Q. Do I have to pay for the university health insurance?
A. Yes, all International Students are required to have Health Insurance. It can only be waived if the International Student Advisor receives documentation proving that the student had another Health Insurance that meets the minimum criteria.
Q. Can I work off-campus?
A. International Students are not allowed to work off-campus and is considered illegal. However, you can work if you get approved for a co-op by the school you are enrolled in. Please visit the Career Services website (Please note that this link will open a new window) to see the conditions under which you will be approved for a Co-op. In rare cases though, if you have been here for a year and have extreme financial difficulties, you may be allowed to work off-campus.
Q. Can I change my major?
A. Yes, once you have been accepted to a school and then you will have to fill out an academic record change. The change of major must also be reported to the International Student Advisor
Q. Do I have to inform UHCL and the Federal government if I change my address?
A. Yes, you have ten days according to USIS (formerly known as BCIS and before that as INS) to report an address change. Alert your international advisor in the Enrollment Services (Tel No : 281-283-2500). They will direct you to complete the appropriate formalities.
Q. What do I do if I want to travel outside the US?
A. You must always get your I-20 or DS-2019 endorsed first. Any of the International Advisors can sign. Failure to do so might keep you from coming back to the US.
Q. How can I qualify for in-state tuition?
A. Receiving a competitive scholarship of at least $1000 for an academic year, TA position, RA position or having a working visa allows for an in-state tuition.
Q. Can I apply for Financial Aid?
A. Financial Aid for international and undocumented students is mainly in the form of scholarships. However, students may apply for alternative loans which require a US citizen to co-sign for the loan. The Financial Aid/VA Office does offer some grant assistance to International and Undocumented Students. This application can be downloaded from www.uhcl.edu/pls/portal/url/PAGE/FAO/ONLINE_FORMS-SERVICES (Please note that this link will open a new window).
Q. How much money do I need to get from home?
A. As an international student, you are admitted under the provision that you can reasonably afford to study at this institution. It is highly advisable that you budget at least $20,900 for living expenses which are noted on your I-20 (International exchange students on J-1 visas should consult with International Admissions about the annual expenses). Also, it is recommended that you have some U.S. currency with you once you arrive. For more information, please read our International Student Handbook (Please note that this link will open a new window.)
Q. Where can I find a good accommodation for myself?
A. There are multiple apartment complexes and homes around the Clear Lake area. You can do an online apartment search either using Clear Lake or Webster as your city location. However, UHCL has one campus-affiliated residential facility, University Forest Apartments. A number of students reside there because of it's convenience to campus.
Q. Whom can I contact when if I want any help for the initial few days?
A. You can contact any of the Student Services Office on campus if you are having difficulties. However, our office is here to assist you with your transition, so feel free to contact us whenever you need to at 281-283-2575, email IISS@uhcl.edu, or visiting SSCB 1203.
