| Welcome Science
Life in Pasadena
Logistics
of SSC/IPAC life
Life
in Pasadena / L.A.
For everything from cars, banks to housing questions consult the: TECHNIQUE |
Advice for Foreign Postdocs and Students (Thanks to C. Brinkworth, N. Seymour and J. Karr for this info)
b) Bring lots of money and/or an empty credit card. You will need to pay for your first month's rent, plus security deposit (roughly equal to a month's rent) plus your first month's expenses before getting paid. Expenses that Caltech have offered to cover *may* only be claimable after the event, eg I had to pay my hotel bill up front and claim it back later. c) Apply for SS#, having made sure your ID is valid d) Fill in all the forms with human resources that cover your medical insurance, repatriation etc. These are required under your J-1 visa unless you have sufficient medical insurance from home. Bear in mind that if you are here as a visiting grad student, Caltech will not subsidise your insurance - it will cost about $250 a month. You must bring proof of insurance if you do not take Caltech's. e) Open a bank account with a caltech-friendly bank that doesn't require a SS# - eg either Wells Fargo or the credit union f) At the same time look for housing. If you're sharing you may not need a SS# - check craigslist for vacancies. If you're getting a place on your own you definitely need a SS# and a US bank account, so you may have to wait a couple of weeks while they come through, but start looking - most places are a dump. g) You may not need California ID unless you *don't* have a foreign licence or passport if you are only here for a short time but it is best to read the rules from California DMV h) As soon as you have your SS#, consider moving your bank account. |