Click Here to Enter

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.

HousingTransportationBankingPractical TipsGameGlossary

Storyboard Template for Multimedia Product DevelopmentClient NameProject TitleLast UpdateName of DesignerPage numberBasic page type:Font type & sizeColor specs.:Description of Copy text:

User Interactions:Hyper LinksAudio inclusion and controls:*EDF 6284USF International Student Arrival Guide3/11/10Group 5Housing - 2Housing - TutorialTitle: Times New Roman 30 pt.Gold-Bar Menu:Left Menu:Subtitle: Calibri 18 pt. blackText: Calibri 14 pt. black

RBGsBlue Menu: 0/51/102Gold Bar: 201/177/62Top/Bottom: Blue Gradient93/150/217Video inclusion and controls:Introduction

Obtaining Information

Important Considerations

ReviewThe 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.

USFs Castor HallHome | Transportation | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

Introduction

Obtaining Information On-Campus Housing- Abbreviation Key Internet Search Newspaper

Important Considerations

Review Obtaining Information: On-Campus HousingAll 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 USFs Housing Web site.

USFs Beta HallHome | Transportation | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

Introduction

Obtaining Information On-Campus Housing- Abbreviation Key Internet Search Newspaper

Important Considerations

Review Obtaining Information: Abbreviation KeyIf 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 its important to know what they mean. Here is a key of some of the most common ones: Apt = ApartmentReq = RequiredBr = Bedroom Ref = ReferenceDep = DepositRm = Rooma/c = Air ConditioningSngl = SingleIncl = Included Trans = TransportationNbhd = NeighborhoodUpstrs = UpstairsPriv = Private Util = Utilities

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

Introduction

Obtaining Information On-Campus Housing- Abbreviation Key Internet Search Newspaper

Important Considerations

Review Obtaining Information: Internet SearchInternet 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. Home | Transportation | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

Introduction

Obtaining Information On-Campus Housing- Abbreviation Key Internet Search Newspaper

Important Considerations

Review Obtaining Information: NewspaperMost 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

USFs The OracleHome | Transportation | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

Introduction

Obtaining Information

Important Considerations- Transportation & Location- Utilities- Roommates

Review Important Considerations: Transportation & LocationWhen 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 AreaHome | Transportation | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

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

Obtaining Information

Important Considerations- Transportation & Location- Utilities- Roommates

Review

Important Considerations: UtilitiesHome | Transportation | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

Introduction

Obtaining Information

Important Considerations Transportation & Location Utilities Roommates

Review

Important Considerations: RoommatesA 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 persons food Messy living habits NoiseBut, 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!

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

Storyboard Template for Multimedia Product DevelopmentClient NameProject TitleLast UpdateName of DesignerPage numberBasic page type:Font type & sizeColor specs.:Description of Copy text:

User Interactions:Hyper LinksAudio inclusion and controls:*EDF 6284USF International Student Arrival Guide3/11/10Group 5Housing - 2Housing - TutorialTitle: Times New Roman 30 pt.Gold-Bar Menu:Left Menu:Subtitle: Calibri 18 pt. blackText: Calibri 14 pt. black

RBGsBlue Menu: 0/51/102Gold Bar: 201/177/62Top/Bottom: Blue Gradient93/150/217Video inclusion and controls:Introduction

Obtaining Information

Important Considerations

ReviewReview 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.Home | Transportation | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary 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 Drivers License

ReviewThe Transportation module provides resources to learn about getting around in the Tampa Bay area.Once on campus, USF runs its 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, HARTs 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

Florida Drivers License

ReviewBus InformationHome | Housing | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

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

Florida Drivers License

ReviewUSF Bull Runner Shuttle BusHome | Housing | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

USF students showing a valid USF identification card can ride HARTs 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

Bus Information- USF Bus - HART Bus

Florida Drivers License

ReviewHillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART)For route maps and schedules, go to Maps and Schedules on the HART Web site.

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

Introduction

Bus Information- USF Bus - HART Bus

Florida Drivers License

ReviewUSF 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, HARTs University Area Transit Center, or your local mall or library and online.

Points to RememberHome | Housing | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

Florida Drivers LicenseIf you plan to drive in the state of Florida, you will need to obtain a Florida drivers license. This section will provide you with information on the testing and documentation needed to acquire a Florida drivers license.It will also provide information on study materials and drivers 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.htmlHome | Housing | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary Introduction

Bus Information

Florida Drivers LicenseRequired ExamsDocuments NeededDMV OfficeFees

Review

There are four tests required to obtain your first Florida drivers 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 ExamsTo prepare for the tests, the Florida Drivers Handbook is available free at all drivers license offices and online. For drivers training courses check the local phone book or the online list of approved Driving Courses.Introduction

Bus Information

Florida Drivers LicenseRequired ExamsDocuments NeededDMV OfficeFees

ReviewHome | Housing | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

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 drivers license.Introduction

Bus Information

Florida Drivers LicenseRequired ExamsDocuments NeededDMV OfficesFees

ReviewDocuments NeededBasically 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.Home | Housing | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

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 islocated at:14610 Livingston Avenue, TampaPhone: (813) 558-1130 Introduction

Bus Information

Florida Drivers LicenseRequired ExamsDocuments NeededDMV OfficeFees

ReviewDepartment of Motor Vehicles OfficeHome | Housing | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary Appointments for both the written exam and the driving test can be made online DMV Appointments OnlineClosest 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 LicenseHome | Housing | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary Introduction

Bus Information

Florida Drivers LicenseRequired ExamsDocuments NeededDMV OfficeFees

Review

Introduction

Bus Information

Florida Drivers License

ReviewClick Game on the gold menu bar to practice your knowledge!Click on menu items for other topics in the USF International Student Arrival Guide.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 drivers license: hearing, vision, written, and driving.

