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iplace
New International Student
International Place of The Claremont Colleges HANDBOOK 390 E. 9th Street, Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 607-4571 Iplace.claremont.edu [email protected] International Place of The Claremont Colleges
“Where the world comes to Claremont” Important On-Campus Phone Numbers
International Student Advisors Claremont Graduate University 909-607-0434 Claremont McKenna College 909-621-8344 Greetings new international students of the Claremont Colleges, 909-607-3910 Welcome to Claremont and International Place (I-Place)! I-Place is the international student office of the Claremont Colleges, serving all seven of Harvey Mudd College 909-621-8344 the Colleges as a center for cultural exchange and international educational Keck Graduate Institute 909-607-8586 programming, as well as a resource center for all international students and Pitzer College 909-621-8308 scholars. We also partner with the Community Friends of International Students (CFIS), a volunteer-based organization with over 300 community Pomona College (J-1) 909-607-8001 members, to sponsors and support many of the programs and services that aim Pomona College (F-1) 909-621-8733 to provide valuable opportunities for the community and students to get to know each other. Scripps College 909-621-8273 Whether you are a visa student, hold U.S. citizenship, hold 909-621-8089 permanent residency, have lived abroad, or simply want to meet people from Deans of Students around the world, we invite you to I-Place and hope you will become a part of Claremont Graduate University 909-621-8965 our international community. Claremont McKenna College 909-621-8114 Harvey Mudd College 909-621-8125 We hope you enjoy your time at the Claremont Colleges Keck Graduate Institute 909-607-0389 Pitzer College 909-607-4176 Pomona College 909-607-2248 Scripps College 909-621-8277 International Place Staff On-Campus Medical Care Student Health Services 909-621-8222 Health Education Outreach 909-607-3602 Monsour Counseling and Although I-Place office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, Psychological Services 909-621-8202 Monday to Friday, the lounge is accessible to all stu- dents at any time. You can drop by and have some coffee or tea, relax, watch TV, read, and study. You can Campus Safety: 909-607-2000 Did you know? also reserve the kitchen by emailing [email protected] either for personal use or for your group *Calling an on-campus number from an on-campus landline: dial the last 5 digits Legal Documents House Hunting Tips
You must maintain full-time enrollment each fall Visit http://iplace.claremont.edu/living/housing and spring semester unless you have received to begin your search for housing. approval from your international student advisor. Startup costs for new students moving into rentals can be significant. It is not You have to keep your passport valid at all unusual for students to spend up to $3,000 to $4,000 within their first week in Claremont on their initial rent, utility connection costs, deposits, and furniture. times (at least 6 months into the future). To renew your passport while in the U.S., you need to contact your local embassy Rents for apartments will vary depending on apartment or consulate. type, number of rooms, location, etc. Rents for rooms in Rent private homes can also vary from approximately $600 – $900/month. Generally, rental rates for units close to I-20 (for F-1 student status) shows your campus are higher than those in the surrounding program of study and program start/end communities. Check listings for more information. dates. You need a new I-20 if your major changes, your program end date changes, or I-20 or you get employment authorization. Utilities (the cost of paying for electricity, gas, water, and trash pickup services) for apartments is typically not DS-2019 DS-2019 (for J-1 exchange visitor status) included in the monthly rent. A good, high-end, estimate to shows your exchange program and Utilities use for utilities is $100 – $150/month. Costs for utilities may program start/end dates. or may not be included in the rent for a room in a private home – you will need to clarify this with your landlord. There may also be initial costs to startup and connect certain utilities. I-94 (arrival/departure record) shows your date of arrival, visa status and how long you can remain in the U.S. You can retrieve your It is common for landlords to require the equivalent of up to I-94 from CBP’s website I-94 Deposit 2 – 3 months’ rent as a security and/or damage deposit. (http://i94.cbp.dhs.gov). You need to be prepared to pay this deposit before moving in. This will be outlined in the lease agreement.
