TRAVEL
The Tampa International Airport is well connected to most
U.S. destinations by major carriers. Voted the best
International Airport in the U.S., arriving at Tampa should
not be a problem. Do ensure that you inform us of your
travel plans well in advance(by e-mailing or calling us) so
that we send a representative to greet you upon arrival. In
case if a representaive fails to reach in time then students
can take "Airport Limo" to USF which will charge $15 for
drop, try to avoid "Yellow Cab" as it is costly.
CLOTHING
Tampa is in the Southern part of
the U.S. and can get very hot in the summer. Summer highs
are in the high 90 F (32 C) and the humid climate calls
for cool summer clothing. Shorts, T-shirts, and jeans are
the most commonly found attire on campus during the summer
but you will need a sweater for the chilly wintry months.
Lows in the winter can get down to 40 F (4 C) and does
call for warmer clothing. You are also advised to come
prepared for the rain, for the rainy season which follows
the summer.
ARTICLES FOR THE HOME
Ensure you have a good pressure
cooker to cook dal, rice, and vegetables. There are a number
of Indian grocery stores here, so getting your monthly
supplies of Indian masalas, rice and dal should not be of
concern.
SETTLING DOWN IN TAMPA
It is advisable for every student
to come here at least 2 weeks in advance of the first day of
classes. International Student orientation is usually a week
ahead of the first day of classes, coming a week before
Orientation ensures that the new students have ample time to
settle into new apartments and find new roommates. The rent
for 2 bedroom apartment range from 650-700 $. Usually, one
month rent is to be paid in advance., these apartments are
usually shared by 3-4 students to bring down living
expenses. You will have to spend your money on food,
groceries, and utilities. This should put your average
monthly expenses including the rent to at least $350.
TUITIONS AND TUITION WAIVERS
The tuition is listed on your I-20
form but it may not reflect the exact amount. The tuition
for each semester is subject to change without prior
notification. In order to better assess the approximate fee
you'll be paying, take a look at the USF's
tuition and payment FAQ page.
Tuition waivers are available to
International students, and are awarded to those who have an
Assistantship of some sort (Teaching, Research, or
Graduate). Some on campus positions referred to as Graduate
Assistant Jobs classify for a tuition waiver, not all of
them.
MEDICAL ADVICE
It is advised that you complete all
immunization requirements (these are listed in the book
accompanying your I-20) while in India, as medical care in
the United States is very expensive. The immunization
requirements of the University might cost the student as
much as $80-100. All students are also required to take
health insurance on campus. The cost of this insurance is
mentioned in your I-20. If you have any dental or eye
problems it is advised that it is taken care of in India, as
the costs here are more. Do not forget your second pair of
spectacles and any specific medicines that you might
require.
Things to be done upon arrival
1. Federal Credit Union (FCU) Bank - to deposit dd, bankers
cheque, etc.
2. Payment of Tuition Fee and Insurance
3. Subscribe to USF mail after opening a USF mail account
4. Registration for courses
5. USF-ID from Marshall Centre, Registrar's office for
registering your name and address
6. Library - to activate your account
7. Grad Admns for any holds
8. ISSS for Social Security Number
While this letter hopes to address most issues, we are aware
that we might not have covered them all. If you have any
questions, please do contact any of the committee members of
the Students of India Association.
We do have schedules around which we
work at the University, so in case you are unable to reach
us, please do leave your details on the answering machine.
Additionally, e-mails are checked daily by everyone, so
please write to us.
Once again congratulations on your
admission here, we look forward to seeing you in the
Sunshine State!
Students of India Association
University of South Florida,
CTR 2387,
Tampa, FL 33620
The United States Of America
Note
Pertaining to your I-20 form, if
you any doubts or any incorrect information printed on your
I-20, please contact the following person:
Francisco Vera
Program Assistant International
Office of Graduate Admissions
Graduate School
University of South Florida
4202 East Fowler Ave., FAO 100N
Tampa, FL 33620-7910
Phone: (813) 974-8800
Fax: (813) 974-7343
E-mail:
FVera@grad.usf.edu
Mrs. Taylor is the director of International Student and
Scholar Services. Feel free to contact her if you need
information on your non-immigration status with INS or your
visa.
Marcia Taylor
Director
International Student and Scholar Services
Phone (813) 974-5102
Fax: (813) 974-0491
E-mail:
taylor@iac.usf.edu
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