You need to complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course before applying for a drivers license. ReviewHome | Housing | Banking | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary

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

ReviewObtain Social Security NumberWhile 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. Home | Housing | Transportation | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary 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 NeededIf 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 statusWork eligibilityAge, 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 ServicesHome | Housing | Transportation | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary Introduction

Obtain SSN- Documents Needed- Social Security Office

Open Bank Account

U.S. Money

Review

Social Security OfficeTake 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)

Home | Housing | Transportation | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary Closest Social Security OfficeIntroduction

Obtain SSN- Documents Needed- Social Security Office

Open Bank Account

U.S. Money

Review

Introduction

Obtain SSN

Open Bank Account

U.S. Money

ReviewOpen Bank AccountYou 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.

Home | Housing | Transportation | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary Every bank has different requirements, so its 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 drivers 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

ReviewU. S. MoneyThe 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.Home | Housing | Transportation | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary Beware a dollar coin is very close in size to a quarter.

Introduction

Obtain SSN

Open Bank Account

U.S. Money

ReviewClick Game on the gold menu bar to practice your knowledge!Click on menu items for other topics in the USF International Student Arrival Guide.Home | Housing | Transportation | Practical Tips | Game | Glossary Review Social Security numbers are only needed if you plan to work Use your passport and immigration status documents for identification at a bankDollar 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!Introduction

Medical Emergency

Witness/VictimCrime

Florida Laws

U.SMeasurements

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 Emergency

Witness/VictimCrime

Florida Laws

U.SMeasurements

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.Home | Housing | Transportation | Banking | Game | Glossary A room in a hospital or clinic staffed and equipped to provide medical emergency care

Introduction

Medical Emergency

Witness/VictimCrime

Florida Laws

U.SMeasurements

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 CrimeHome | Housing | Transportation | Banking | Game | Glossary When a crime occurs on campus you would contact the USF police department . For contact information visit the USF police department website. But if its off campus you would contact the police department of the city the crime has taken place in.

Introduction

Medical Emergency

Witness/VictimCrime

Florida Laws

U.SMeasurements

Review

Home | Housing | Transportation | Banking | Game | Glossary Each state in America has its own laws about alcoholic beverages or tobacco.Florida LawsIn 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 drivers 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/VictimCrime

Florida Laws

U.SMeasurements-Distance Chart -Cooking Chart

Review

Home | Housing | Transportation | Banking | Game | Glossary 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/TemperatureCooking Measurements

Introduction

Medical Emergency

Witness/VictimCrime

Florida Laws

U.SMeasurements -Distance Chart -Cooking Chart

Review

Home | Housing | Transportation | Banking | Game | Glossary The chart displays U.S Units of measurements versus Metric Units of MeasurementDid you know the average temperature in Tampa is 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer?Distance/Temperature Chart

Length Area TemperatureU.S. Unit Metric Unit U.S. Unit Metric Unit FahrenheitCelsius

1 inch 25.4 mm 1 square inch 645.16 mm2 50101 foot 30.48 cm 1 square foot 929 cm2 8026.671 yard 91.44 cm 1 square yard 0.83 m2 9032.001 mile 1.609 km 1 acre 4,046 m2 10037.78

Introduction

Medical Emergency

Witness/VictimCrime

Florida Laws

U.SMeasurements -Distance Chart -Cooking Chart

Review

Home | Housing | Transportation | Banking | Game | Glossary 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

Teaspoons Tablespoons Cups Fluid Ounces Milliliters (t. or tsp.)(T. or Tbsp.)(c.)(fl.oz.)(ml.)3 tsp.1 Tbsp.1/2 Oz.15 ml6 tsp.2 Tbsp.1/8 Cups1 Oz.30 ml12 tsp.4 Tbsp.1/4 Cups2 Oz.50 ml16 tsp.1/3 Cups75 ml18 tsp.6 Tbsp.3 Oz.24 tsp.8 Tbsp.1/2 Cups4 Oz.125 ml30 tsp.10 Tbsp.5 Oz.32 tsp.2/3 Cups150 ml

Introduction

Medical Emergency

Witness/VictimCrime

Florida Laws

U.SMeasurements

Review

Home | Housing | Transportation | Banking | Game | Glossary 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.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.

HomeHousingTransportationBankingPractical TipsGlossary

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. Lets Review!Play

Review GameInstructions: Point Total:

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

Click on the correct answer.

A drivers license is free once you pass all tests.TrueFalseReview Game Point Total:Instructions:

Click on to close the boxand continue playing.Correct! Review Game Point Total:Instructions:

Click on another square.

15Review 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! Youll 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.

Help

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! Review Game Point Total:Instructions:

A list of often difficult or specialized words with their definitions.Click on menu items for other topics in the USF International Student Arrival Guide.HousingTransportationBankingPractical TipsGameGlossary

WordDefinition Average Temperature Midrange temperature year around Chart Table with tabular data Crime An act punishable by lawEmergency A sudden unforeseen crisis that requires immediate action Law abiding citizenSomeone who obeys the law MeasurementDimensions, quantity or capacity compared with a standard unit Photo IdentificationDrivers license or passport with photograph to prove identity Walk-in Clinic Doctors office often open evenings or on the weekends Witness Someone who sees an event and reports what happened

*************************************Eleanor M. Savko**Eleanor M. Savko*Eleanor M. Savko**Eleanor M. Savko**Eleanor M. Savko**Eleanor M. Savko**Eleanor M. Savko**Eleanor M. Savko**