| 1. |
How to get a bank account?
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- There are several banks within walking distance to
campus. One bank has an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)
in the Commons Building on campus. During orientation
you will be shown where the banks are located.
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You can get a checking account with online access and
no monthly fee.
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| 2. |
How do I get a mail?
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- There is currently no on-campus postal system.
All students living in student residences, except for
theme housing, are required to have a box at the
local post office. Rental fee is approximately $30 / year.
- At a theme house, such as International House,
you do not need a PO Box. The I House mailing address
is 106 Lee Avenue.
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| 3. |
Do I need a Social Security Number?
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- Yes, you will need a Social Security Number (SSN).
A SSN is a unique set of numbers assigned to you by
the Federal Government that will become your identity
number when you apply for a bank account, work, file
mandatory income tax returns, get a drivers license.
Students who do not have a SSN will apply for them
during the international student orientation.
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| 4. |
Can I stay in my room during breaks?
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- All housing remains open during breaks except for
Christmas break. No students will be allowed to
remain in any university housing during Christmas
break, except under emergency circumstances. Please
plan to go somewhere else during this break. During
spring break, February break and Thanksgiving break,
there is no food service.
- Students are not allowed to arrive early for the
beginning of each term unless he/she is participating
in sports or a special orientation. Students are
required to vacate their rooms at the end of fall
term and end of spring term within 24 hours of their
last exam unless he/she is participating in
graduation activities.
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| 5. |
Am I allowed to work in America?
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- Work authorization is allowed depending on your
visa. F-1 and J-1 visa students are allowed to work
on campus only, up to 20 hr./week. Employment off
campus requires special authorization by the US
Government and the International Student Advisor.
- The minimum wage paid is about $6 / hour.
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| 6. |
Should I bring my laptop?
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- Yes.
If you don't have one, you can either buy a laptop over
here or use the computers in the labs (there are plenty).
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| 7. |
Will I have free Internet access?
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- All students
living on campus or in university housing have
access to free Internet access?
- You can either use a common dial-in modem plugged in a telephone
line or go for
wireless Internet access.
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The W&L Helpdesk suggest to buy an "Enterasys RoamAbout card for laptops
or the Proxim Harmony PCI card for Desktops."
However, "any wireless card that is IEEE 802.11b,
11MB compatible should work." A wireless card
costs about $140.
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| 8. |
IWhat is the cheapest way to call home?
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While the university telecommunications system enables
you to make international calls, the most cost
effective method is by calling card. Special card
rates vary from country to country. When you arrive,
ask students from your country which cards they use.
Try www.nobelcom.com or www.uniontelecard.com
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| 9. |
What about electricity in the US?
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Electricity in the US is 110V. Please make sure any
appliances you bring with you have adaptors on them. |
| 10. |
Is there a parking lot at the I house?
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There are three parking spaces directly behind the I
House. One space is for the Resident Director and one
space is for the Resident Advisor. There are several
parking lots on campus that may be used to keep
vehicles longer term.
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| 11. |
Are there laundry machines at the I House?
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There are two washers and two dryers for approximately
18 residents. Cost is $1.00/load. There are
laundromats and laundry service available within 4
blocks.
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