Airport Transportation If you are arriving at any international airport in the U.S., try to obtain a connecting flight to the John Wayne Airport in Orange County (SNA). The airport is located approximately three miles from the campus. If you are arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) you can arrange a shuttle for transportation with Super Shuttle. Note: Some international student organizations provide transportation services to students from their home country.  Check the organization websites for more information. For example, you can arrange for transportation with Prime Time Shuttle, which has partnered with our Associated Graduate Students.

Review Housing Tips for New International Graduate Students.

Complete the UCI International Center Mandatory Check-in.

Activate your email account

• Every student is assigned a UC Irvine email account by the Office of Information Technology (OIT). To activate your account vist the OIT website.

Register for Classes (if you have not already done so).

• On-line course registration can be managed through the Regsitrar's website, WebReg.
• Other registration reources can be accessed here.

Visit your academic program administrative office.

•  Make sure you inquire about required courses to take during your first year at UCI. Also inquire about completing your tax forms.

 Attend the New Graduate Student Orientations.

• The New International Graduate Student Orientation is Sept. 20, 2012. 
• The Campus-Wide New Graduate Student Orientation is Sept. 21, 2012.
• Your Academic Program Orientation is the week of Sept. 24th.
• Some International Student Clubs also provide an orientation.

Social Security Card

• A Social Security Card is only assigned to students who are authorized to work in the United States.
• To learn how to apply for a Social Security Card, refer to information on the International Center website.
• The Associated Graduate Students (AGS) will be sponsoring free bus service to the local Social Security Office in late September.

Student ID Card

• Upon your arrival at UC Irvine, obtain a UCI photo ID card at the UCI Bookstore.

Banking

• In the United States, it is customary to use checks and debit/credit cards rather than cash because it is easier and safer. It is best to open an account at a bank so that money can be taken out of the account when needed. It is not safe to carry large amounts of cash.
• Transferring funds from your home country: Full-service banks with international banking capabilities sell international money orders and receive deposits from banks outside of the USA. The best way to transfer funds from your country of origin to the United States is by electronic wire transfer directly from bank-to-bank. This method allows immediate credit and use of the money. Other methods of obtaining funds from abroad (example: money order, checks, etc.) will cause a delay of two weeks or longer in availability of funds.
• Opening a Bank Account: To open an account at most banks you will need one or two valid forms of identification and a local postal address to recieve mail. A passport and a UC Irvine student identification card are usually sufficient. A minimum amount is usually required to open an account (e.g. $25.00). Not all banks require a US Social Security number to open an account, however, bank services may be limited (for example no access to online banking) if you do not have a Social Security number.
• Here is a list of banks and credit unions located on-campus or near UCI. The following have ATM Machines located in the Student Center Courtyard:
  • Bank of America
  • Wells Fargo A branch office is located on the Terrace level (Level 2) of the Student Center at G202
  • Chase Bank
  • Schools First Credit Union (SFCU) A branch office is also located on the Terrace level (Level 2) of the Student Center at G202

• In order to activate cellular phone service in the United States, it is helpful for customers to have a valid Social Security number and established credit history.
• Customers without a Social Security number and credit history may still activate service but may have to pay a security deposit at the time of application.
• Most cell phone companies require a two-year contract. If you do not want a two-year contract, you may obtain a pre-paid phone plan. 
• Major US cell phone service providers:
  • Verizon Wireless
  • T-Mobile
  • AT&T
  • Metro PCS
  • Sprint

Health Insurance: 

• Graduate students are automatically enrolled in UC SHIP and the premium for this insurance is assessed each term on the graduate student's registration fee statement.
• You may waive out of this plan if you can demonstrate comparable and verifiable health coverage that meets the campus' minimum standards for insurance. Learn more about UC Irvine's Health Insurance.

