新生指南
Boarding -- Enter US
It is highly recommended to trip travel in group: facilitate your first aboarding as well as group discount.
First get your luggage, you must check in! Different air lines will have different limitations: Air China will limit to 20 lbs, Northwest will limit to 40 lbs.
Fill in several forms, and keep your I-94! ( I-94 is very important, keep it with your passport.) You need to show the following documents to the custom officers:
Change Air Plane in USA
Find the right gate and get there on time. You don't need worry about your luggage any more until you arrive Birmingham. It will be highly recommended to have your luggage labeled.
Things to Bring
Money : You should bring enough money for your first month living expenses, such as housing rent, deposit for housing, food, university enrollment fee, and pocket money (usually more than $1000 is best).
Clothe and Shoes : Jeans, T-shirts, sweaters and jackets are most popular. Although people usually dress casual, there are some formal events. We recommend you bring at least one formal suit. 100% cotton-made proves to be reliable but beware of washing and drying conditions (some will shrink a little bit).
Medicine : you had better bring some medicine for flu, cold and other common diseases.
Cooking utensils : All Chinese cooking utensils are available here in Chinese supermarkets and you can also buy pots and knives in better quality from other popular supermarkets or department stores. You are welcome to bring some for initial setup.
Bedding stuff : You can bring a thin quilt, and a couple of sheets, pillows, and other stuff you may need. Again, all can be bought in stores.
Reference books : You will find it not necessary. You will have access to high speed Internet. English and Chinese search engines will give you links to dictionaries, novels, professional or entertainment resources, but you are welcome to bring some specialized notebook for yourself.
CDs : Bring as many CDs/VCDs as possible. You will not regret this.
Gifts : You may bring some Chinese art crafts as a possible gift idea for future use. Bring some of your favorite Chinese readings if your luggage is not too heavy.
Important : Have your teeth checked and fixed if necessary, it cost a fortune to fix it here. Bring a school bag and Prepare several dollars and coins in change to rent a luggage cart at the airport.
Before Leaving
Before leaving China, we suggest you
Join CSSA mailing list
Make sure you get all documents
Registration
When you come to this university, first go to the International Office (Hill University Center) with your passport, I-20 (A,B), and I-94 to register and check in.
Student ID
After your registration with the ISSO, go to register Office (2nd floor HUC ) with relevant documents and apply for your stutent ID, you will have your photo taken and get the ID a couple days later, provided your successful registration.
Health Insurance
As we all understand that medical expense is really expensive in the US, we highly recommend you to buy medical insurance right after, in the first sememster. It will be reasonable to buy insurance provided by VIVA in UAB, later you can decide whether you want to switch to other.
Note :
Social Security Number
SSN is like the Identification in China. SSN is imperative for applying any kind of certificate or cards, such as driver license, credit card, etc. Bring your passport, I-94, I-20 and the Working permission proof (RA or TA or GA) provided by your department or the International Center and go to ISSS for detail application information. BTW, you will be required to fill your parents name (pin yin), be sure to remember how you spell it in case any trouble happens when your parents come to see you later. You can get the SSN card in 2 weeks. If you need it urgently, you can call them in ten days. Put your SSN card in a safe place, and memorize it. Do not tell others about it.
Tax
According to the US law, RAs & TAs even Fellowship might need to fill the application for work permission (I-9,W-2,W-4) for taxation. Check with ISSS and meet with the tax officer (Lisa Scott ) Note :
There are many open computer labs on campus, such as Library (1st floor, Macintosh), Engineering bldg. (first floor, PC). As for email accounts, after your registration, you can get one from UAB.
Bank
The banking system in USA is different from China. You can open an account with your passport, SSN or the number provided on I-20. Usually you need to open two accounts: saving account (with interest) and checking account (with no interest, for your using checks). There is a minimum balance for your account, if your balance is less than it, you will be charged services monthly. Make sure that your money in your account can pay for the checks you write, or you and the recipient of the checks will be fined.
There is Univ. Credit Union inside the school. Regions is the major banks in Birmingham. You can apply for ATM card or Debit Card (with VISA or MasterCard marks) when you open an account. Debit card is very convenient for newcomers without credit card. You can pay directly from your account.
There are two ways of getting your stipend. You can get a check from your dept monthly and deposit to your account yourself, or you can ask them to pay it directly to your account. (You should fill an application for direct deposit service). The latter is more convenient.
