Life in the U.S.
Welcome to the United States! Moving to a new country is a big decision — we understand and we’re here for you. 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 you’ve said “Yes!” to Biola, here’s 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 Biola’s student immigration advisor
Schedule an appointment with Biola’s 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 Biola’s 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, by students. Explore what life as an undergraduate student in Southern California is like.
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 always recommended that international students obtain a California Driver’s 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 California DMV website.
Getting a Driver’s License
There are two big steps in getting a license: written test and behind-the-wheel driving test. 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
Make an appointment online or via telephone at 1-(800) 777-0133 to save time.
Fill out form DL-44, which isn't available online, as the DMV only accepts its original form. You can pick one up from your local DMV; or call 1-(800) 777-0133; or simply fill it out when you come in for your license exam.
- Bring all your paperwork (Original):
Passport (with valid visa)
Form I-20
Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record" –– This may be a white, paper I-94 card stapled to your passport, or an electronic I-94 record. Obtain a printout from www.cbp.gov/i94.
Pay the application fee of $32 (USD) in cash only.
Give your Social Security number (If you have one) and your true full name.
Have your thumbprint and your picture taken and take a vision test.
Pass a traffic-laws-and-signs test. There are 36 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 31 correct answers. You have 3 chances to pass.
To study for the test you can use the California Drivers Handbook and sample practice tests.
Driving Test
Make an appointment online or via telephone at 1-800-777-0133 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.
If you fail,You can take the test three times. Although there is no minimum waiting period between tests, you must make another appointment each time you retest. Each additional test will require a payment.
Getting Insurance
Before you start driving — even if you are a new driver practicing to take the driving test, you must have car insurance. Compare online and do some research to find the best option for you.
ID Cards
The DMV issues ID cards 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 Google Map 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.
Driver’s license or state ID
Student ID
Passport
Note: Most banks will also require a minimum amount of funds to deposit to open the account.
Campus ATM
ATM access to most of the local banks around Biola can be found at the lower level Student Union Building. This ATM machine will require a small fee for most withdrawals.
Bank of America
12231 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, 714-533-4470
6210 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714-533-4470
13415 Telegraph, Santa Fe Springs, 562-868-1448
15742 Whittier Blvd., Whittier, 714-533-4470
1933 Malvern Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833 (ATM)
Bank of the West
12709 Valley View Ave., La Mirada, 562-921-1365
17303 Carmenita Rd., Cerritos, 562-926-1379
1330 S. Beach Blvd. Unit A, La Habra, 562-694-1931
Chase Bank
12333 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, 90638, (562) 968-1440
15128 Rosecrans Ave, La Mirada, (714) 521-1310
15625 Whittier Blvd., Whittier, (562) 947-0321
1300 West Imperial Hwy., La Habra, (562) 691-2226
11618 East Rosecrans Ave., Norwalk, (562) 868-3796
1300 West Imperial Hwy., La Habra, (562) 691-2226
Citibank
15410 East Whittier Blvd., Whittier, 1-800-843-2265
320 South Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832, 1-657-217-8563
Union Bank of California
1970 West Whittier Blvd., La Habra, 562-905-2400
12221 South Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk, 562-863-8759
8510 Painter St., Whittier, 562-693-9636
Wells Fargo
15056 Rosecrans Ave, La Mirada, 714-521-1674
7560 Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park, 1-714-228, 2560
1190 S. Beach Blvd., La Habra, 562-697-6749
1899 West Malvern Ave, Unit 7C-1, Fullerton, 1-714-578-8300
11732Firestone Blvd., Norwalk, 562-406-7220
13355 South St, Cerritos, 1-562-467-5340
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) |
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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 |
|
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 |
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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.
Note: The Form 8843 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 www.cde.ca.gov/schooldirectory/, 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.