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Welcome to the USF International Student Arrival Guide, and congratulations on your

acceptance to USF! In order to make your transition to life at USF easier, this guide will

provide you with important information in four main areas: housing, transportation, banking,

practical tips. The Guide also includes a game to help you review the content and a glossary

to help you with difficult words you may encounter while working through the Guide.

To get started, click on a topic in the menu to the left.

Housing

Transportation

Banking

Practical Tips

Game

Glossary

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EDF 6284 USF International Student Arrival Guide 3/11/10 Group 5

Housing - 2 Housing - Tutorial Title: Times New Roman 30 pt.

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Introduction

Obtaining Information

Important Considerations

Review

The Housing module will provide you with information about housing

options, housing searches, and issues to consider when searching

for and selecting housing.

The housing options available to you include on-campus housing,

off-campus apartments and, for short-term use, hotels. When

choosing among these options, you will need to decide whether or

not you want to live with roommates or be responsible for utilities

and a long-term lease, as well as which types of transportation you

have access to.USF’s Castor Hall

Home | Transportation | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

Introduction

Obtaining Information- On-Campus

Housing

- Abbreviation Key- Internet Search- Newspaper


Review

Obtaining Information: On-Campus Housing

All enrolled degree-seeking students are eligible for on-campus

housing. First-year undergraduate students enrolled as full-time

students, are required to live in on-campus housing; however,

graduate students, transfer students, and students older than 21

are free to choose on- or off-campus housing.

• Click here for a list of exceptions to this rule.

USF offers a variety of housing options, including residence halls,

single and shared apartments, and apartments for families.

For more information about on-campus housing, including prices

and housing applications, visit USF’s Housing Web site.

USF’s Beta Hall


Introduction


Housing



Review

Obtaining Information: Abbreviation Key

If you choose to search for off-campus housing, many resources are available to

assist you in your search, including Internet classifieds and newspapers. These

classifieds often contain abbreviations, and it’s important to know what they mean.

Here is a key of some of the most common ones:

Apt = Apartment Req = Required

Br = Bedroom Ref = Reference

Dep = Deposit Rm = Room

a/c = Air Conditioning Sngl = Single

Incl = Included Trans = Transportation

Nbhd = Neighborhood Upstrs = Upstairs

Priv = Private Util = Utilities


Introduction


Housing



Review

Obtaining Information: Internet Search

Internet searches are a popular method for finding housing in the U.S. Here are a few

useful Web sites:

• USF Housing Classifieds: This site includes many useful features and is

intended exclusively for USF students. Most of the advertisements (ads) on this

site are posted by students searching for roommates.

• Craigslist: This is a very popular Web site. When you

get to the site, click “Florida,” then “Tampa.” You can

view the housing ads under the heading “housing.” You

do not have to register to search.


Introduction


Housing



Review

Obtaining Information: Newspaper

Most newspapers have a classified section, in which people

advertise jobs, cars, and housing. Most classifieds include a

phone number or email address which you can use to get more

information about advertised apartments and perhaps arrange to

view them.

A majority of newspapers have online and print editions, both

of which include classified ads. Here are links to a few

newspapers in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area:

• USF Oracle

• Tampa Tribune

• St. Petersburg Times

USF’s The Oracle


Introduction



- Transportation &

Location

- Utilities

- Roommates

Review

Important Considerations: Transportation & Location

When deciding where to live, it is important to consider

which types of transportation you will have access to.

If you have access to a car, then you can live anywhere

in the Tampa/St.Petersburg area. If not, you will need

to walk, ride a bike, or take a bus.

The map (click to enlarge) to the right shows the area around campus

which is within walking distance (the blue square) and within bike-riding

distance (the red square). If you do not live in these areas and do not

have a car, you will have to take a bus (see the Transportation section).

Map of USF Area


Another important consideration is whether utilities will be included in your rent. Utilities can

be a big responsibility and are often quite expensive, especially if you live alone.

If you decide to live on campus, your utilities will be included in your rent. If you live with a

roommate, there are two possibilities: 1) utilities are included in your monthly rent, which is

fixed, or 2) you pay a portion of the utilities each month.

