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. Click here for more information about cell phones.
PREPAID PHONE CARDS
Prepaid phone cards are generally $5.00, $10 or $20. They can be purchased at the I-Place, convenience stores, grocery stores, discout stores such as Target or WalMart and 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. 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. 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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SHOPPING
I-Place is available to assist new students with transportation to local shopping centers so that they can purchase items they will need to get settled in. Click here for additional information.
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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 http://www.usembassy.gov/.
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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. Click here for more information about banking.
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. A checking account for regular paying of bills and monthly expenses which allows you to write checks. You can also open a 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 your bank accounts.
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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.
GRADUATE HOUSING
Claremont Graduate University (CGU) offers limited student housing. Contact the Real Estate and Housing Office to apply. If there are no vacancies, you ask about a waiting list. For more housing information and helpful housing links try 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 $1,000-1,400 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. For more housing information 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 of each year. I-Place offers tax filing assistance throughout the month of March and the beginning of April of each year .
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