Life in Denton

Tuition: If you get TA/RA position, you still need to pay the in-state tuition. It costs around 140 dollars for one credit. To keep F1 Visa and the TA/RA position, graduate students usually need to take at least 21 credits per year(9 for Spring, 9 for Fall, 3 for Summer), which costs around 3500~4000 dollars a year including other fees. If you don't have TA/RA position, you'll have to pay out-state tuition fee, which is about 3 times of in-state tuition. Refer to UNT Tuition Page for more information.

Expenses: Sharing a two-bedroom with a roommate will cost around 300 dollars/month for each person for rent and electricity. An average one bedroom's rent is around $ 500 with all bills paid (utilities) per month.Each person spends around $ 100 in a month on eating.

What to bring: Basically, you can buy any necessary living stuffs here. But since the price here is relatively higher than Turkey, bringing some useful things would save some money. Here's our recommendation:
1)several T-shirts and jeans, 2)1~2 sweaters, 1~2 thick coats, 3)enough underwear, 4)a pair of sun glasses, 5)1~2 pairs of glasses, several pairs of contact lens, 6)and of course, enough money.

When to come: Students enrolled in Fall semester, can come after Spring semester ends(11, May), and before Fall semester begins(27, August). Spring students should come before January. We STRONGLY suggest you to come early, because from late July, it becomes very hard to find a decent apartment. Also, don't miss the orientation (shown on your admission sheet) and regular registration time (August 19-23 for Fall, January 7-11 for Spring).

On the way of coming: Keep visa, passport and I-20 form close to you on the trip since they will be checked often. Also on the airplane, you will be asked to fill out an I-94 form. It's a very important form. So keep it carefully with you. If you have any problem at the airport, you can always reach Turkish Consulate at Houston for help. Their phone number is: (713) 623 6639.

Apply for SSN

Social Security Number (SSN) is each person's identity in USA. It's very important to get it. Also, each student needs a Student ID to participate school activities.

Social Security Number: The SSN application service is provided in the Orientation. If you missed the Orientation, then you'll have to find a person to drive you to the Social Security Office. Usually, they require a letter of eligibility from International Advising. You can request this at 171 Kendall Hall. You will then take it, plus your immigration documents (visa, passport, I-20 form, I-94 form) to apply. The staff in 171 Kendall Hall can help you with further questions.

Student ID: With your Social Security Number ready, go to Registration Office at first floor, Eagle Student Service Center (ESSC) to apply for Student ID. Also, you can add money into the Student ID there or at Information Center, third floor, Union. You can use the money in Student ID to make payment in Union or in cafeteria on campus. Refer to campus map to locate the buildings.

All about money

Open an Account: There is a branch of Wells Fargo on campus. It is located at Union, third floor with an ATM machine. You can also access your account on line. There are generally two types of account to open: Checking account and Saving account. After having a Checking account, you can pay your bills like rent, utulity bills, etc. by check.

Apply for Credit Card: Credit card is very important in life. You can process on-line payment by using it. After you have your own SSN, you can find some applications in front of Union during the beginning of semesters, or you can apply for it on internet. Here's some web pages available: www.citibankcards.com, www.discovercard.com, www.universalcard.com, www.mbna.com, amazon.com.