Personal Safety

• UC Irvine and the City of Irvine are recognized as safe communities.  In fact, Money magazine has ranked Irvine as one of the Top 25 cities to live in the United States, and Irvine has been repeatedly named the nation's safest large city. 
• New international students should be aware of the safety resources on campus, and should be responsible for ensuring their own personal safety. 
• The UCI Police Department is tasked with providing services that enhance campus safety through community-oriented policing and problem-solving.
• UCIPD also operates a popular – and free – Safety Escort Program that provides a safe alternative to walking alone at night.

 Transportation on and off campus  

• You will find that there are many resources available to you to get around campus and to off-campus locations.
• The Anteater Express campus shuttles take passengers around campus or to select destinations. Click here for route maps and schedule information.  
• Here is a guide on getting around Irvine without a car and information on local shopping and recreational resources.

• The State of California's Department of Motor Vehicles does not recognize the international driver's license.
• The State of California, however, does recognize a national driver's license from your respective countries.
• It is recommended that students obtain a California Driver License within 30 days after they arrive. 
• Also, automobile insurance is required by law in the US, and a valid California Driver's License is required by most insurance companies.
• Drivers License Application Process:  The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires a written test and a road test.
• No appointment is necessary for the written test, but an appointment and a car are required for the road test.
• A U.S. Social Security card is not needed to apply for a driver's license.
• The DMV is often crowded, so allow ample time to complete the process. Appointments are also available online through DMV's online services.
• Temporary permits can be renewed until the license is received.
• For a complete list of DMV office locations, visit the department's homepage.
• The closest DMV Offices to UC Irvine are:
  • 650 W. 19th Street, Costa Mesa, 92627 (800) 777-0133 and
  • 23535 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, 92653 (800) 777-0133

Part Time Campus Jobs 

• Many international students are interested in working part time on campus.  More information may be found on the Career Center website.
• Some academic units employ graduate students as "graders", "readers" and "tutors".  International students may qualify for these positions without meeting the TOEFL requirement. 
• Inquire with your program administrator about these positions in your program. 
• Please note:  Campus jobs are very limited for graduate students and finding the right position may be difficult. 

Connecting with people from your home country

• Many new international students wish to make contact with other students from their home country. 
• UCI has a broad range of international and cross-cultural student organizations, which are a great way to meet people.
• Once students are settled, we also encourage you to meet students from other countries and to participate in a wide variety of activities and interest areas.
• This is a good way to fully enjoy your academic experience and improve your English language skills.

Check listings under campus organizations and search for organizations that may interest you. 

Associated Graduate Students (AGS) also provides excellent opportunities to connect with fellow graduate students. 

The Anteater Recreation Center:

• Provides opportunities for students to get together,
• Join activities and
• Take health and wellness as well as recreation classes and field trips

English Language Assistance

• Many new international graduate students would like to improve their English language communications skills – both written and oral.  UC Irvine has a number of resources to assist you:
• The Humanities ESL Program: Offers classes in academic writing, reading and vocabulary development, pronunciation, conversation, and grammar.
• The Graduate Resource Center (GRC): Offers individual writing tutorials, writing workshops and English conversation groups.
• UCI Extension ESL Program  
• The International Center: Offers English conversation and development programs.
• Other Resources 
• UCI Student Housing communities may also provide English language workshops and programs.
• Resources from UC Berkeley
• Other Tips:  Find a conversation partner; join a study group with American classmates; watch TV and listen to the radio, join a campus club to meet students with common interests. 

• UC Irvine welcomes student family members into our community.  There are a number of services, resources and programs available to student family members.  For students with children. Click here for more information.

• During your first quarter, it is important to begin to make contact with faculty in your department and meet with your faculty advisor. 
• Each department has different approaches to advising and mentoring, and it is important that you understand the expectations of your academic program. Effective and efficient communications are essential when meeting with faculty. 
• We recommend you use the Graduate Student Individual Development Plan (IDP) as a communications tool with your faculty advisor/mentor.   
• For more mentoring and IDP information, click here.