TELEPHONE SERVICES
ON-CAMPUS
If you are living on campus, phone lines and phone jacks are already installed
in your rooms. You will be given a calling card number at business registration
during the first week of school. However, you will need to provide your
own telephone. For more information, consult the package sent to you by
your college during the summer or speak to a returning student at your
college.
OFF-CAMPUS
Generally, off-campus apartment complexes will provide you with contact
information for the telephone company that services that complex. Those
students who do not have a have a Social Security number may need to provide
a copy of their passport and other immigration documents to the phone
company.
CELL PHONES
Since most new students do not have a U.S. social security number or credit
history in the U.S., most cell phone companies will not offer regular
service plans to them. However, you should inquire about prepaid cell
phone plans. While they may be slightly more expensive than regular plans,
prepaid plans are one way for students to begin establishing a credit
history.
PREPAID PHONE CARDS
Prepaid phone cards are generally $10 or $20. They can be purchased
at the I-Place, convenience stores or at most major bookstores. Also small
grocery stores and gas stations often sell international prepaid calling
cards. These cards offer very good rates for calls to other countries.
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DRIVER LICENSE/VALID IDENTIFICATION CARD
You may drive in the USA as long as you have a valid license from
your home country and if you are not a resident of the U.S. However, it
is strongly recommended that you obtain a California driver license if
you intend to drive or purchase a car and obtain the required automobile
insurance. You may apply for a driver license without a Social Security
number. A driver license or a valid identification card is a useful form
of identification for writing checks. A driver license application form,
handbook, and some sample questions are available at I-Place. Click
here for more information about driving in the U.S. and how to get
a California Driver's License. You can also visit I-Place or e-mail ipoffice@cmc.edu
if you have any questions.
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SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
International students must have obtained employment before
being eligible to apply for a Social Security number. A Social Security
Number is required to file income tax returns. A Social Security number
may be obtained at the Social Security Office at 960 W. Mission Blvd.,
Pomona during the week between 9 am and 4:00 pm. You must bring your passport,
I-94, I-20 or DS-2019, a letter of identification from your International
Student Advisor and a letter from your employer. You must wait at least
15 days after entering the U.S. to apply. Click
here for more information about how to get a social security number.
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TRAVEL: PLAN AHEAD
Before leaving the United States, see your International Student
Advisor. It is imperative that your documents be in order so that you
can reenter the United States, and your International
Student Advisor MUST sign your I-20 prior to travel. If you are traveling
to a country other than your own, find out if you need an entry visa.
Regulations for people holding different passports vary greatly, even
for travel to Mexico or Canada. Consulate telephone numbers are available
at I-Place.
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BANKING
HOW TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT
It is fairly easy to open a bank account - International Place staff
and community volunteers will be glad to help you do this. Most banks
will require the following forms of identification in order to open an
account: passport; I-20 or DS-2019; I-94; school ID card or copy of admission
letter. You do not need a U.S. Social Security number in order
to open a bank account; however, if you have one, you must provide it
to the bank.
Please note that there will be a delay on funds from bank
drafts or bank checks from a bank in your home country; it
may take up to 6 weeks for you to be able to get money from
your account if you open it using a bank draft or bank check.
If you use cash or traveler's checks (U.S. dollars), you generally will
have immediate access to your money. Banks will have varying fees for
electronic transfer - you should check with your home bank to see what
they charge to transfer money to a U.S. bank.
TYPES OF ACCOUNTS
Most students have two types of bank accounts:
CHECKING ACCOUNT for regular paying of bills and monthly expenses; allows you to write checks.
SAVINGS ACCOUNT which earns interest on cash which is
not needed immediately.
Banks offer various free services, such as free checking, automatic
teller, online banking and more. You may want to check on these before
establishing your account. There are several banks located in the Claremont
Village and I-Place can assist you with opening you bank accounts.
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HOUSING
ON CAMPUS HOUSING
UNDERGRADUATE HOUSING
Each undergraduate college has specific housing policies and a housing
director responsible for on-campus housing. Dorm rooms all have a bed,
a desk, a chair and a closet for your use. See our Dorm
Supply List for some suggestions on what you may need for living on-campus.
New students will receive information about housing from their college's
Housing Office. Also, see the handbook or housing website published by
your college.
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GRADUATE HOUSING
Claremont Graduate University (CGU) offers limited student housing.
Apply to Ms. LaVon Schwab at the real estate office, 1263 N. Dartmouth
Ave. (Tel 909-607-2609), e-mail lavons@cuc.claremont.edu.
If there are no vacancies, you ask about a waiting list. Click
here for more housing information and helpful housing links, including
a link to the housing
referral service.
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OFF CAMPUS HOUSING
Off-campus housing may be difficult to find and is expensive. Expect
to pay around $500-700 per month for a room in a private home. Rents for
apartments depend on size, furnishings, and proximity to campus. Two bedroom
apartments are usually $1000-1400 per month plus utilities. Be sure to
determine who is going to pay utilities, if there is a cleaning deposit
requirement, and the duration of lease before signing a rental agreement.
Ask questions. You will be required to abide by any rules or regulations
established by the landlord. Generally, you must give your landlord 30
days notice in writing before you move out.
Click here for more housing information
and helpful housing links and please do not hesitate to ask I-Place staff
or student assistants about any questions you may have.
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TAXES
U.S. Internal Revenue Service regulations require that all international
students and scholars holding "F" or "J" visa status
must complete and submit IRS Form 8843 each year (unless you have been
in the U.S. for more than 5 years), regardless of whether or not you earned
any income during the 2006 year. You can download Form 8843 from http://www.irs.gov/.
If you earned any income during the tax year, you must file additional
federal income tax forms. The tax year runs from January 1 to December
31 of each year and the tax filing deadline is generally April 15 or each
year. I-Place offers tax filing assistance throughout the month of March
and the beginning of April of each year (see Events
for current dates and sign-up information).
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