FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) 

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 
You can establish your phone service by calling Verizon at the lephone number listed below. You must have a Social Security number, valid California driver license or California Identification card. If you prefer, you may go in person to the Verizon Phone Mart in Montclair Plaza to receive your verification number. 

The local telephone company: 
Verizon - 1-800-483-37.37 
PRE-PAID PHONE CARDS 

Pre-paid 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 pre-paid calling cards. These cards offer very good rates for calls to other countries. 

DRIVER LICENSE/VALID IDENTIFICATION CARD 

You may drive in the U.S.A. for up to 90 days if 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. Before applying for a driver license, you must obtain  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, a handbook, and some sample questions are available at the I-Place and transportation can be provided. 

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER 

A Social Security Number is required to file income taxreturns and to obtain a California driver license. A SocialSecurity number may be obtained at the Social Security
Office at 436 W. Fourth St., Pomona (parking lot is on corner of Park and Fourth) during the week between 9 am and 4:30 pm. You must bring your passport, I-94, I-20 or IAP-66
and a letter of identification from I-Place or your InternationalStudent Advisor. You will receive your card in the mail in 4-6 weeks, but if you want to know your number earlier, you may call 1-800-772-1213 anytime after the day you applied.  Social Security cards for international students are usually stamped "Legal alien allowed to work." This notation means that you are only allowed to work on campus. To work off-campus, you must obtain official permission from the mmigration and Naturalization Service (INS). An application form is available at the I-Place and transportation can be provided. 

Before leaving the United States, see your InternationalStudent Advisor. It is imperative that your documents be in order so that you can re-enter the United States. 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. 
 

BANKING 

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. 

Both banks and savings institutions offer various freeservices, such as an automatic teller. You may want to checkon these before establishing your account. 

HOUSING 

ON CAMPUS HOUSING 

UNDERGRADUATE HOUSING 
Each undergraduate college has specific housing policiesand a housing director responsible for on-campus housing.  See the handbook published by your college. 

GRADUATE HOUSING 

Claremont Graduate University (CGU) offers limited student housing. Apply to Linda Roberge at the real estate office, 1263 N. Dartmouth Ave. (Tel 909-607-2609). If there are no vacancies, you may sign on a waiting list.  Rates for CGU housing currently are $320/month for a single room withshared kitchen, $660/month for a one-bedroom apartment,and $740/month for a two-bedroom apartment. A single room on 'Monks Row' is $345/month. 

OFF CAMPUS HOUSING 

Off-campus housing is often difficult to find and is expensive.Expect to pay around $350 per month for a room in a privatehome. Rents for apartments depend on size, furnishings, and proximity to campus.  Two bedroom apartments are usually $750 per month. 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. You must give your landlord 30 days notice in writing before you move out. 

Please do not hesitate to ask any I-Place staff or student assistants any questions you may have.