If you decide to lease your own apartment, you will, in most cases, be responsible for getting

the utilities connected and paying them each month.

Introduction


Important Considerations- Transportation &

Location

- Utilities

- Roommates

Review

Important Considerations: Utilities


Introduction


Important Considerations- Transportation &

Location- Utilities- Roommates

Review

Important Considerations: Roommates

A final consideration is whether or not you would like to live with roommates. Living

with roommates can present challenges; here are some issues which can lead to

problems between roommates:

• Borrowing items without permission

• Eating other person’s food

• Messy living habits

• Noise

But, living with roommates can be a good experience and a great way to make new

friends, not to mention a great way to save money on living expenses!


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Client Name Project Title Last Update Name of Designer

Page number Basic page type: Font type & size Color specs.:

Description of Copy text:

User Interactions:

Hyper Links

Audio inclusion and controls:

11

EDF 6284 USF International Student Arrival Guide 3/11/10 Group 5

Housing - 2 Housing - Tutorial Title: Times New Roman 30 pt.

Gold-Bar Menu:

Left Menu:

Subtitle: Calibri 18 pt. black

Text: Calibri 14 pt. black

RBGs

Blue Menu: 0/51/102

Gold Bar: 201/177/62

Top/Bottom: Blue Gradient

93/150/217

Video inclusion and controls:

Introduction



Review

Review

• First-year undergraduate students must live on campus.

• All other students may choose from a range of housing options, including on-

campus dorms, on-campus apartments, and off-campus apartments.

• Students may use Internet and newspaper classifieds to find off-campus housing.

• Students must consider utilities payments, roommate issues, and transportation.


Click Game on the gold menu bar to practice your knowledge!

Click on menu items for other topics in the USF International Student Arrival Guide.

Introduction

Bus Information

Florida Driver’s License

Review

The Transportation module provides resources to learn about getting around in

the Tampa Bay area.

Once on campus, USF runs it’s own Bull Runner shuttle

bus. For getting around off-campus, there are taxis, rental

cars, the HART bus system, or you may decide to buy your

own car.

Home | Housing | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

Taxis, rental cars, and a shuttle bus are available upon

arrival at the Tampa Bay airport.

For additional information, check the USF Transportation Web site.

USF students have fare free access to both the USF Bull Runner

shuttle bus and HART - the Tampa Bay area bus system.

Paper route maps and schedules can be found at the Marshall

Center, HART’s University Area Transit Center or your local

mall or library. Maps and schedules, along with some interactive

tools, are also available online.

First, you will learn about the USF Bull Runner shuttle bus,

followed by information on the HART bus system.

Introduction

Bus Information- USF Bus - HART Bus


Review

Bus Information


All USF students, faculty, staff and visitors can ride the Bull Runner fare free.

There are currently five routes on campus and to nearby off-campus locations.

To view a map of the routes, click here:

USF Bull Runner map

Additional information on bus policies and hours of operation are available at

the USF Bull Runner Web site.

Introduction

Bus Information- USF Bus

- HART Bus


Review

USF Bull Runner Shuttle Bus


USF students showing a valid USF identification card can ride HART’s local,

connector and limited express bus routes FREE (faculty and

staff pay just 25 cents.) For more information go to

USF U-Pass Program.

Introduction


- HART Bus


Review

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART)

For route maps and schedules, go to

Maps and Schedules on the HART

Web site.


HART Bus

Introduction


- HART Bus


Review

• USF students have fare free access to both the USF

Bull Runner shuttle bus and HART - the Tampa Bay

area bus system.

• Paper route maps and schedules can be found at the

Marshall Center, HART’s University Area Transit

Center, or your local mall or library and online.

Points to Remember



If you plan to drive in the state of Florida, you will

need to obtain a Florida driver’s license. This

section will provide you with information on the

testing and documentation needed to acquire a

Florida driver’s license.

It will also provide information on study materials and driver’s training, if needed, as

well as how to find the nearest Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office

for testing and licensing.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides information

concerning Florida driver licenses at http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/dlnew.html


Introduction

Bus Information

Florida Driver’s License-Required Exams-Documents Needed-DMV Office-Fees

Review

There are four tests required to obtain your first Florida driver’s license:

• Hearing and vision exams – completed at the DMV office.

