The University of Arizona

Graduate Info

Frequently Asked Questions by Newly Admitted Students

Deficiencies • Finances • Employment • Housing • Recreation

Deficiencies

I've been assigned deficiencies. Now what?

If you believe the deficiency has been assigned in error because you've taken the course or know the material from personal study, please discuss this with your faculty advisor upon arrival in the department. It may be helpful to bring course descriptions and a textbook list. If you are currently taking the course(s), bring transcripts showing this.

Finances

How do I register for classes?

Students accepting our offer of admission are sent a "Welcome" packet prior to the start of semester that will include information about enrolling in classes.  Once you have attended orientation and fulfilled the other university and department requirements all holds (example of holds:  international orientation or proof of MMR vaccination to campus health, etc...) will be removed from your account and you will be able to register by logging on to Student Link. 

When do I have to pay for classes?

Since new students must wait until they arrive to register, and first semester grad students have an enrollment/payment deadline of the day classes begin, you will not be sent an invoice. Your balance can be obtained by accessing Student Link on the web. Have your student ID number and PIN number ready.

How much money will I need to bring?

Estimated yearly expenses

International students are encouraged to bring at least $6000 with them to meet immediate needs (housing, food, travel, tuition, books). If you have questions about the type of check/draft that are acceptable, contact the Bursar's office at 520-621-3232.

I would like to find an arrangement where I don't need to carry much cash with me for daily expenses while I'm on campus. Does the U of A offer any assistance in this area?

Your student identification card, or CatCard, allows you to put money into your account and then you can use your student ID card to make your meal purchases at many different locations on campus, including vending machines.

Employment

I've been offered an assistantship position. When will I receive my first paycheck? Will I have to pay any tax, and if so, at what rate?

The first payperiod starts in early August; the first paycheck is issued near the end of August, provided you arrive in time to sign your contract prior to the start of the first payperiod. You will receive a paycheck every two weeks. These are distributed in the department's FAS Office. The last paycheck for the academic year will be in mid-June. Research assistants may get additional supplemental compensation for the summer months. This should be discussed with your faculty advisor. A number of summer teaching assistantship positions are also available during the summer. All pay for summer is in addition to the amounts quoted in your letter of admission.

You must ask the Payroll Office questions about taxes. There is no common tax rate. International students should inquire with Payroll Office about any tax treaty that might exist. Be advised that these treaties change often. You can also call Financial Services at 621-9097.

Are there on-campus assistantships and/or part-time positions available? Where do I inquire about them?

To apply for assistantships in other departments, you must contact them directly. Most assistantships are given to students within their own department. Once you have arrived, you can inquire about other part time positions with Career Services. Their address is: Old Main Rm 111, Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, phone number (520)621-2546. The department also offers "cs.jobs" and "cs.opportunities", newsgroups which post available positions locally and on campus.

If I am an international student, are there any restrictions on employment?

International students with an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week on campus. You should contact the International Student Programs and Services for additional information. Their address is: 915 No. Tyndall Ave., Tucson, AZ 85721

Housing

I am coming to the U of A from outside the U.S. How do I secure housing?

On-campus housing is very limited. Applications for on-campus housing should be submitted to the Department of Residence Life at least 6 months in advance. In any case, most international students at UA choose to live off-campus.

International Student Programs and Services (ISPS) will provide you with a copy of the Renter's Handbook, a brochure regarding off-campus housing, at your request. To check on housing availability or to ask questions regarding housing options contact these offices:

Since the International Student Orientation and Registration Program is generally scheduled one week prior to the opening of the UA's on-campus residence hall facilities, students who have reserved space in on-campus housing will need to make arrangements for temporary housing. In addition, international students who have not made previous arrangements for off-campus housing will need to find temporary accommodations during the orientation program. Prior to and during each orientation program a local hotel makes available a limited number of rooms for new international students participating in the orientation program. The hotel rooms are usually offered at a substantial discount (as much as 30%) off the regular price. If you are interested in reserving one of these rooms, contact CGSP for details regarding temporary local accommodations. Email address: ciss@w3.arizona.edu.

What assistance is available for domestic students looking for housing?

The ASUA Tenants Association is very helpful. You can contact them at: (520) 621-6148. They publish a handbook every year with a current listing of apartments. You can also try Residence Life for dormitory housing at: (520) 621-6500.

Recreation

What recreational facilities does the U of A offer and is there a cost to use them?

All students are required to pay a Student Recreation Center fee with their registration fee every semester. This allows students to use all facilities. Please visit their web site.

I'm an international student. Are there any international clubs/organizations on campus that I can contact?

Yes, there are a number of clubs you can contact. See the club listing sponsored by ISPS.