Life in the U.S.
Welcome to the United States! Moving to a new country is a big decision we understand and were here for you. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the collection of resources and services to help you transition to your time in the U.S.
For New Students
Now that youve said Yes! to Biola, heres a glimpse into what happens next.
Check your Biola email regularly for important updates and reminders.
Obtain your F-1 visa (and F-2 visa(s) for your dependent(s) if applicable).
Prepare for your arrival to Biola.
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Move into on-campus housing.
View Biola on-campus housing
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Attend Biola orientation(s) for new students
View Biola orientation(s) for new students
Global Student Orientation (hosted by Global Student Engagement)
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Meet with Biolas student immigration advisor
Schedule an appointment with Biolas student immigration advisor upon arrival in the U.S.
Email the student immigration advisor at studentvisa.services@biola.edu to schedule your appointment.
For international students living outside the U.S., schedule an appointment within 30 days of your arrival to the U.S.
For international students currently living in the U.S. (transferred your I-20), schedule an appointment within 15 days of the first day of class at Biola.
Global Student Engagement
Global Student Engagement (GSE) is dedicated to Biolas global community including international students. From global orientation and community events, to other transition resources, GSE aims to serve and equip students to thrive in a more globally-minded community at Biola.
Resources and Services at Biola
Becoming Biola
Becoming Biola'' is a collection of stories and tips written for students and parents as they prepare to join the Biola community. You can explore what life as an undergraduate student is like in Southern California.
U.S. Resources
In addition to settling into your life as a Biola student, we want to make sure you are equipped to live life in the U.S. Explore the following resources to help you get started.
Driving in the U.S.
It is recommended that international students obtain a California Drivers License if they plan to drive in the United States. A California Driver's License is also required when purchasing a car and obtaining car insurance. For the most current information on applying for a driver's license, please visit the , which outlines the process for obtaining a .
You can refer to the for information on the .
Getting a Drivers License
There are two big steps in getting a license: . After passing the written test, you will be issued a permit that allows you to practice driving with an adult (18 years of age or older) with a valid California license. You may take the driving test when you are ready.
Written Test
To take the written test, you must first complete the Drivers License (DL) application.
You can and finish the process at a DMV office. There is an for original, renewal, and replacement DLs.
Visit a DMV office.
To reduce wait time at the DMV office, you can . You will need to bring the following documents to the DMV:Valid passport (with a valid visa)
Printed Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record." You can obtain a printout from .
Biola University I-20/DS-2019
Two
At the DMV, you will:
Prove your identity and provide proof of residency by presenting the documents listed above.
Pay the nonrefundable (application and fee valid for 12 months)
Have your thumbprint taken.
Take a
Have your photo taken.
- Pass the . You have three attempts to pass each of the knowledge tests. If you fail the knowledge test three times, you will need to reapply.
To study for the test, you can use the and .
Driving Test
Make an to save time.
Have an acquaintance drive you to the DMV, you will be using their car to take the test.
- Make sure the acquaintance has the following:
Valid California driver's license
Valid car registration
Valid proof of insurance
Arrive at the DMV at least 30 minutes before appointment time to take the test.
Once you pass, you will be issued a temporary license until you receive your photo license by mail.
Getting Insurance
Before you start driving even if you are a new driver practicing to take the driving test, . Compare online and do some research to find the best option for you.
ID Cards
The DMV issues to persons of any age to be used to prove your identity or age. The ID card looks like a driver license, but is used for identification purposes only and they do not allow you to operate a motor vehicle.
Opening a Bank Account
There are many banks in the area to choose from. Check out this to see banks in La Mirada, or see the list below for banks extending beyond the La Mirada area. We recommend Chase and Wells Fargo as they have experience dealing with international students.
To open up an account at most local banks, you will need at least two of the following documents. Once you have picked out a bank, before visiting you should contact them first by phone to see what they require.
Drivers license or state ID
Student ID
Passport
Note: Most banks will also require a minimum amount of funds to deposit to open the account.