• Written test– includes 20 multiple choice questions each on road signs on

traffic laws and safety.

• Driving test – an examiner observes your ability to control the vehicle and

how well you obey traffic laws.

Required Exams

To prepare for the tests, the Florida Driver’s Handbook is

available free at all driver’s license offices and online. For driver’s

training courses check the local phone book or the online list of

approved Driving Courses.

Introduction

Bus Information


Review


The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

has a new Web site at Gather Go Get that provides the

latest information on the documents required for obtaining

a Florida driver’s license.

Introduction

Bus Information

Florida Driver’s License-Required Exams-Documents Needed-DMV Offices-Fees

Review

Documents Needed

Basically you will need proof of identity, proof of social security number (if issued),

and proof of residential address.

You will also need to provide proof of completion of a Traffic Law & Substance

Abuse Education (TLSAE) Course. The TLSAE course is sometimes also referred to

as the DATA (Drug, Alcohol, Traffic Awareness) course. Here is a link to a list of

schools providing courses approved by the DMV – TLSAE Providers.


Once you have all required documentation and are ready to take your tests,

you will need to schedule an appointment with a Department of Motor

Vehicles (DMV) office.

The office closest to the USF campus is

located at:

14610 Livingston Avenue, Tampa

Phone: (813) 558-1130

Introduction

Bus Information


Review

Department of Motor Vehicles Office


Appointments for both the written exam and

the driving test can be made online –

DMV Appointments Online

Closest DMV Office

Congratulations! You passed your written and driving tests and are now ready to get

your license. You will have to pay the fee and have your photo taken for the license.

The current fee for a license to drive a car for private use is $48.00.

Cash, check, MasterCard, Discover Card, and American Express are accepted for

payment.

You will first be issued a 30-day, no photo, paper temporary permit and a receipt.

After identity and legal status verification, a driver license is issued within 30 days

from Tallahassee, and mailed to the address on the driver record.

Fees and Obtaining License


Introduction

Bus Information


Review

Introduction

Bus Information


Review



• USF students have fare free access to both the USF Bull Runner shuttle bus and HART - the Tampa Bay area bus system.

• Paper route maps and schedules can be found in multiple locations and online.

• Four tests are required to obtain a Florida driver’s license: hearing, vision, written, and driving.

• You need to complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course before applying for a driver’s license.

Review


Introduction

Obtain SSN

Open Bank

Account

U.S. Money

Review

The Banking module provides information on topics related to money.

You will learn what is needed to open a bank account and also how to

recognize U.S. currency and its value.

A section on how to obtain a social security number (SSN) is

included for those who are eligible to apply for one.

Home | Housing | Transportation | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

Introduction

Obtain SSN- Documents Needed

- Social Security Office

Open Bank

Account

U.S. Money

Review

Obtain Social Security Number

While in the United States you will occasionally be

asked to provide a Social Security number (SSN).

Some schools and most government offices use SSNs

as identification numbers.


SSNs are used to report wages and determine eligibility for Social Security benefits.

They are usually only assigned to people authorized to work in the U.S. In general,

international students are only able to apply for an SSN if they have permission to work

from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

More information on immigration status and eligibility is available from the Social

Security Administration in SSA Publication No. 05-10181, International Students and

Social Security Numbers.

Documents Needed

If you determine you are eligible and need to apply for a Social Security number,

you will first need to complete Form SS-5, Application for Social Security Number.

Next you need to gather original documents proving your:

•Immigration status

•Work eligibility

•Age, and

•Identity

More information on specific documents required is available in the document

International Students and Social Security Numbers.

For information on obtaining proof of work eligibility check with:

USF International Student Services


Introduction



Open Bank

Account

U.S. Money

Review

Social Security Office

Take completed application and original documents to a Social Security office.

The Social Security office closest

to the USF campus is:

SOCIAL SECURITY, SUITE 100

4010 GUNN HIGHWAY

TAMPA, FL 33618

For more information or to find a different office, go to the Social Security Locator

Web site and type in your zip code. (The USF campus zip code is 33620)


Closest Social Security Office

Introduction



Open Bank

Account

U.S. Money

Review

Introduction

Obtain SSN

Open Bank Account

U.S. Money

Review

Open Bank Account

You will most likely want to open a bank account

to make handling your money easier. Look in a local phone

book or online to find a bank close to campus or to where

you live. When you go, make sure you bring your passport

and the funds you want to deposit.


