Frequently Asked Questions | Handbook | General Immigration Info | F-1 Status Checklist | 1-901 SEVIS Fee Insert
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I arrive at Pitzer College?
You should plan on arriving at Pitzer College between Saturday, August 20, 2011 and Monday, August 22, 2011 to participate in the International Place (I-Place) Student Orientation and Homestay Program. You need to submit the new student request via the I-Place web address http://iplace.claremont.edu/main/orientation.php or contact the International Programs Office to reserve your space.
Your Pitzer accommodation is open for check-in on Thursday, August 25, 2011 from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon. Please go to the second floor of the Gold Center on the Pitzer campus to receive your orientation packet and housing assignment.
Early Arrival: If you arrive before Saturday, August 20, 2011, you will need to make arrangements and pay for your own accommodation.
Pitzer College hosts international students from over 25 countries through a variety of programs. The diversity of culture and perspective they bring add a global dimension to the vibrant campus community at Pitzer College.
How will I get to Pitzer College from the airport?
I-Place can meet you, we can meet you or you can arrange your own ground transportation.
If you plan to attend the International Place Student Orientation and Homestay Program a representative of I-Place will meet you at the airport after receiving your airport arrival information.
We can also welcome you upon your arrival at Los Angeles or Ontario Airport and bring you to Claremont. Please return the Arrival Information Form that was enclosed with your acceptance packet as soon as possible, giving us your flight and arrival information. You may fax or email it to us as well as sending it through regular mail. Please also enclose a recent picture of yourself, so we can easily recognize you. We must receive the Arrival Information Form at least three weeks before you arrive. We will confirm your Airport Welcome request and send a staff member to meet you at the airport. The staff member will bring you to your requested accommodation.
If you wish to arrange for your own transportation to Claremont, the following information may be helpful to you.
Taxi: Taxi cabs operate on the metered combination of mileage and time; there is no charge for extra passengers. The fare from LAX to Pitzer is about $90. The fare from Ontario Airport is about $22.
Airport Shuttle: The SUPER SHUTTLE (a blue mini-bus) runs from Los Angeles International Airport to Claremont. Call 213.775.6600 upon arrival from the telephones near the Baggage Claim area. The Super Shuttle will bring you to Pitzer College for about $50. Once you have your baggage, go to the VAN STOP outside the baggage pick-up area. Wait for the Super Shuttle van that is marked COVINA/ONTARIO. The Super Shuttle comes to Claremont about once each hour.
How will I register for classes?
You must attend the International Student Academic Orientation scheduled for Thursday, August 25. The meeting will last approximately two hours. If you do not attend this meeting, you will not be able to register for your classes. Please notify the office if you anticipate difficulties in being available to attend this important meeting. Telephone: 909.621.8308 or Fax: 909.621.0518.
When do classes begin and end?
Fall 2011 Semester classes begin on Tuesday, August 30. Final Examinations are given between Monday, December 12 and Friday, December 16, 2011.
What will my dorm room be like?
In the August and January sessions, all dormitory rooms are doubles or triples. You will be assigned a Pitzer student as a roommate. Your room will have a bed, mattress, desk, chair, shelves, closet and drawers. Bed linens can be purchased at cost at the International Programs Office (for about $50 for sheets, pillow and blanket). Each dormitory has a laundry room where you can do your own laundry. Each corridor in the dorm is supervised by an R.A. (Resident Adviser), who can help answer questions you may have.
Some other items you might consider obtaining for your dormitory room include: fan, extra blanket, alarm clock, small lamp, telephone/cell phone, wastebasket, detergent, laundry basket/bag, towels, shower caddy, soap, shampoo, toothbrush/toothpaste, TV, DVD player, message board.
Do I need to submit a Physician’s Report?
You must take the Student Health Service Form, which is enclosed with your acceptance letter, to your family doctor. Please mail the completed form back to the International Programs Office, Pitzer College, 1050 N. Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711, along with your completed application. We will forward it on for you to the Student Health Service Office. It is a good idea to make a copy before you send it and also bring that copy of the form with you to Pitzer College. Students cannot receive treatment at the Center until the form is on file in the Student Health Service Office. Have your doctor complete the following procedures:
- 1. Review your medical history.
- 2. Complete a physical examination and tuberculin skin test (including a recorded measurement of the result on the form provided).
- 3. Verify that the following immunizations are current:
a) measles, mumps, rubella
b) tetanus/diphtheria (a booster given within the last 10 years).
Where can I receive medical care on campus?
You are eligible to use the Student Health Center for routine health care. Emergency medical care is available at two local hospitals. Please complete the Special Needs/Disabilities form, which was enclosed with your acceptance letter, if applicable to your situation.
Do I need proof of insurance?
