Office of International Student Services Newsletter

 Volume IV, Number 19

· Flag Bearer information for students graduating May 2007

Important Information

· Immigration fees likely to increase after April 2, 2007
· Information about 2006 taxes
· Did you travel during J-term? Please bring in your travel documents to OISS!

Upcoming Activities

· Feb 21- Multicultural Forum Career Fair
· Feb 23 - Mardi Gras Party at the Wellness House
· Feb 27 - Film and Discussion to Focus on Racism and White Privilege
· Mar 2-9 - St. Thomas Heritage Week events
· Mar 9 - Heritage Week Community Service Project

Interesting Articles

· Assistantships available for Graduate Students
· Center for Writing helps students with the writing process
· Free Princeton Review MBA forum will be held March 1
· Looking for a place to call home in 2007-2008?
· Photo exhibit at St. Thomas captures Lake Superior’s North Shore
· STAR offers swing dance lessons

Personal Ads

· Free appliances at OISS!
· Salsa Dance lessons at the U of M (Word document)

Looking for a place to call home in 2007-2008?

If you plan to become a first-time renter or if you currently live off campus and want to learn more, there are numerous resources available to you. Make informed decisions; don't be rushed into anything, especially as the majority of fall occupancy decisions aren't made until after spring break.

Here are some things you can do:

• Read "Renter Resources," available online or hard copy at the Commuter Center.

• Attend one of the "Renter 101" information sessions. The first session will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, in the O'Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium. Additional sessions will be held in the residence halls and across campus after the on-campus room retention and selection process (Feb. 12-21).  Visit the Residence Life Web site for more details.

• Stop by the Commuter Center in the lower level of Murray-Herrick Campus Center to talk with one of the student staff members who typically are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday.

• Take advantage of the free legal advice UST provides to students. A lawyer can review your lease or other legal documents such as sublease or co-tenant agreements. Check the Dean of Students Web page for a schedule of their availability on both the St. Paul and Minneapolis campuses.

• Check out the housing listings available on the Commuter Center and Off-Campus Housing Web page. There already are fall listings available for viewing. Listings are updated daily.

• Talk to your friends who live off-campus and ask for information and opinions of their neighborhood, their landlord, living conditions, etc. Walk through the neighborhood to find "for rent" signs.

• Visit the Public Safety and Parking Services Web site to learn more about commuter parking permits, city bus routes, and the free walking escorts it provides.

Living off-campus can be a rewarding experience but you can make it better by taking the time to learn more about your rights and responsibilities.