Dear Student,
With just about 2 weeks until you arrive to campus for the orientation events (September 17 and 18), I want to remind of some important details regarding your departure. Remember to utilize the Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival checklists in your preparations.
If you have not already registered for both UCI graduate orientation events (September 17 and 18), you can click here to register.
Arriving early to Irvine? Join me and the other Graduate InterConnect Peer Mentors for the Early Arrival Welcome Mixer on Monday, September 14, 4 PM – 6 PM at the Palo Verde Community Room (across from the Palo Verde Office, on the second level). Palo Verde Housing is one of the on-campus housing communities for graduate students. Join us for food, games, and mingling. More details to follow.
Airport Transportation Options
As a student, you are eligible to receive an airport shuttle discount through Associate Graduate Students with Prime Time Airport Shuttle. You can schedule pick-up/drop-off service to and from Los Angeles International (LAX) and John Wayne Airport (SNA). The current rates are to/from LAX: $20 one-way and to/from SNA: $9 one-way. Visit AGS’s website to schedule a ride: http://www.ags.uci.edu/services/shuttle/
Getting Around Irvine
Once you arrive to Irvine, public transportation options include OCTA buses (countywide), Anteater Shuttle buses (campus only), and Metrolink/Amtrak train, and new ride share options such as Zipcar, Uber and Lyft make getting around Irvine easier. For information on getting around Irvine, visit UCI Parking’s website at: http://www.parking.uci.edu/AT/. You can also learn how you can “Survive UC Irvine without a Car?”
Packing
Since you will be in Southern California, take into consideration what you need to bring and what can be purchased upon arrival. If you forget something, most housing and basic school supplies can be purchased at retails stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, or Ikea at low prices. Books can be purchased or rented at UCI Bookstore (The Hill) or at Amazon.com.
Your carry-on luggage should include a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, your important documents (passport, I-20, admissions letter, etc.), and cash money. Make copies of your documents to leave with a family member or trusted friend. Share your U.S. phone numbers and addresses so people can reach you when you arrive and in case of an emergency. If you need prescription medications, pack enough to last until you can obtain a new refill in the U.S. Obtain your doctor’s information and copies of your prescriptions.
Fall Fees Reminder
Fall 2015 fees are due on September 15th. After enrolling into your courses, log into your ZotAccount (https://zotaccount.uci.edu/) to view your outstanding fees. If you need UCI’s bank account information to complete a wire transfer, email Campus Billing at cbs@uci.edu with your name, student ID number, and request “wiring instruction” at least 10 days before fees are due to receive a timely response.
International Center & Check-in
Review the International Center Handbook for information needed to maintain you F1 or J1 immigration status: http://www.ic.uci.edu/forms/2015_international_handbook.pdf
You will need to complete the electronic visa check-in, iNavigateUCI, within 3 days of arriving to the U.S. (http://www.ic.uci.edu/Students/New/checkinandorientation.php).
Social Security Shuttle
If you will be employed at UCI at the beginning of fall and need to apply for a Social Security Number, I recommend that you sign-up for the free Social Security Shuttle Service on Friday, September 9, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM to the Mission Viejo Social Security office. A completed Reservation Form is required (http://www.ic.uci.edu/Programs/ssnshuttle.php).
Taste of America Program
Beginning in October, you will have an opportunity to connect with families in the Irvine area with a group of 2-5 international students and a GIC Peer Mentor. If you are interested in having dinner at local host family’s home, please submit your application online through this link: http://goo.gl/forms/gqwmFhlllw. This is a great opportunity to expand your network and learn more about American culture.
Graduate Student Orientation
Your schedule of orientation events is as follows:
- Thursday, September 17 (12:00 PM–5:00 PM)
- International New Graduate Student Orientation
- International Master’s and Ph.D. students only
- Friday, September 18 (8:30 AM–6:00 PM)
- Campuswide New Graduate Student Orientation
- All incoming Master’s and Ph.D. students
Register now for both events: https://ucigrad.hobsonsradius.com/ssc/eform/N6703IM0868Ex6700kx826.ssc.
I will contact you again next week with additional information to help you prepare for your arrival.
Sincerely,
Your Peer Mentor
Graduate InterConnect Peer Mentor
Graduate Resource Center (GRC)
3100 Gateway Study Center
Graduate Division
UC Irvine
Irvine, CA 92697