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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q. Where can I find housing?
- Q. Who may I contact for assistance after my arrival?
- Q. Do I have to pay for the university health insurance?
- Q. Can I change my major?
- Q. Do I have to inform UHCL and the Federal government if I change my address?
- Q. Can I work off-campus?
- Q. What do I do if I want to travel outside the U.S.?
- Q. Can I apply for Financial Aid?
- Q. How can I qualify for in-state tuition?
- Q. How much are my expenses every year?
Q. Where can I find housing?
A. There are multiple apartment complexes and homes around campus. However, UHCL has a campus-affiliated residential facility called the University Forest Apartments where the majority of students reside due to its proximity to campus.
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Q. Who may I contact for assistance after my arrival?
A. You may contact the Office of Intercultural and International Student Services (IISS) at 281-283-2575 or via email at IISS@uhcl.edu.
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Q. Do I have to pay for the university health insurance?
A. All students with J-1 and F-1 visas within the University of Houston system are required to have health insurance. However, students can request a Health Insurance Waiver. More details can be found on our Health Insurance Waiver Information Sheet.
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Q. Can I change my major?
A. Yes. International students must submit an Academic Record Change form to the prospective department. If the request is approved, your International Student Adviser will issue you a new I-20 reflecting your new degree program.
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Q. Do I have to inform UHCL and the Federal government if I change my address?
A. Any change of address must be reported to an International Student Adviser within ten days. If you have a pending case with the USCIS, you must file an AR-11 to report change of address. Students from special registration countries are required to complete the AR-11SR to report the change of address.
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Q. Can I work off-campus?
A. Students must complete one academic year in good F-1 status to be eligible for off-campus employment. Any unauthorized employment is a direct violation of your F-1 status. International students can be approved for off-campus employment, co-ops, or internships in a field related to their degree program with authorization from an International Student Adviser. For information on co-ops, please visit the Career Services website.
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Q. What do I do if I want to travel outside the US?
A. As long as you maintain your F-1 or J-1 status, have a valid I-20, and a visa beyond the time of your re-entry to the US, you will be free to travel. You must meet with your International Student Adviser at least seven days before your travel date to have your I-20 or DS-2019 signed and obtain detailed information on exit and re-entry to the US.
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Q. Can I apply for Financial Aid?
A. There are limited competitive scholarships and grants for International Students. They are awarded based on merit. For more information please visit the Financial Aid Web site.
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Q. How can I qualify for in-state tuition?
A. By receiving a competitive scholarship of at least $1000 for an academic year, a Teaching Assistant (TA), or Research Assistant (RA) position qualifies you for in-state tuition.
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Q. How much are my expenses every year?
A. You should budget at least $20,900 each academic year for tuition and living expenses, as mentioned on the first page of your I-20. International students on J-1 visas should consult with their International Student Adviser about annual expenses.
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