This would be the person who signed your In general, off-campus apartments for rent are unfurnished. I-20 or DS-2019. This is the person to go to when you have questions regarding work Furniture Most rooms for rent in private homes are furnished. CGU authorization or academic trouble. Apartments are furnished (except for mattresses and International (See your international student advisor bedframes). Student contact information at I-Place website.) Advisor Check http://iplace.claremont.edu/living/housing (Helpful links-House Hunting Tips) to see things You should make a copy of your important to think about and key questions to ask landlords documents (e.g., passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, Pro Tip! when you are searching for rentals. Pro Tip! I-94) and keep them in a safe place. Shopping and Eating in Claremont Maintaining Your Legal Status
Check www.claremontchamber.org and www.thevillageclaremont.com for more information Changing U.S. Address about shopping and eating off-campus You must report any change of address to your international student advisor within 10 days of making that change. This includes address changes for students who normally live on campus and who remain in the U.S. during summer living off-campus. Eating on Campus
On-Campus Cafés - There are many cafés on campus: Honnold Café at the Completion of Academic Program library, Coop Fountain, Hagelbarger’s (CGU), Sagehen Cafe (Pomona College), Jay’s Place (Harvey Mudd College), Motley Coffeehouse (Scripps College), the F-1 status students are permitted to remain Hub (Claremont McKenna College), the Shakedown Café (Pitzer College). Check in the U.S. no later than 60 days after the http://aspc.pomona.edu/eatshop/on-campus for more information. program end date on their I-20. J-1 students are permitted to remain in the U.S. no later Dining (for graduate students) - unlike undergraduate students, graduate than 30 days after the program end date on their DS-2019. students do not have meal plans. However, they may take their meals at any of There is no grace period for individuals who violate their the Claremont Colleges dining halls using cash or “Claremont Cash” on their immigration status. student IDs (http://cards.cuc.claremont.edu). Check the menus at http:// Contact you international student advisor if you need additional time to complete your program or plan to apply for Optional Practical Training or Academic Training upon Shopping Discount Stores Grocery Stores & program completion. Food Markets Be sure to Google Target addresses, hours, and Trader Joe’s directions before going Walmart Sprouts 99 Cents Store Transferring to Another School Shopping Malls Super King Big Lots You must see your international student advisor in order to Vons Montclair Plaza Tuesday Morning have your SEVIS record transferred to the new school. Stater Bros. Ontario Mills Marshalls SEVIS transfer must be completed before the end of the Wolfe’s Market Victoria Gardens Ross 60 days (for F-1 students) or 30 days (for J-1 students) Superior Brea Mall CVS after the program end date. 99 Ranch Plaza West Covina IKEA
Failure to maintain proper immigration status is a serious matter and may lead to deportation and Find organic produce, specialty arts & crafts, and flowers & plants at the Claremont farmers & artisan market every ineligibility to return to the U.S. Be sure to follow the Sunday from 8 AM to 1 PM at the Claremont Village (on immigration regulations. Do not hesitate to contact Pro Tip! Pro Tip! 2nd Street between Indian Hill Blvd. & Yale Ave.). your advisor or I-Place if you have any questions. Preparing Your Legal Documents Medical Services
Travel Signature You must have a valid travel signature in It is very important that all students, scholars, and order to return to the U.S. after a trip abroad. their families possess and maintain adequate health insurance for the entire time that they See your international student advisor well in are in the U.S. Most of The Claremont Colleges advance of your travel date to get a travel require international students to be enrolled in signature. Do not wait until the week of travel Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Check with to get a new signature. your college or International Place to see if your International college has such a requirement. Note that SHIP does not include Student Travel signatures are valid for 1 year (6 coverage for routine dental or vision care (though additional Advisor months for students on OPT). coverage can be purchased through the SHIP provider). A travel signature can be used multiple times.
Travel Outside the U.S. Remember to first start your medical care on campus. On campus offices can cover most of your
needs at low or no cost. If they do need to refer you to visa ** You must have a off-campus services (e.g., hospital, physician’s office, I-20 or valid travel signature urgent care center, and pharmacy), you will save DS-2019 on your I-20/DS-2019 money throughout the process by using SHS first.
Proof of student status suggested (e.g., copy of transcript) First place to go: Tranquada Student Services Center Proof of financial support suggested (757 College Way). The facilities include: Student Verify entry requirements for your destination and arrange for Health Services, Monsour Counseling and appropriate travel permits/visas Psychological Services, and Health Education Outreach. To get a driver license (at DMV) or Social Security Number (if you get a job), you will need: In case of serious illness or injuries that need immediate attention For on-campus emergencies, contact Campus Safety (72000 or 18170 from an on-campus phone, or 909-607- visa 2000 from a mobile phone). You can also use an I-20 or emergency phone located throughout the campuses (some I-94 DS-2019 have blue lights, some are in red or oranges). For off campus emergency, dial 911. And additional documents (please see I-Place website)
Travel inside the U.S. - No immigration The US Healthcare system can be complicated for restrictions on travel within the U.S. international students. There is a helpful video on However, it is recommended that you carry I-Place website that explains it well. Visit: Pro Tip! your valid passport and current I-20/DS-2019. http://iplace.claremont.edu/living/health-care Pro Tip! Getting around in Claremont Working in the U.S.
