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. We encourage you to 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.
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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 and parents as they prepare to join the Biola community. You can explore what life as an undergraduate student is like in Southern California.
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 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 Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which outlines the process for obtaining a California Driver’s License (DL).
You can refer to the DMV’s Educational Materials for information on the written and driving skills tests.
Getting a Driver’s License
There are two big steps in getting a license: a written test and a 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
To take the written test, you must first complete the Driver’s License (DL) application.
You can start your application for a DL online and finish the process at a DMV office. There is an application fee for original, renewal, and replacement DLs.
Visit a DMV office.
To reduce wait time at the DMV office, you can schedule an appointment online. You will need to bring the following documents to the DMV:Valid passport (with a valid visa)
Biola University I-20/DS-2019
At the DMV, you will:
Prove your identity and provide proof of residency by presenting the documents listed above.
Pay the nonrefundable application fee (application and fee valid for 12 months)
Have your thumbprint taken.
Take a vision exam.
Have your photo taken.
- Pass the knowledge test. You have three attempts to pass each of the knowledge tests. If you fail the knowledge test three times, you will need to reapply.
To study for the test, you can use the California Driver's Handbook and sample practice tests.
Driving Test
Make an appointment online 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.
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, Bank of America 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. We recommend contacting them by phone before visiting 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
18700 Harvard Ave. |
Service in Korean |
|
1370 S. Euclid St. |
Service in English, Japanese and Spanish |
|
1380 S Sanderson Ave |
Service in English (large Korean population) |
|
1157 Galemont Ave. |
Service in English; multi-ethnic and multi-generational church |
|
2121 East Wilshire Ave. |
Service in Mandarin and English |
|
180 N Grand St, |
Service in Korean and English |
|
13702 Fairview St. |
Service in Taiwanese and English |
|
12717 Santa Gertrudes Ave. |
Service in English and Spanish |
|
11818 La Mirada Blvd. |
Service in English |
|
2311 E. Chapman Ave. |
Service in English |
|
13106 Bailey St. |
Service in Korean, Japanese and Mandarin (translation available) |
|
1218 S. Fairfax Ave. |
Service in Korean and English |
|
15151 Cordova Road |
Service in English |
|
1111 N. Brookhurst St. |
Service in Korean and English |
|
902 North Citron St. |
Service in Thai and English |
|
2950 E Imperial Hwy |
Service in English |
|
2200 West Imperial Highway |
Service in English, Spanish and Korean |
|
21167 Commerce Point Dr. |
Service in Mandarin 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.
Forms
Form 8843 is required of all students and dependents every year, regardless of whether or not they earned income. Find more info on the Sprintax blog regarding Form 8843.
Students must also file Form 1040-NR and Schedule OI if they earned income and have been in the U.S. for less than five (5) calendar years. Find more info on the Sprintax Blog regarding Form 1040-NR.
Please check with the Biola Payroll Office (payroll@biola.edu) if you are interested in learning more about possible eligibility to file for a federal tax withholding exemption.
Tax Resources
While GSE cannot officially advise on tax matters, we want to help you find the resources that you need. Here are a few helpful resources:
California Franchise Tax Board (for filing California state taxes)
Sprintax (tax filing software for non-residents, similar to TurboTax)
- Additional resources provided by Sprintax:
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
- GSE has partnered with VITA at USC. Find more information on their VITA USC website.
F-1 Student Tax Resources module on the F-1 Visa Students Workshop Canvas course (access to this course is given to all enrolled F-1 students)
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 between the ages of 5 (on or before September 1) and 18 are required to attend school in California, so you will need to enroll them as part of your process in transitioning to Biola. In order to enroll your kids you will have to contact the school personally. This can be done through the California School Directory: search for the city that you live in and find a list of schools.
Home schooling is also an option but can be more expensive and time-intensive than public school.
Here are some important links from the U.S. government that can be helpful:
For questions, please email GSE@biola.edu.