Telephone
Visit BellSouth for local phone installation , if you stay on-campus, campus will provide its own phone service which is a couple bugs cheaper than bellsouth. Before you install the telephone you can buy calling cards to communicate with your family or friends. The rate for calling China is about 30-50cents/min. But you must make sure if there is connection fee. You can buy calling card at the Chinese shops or on-line, such as
Credit Card
You almost can not live in the states without credit card, such as shopping, car-maintenance, loan, and car-rental. You can not only use a credit card for expense, but also for the accumulation of your personal credit. Different from the cards in China, the credit card companies do not care how much money is in your bank account; they will ask whether you have income, and independent account.
Chinese students will pay the bill on time, so the interest rate of the credit card is not important to us. Only when you can not pay the bill will the card companies ask for interest. Whether there is annul fee, where it can be used, and the credit limit is more important to us.
The most popular credit cards are VISA and MasterCard. Many shops will also accept American Express and Discover card. BTW, Discover card promised to return 1% of your annual expense in cash.
It might be difficult to apply for Credit card when you first arrive, but it is easier to apply for American Express or AMEX Optima student card. Use your current address for the home address.
BTW, you'd better write your credit card number and its service phone number down somewhere. When you lose the card, call the company about it immediately to avoid unnecessary loss.
Shopping
Daily
Electronics
Books
Driver License
It is very inconvenient without a car in USA. Many students buy personal cars. The procedures is as follows:
Used Cars
Movie
There are a couple of cinemas in the Birmingham area, which might cost about $5-8 for a movie, CSSA is also trying to provide monthly free movie in HUC.
Newspaper
The Birmingham News is in the local news paper, this is the on-line page.
Travel
Famous FL White Sand beach will be only 4-5 hr drive south, great-smoky mountain national park located in TN will also be around 4-5 hr drive north, Atlanta will be 2 hour drive east. Be careful about travel, you can always consult with CSSA for experience.
Holidays
Conversion
Weight units ounce, pound :
US Culture
The culture here is much different from that in China. Coming from Li Yi Zhi Bang, we should pay attention to our behaviors. The following are some basic concepts about living in the western countries.
A New Culture -- A learning Experience:
You are coming to the United States to further your education, to learn more in a particular academic field. Of the same importance, you will be learning many other things, too, things relating to the way people of another culture live and the way they view the world and their own lives.
There is valuable learning in experiencing and understanding a way of life different from yours. It may surprise you to discover that you will learn things about your own culture that you may not have thought about before. It is a rare opportunity not only to broaden your viewpoint but also to mature personally and to realize and establish your values.
Ask Questions:
To ask questions is the best way to find out about something that you need to know or want to understand. Do not hesitate to ask questions, even if the question may seem trivial or you think your English is not good enough. People here are generally helpful, but they can't always guess what it is you need to know. Ask Questions!
Cultural Shock
"Cultural Shock" is a name given to a feeling of disorientation or confusion that often occurs when a person leaves a familiar place and moves to an unfamiliar one. Coming to Alabama from China, you certainly will encounter many new things. The building will look different and so will the landscape. The food will not be what you are used to, and the people here look, speak and act differently from people at home. The language skills you have been always proud of may not serve you as well as you expect. You may find embarrassing moment that you are not able to convey your full personality in English. Think about this: your family and friends are far away.
People experience cultural shock in various degrees. Some people are more affected by it than others, those who do experience it tend to become nervous and unusually tired. They want to sleep a lot. They write many letters home. They may feel frustrated and hostile toward their host country (anyway, it is true). They may become excessively angry over minor irritations. It is not unusual for them to become very dependent on fellow nationals who are also students here. All these feelings may make it difficult to kick off a new start here. Very often these feelings may also make you lose comfort in speaking English.
Different people react differently to culture shock but almost everyone must cope w ith it to some degree. Years ago a Chinese student in Iowa State killed several of professors and tarnished the reputation of Chinese nationals in States. Here are some suggestions that may be helpful:
Maintain your perspective. Try to remember that more than a quarter million Chinese students have come to the United States and have survived.
Evaluate your expectations. Your reactions to the United States, Birmingham and University of Alabama will be the products both of the way things are here and the way you expect them to be. If you find yourself being confused or disappointed about something, it is time to determine whether your expectations are reasonable. You can do much to reduce the amount of dissatisfaction -- and unhappiness -- that you will feel.
