one-weekend-per-semester residency works. This short but essential in-person session is designed to meet visa compliance while minimizing travel and time away from work.

Why is residency important for Hybrid Professional Program students?

Each semester, F-1 students are required to attend a single weekend on campus in Austin, Texas. This is part of CTX’s hybrid program format, which combines online coursework with an in-person component to maintain SEVP compliance for CPT eligibility.

During the residency, you’ll meet faculty, network with classmates, participate in workshops, and attend intensive sessions that complement your online courses.

Travel Planning Tips

1. Book Early for Best Rates & Choose Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Austin is a popular destination and home to major tech headquarters like Tesla, Oracle, and Dell, so flights can fill up quickly. Booking 4–6 weeks in advance can save you significantly on airfare.

The campus is about a 30–40 minute drive from AUS, depending on traffic. Rideshare options and rental cars are both available at the airport.

2. Driving from Nearby Major Cities

Texas is home to several major cities, including Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. Each of these cities is approximately a 3- to 4-hour drive from Austin.

3. Consider Arriving the Day Before

Residency weekends are typically intensive, so arriving the day before ensures you’re rested and ready.

Housing Tips

• Free Housing Option

Housing is always the major cost for students traveling on-site. If you enroll through GoElite, CTX offers free housing during your residency weekend, a major perk that saves you the hassle of booking hotels. This housing is arranged by the university and located close to campus.

• Free Lunch Included

Residency days are busy, and CTX provides free lunch for GoElite students during the sessions, so you can focus on learning and networking instead of finding food between classes.

Why the Residency Is Worth It?

Beyond meeting visa requirements, the residency is a great chance to:

• Build relationships with professors and peers

• Get hands-on learning in a focused environment

• Explore Austin, a city full of career opportunities and cultural attractions

Quick Facts

• Residency frequency: Once per semester

• Location: Concordia University Texas, Austin, TX

• Housing: Free for GoElite students during residency weekend

• Meals: Free lunch provided during sessions

• Travel flexibility: Plan ahead to take advantage of Austin’s connectivity and avoid high last-minute costs

Want a free consultation or a personalized list of universities providing hybrid professional programs?

Reach out to our team today and get started on your application with expert guidance from GoElite.