As an international student, you can work in Although driving is the most common and easiest way to get the U.S. as long as you follow the guidelines below. around, many students do not own cars and first-year under- For more info and links to resources, check: http:// graduate students are not allowed to bring cars to campus. iplace.claremont.edu/current-students/employment If you are not a resident of the United States (you are on visa and paying non-resident tuition), and have a valid license from On Campus Employment your home country, you may drive in this state. However, it is strongly recommended that you obtain a California license if F-1 and J-1 students can work up to 20 hours/week you expect to drive or purchase a car (see I-Place website). (part-time) during fall and spring semesters, but more An “international driver’s license” only verifies that you hold a than 20 hours/week during school breaks Driving valid license in your home country. It is your foreign driver li- On campus means the 7 colleges and the affiliates cense that allows you to drive in the United States. If driving, No authorization is required for F-1 you must be prepared to show your home country driver license as well as the international driver license. Written authorization is for J-1
Foothill Transit provides bus service throughout Los Angeles Off Campus Employment County. You can use cash (exact fare required) or purchase a convenient transit pass or TAP card at the Claremont Transit Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Center on First Street. See http://foothilltransit.org for additional Internship (must be related to academic program) F1 information on Foothill Transit routes, schedules, and fares Bus Part-time or full-time, part or unpaid Need an approval from your international student advisor Bicycle riders are subject to the same rules and regulations as motorists. This means that bikers must: drive on right side of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) road, obey stop signs and traffic signals, yield to pedestrians, and Full time only (paid or unpaid) obey other traffic rules. New and used bicycles can be purchased from a number of places, including: Jax Bicycle Center (First 12 months per higher educational level (additional Street, Claremont Village), Coates Cyclery (corner of Foothill 17 months for STEM majors) Biking Blvd. and Towne Ave.), and Target (Montclair Plaza). Job must be related to academic major
Claremont Yellow Cab can take you to wherever you want to go, on time and safely. You can reserve online or call 909-622-1313. Maximum of 18 months (36 months after completion of Claremont Dial-a-Ride (909-623-0813) can take you to Montclair a doctoral program) Plaza, Pomona Valley Hospital, or any location within Claremont. J1 Must be related to field of study and approved by Taxi/ See Steps to using Claremont Dial- a-Ride at I-Place website. academic advisor and program sponsor Dial-a-ride
Zipcar is a car share service that offers rental cars on an hourly or daily basis. A membership is required. There are Always check with your advisor or I-Place before several Zipcar locations at The Claremont Colleges. See accepting any offer of off-campus employment. www.zipcar.com/universities to learn more. Pro Tip! Pro Tip! Watch for I-Place employment workshops! Banking Options Cellphone Options Note: This information was accurate at the time of printing. While the natural question for most people to ask is, “What’s the Please make sure you check with the bank. best cell phone company/plan?” there is no correct answer as there are a variety of companies and options offered. There are To open an two basic types of cell phone plans offered by cell phone compa- visa nies in the U.S.: prepaid plans and contract plans. account, you I-20 or U.S. will need: DS-2019 address Prepaid (pay-as-you-go) plans are convenient as they generally have a standard monthly fee and do not require a contract or deposit. Also, this type of plan does not require long-term contracts, deposits or penalties for cancellation. 339 Yale Ave - Claremont Village 800-622-8731 | www.bankofamerica.com Checking account: free for students (17-23 years old) with $25 opening deposit Contract plans generally require a U.S. social security number or a fairly large Savings account: must maintain $300 balance daily or set up checking acct deposit. Since you will pay a penalty for early cancellation of a contract plan, please make sure that you understand the terms of the contract before agreeing monthly auto-transfer | International transfer (send): $35 (foreign currency), to purchase it (many contract plans last about 2 years). $45 (dollars) | International transfer (receive): $16 | ATM services: charge to use other bank ATMs, available at Smith Campus Center, Pomona College
405 W. Foothill Blvd, Ste101 - Close to CGU apartments www.virginmobileusa.com 909-621-4175 | www.citibank.com No contract Pre-paid only Checking account: free (no opening deposit) | Savings account: free (package Do not sell sim with checking acct.) | International transfer (send): $25 (online), $45 (at the cards separately branch), free (ask for Global Transfer) | International transfer (receive): $10, Low cost www.metropcs.com free (ask for Global Transfer) | ATM services: charge to use other bank ATMs, www.boostmobile.com available at all 7-11 stores
400 N. Indian Hill Blvd. - Claremont Village Contract 909-624-9001 | www.chase.com Pre-paid Checking account: free for students (17-24 years old) with $25 opening deposit plans available Savings account: $5 monthly fee or set up monthly auto-transfer | Internation- al transfer (send): $40 (online), $45 (at the branch) | International transfer Do not sell sim www.sprint.com www.verizonwireless.com cards separately (receive): $15 | ATM services: charge to use other bank ATMs, available at CVS, Target, AMPM, and ARCO
Contract 203 Yale Ave - Claremont Village Pre-paid 909-398-1140 | www.wellsfargo.com plans available Checking account: free for students (if your use your debit card monthly) with Sim cards $75 opening deposit Savings account: free (package with checking acct.) | www.att.com www.t-mobile.com available to International transfer (send): $45| International transfer (receive): $16 | purchase ATM services: charge to use other bank ATMs, available at CVS, Target, AMPM, and ARCO For more information, visit http://iplace.claremont.edu/living/cell-phones, For more information, see: http://iplace.claremont.edu/living/banking or contact the bank cellphone company websites, or the stores.
If you do not have your local address yet, feel free to use Cellphones are also available for purchase at stores such as Target. 390 E. 9th St., Claremont CA 91711 (I-Place address). Before choosing any option, please make sure to research what you Please update your address with your bank when your are looking for ahead of time online and by calling the store. Some companies allow you to buy your phone or sim card online. mailing address becomes available. Pro Tip! Pro Tip!