Keep an open mind. People here might do or say things that people at home would not do or say. Try to understand that they are acting according to their own set of values, and these are born of a culture different than yours. Avoid evaluating their behavior by the standards of your own country.
Learn from the experience. Moving to a new culture can be the most fascinating and educational experience of your life. It is an opportunity to explore an entire new way of living -- and to compare it to your own. There is no better way to become aware of your own values and attitudes and to broaden point of view!
Informality: In most cases, young Americans avoid elaborate social rituals. Americans are not lack of polite forms, but they tend to be casual and informal most of the time. This is due more to a lack of concern for social ceremony rather than a lack of respect.
Tipping in Restaurants: If you eat in a restaurant where a waitress or waiter serves you, it is customary to tip the table. (Some suggestions for tipping: leave 20% in Chinese restaurant, while 10% in Italian or French ones. To be generous and add one buck more than you think it should be.) This is usually left under the edge of the plate or napkin.
China Related committees
Jobs
Chinese Internet Resources
Computer Software and Hardware
Boarding -- Enter US
It is highly recommended to trip travel in group: facilitate your first aboarding as well as group discount.
First get your luggage, you must check in! Different air lines will have different limitations: Air China will limit to 20 lbs, Northwest will limit to 40 lbs.
Fill in several forms, and keep your I-94! ( I-94 is very important, keep it with your passport.) You need to show the following documents to the custom officers:
- Passport with valid visa
- I-94 form (Keep)
- ...form
- I-20 form (keep student copy)
Change Air Plane in USA
Find the right gate and get there on time. You don't need worry about your luggage any more until you arrive Birmingham. It will be highly recommended to have your luggage labeled.
Things to Bring
Money : You should bring enough money for your first month living expenses, such as housing rent, deposit for housing, food, university enrollment fee, and pocket money (usually more than $1000 is best).
Clothe and Shoes : Jeans, T-shirts, sweaters and jackets are most popular. Although people usually dress casual, there are some formal events. We recommend you bring at least one formal suit. 100% cotton-made proves to be reliable but beware of washing and drying conditions (some will shrink a little bit).
Medicine : you had better bring some medicine for flu, cold and other common diseases.
Cooking utensils : All Chinese cooking utensils are available here in Chinese supermarkets and you can also buy pots and knives in better quality from other popular supermarkets or department stores. You are welcome to bring some for initial setup.
Bedding stuff : You can bring a thin quilt, and a couple of sheets, pillows, and other stuff you may need. Again, all can be bought in stores.
Reference books : You will find it not necessary. You will have access to high speed Internet. English and Chinese search engines will give you links to dictionaries, novels, professional or entertainment resources, but you are welcome to bring some specialized notebook for yourself.
CDs : Bring as many CDs/VCDs as possible. You will not regret this.
Gifts : You may bring some Chinese art crafts as a possible gift idea for future use. Bring some of your favorite Chinese readings if your luggage is not too heavy.
Important : Have your teeth checked and fixed if necessary, it cost a fortune to fix it here. Bring a school bag and Prepare several dollars and coins in change to rent a luggage cart at the airport.
Before Leaving
Before leaving China, we suggest you
Join CSSA mailing list
Make sure you get all documents
- I-20 Form with the financial aids information
- Immunization form
- Admission Letter from UAB and/or from The Department /Program
- The letter with the information on Financial Aids (If it's included in the previous letters, then this letter is not necessary)
- Passport and Certificate : (Marriage; Born; No criminal records; Degree might be useful)
Registration
When you come to this university, first go to the International Office (Hill University Center) with your passport, I-20 (A,B), and I-94 to register and check in.
Student ID
After your registration with the ISSO, go to register Office (2nd floor HUC ) with relevant documents and apply for your stutent ID, you will have your photo taken and get the ID a couple days later, provided your successful registration.
Health Insurance
As we all understand that medical expense is really expensive in the US, we highly recommend you to buy medical insurance right after, in the first sememster. It will be reasonable to buy insurance provided by VIVA in UAB, later you can decide whether you want to switch to other.
