Life in the U.S

LIFE IN THE U.S. COMMON QUESTIONS

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

If you find yourself in an emergency, call 911.

MONEY AND BANKING

Do not carry large amounts of cash on you or store valuables in your dorm or apartment. Instead, deposit money into a bank account and consider keeping valuables in a personal safe or safety deposit box at your bank. The federal government insures most U.S. banks (look for the term “FDIC”); therefore, your deposits are guaranteed. How to open a bank account – the most common bank account available to international students is a checking account. This account is the easiest way to manage your money since they come with a bank card (often referred to as a debit card). Each bank has slightly different requirements for a minimum deposit and different fees associated with the account, so make sure you ask beforehand. When you go to the bank to open a bank account, you will need to bring: - Your full name, home address, home telephone number, your campus telephone number, and your college address (Letterhead showing the local address – i.e. utility bills or apartment contract) Unexpired passport I-94 I-20 or I-797 approval notice Any secondary form of identification (such as: your passport, your Student ID card, birth certificate, state driver’s license, or a letter from the International Students and Scholars Office) Enrollment verification letter from your school ATM – U.S. Bank operates the ATM on campus, located in the cafeteria in the Fields Academic building.

DRIVING

Many students choose to purchase a car upon arrival to St. Louis, although it is not necessary. If you decide to purchase a car, there are several responsibilities and costs to consider. You will have to pay for: - - - - - License plates, registration and personal property taxes based on the car’s price License plate renewals Car insurance State and emissions inspections Personal property tax Car Insurance Missouri law requires that you have liability insurance, which covers damages to another person if you are involved in a car accident. Car insurance can be costly, so be sure to inquire with several agencies to get the best rate. Collision insurance pays for damage to cars in an accident. Comprehensive insurance covers any loss of your car due to accidents, theft or vandalism. The insurance rate will be based on the type of car, your age and driving record, where you live, how far you drive daily and the type of coverage selected. Getting a driver’s license As an international student, you can obtain a driver’s license in the state of Missouri. You will have to pass a written test (you may request a non-English version in advance), vision test and driving test to obtain a license. Requirements vary if you request a REAL ID-compliant driver license or a Non REAL ID-compliant driver license. https://dor.mo.gov/drivers/idrequirements.php Parking A parking sticker must be on your vehicle by the first day of classes. This sticker, placed in the bottom-left corner of your rear window, will clearly state what lots you are allowed to park in. Students who park in lots that they do not have permission for will be ticketed.

HOUSING

Living On-Campus Office of Resident Life 314.392.2262 Spartan Village Row, 503

Living in an MBU residence hall or apartment will provide you with a unique opportunity to study and socialize with American students. You will meet new people, learn about different cultures and interact with the student community. Involvement with the

university community will strengthen your MBU experience and help you better understand American culture. Resident Advisors Each residence hall and apartment building has multiple Resident Advisors (RAs). Your RA is a great resource and can answer many of the questions you have about St. Louis, living on campus, and community events. If you are experiencing problems with your roommates, food or any other aspect of campus living, you should talk with your RA first before seeking other help. Living Off-Campus When looking for apartments, consider the following: - - - - - Length of the lease: When can you move in and out? Your monthly budget: What can you afford? Distance from school and transportation: How will you get to campus? Safety: Is this neighborhood safe? If you will have roommates: How many rooms will you need? MAIL

Mail is distributed to student mailboxes Monday through Friday. No mail is delivered on Saturday, Sundays, Closed Breaks or holidays. Mail addressed to on campus students should be addressed in the following manner: STUDENT NAME Missouri Baptist University Building, Mailbox # One College Park Drive St. Louis, MO 63141 Packages must be picked up and signed for at the switchboard during regular business hours. It is recommended that students not send or receive cash through the mail. Outgoing mail and small prepaid and labeled packages (FedEx or UPS) can be dropped off at the main campus switchboard in the Administration Building. For other mail services, consider the following: United States Postal Service (USPS) Usps.com Federal Express (FedEx) Fedex.com United Parcel Service (UPS) ups.com DHL Worldwide dhl.com

When you change addresses, please go to the USPS address to change your address. Doing this will forward any mail received to your new address for a limited period of time.

Please Note: If OIE receives an item of mail on your behalf, you will receive an email or text notification. If the mail is received during the summer, you will have until September 1 st to come by our office and pick up mail. If the mail is received during the school year, you will have 30 days to come pick up the mail or communicate to us to scan the contents to you. Any mail remaining after 30 days from the date of notification will be shredded. MOBILE PHONES

There are several mobile phone carriers in the United States. A few of the most common are listed below. Visit their websites to find store locations or to order online. AT&T wireless.att.com Sprint sprint.com T-Mobile T-mobile.com Verizon verizonwireless.com Cricket cricketwireless.com Mint SIM Cards (a pre-paid plan) are also available in the OIE office.

INTERNET

On Campus MBU is a wireless campus. Wireless high-speed Internet is available in all university housing and throughout the MBU campus. Information Technology (IT) can assist you in connecting to MBU’s network. “MBU Open” is available to MBU students and guests. The password is “Spartans” (without the quotes). Off Campus To order Internet service for your apartment, contact a local provider. Common local providers are listed below.

AT&T Att.com Charter charter.com