Please bring with you proof of health insurance in English that will cover you for major accident and illness (hospitalization) while you are in the U.S. If you cannot purchase such insurance in your country, we will assist you in purchasing a Student Health Insurance plan before or on the first day of your program. The approximate cost of insurance for five months is $422; the cost for nine months is about $812. If you plan on purchasing health insurance through Pitzer, please let us know BEFORE you arrive in Claremont. Please be sure that you have insurance coverage during travel and for the first two weeks of the session.
How can I pay my fees?
You can expect to receive an invoice for any fees due the College during the first week of your program. Payment must be completed by the end of the second week of the program. All payments must be made in U.S. dollars and can take the following forms:
- 1. Check in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank and made payable to Pitzer College.
- 2. An international money order in U.S. dollars and made payable to Pitzer College.
- 3. Travelers' checks in U.S. dollars.
- 4. Bank transfer to the following Pitzer College account. Contact Student Accounts for bank information.
Telephone: 909.621.8191
Fax: 909.607.8862
Email: Student_Accounts@pitzer.edu
How will I get money and where can I do banking?
Upon arrival in the U.S., it is good to have at least $50 in U.S. money to avoid difficulties in currency exchange. Currency exchange offices are located only at LAX and not at Ontario Airport. It is safest to carry travelers' checks. Near the campus are several banks where you can deposit checks and establish accounts. You can also wire money ahead of time from home. The bank will hold these funds for three days. Pitzer staff members can assist you with establishing an account at a bank during the first few days of your program. Two local banks you might want to consider using are:
Bank of America
339 Yale Ave.
Claremont, CA 91711
909.865.2424
California Bank & Trust
102 Yale Ave.
Claremont, CA 91711
909.624.9091
Where can I receive mail?
Until you move into your permanent accommodation, you may have mail sent to you via:
Your Name
c/o International Programs Office, Scott Hall 110
Pitzer College 1050 N. Mills Avenue
Claremont, CA 91711-6101, U.S.A.
Can I have a paid job in the U.S.?
International students without work permits are allowed to work only on campus. At Pitzer, this means you can work in the McConnell Dinning Hall, at the Honnold Library, or as an assistant to a faculty member who has non-work-study funds. Most other jobs on campus are work-study funded and are limited to U.S. residents.
Will I have telephone and computer access?
All dormitory rooms have telephone jacks that allow you to have a telephone. You will be given instructions for setting up phone service in your orientation at Pitzer. In addition, all dorm rooms have high-speed internet access. You will need an Ethernet/LAN cable in order to connect your computer to the Pitzer network. You may also register your laptop computer to access the highspeed wireless network at Pitzer.
Messages may also be left for you at the International Programs Office at 909.621.8308. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.
Do I need to bring a laptop/desktop computer?
It is not necessary, but many students find it convenient. All dorm rooms have high-speed internet access. You will need an Ethernet/LAN cable to connect your computer to the Pitzer network. If you would like to connect to the wireless network, you will need to register your computer with Information Technology. You will also have access to PC and Macintosh computers and free email accounts in Pitzer College's computer labs.
The Fletcher-Jones Language Laboratory is equipped with computer workstations, audio and text resources, direct Internet access, and a wealth of language, cultural, and educational resources. Video workstations enable individuals, pairs, and small groups to access audio and video satellite programming from all over the world.
When and how will I get my textbooks?
You will obtain your textbooks at the College bookstore after classes begin. The instructors will provide you with a book list for each class.
What facilities are available for me to use?
You will receive a Pitzer ID card which can be used to access the following facilities:
Library
You may borrow books and other materials from the 1.7 million volume Honnold-Mudd Library or any of the other five smaller libraries at The Claremont Colleges.
Bookstore
Huntley Bookstore offers students textbooks, school supplies, food items, gifts, cards, souvenirs, and art supplies.
Computer Lab
The Pitzer Computer Lab in Bernard 103/105 is accessible 24 hours per day during the semester.
Facilities for Sports
With swimming pools, sports fields (soccer, football, and baseball fields), weight rooms, dance studios, ball courts, (basketball, volleyball, racquetball, and squash courts), you have many opportunities to pursue your sports interests at the facilities of the Claremont Colleges.
Dining Services
Students can enjoy a meal at any of the 11 dining halls of The Claremont Colleges or one of the small restaurants on each campus.
What are the extra costs for students at Pitzer College?
$500 per semester Health insurance*
$500 per semester Books*
$500 per semester Personal Expenses*
* approximate cost
What kind of clothes do I need?
In class, students wear casual clothes such as jeans, sweatshirts, T-shirts. The year-round climate is mild and comfortable. While the temperature may drop to near freezing some nights in December and January, it will generally climb to 15 degrees centigrade or higher in the daytime. The rainy season is in the winter; summer is warm and dry. A light jacket is sufficient in winter.
Where will I wash my clothes?
There are card operated washing machines and dryers in each dormitory. You can purchase cards for the washing machines and dryers in Mead Hall Lobby.
What if I still have questions?
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call, write, fax, or email us.
Telephone: (909) 621-8308; FAX: (909) 621-0518; Email: todd_sasaki@pitzer.edu.