Checklist for the first two weeks

Check in with your department

Let them know you are here. If you have an advisor, try to meet with her or him. See if you can get someone to tell you if there is a preference for which classes you should sign up for.

 Register for classes

This should be done by phone or over the web. If you don’t know what classes your department recommends that you take, you can always register for the ones you’d like and change them later if necessary.

 Get an ID card

Your school will check first to see if you are registered for the coming semester. If you are not registered, they will not issue you a card. If so, they will take your picture, make the card on the spot, and give it to you right away.

 Computer accounts

In most of the universities and colleges each registered student is eligible for a computer account. These can be obtained from the computer services of your institution.

 Housing

Information on off-campus housing can be found in the Campus information center (if available in your school). There you can find listings for local apartment complexes as well as individuals looking for roommates.

 Banking

Most banks will require that you have a social security number (SSN) before they will allow you to open a new account. Open an account in a bank most available for you.

 Change your address

Once you have a local address, be sure to notify the registrar’s office by filling out a change of address form. Your bill will be sent to whichever address is listed on the computer system. If it is an address in Australia, it will be mailed there, and if that causes you to pay the bill late, you will be responsible for the late charge.

 Get a Social Security number

If you are a graduate assistant, you will be required to have a Social Security Number (SSN). If you are not working, an SSN is not required while you are a student. If you have transportation and wish to get a number on your own, we advise that you go to the Social Security Administration office.