Frequently Asked Questions               

For more information on Athens , or Atlanta , please visit

http://www.visitathensga.com/

,http://www.atlanta.net/

Recommended magazines for keeping up with goings-on in Indian-America:

Khabar: http://www.khabar.com/jsp/index.jsp

Little India : http://www.littleindia.com/

Pre-arrival

 
ISA-recommended housing

è      Jamestown and Carousel have a lot of Indian students. The housing in Jamestown is cheap. The campus bus is very frequent (every 15 minutes) , and the nearest grocery store is within walking distance. These apartments are older than some others, but ISA gets the leasing office to make sure that they are in a good condition when you move in.

  Can I wait till I reach Athens before signing up for an apartment?

è      You can. However, it might be difficult to find an apartment after you reach here. ISA cannot guarantee an apartment in these circumstances.

  I e-mailed a housing form past the submission deadline. Will it be accepted?

è      We will consider the application if we have a slot open however new bookings can not be handled by ISA past submission deadline.

  When will I know my housing assignment? How will I be notified?

è      You will be notified by e-mail as soon as ISA receives your deposit. We will let you know about your assignment as soon as we match you up with roommates.

  I cannot get an international/dollar DD in my city. Can I make a wire transfer?

è      Hamilton Associates/Carousel Village Apartments does not accept wire transfer. You could either ask someone in another city and transfer money in INR to their accounts, or you could request some of the new students coming this Fall to make a dollar draft for you so that you can pay them in rupees.

  Is there an online payment option (instead of a DD) ?

è      No, as of now there isn’t, however we are planning to do it soon.

  Is the deposit adjustable in the house rent, refundable at the end of contract, or is it a one-time fee?

è      It is a refundable security deposit. It will be returned when you leave the apartment. Money will be deducted for any damages incurred during your stay in the apartment.

  I found an apartment elsewhere, but had already signed up with ISA. Can I get a refund?

è      Not until you find a replacement for your booked slot.

  Is the housing deposit refundable if I cannot start school at UGA this semester?

è      Not until you find a replacement for your booked slot.

    I do not have financial aid this year. What are my other options?

è      Make sure that non-residents are eligible to apply for any of these programs / scholarships before submitting your applications.

o         Information from Intercultural Affairs at UGA (http://www.uga.edu/ica/otherscholarships.html) .

o         Information from the University System of Georgia (http://www.usg.edu/oie/students/financial/) .

o         International Student Life has a list of scholarships specifically for international students in our office.  Application deadlines vary and each scholarship / award program has its own set of criteria.  Interested students may contact ISL for more information about this list.

o         The Office of International Education (OIE) (http://www.uga.edu/oie/) has a special Out-of-State-Tuition Waiver Program which allows international students to pay only in-state tuition.

§          This is not a scholarship and there are specific criteria that a student must meet in order to obtain that waiver.

§          Typically, students will not receive the waiver until after they have studied at UGA for two years.  

§          Additionally, there may be limitations regarding how many times a student has access to this waiver. 

§          Contact OIE for more information. 

è      Alternately, you can contact the grad coordinator and other grad students in your department to check if you can be a teaching assistant. Other people to contact are lab coordinators, but they might want you to rope in your major advisor/dept coordinator before they can give you the go ahead to teach their labs.

è      Other options are working at the bookstore, housing, or misc. on-campus services.

è      You might also be able to tutor on your own, but will have to post flyers around campus to that effect.

  How many days before my orientation/move-in should I plan on arriving in Athens ?

è      A maximum of 1 week.

  What should I pack?

è      For detail information refer the packing tips section under new student tab.

è      Clothes: The weather in Atlanta can range from 38C in summer, to -5C mid-winter. Clothes are cheaper in India , and winter wear is definitely required (although it does not snow frequently in this region) .

è      Food: Try to avoid bringing alot of  food (moreover since Atlanta has a huge Indian population and there’s no dearth of desi stores) , and remember to check the customs regulations on permitted items.

è      Books: The university system of Georgia has an extensive library system, and keeps most texts including books from popular literature. Although, if you plan on buying the books, most international editions, available in India are cheaper but there might be subtle differences in the international editions. So do a little research before you invest money buying the text books.

è      Medicines are also easily obtainable (except for prescription use).

  Arrival

  AAA shuttle does not operate on the day of my arrival. How can I reach Athens ?

è      Book the airline ticket so that you can reach on a day that AAA shuttle operates. The next best alternative is a Greyhound bus (http://www.greyhound.com/home.asp), or a taxi. Taxi fares are very high.

How do I get from Georgia Center to my place of residence?

è      E-mail your arrival time/day to ugahousing@gmail.com, and ISA can arrange a pickup.

  Post-Arrival

When can I move into my apartment?

è      E-mail ugahousing@gmail.com for details.