Note :
- Dental is not covered
- Married student needs to make sure your spouse is covered
- There is much difference between insurance purchased by individual and a team
Social Security Number
SSN is like the Identification in China. SSN is imperative for applying any kind of certificate or cards, such as driver license, credit card, etc. Bring your passport, I-94, I-20 and the Working permission proof (RA or TA or GA) provided by your department or the International Center and go to ISSS for detail application information. BTW, you will be required to fill your parents name (pin yin), be sure to remember how you spell it in case any trouble happens when your parents come to see you later. You can get the SSN card in 2 weeks. If you need it urgently, you can call them in ten days. Put your SSN card in a safe place, and memorize it. Do not tell others about it.
Tax
According to the US law, RAs & TAs even Fellowship might need to fill the application for work permission (I-9,W-2,W-4) for taxation. Check with ISSS and meet with the tax officer (Lisa Scott ) Note :
- Only after finishing these procedures, you can get your stepend.
- There is one item about tax exemption treaty, please do not forget to write Exempted by the tax treaty between USA and PRC.
There are many open computer labs on campus, such as Library (1st floor, Macintosh), Engineering bldg. (first floor, PC). As for email accounts, after your registration, you can get one from UAB.
Bank
The banking system in USA is different from China. You can open an account with your passport, SSN or the number provided on I-20. Usually you need to open two accounts: saving account (with interest) and checking account (with no interest, for your using checks). There is a minimum balance for your account, if your balance is less than it, you will be charged services monthly. Make sure that your money in your account can pay for the checks you write, or you and the recipient of the checks will be fined.
There is Univ. Credit Union inside the school. Regions is the major banks in Birmingham. You can apply for ATM card or Debit Card (with VISA or MasterCard marks) when you open an account. Debit card is very convenient for newcomers without credit card. You can pay directly from your account.
There are two ways of getting your stipend. You can get a check from your dept monthly and deposit to your account yourself, or you can ask them to pay it directly to your account. (You should fill an application for direct deposit service). The latter is more convenient.
Telephone
Visit BellSouth for local phone installation , if you stay on-campus, campus will provide its own phone service which is a couple bugs cheaper than bellsouth. Before you install the telephone you can buy calling cards to communicate with your family or friends. The rate for calling China is about 30-50cents/min. But you must make sure if there is connection fee. You can buy calling card at the Chinese shops or on-line, such as
- http://www.cybercalling.com/
- http://www.phonecardonsale.com/
- http://www.phonecardforsale.com/
- http://www.phonecardforsale.com/
- AT&T 1-800-222-0300
- MCI 1-800-950-5555
- Sprint 1-800-877-4646
- GTE 1-801-974-3112
Credit Card
You almost can not live in the states without credit card, such as shopping, car-maintenance, loan, and car-rental. You can not only use a credit card for expense, but also for the accumulation of your personal credit. Different from the cards in China, the credit card companies do not care how much money is in your bank account; they will ask whether you have income, and independent account.
Chinese students will pay the bill on time, so the interest rate of the credit card is not important to us. Only when you can not pay the bill will the card companies ask for interest. Whether there is annul fee, where it can be used, and the credit limit is more important to us.
The most popular credit cards are VISA and MasterCard. Many shops will also accept American Express and Discover card. BTW, Discover card promised to return 1% of your annual expense in cash.
It might be difficult to apply for Credit card when you first arrive, but it is easier to apply for American Express or AMEX Optima student card. Use your current address for the home address.
BTW, you'd better write your credit card number and its service phone number down somewhere. When you lose the card, call the company about it immediately to avoid unnecessary loss.
Shopping
Daily
Electronics
Books
Driver License
It is very inconvenient without a car in USA. Many students buy personal cars. The procedures is as follows:
- Go to driving school
- Apply for license
- Look for/buy a car
- Buy car insurance
Used Cars
Movie
There are a couple of cinemas in the Birmingham area, which might cost about $5-8 for a movie, CSSA is also trying to provide monthly free movie in HUC.
Newspaper
The Birmingham News is in the local news paper, this is the on-line page.
Travel
Famous FL White Sand beach will be only 4-5 hr drive south, great-smoky mountain national park located in TN will also be around 4-5 hr drive north, Atlanta will be 2 hour drive east. Be careful about travel, you can always consult with CSSA for experience.