Every bank has different requirements, so it’s a good idea to also bring your immigration

status documents such as the I-94 and I-20, and another form of ID such as a student ID

or driver’s license. The bank will probably ask for a Social Security number, but it will

not be needed to open an account. The documents mentioned above should be enough

to establish your identity.

Introduction

Obtain SSN

Open Bank Account

U.S. Money

Review

Penney = 1 cent = $0.01

Nickel = 5 cents = $0.05

Dime = 10 cents = $0.10

Quarter = 25 cents = $0.25

Half Dollar = 50 cent s= $0.50

Dollar coin = 1 Dollar= $1.00

Dollar bill= 1 Dollar= $1.00

U. S. Money

The images below are of the most common U.S. currency. The picture on the front is not always the same, so pay attention to the relative size also.


Beware – a dollar coin is very close in size to a quarter.

Introduction

Obtain SSN

Open Bank Account

U.S. Money

Review




Review

• Social Security numbers are only needed if you plan to work

• Use your passport and immigration status documents for identification at a bank

•Dollar coins and quarters are close to the same size.

The Practical Tips module discusses several topics . You will learn what

to do in case of emergency, either on- or off campus and you will also find

out about alcohol and tobacco laws in Florida, so you too can be a law

abiding citizen!

IntroductionIntroduction

Medical Emergency

Witness/Victim

Crime

Florida Laws

U.S

Measurements

Review

Additionally, you will be introduced to the American System for

measurements, a non-metric system that takes a little getting used to.

Several handy tables with distance, size and volume measurements will

provide you with accurate information so for instance, you will know how

to measure the ingredients of an American recipe you ‘d like to cook for

you new friends.

Home | Housing | Transportation | Banking | Game | Glossary

Introduction

Medical Medical EmergencyEmergency

Witness/Victim

Crime

Florida Laws

U.S

Measurements

Review

Do you know what number to call for a medical emergency?

In America there is a handy 3 digit number to call in case of emergency. The number

is 9-1-1. The idea behind 9-1-1 is pretty simple: Give people a single, easy-to-

However, if your situation in non-life threatening and you have USF health insurance, you

can go to health.usf.edu and find a doctor and make an appointment. If you need

immediate medical care on the weekends, you can visit either a walk-in clinic or the

emergency room at the hospital. It is always a good idea to first check with your health

insurance agency to find out the cost of this visit.

remember number to call to receive help during any life-threatening situation.


A room in a hospital or clinic staffed and equipped to provide medical emergency care

Introduction

Medical Emergency

Witness/Victim

Crime

Florida Laws

U.S

Measurements

Review

More than likely you will not have to

experience anything like witnessing

a crime. But if you do need to report

a crime you will need to know whom to

contact. Of course as we previously

discussed, a life threatening situation

can be reported by calling 911.

Witness or Victim of a Crime


When a crime occurs on campus you would contact the USF police department . For

contact information visit the USF police department website. But if it’s off campus you

would contact the police department of the city the crime has taken place in.

Introduction

Medical Emergency

Witness/Victim

Crime

Florida Laws

U.S

Measurements

Review


Each state in America has its own laws about alcoholic beverages or tobacco.

Florida Laws

In Florida the minimum drinking age is 21. That

means that you cannot buy alcohol from a store or

in a restaurant or bar until you are 21 or older.

Many times you will be asked to present photo

identification to prove your age. This can be a

driver’s license or a passport.

You may not smoke in public places such as colleges, libraries or

government buildings. Even outdoor areas have designated smoking

areas. Did you know there also is a $100 fine for littering?

Introduction

Medical Emergency

Witness/Victim

Crime

Florida Laws

U.S

Measurements

-Distance Chart

-Cooking Chart

Review


U.S Measurements

The United States does not use the metric system but has its own measurement system. There

are many situations where you might need to know U.S measurements.

Click on one of the images below to see its corresponding measurement chart.