  If I do not receive my apartment immediately upon arrival, then where will my temporary accommodation be?

è      Let ISA know about the number of days you need a temporary accommodation (ugahousing@gmail.com) . ISA cannot arrange accommodations for more than 10 days.

  For how long can I stay at my temporary accommodation?

è      A maximum of 10 days.

  Which day of the month is the rent due?

è      It is due on the same date that you originally moved in.

  I’m arriving on July ___. Do I have to pay rent for the entire month of July? Does my rent cycle begin from that day, or from the first of the next month?

è      The monthly rent cycle will start from the day you get the possession for the next thirty/thirty one days.

  To whom should I pay my rent?

è      Jamestown :

è      Carousel:

  How long is my apartment lease?

è      Usually for a year.

  What happens if I break my lease of a year and move out?

è      If someone breaks the lease, then their deposit is forfeited if they cannot find a replacement. Usually nobody does this unless something drastic happens. It isn’t difficult to find a replacement, since there usually are people looking for an apartment. ISA has a weekly circular where one can advertise.

  How do I set up utilities in my apartment?

è      Your mentor (if you register for ISA Mentor/Mentee Program) will help you get going in Athens . If not you can ask other Indian students around and they will certainly help you.

  I do not get along with my roommates. Can I change apartments?

è      Yes you can, however if you have signed the lease then you will have to find a replacement for subleasing the apartment.

  What transportation is available in Athens ?

è      The public transportation ( Athens bus transit - http://www.athenstransit.com/), and campus buses (http://www.transit.uga.edu/ ) operate frequently, and these go to campus, the mall and other stores such as Wal-Mart and Kroger.

  How far is the grocery store, and how do I get there?

è      The nearest grocery store is within walking distance from both Jamestown and Carousel. The public transportation ( Athens bus transit - http://www.athenstransit.com/) , and campus buses (http://www.transit.uga.edu/ ) operate frequently, and these go to the mall and other stores such as Wal-Mart and Kroger.

  Is there an Indian store in Athens ?

è      Yes, there is. Taj Mahal imports operates off Baxter Street , and is very close to campus. It stocks most everyday items. There are bigger stores (wholesale and retail) in Atlanta , which stock everything from carrom boards to furniture, clothes, jewelry, and music.

  Does UGA have a cricket club? How do I get my daily dose?

è      Yes, it has a cricket club. You can get more information about it at http://cricklub.myweb.uga.edu/  and contact cricklub@arches.uga.edu if you are interested in joining the club.

  Do Indian television channels air on U.S. television?

è      Local channels/cable do not show Indian shows. However, students can subscribe to Dish satellite television (http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/whats_on_dish/international/South_asian/packages.aspx).

    Is my apartment furnished? If it isn’t, then where can I buy furniture from?

è      Jamestown isn’t furnished, although Carousel is. Students frequently buy used furniture from a flea market, or from other students. Check the local newspapers, or craigslist ( Atlanta : http://atlanta.craigslist.org/; Athens : http://athensga.craigslist.org/) for listings.

  What is the average cost of living per month? Groceries, utilities, gas/petrol?

è      This varies based on the number of roommates, type of apartment, and individual requirements. ISA usually provides an estimate of groceries with the apartment it offers.

  How do I get a drivers license?

è      Driver education schools exist, but are very expensive. Most students rely on friends to obtain a driving permit. More information is available at the Georgia Department of Driver Services.               

  I have an international driver’s license. Can I skip the test?

è      Georgia recognizes valid driver licenses issued to and held by residents of other countries as long as the "Out Of Country" license is valid. You do not need to apply unless you become a resident of Georgia .

  How do I buy a car?

è      Most students buy used cars from a private party seller. The advantage is that insurance rates are lower, and that these vehicles are cheaper than buying from a dealer. Check the local newspapers, or craigslist ( Atlanta : http://atlanta.craigslist.org/; Athens : http://athensga.craigslist.org/) for listings.

  How do I apply for a bank account/credit card/debit card?

è      The university-sponsored International Student Life (ISL) orientation will give you the necessary details.

  How can I get a cell phone without having credit history?

è      You can either get a prepaid service which doesn’t require credit history. However for post paid plans, if you don’t have any credit history, you might need to pay $250 to $500 as a security deposit.

  I cannot make big-item purchases because I do not have credit history. How do I build it?