Local Banks
Bank of America
12231 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, 562-903-1176
6210 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714-236-3490
13415 Telegraph Rd, Whittier, 562-903-1363
15742 Whittier Blvd., Whittier, 562-902-6536
1933 Malvern Ave, Fullerton (ATM)
Bank of the West
12709 Valley View Ave., La Mirada, 562-565-2170
17303 Carmenita Rd., Cerritos, 562-926-1379
1330 S. Beach Blvd. Ste A, La Habra, 562-383-9150
Chase Bank
12333 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, (562) 968-1440
15128 Rosecrans Ave, La Mirada, (714) 521-1310
11817 Whittier Blvd., Whittier, (562) 692-4767
1300 West Imperial Hwy., La Habra, (562) 691-2226
11618 E Rosecrans Ave., Norwalk, (562) 868-3796
Citibank
15410 E Whittier Blvd., Whittier, 562-352-0377
320 N. Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, 657-217-8563
U.S. Bank (formally Union Bank of California)
1970 W Whittier Blvd., La Habra, 562-371-9314
12221 Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk, 562-274-9176
13525 Whittier Blvd, Whittier, 562-698-2521
Wells Fargo
15056 Rosecrans Ave, La Mirada, 714-521-1674
7560 Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park, 714-228-2560
1190 S. Beach Blvd., La Habra, 562-697-6749
1899 W Malvern Ave, Ste 7C-1, Fullerton, 714-578-8300
11732 Firestone Blvd., Norwalk, 562-406-7220
13355 South St, Cerritos, 562-467-5340
Finding a Church
The Spiritual Development department lists some churches close to Biola without necessarily endorsing them. Additionally, below are churches that have been recommended by global students. Contact GSE@biola.edu if you are part of a local church community that other global students might be interested in!
Note: This list is for reference use only and Biola University does not endorse any of the churches.
View List of Churches
| Church | Address | Language |
|---|---|---|
15151 Cordova Road |
Service in English |
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11818 La Mirada Blvd. |
Service in English |
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2200 West Imperial Highway |
Service in English, Spanish and Korean |
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1370 S. Euclid St. |
Service in English, Japanese and Spanish |
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1380 S Sanderson Ave |
Service in English (large Korean population) |
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13106 Bailey St. |
Service in Korean, Japanese and Mandarin (translation available) |
|
1111 N. Brookhurst St. |
Service in Korean and English |
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1157 Galemont Ave. |
Service in English; multi-ethnic and multi-generational church |
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2121 East Wilshire Ave. |
Service in Mandarin and English |
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2311 E. Chapman Ave. |
Service in English |
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17054 Bixby Ave. |
Service in Thai and English |
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13702 Fairview St. |
Service in Taiwanese and English |
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191 N Orange St. |
Service in Korean and English |
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21167 Commerce Point Dr. |
Service in Mandarin and English |
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3718 North Baldwin Park Blvd. |
Service in Indonesian and English |
|
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18700 Harvard Ave. |
Service in Korean |
1218 S. Fairfax Ave. |
Service in Korean and English |
Paying Taxes
All international students, scholars, and their dependents who are present in the U.S. during any part of the calendar year are responsible for filing annual tax forms. Filing tax forms is required for all F visa holders, including dependents. This is a requirement even if you did not work or earn any income while in the U.S.
Forms
If you are an F-1 student with an on-campus job (either a new hire or a continuing student worker), you will need to fill out two forms: Form 8233 and Form W-8BEN. Both of these forms need to be filled out annually in November to December and submitted to the Accounting Department to be processed.
Form 8233 offers a tax exemption for countries with a treaty benefit. This will allow students with residency in those countries to be exempt from compensation withholdings. Form W-8BEN requires mostly personal information in Part 1 and a Claim of Tax Treaty Benefits in Part 2.
Note: The is required of all students and dependents every year.
External Tax Resources
While GSE cannot officially advise on individuals tax matters, we want to help you potentially find the resources that you need. Listed below are additional resources that may help:
Additional tax services for non-U.S. citizens:
Workshops and Webinars
Below are two resources, a Powerpoint presentation from the February 26 and March 12 tax workshops held at Biola earlier this Spring and a 35-minute webinar from Sprintax, a company that specializes in helping international students and scholars with their taxes.
Please contact GSE@biola.edu if you have any questions.
Finding a School for Your Dependent
If you are coming to Biola with your children, then you will need to enroll them in some form of schooling. Kids are required to start school between the ages of 5 (on or before September 1) to 18 in California, so you will need to enroll them as part of your process in transitioning to Biola.
Home schooling is an option but is much more expensive than public school unless you or your spouse have the time and proper education to function as teachers. In order to enroll your kids you will have to contact the school personally. This can be done through , search for the city that you live in and find a list of schools.
Here are some important links from the U.S. government that can be helpful:
For questions, please email GSE@biola.edu.