Distance/Temperature Cooking Measurements

Introduction

Medical Emergency

Witness/Victim

Crime

Florida Laws

U.S

Measurements

-Distance Chart

-Cooking Chart

Review


Length Area Temperature

U.S. Unit Metric Unit U.S. Unit Metric Unit Fahrenheit Celsius

1 inch 25.4 mm 1 square inch 645.16 mm2 50 10

1 foot 30.48 cm 1 square foot 929 cm2 80 26.67

1 yard 91.44 cm 1 square yard 0.83 m2 90 32.00

1 mile 1.609 km 1 acre 4,046 m2 100 37.78

The chart displays U.S Units of measurements versus Metric Units of Measurement

Did you know the average temperature in Tampa is 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer?

Distance/Temperature Chart

Introduction

Medical Emergency

Witness/Victim

Crime

Florida Laws

U.S

Measurements

-Distance Chart

-Cooking Chart

Review


Teaspoons Tablespoons Cups Fluid Ounces Milliliters

(t. or tsp.) (T. or Tbsp.) (c.) (fl.oz.) (ml.)

3 tsp. 1 Tbsp. 1/2 Oz. 15 ml

6 tsp. 2 Tbsp. 1/8 Cups 1 Oz. 30 ml


16 tsp. 1/3 Cups 75 ml

18 tsp. 6 Tbsp. 3 Oz.


30 tsp. 10 Tbsp. 5 Oz.

32 tsp. 2/3 Cups 150 ml

The chart below displays U.S standard units of cooking measurements versus Milliliters.

In most grocery stores you can buy measurement tools such as teaspoons, tablespoons and cups to help you measure ingredients for cooking!

Cooking measurements chart

Introduction

Medical Emergency

Witness/Victim

Crime

Florida Laws

U.S

Measurements

Review


Review

• The number to call during a life threatening emergency is 911.

• To report a crime on campus , contact USF police department .

•To report a crime off campus contact the police department of that city.

•Minimum drinking age is 21 and smoking is prohibited in all public places.

•The United States has its own measurement system.



Home

Housing

Transportation

Banking

Practical Tips

Glossary

Welcome to the review game! This game tests your knowledge of the material presented in

the modules. When you click on the board squares, you will be presented with a question. If

you answer the question correctly, you will be given the point total indicated on the square,

and the square will disappear, revealing a hidden picture. If you answer incorrectly, you will

be given a choice between reviewing relevant material and moving on to another question.

When you reach 150 points, you win! Click on “play” to begin.

Let’s Review!

Play

Review Game

Instructions:

Point Total:

To begin, click on one of the squares on the game board.

Click on the

correct answer.

A driver’s license is free once you pass all tests.

True False

Review Game

Point Total:

Instructions:

Click on to

close the box

and continue

playing.

Correct!

Review Game

Point Total:

Instructions:

Click on another

square.

15

Review Game

Point Total:

Instructions:

Click on the linkto review, orclick on toclose the box and continue playing.

Incorrect..

The correct answer is !

Click here to review this topic.

Review Game

Point Total:

Instructions:

Click on to return to the Game main page,or click on to go back to theHome page.

150

Congratulations!

You’ll do just fine.

Welcome to the U.S.!

•

•

Review Game

Point Total:

Instructions:

To begin, click on one of the squares on the game board.

HelpWhen you click on the board squares, you will be presented with a question. If you answer the question correctly, you will be given the point total indicated on the square, and the square will disappear, revealing a hidden picture. If you answer incorrectly, you will be given a choice between reviewing relevant material and moving on to another question. When you reach 150 points, you win!

Review Game

Point Total:

Instructions:

A list of often difficult or specialized words with their definitions.


Housing

Transportation

Banking

Practical Tips

Game

Glossary

Word Definition

Average

Temperature Midrange temperature year around

Chart Table with tabular data

Crime An act punishable by law

Emergency A sudden unforeseen crisis that requires immediate action

Law abiding citizen Someone who obeys the law

Measurement Dimensions, quantity or capacity compared with a standard unit

Photo Identification Driver’s license or passport with photograph to prove identity

Walk-in Clinic Doctor’s office often open evenings or on the weekends

Witness Someone who sees an event and reports what happened