è      It is hard to get credit if you don’t already have it. The following might help:

o         Always pay your credit card bills on time. You don't need to pay the entire balance each month, but make at least the minimum payment promptly.

o         Avoid going over the credit limit on your credit card account. Some credit card companies allow you to do this as a courtesy, but it can reflect poorly on your ability to handle your account.

o         Cancel credit cards you aren't using or don't anticipate using.

o         Ask your bank or credit union about a secured credit card. You can make a deposit to your account and have a credit limit in the amount of your deposit. The bank takes little risk and you build credit slowly.

o         Use a co-signer on your first few credit accounts. Lenders will consider the co-signer’s existing credit. The co-signer essentially ‘vouches’ for you while you build credit. Note that this is a big responsibility – you can cause major headaches for the co-signer if you don’t pay as agreed.

o         Use credit programs for modestly large purchases like furniture. For example, you may buy a television on the “$40/Month Payment Plan”. These programs can be easier to qualify for and they certainly help you build credit. Be sure that the retailer will report your loan to the major credit reporting companies.

o         Get a credit card with any reputable institution that will give you one. Make sure they’ll report your timely payments to the credit reporting companies. Of course, you have to always pay at least the minimum before the due date.

I’m moving in with a child. Is there a daycare facility around? Where is it, and how much does it cost?

     The UGA daycare is quiet expensive, around $850 per month and  there is a long waiting list after you apply. There is couple of other day-cares which charge around the same but all of them have really long waiting lists so we reckon, for students, hiring a babysitter would be the best deal. They can place an ad thorough ISA weekly..

  What healthcare facilities are available at UGA?

è      Medical costs are very expensive in the USA .  The concept of the U.S. system of health care and health insurance can be very complicated to understand. Having good health insurance helps provide relief from incurring unexpected, high medical costs in the U.S.   The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) regulations require you to have health insurance.

è      UGA has a specific insurance plan that is required for international students. 

è      These websites might help answer your questions.
http://www.uhs.uga.edu/
http://www.uhs.uga.edu/insurance/

è      There are pharmacies elsewhere, so one can buy over-the-counter medicine anytime (without going to the university center) .

  What immunization does the university require?

è      Before you can register for any classes, you must submit proof of certain immunizations to the UGA Health Center (http://www.uhs.uga.edu/).  For the most current listing of the types of immunizations required of UGA students, visit the Health Center ’s website.  If you do not have proof of the immunizations required, you will not be able to register for classes and will be required to get the appropriate immunizations before registering for class.  There is usually a charge for getting your immunizations in the U.S.

è      You must also complete the University Health Center ’s Immunization and Medical History Form.  This form should have been included with the materials UGA sent to you by the admissions office when you were admitted.  If you do not have this form, visit the Health Center ’s website to download a copy.  If requirements are met, the Health Center staff will clear you to register for classes.

  Additional tuition and fees

è      There is no 'single cost' that can be quoted to tell you how much your education at UGA will total. Your immigration documents quote one price, but even this price may not be the exact the amount you will pay.  Students pay for the classes they take (tuition) as well as additional fees (student fees) that the university charges for certain services provided to all students.  For example, there is a fee for the UGA student health center, fees for the physical recreation center, technology fees to help provide student computers and access to technology across campus, funding for the buses that transport students around campus, as well as student activity fees which help pay for funding for numerous student groups as well as extracurricular activities and events.   

è      Each student has their own UGA Student Account that will give specific information about the fees and tuition you must pay each semester.  You can check your student account after you have successfully registered for classes to see how much you owe the university.  To pay for your tuition and fees, you may use certain credit cards or pay with cash or a check.  Check with the University’s Bursar’s office (http://www.bursar.uga.edu/index.html) for specific information concerning payments.

Which orientation sessions do I need to attend?                                                               

è      International Graduate students at UGA should plan on attending the following orientations:

UGA Graduate Students
International Graduate students at UGA should plan to attend the following orientations:

International Student Orientation (Sponsored by International Student Life)

• Fall Semester: August 4-8, 2008

• Spring Semester: January 2, 2008

• Summer Semester: June 2, 2008

·         Graduate Student Orientation (Sponsored by the UGA Graduate School http://www.grad.uga.edu/)

o        Fall Semester ONLY: August 14, 2008 (Check the Graduate School website for specifics) .

·         Graduate Teaching Assistants (TA) & Research Assistants Orientation (Sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning

http://www.isd.uga.edu/)

o        Fall Semester only: August 15, 2008

·         UGA Departmental Orientations (If applicable this orientation will be sponsored by your academic department; check with them concerning specific dates and times.)

è      International Undergraduate students at UGA should plan to attend the following orientations:

·         International Student Orientation (Sponsored by International Student Life http://www.uga.edu/isl/)

• Fall Semester: August 4-8, 2008

• Spring Semester: January 2, 2008

• Summer Semester: June 2, 2008

·         Undergraduate Student Orientation (Sponsored by the UGA Undergraduate Admissions office

http://www.admissions.uga.edu/orientation.html)

o        Fall Semester: August TBA, 2008

o        Spring Semester: January TBA, 2009

o        Summer Semester: June TBA, 2009