Questions New International Students Have
By Ayman Siraj ‘18
USC has the largest international student population on the West Coast. As college decision day approached on May 1st for many of you, I congratulate you if you committed to USC! You’re joining the best family on earth - The Trojan Family (the hype is real). Many of you like me will never have even toured the colleges you applied to from halfway across the world. Naturally many questions arise when you get here, and I’ve put down the answers to a few:
Where do I get my SIM Card?
The closest place near campus to get a SIM Card is the T-Mobile store on Figueroa. T-Mobile is by far the most cost affordable option for a student. Currently I pay $50 a month for an Unlimited Talk, Text & Data Plan. They also offer student discounts. The only downside is that T-Mobile doesn’t have the best coverage when you go to secluded areas. When I went to Joshua Tree National Park with my friends I only had 1 bar and 2G data. But it works for me because of the price benefit it provides me. The other major operators are Verizon & AT&T.
Where do I get my bedding/room supplies from?
When I was a freshman I used a service called Our Campus Market. You can order your essentials that you will need on move in day online - bedding, storage, shower stuff. The order can be picked up on campus. Usually all admitted freshman get an email a month before move in regarding this service. Also, Bed Bath & Beyond has pop up shop at the USC Bookstore and lot of essentials are available there. After moving in and you’ve settled I suggest visiting Target. You can search for items online, order and go pick up in-store! It’s really convenient.
Where’s the closest place to do grocery?
1. Ralphs - This is the place where you will find everything under one roof. Pro tip: Download their app on your phone and register. Membership is free and saves you dollars when you scan your barcode at checkout.
2. CVS - A slightly limited collection compared to Ralphs, but closer for many students living on campus. Same tip for CVS, download their app and register for discounts.
How do I get my driver’s license?
1. You need to schedule an appointment at a DMV to take a MCQ test. The material to study for the driving test is all in the California Driver’s Handbook. Passing this gives you the permit to schedule your practical.I highly recommend taking driving classes because there’s some nitty gritty stuff you need to be aware about (such as not turning in front of a bus). Also if you’re from a right-hand drive country, it actually is confusing at first (I speak from first hand experience). It’s very difficult to schedule appointments in the Downtown DMV closest to campus. Try Inglewood, Glendale, Pasadena or Arleta to get appointments that require you to wait a less number of days. For official information check out USC Office of International Service’s page.
How do I get around without a car?
1. Uber & Lyft - These two rideshare have taken the world by storm and are easily the most efficient way to travel for someone without a car in LA. If you’re flying into LAX, after claiming your luggage at the carousels, take the escalator up to the departures level and walk outside. You’ll see signs saying ‘Transportation Companies.’ This is where you can call your Uber or Lyft. They aren’t allowed to pick up from the arrivals level.
2. GoMetro! LA Metro is very under rated. For $1.75 you can get to almost any part of LA. The Santa Monica line is opening May 20 which means Santa Monica Beach & Pier will be more accessible and affordable for students to travel to. Metro TAP Cards can be purchased at vending machines at any metro station. Google Maps has transit integration, so if you type in any address it will show you how to get there using public transport. Metro also has reduced rates for students.
Thanks for reading. If there’s any more questions that you need answered, shoot me a message on my Facebook and I’ll gladly combine them and make another post.
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