Campus Arrival Procedures

Find a Place to Live

Attend New International Student Orientation

Meet with an Academic Advisor

Register for Courses

Get a Mason Student ID Card

Pay Tuition and Health Insurance by the Deadline

Update Your Address

Present Your Immunization Documents to the Student Health Service

Getting Your Driver's License or Social Security Number: Timing is Everything

Open a Bank Account

Family/Dependents

The Following Documents Are Required When Enrolling a Child in a Schoo

Find A Place To Live

On Campus

On-campus residences are typically available to undergraduate students only. Students who have arranged to live on-campus should check in with the Housing Office. Space is limited and fills up quickly, so you must apply with the Office of Housing and Residential Life several months in advance (well before you arrive) to make reservations. For more information visit: http://housing.gmu.edu/.

Off Campus

To search for off-campus housing, review the Housing Guide for International Students and Scholars. This publication provides an overview and comparison of housing options available for GMU students and scholars. It also refers you to some of the best Internet resources on housing search.

How can you tell which apartment is the best choice? Price will be a part of your decision, but location is equally important. If you don’t have a car, you’ll want to look for housing near the CUE bus line. The CUE runs throughout the city of Fairfax, to the Mason campus, and to the Vienna/Fairfax metro (underground) stop. Mason students can show their school ID card and ride the bus without charge. More information about the CUE: http://www.fairfaxva.gov/CUEBus/CUEBus.asp.

Rent

Call the property for the exact price on rent. Keep in mind that the rent may or may not include the cost of utilities (water, electricity, gas, etc.). It is important to inquire at the outset what is included in the rent. If utilities are not included, ask about the average utility cost per month.

Some landlords require students to present a social security number or evidence of good credit before approving them for leases. When you first arrive, it may be easier to find students who already have a lease and share housing with them.

Most students save money by renting a room in a house or by sharing an apartment with other students. Most houses and apartments require a lease agreement. A lease period is usually twelve months. Shorter lease periods are rare and, when available, are usually more expensive. A refundable security deposit is required by most landlords and can be equivalent to one month's rent, sometimes higher. The security deposit will be returned to you when you move out if you leave the apartment in good condition.

Inspection

When renting an apartment, make sure to inspect it first, read the lease agreement carefully, and bring to the landlord or property manager's prompt attention any defects in the apartment.