Take some time to read through the resources available to you. The orientation website quad.fuller.edu/im-new/ is a great place to start!

A Social Security Number is intended to report your earnings to the federal government for taxation purposes and to receive social security benefits later in life. However, it is often used as a form of personal identification by other institutions. The only way non-U.S. citizens are eligible to receive a social security number is if they obtain legal employment in the U.S. Please note that students do not need a SSN to get a driver's license or open a bank account. However, landlords and utility, cable, and cell phone companies may request a SSN to do a credit history check to determine the amount of deposit they will require to secure housing or to activate services."

Most of the time, yes. However, it does get cool and rainy during some seasons so bring some heavier clothes (sweaters and warm coats/jackets) as well. Students dress casually for classes, although you may want to bring a few formal items for the occasional dress-up event.

Public Schools

Your local address determines the public school your child will attend. The Pasadena Unified School District website will help you find your school. While public schools are free, private and religious-sponsored schools charge tuition and other related fees.

Private Schools

There are private school options available in the Pasadena area (California Association of Independent Schools, Pasadena Area Independent Schools).

PreSchools

• https://www.sunrisepreschoolpasadena.com/
• http://pasadenapreschoolacademy.com/
• https://www.pusd.us/domain/91

You will need to bring the following documents to enroll:

• Proof of Residence (utility bill, rent/lease contract, etc.)
• Passport and I-94 Form
• Past school records (transcripts from middle school and high school)
• Child's birth certificate and recent immunization records

There are plenty of ways to get around Pasadena without driving a car. But if you plan on having a car, check out these tips for new Californians on applying for a driver’s license or ID card, vehicle registration and more. If you are legally present in the U.S. but ineligible for a SSN, you are exempt from the SSN requirement when applying for a driver’s license or ID card.

We understand that you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on furniture that you will only use temporarily. Some budget-friendly options include ACTS Thrift Store, located at 1311 North Altadena Drive, Pasadena, CA 91107, for gently used items, or Ikea for new furniture at affordable prices. You may also find furniture for sale through flyers posted on bulletin boards near campus housing.

A tip can also be called a gratuity, and it is a voluntary extra payment made for service. Service industry employees will often expect a tip (taxi, airport shuttle, hotel, restaurant, hair salon). A 15% tip on the bill is typical at restaurants. A 20-25% tip is considered a generous tip for services you felt were above average. A $1-2 tip is typically given for luggage help or housekeeping at a hotel.

AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile all have branches near campus. Take your passport and a second form of identification.

Bring an adapter plug if you wish to use your small electric appliances such as an iron, hair dryer, or electric razor right away. If you forget, not a problem! You can buy adapter plugs here as well. U.S. electrical current is 110-115 volt, 60 cycle AC.

To open a checking/savings account, go to the nearest bank of your choice to speak with a bank associate. Be sure to bring your passport and a second form of identification (California ID, home country driver’s license or ID card etc.) Please note that a SSN is not needed to open a checking/savings account, but is needed to apply for a credit card. Some popular local banks include:

Wells Fargo Bank
82 South Lake Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101

Bank of America
399 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101

U.S. Bank
720 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101

• Applying for Fuller Housing

• • General Housing Information (FAQ) 

• Signing up for Student Health Insurance

• • F-1 & J-1/J-2 Visa holders are required to purchase health insurance during their studies (F-2 is optional)
  • AETNA OPEN CHOICE PPO PLAN (2021-2022) Brochure
  • Optional Dental Coverage (2021-2022) Plan 

• Airport Shuttle Service (For International Students and their families coming to the U.S. for the first time or departing for the last time)
  • English Form Link
  • Korean Form Link

Here are a few resources for getting situated in your new home.

• Welcome Week

• • Welcome Week events help connect you with your Fuller community.  

• Transportation

• • Pasadena Department of Transportation
  • Driver’s License Application Process 
• Tax Information 

• • • Non-resident taxation
    • International taxation
    • Tax Seminars- Sprintax or CPA seminars (Contact ISO for more information)
      

• Student Wellness & Wellconnect (866-640-4777)

• • Short-term counseling (in-person, video conferencing, telephone, or text messaging)
  • Crisis support/management (24/7 crisis hotline)
  • Assistance in balancing school, home, and life:
    • Personal assistance for daily tasks
    • Community referrals (e.g., childcare, housing)
    • Self-help/online resources including webinars
    • Life coaching
    • Free legal consultations
    • Free financial counseling

• Opening a Bank Account

• • Required Documents:

• Your Passport
• F-1 Student Visa
• I-94 Printout
• Second proof of ID (student ID card or driver's license)
• Proof of Local address (Fuller Housing Lease - make sure address is complete)
• Proof of university enrollment
• Seed money to open the bank account (differs with each bank)

You do NOT need a social security number (SSN) to open a bank account in the U.S. However, an SSN is required to apply for a Credit Card.

• Local Financial Institutions 

• • Bank of America • 880 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena
  • Bank of the West • 587 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena
  • Chase Bank • 860 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena
  • Citibank • 285 S. Lake Avenue, Pasadena
  • City National Bank • 89 S. Lake Avenue, Pasadena
  • Union Bank of California • 70 S. Lake Avenue, Pasadena
  • U.S Bank • 720 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena
  • Wells Fargo • 82 S. Lake Avenue, Pasadena
  • HSBC- 1055 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena CA 91106

• Local Schools

• • Your local address determines the public school your child will attend. The Pasadena Unified School District website will help you find your school. While public schools are free, private and religious-sponsored schools charge tuition and other related fees.
  • Private Schools
    • There are private school options available in the Pasadena area (California Association of Independent Schools, Pasadena Area Independent Schools).
  • PreSchools
    • Sunrise Preschool
    • Pasadena Preschool
    • Pasadena Unified
  • You will need to bring the following documents to enroll:
    • Proof of Residence (utility bill, rent/lease contract, etc.) Passport and I-94 Form
    • Past school records (transcripts from middle school and high school)
    • Child's birth certificate and recent immunization records

• Grocery Stores 

• • Ralphs
  • Food 4 Less
  • Costco- While not local, Costco can be useful for bulk shopping.  Costco cards are available on loan at the Welcome Center ([email protected])

• Local Hospitals

• • Huntington Hospital 
  • Urgent Care

Please contact the International Services Office ([email protected]) for additional questions about adjusting to life in Pasadena.