Holidays
- Last Thursday in Nov. Thanksgiving Day
- Dec. 25: Christmas Day
- Jan. 1: New Years Day
- Third Monday in Jan.: Martin Luther King/Human Rights Day
- Third Monday in Feb.: President's Day
- Last Monday in May.: Memorial Day
- Jul. 4 Independence Day
- First Monday in Sept. Labor Day
Conversion
Weight units ounce, pound :
- 1ounce=28.35grams=0.062pounds
- 1pound=0.454kg=0.908 Jin=16ounce
- 1 inch=2.54 centimeter=0.083 feet=0.028 yards
- 1 feet=30.48 centimeter=12 inches=0.333 yards
- 1 yard=91.44 centimeter=36 inches=3 feet
- 1 gallon=3.785 liters=4 quarts=8 pints
- 1 quarts=0.946 liters=0.25 gallons=2 pints
- 1 pints=0.473 liters=0.125 gallons=0.5 quarts
- T=(F-32)*5/9
US Culture
The culture here is much different from that in China. Coming from Li Yi Zhi Bang, we should pay attention to our behaviors. The following are some basic concepts about living in the western countries.
A New Culture -- A learning Experience:
You are coming to the United States to further your education, to learn more in a particular academic field. Of the same importance, you will be learning many other things, too, things relating to the way people of another culture live and the way they view the world and their own lives.
There is valuable learning in experiencing and understanding a way of life different from yours. It may surprise you to discover that you will learn things about your own culture that you may not have thought about before. It is a rare opportunity not only to broaden your viewpoint but also to mature personally and to realize and establish your values.
Ask Questions:
To ask questions is the best way to find out about something that you need to know or want to understand. Do not hesitate to ask questions, even if the question may seem trivial or you think your English is not good enough. People here are generally helpful, but they can't always guess what it is you need to know. Ask Questions!
Cultural Shock
"Cultural Shock" is a name given to a feeling of disorientation or confusion that often occurs when a person leaves a familiar place and moves to an unfamiliar one. Coming to Alabama from China, you certainly will encounter many new things. The building will look different and so will the landscape. The food will not be what you are used to, and the people here look, speak and act differently from people at home. The language skills you have been always proud of may not serve you as well as you expect. You may find embarrassing moment that you are not able to convey your full personality in English. Think about this: your family and friends are far away.
People experience cultural shock in various degrees. Some people are more affected by it than others, those who do experience it tend to become nervous and unusually tired. They want to sleep a lot. They write many letters home. They may feel frustrated and hostile toward their host country (anyway, it is true). They may become excessively angry over minor irritations. It is not unusual for them to become very dependent on fellow nationals who are also students here. All these feelings may make it difficult to kick off a new start here. Very often these feelings may also make you lose comfort in speaking English.
Different people react differently to culture shock but almost everyone must cope w ith it to some degree. Years ago a Chinese student in Iowa State killed several of professors and tarnished the reputation of Chinese nationals in States. Here are some suggestions that may be helpful:
Maintain your perspective. Try to remember that more than a quarter million Chinese students have come to the United States and have survived.
Evaluate your expectations. Your reactions to the United States, Birmingham and University of Alabama will be the products both of the way things are here and the way you expect them to be. If you find yourself being confused or disappointed about something, it is time to determine whether your expectations are reasonable. You can do much to reduce the amount of dissatisfaction -- and unhappiness -- that you will feel.
Keep an open mind. People here might do or say things that people at home would not do or say. Try to understand that they are acting according to their own set of values, and these are born of a culture different than yours. Avoid evaluating their behavior by the standards of your own country.
Learn from the experience. Moving to a new culture can be the most fascinating and educational experience of your life. It is an opportunity to explore an entire new way of living -- and to compare it to your own. There is no better way to become aware of your own values and attitudes and to broaden point of view!
Informality: In most cases, young Americans avoid elaborate social rituals. Americans are not lack of polite forms, but they tend to be casual and informal most of the time. This is due more to a lack of concern for social ceremony rather than a lack of respect.
Tipping in Restaurants: If you eat in a restaurant where a waitress or waiter serves you, it is customary to tip the table. (Some suggestions for tipping: leave 20% in Chinese restaurant, while 10% in Italian or French ones. To be generous and add one buck more than you think it should be.) This is usually left under the edge of the plate or napkin.
China Related committees
Jobs
Chinese Internet Resources
- Google Search Engin
- Yahoo!!
- Sina Chinese Daily News
- Internet Distributed Chinese Magazines
- Chinese Novel On-line
- Chinese Books CyberStore
- Yi Fan Chinese Novel Library
- Chinese Music Archive
Computer Software and Hardware