What to Do If . . .
Academics
You need to add or drop a class but have an ISSS hold?
You want to find a place to study on campus?
There are 6 libraries on campus that offer quiet study areas.
- Some study rooms can be reserved online or by phone in advance.
- Some carrels are open seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Some classrooms in Central Library, Divinity Library, and Science and Engineering Library are open as study space when there are no classes in session.
- Some carrels in Central library and Science and Engineering Library can be reserved at service desks.
More information is available at http://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/about/quietstudy.php, and http://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/services/studyrooms.php.
Please note that food may or may not be allowed in some areas. Some study areas are only open to specific students.
You need to make copies or print a document?
Copying and printing services are available by VUprint, which allows you to connect commodore cash account for automatic payment. There are many printing locations on campus, including libraries, campus labs, common areas and housing areas.
There are also printing services available at Vanderbilt University Services both on campus (268 Rand Hall) and off campus. Please visit here for more information.
You need tutoring assistance for a class(es)?
1-to-1 Writing/Speaking Consultations at the Vanderbilt University English Language Center (ELC)
The English Language Center (ELC) offers free 1-to-1 Writing/Speaking Consultations that are designed to meet the speaking and writing needs of Vanderbilt University students, faculty, and scholars whose first language is not English.
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/elc/programs/consultations/
A&S Tutoring offers individual, appointment-based assistance to all currently enrolled Vanderbilt students who wish to enhance their academic performance in introductory classes offered by the College of Arts and Science in the following departments: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, and a number of Foreign Languages. Services are free of charge. Please visit http://as.vanderbilt.edu/tutoring/ for more information and appointment.
In addition, The Writing Studio offers all students the opportunity to meet individually with trained consultants to talk about any writing project or concern. Please visit http://vanderbilt.edu/writing/ for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Employment
You want to find on-campus employment?
You can find information on finding on-campus employment on the Student Employment website. You can also go directly to www.hireadore.com to look for on-campus employment.
Be careful when looking on the job postings through Hireadore.com as not all jobs posted are considered on-campus and some jobs are only for Federal Work Study students which does not apply to international students.
You want helping finding a job after graduation?
You want to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)?
You need help with the GLACIER tax system?
You want to work at Vanderbilt on an H-1B visa?
Travel
Your visa has expired and you want to travel outside the U.S.?
You want to travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean?
You forgot to get your I-20 or DS-2019 signed for travel before leaving the U.S.?
Your I-94 record needs to be corrected?
You keep getting stopped at the Port of Entry and questioned?
Transportation & Driving
You want a driver’s license?
You have problems renewing your driver’s license?
You want to rent a car?
You want to buy a car?
Be careful when purchasing a car from an individual on Craigslist or through another ad, make sure that you check the car over well and if possible take it to a mechanic to check for possible issues.
https://www.vanderbilt.edu/isss/coming-to-vanderbilt/transportation-and-driving/buying-a-car/
Campus Life
You are not getting emails from ISSS?
You want a Vanderbilt ID Card (Commodore Card, Student ID Card)?
You need to check the dates for the breaks or the last day of class?
I want to stay in the dorms during official breaks such as Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Winter Break or Spring Break?
You want your family to come for graduation?
You want to study abroad?
You have an interest in celebrating women and empowering all?
The Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center leads co-curricular campus initiatives related to women’s and gender issues, creating innovative opportunities to make the Vanderbilt community safer, more inclusive and equitable.
The Women’s Center provides resources and coordinates programs on various issues including: body image and eating disorders, gender equity, online bullying, parenting, and sexual health. More information and a calendar of events can be found on the Women’s Center website.
Living in U.S.
You want a cell phone
There are many companies near campus that offer cell phone services: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc. A Social Security Number is not required to have a contracted phone with most companies. You also have the option to not have a contract. Many companies offer a list of phones as “pre-paid”, so you pay for the service in advance.
Bring your documents with you when you go to buy your phone (I-20/DS-2019, passport, I-94).
Do your research of the best plans for your needs and don’t sign a contract until you are sure it is what you want. Vanderbilt does receive discounts from some vendors: http://its.vanderbilt.edu/cellphone/
You need to find an apartment?
You want to find a roommate?
Here are some ideas for finding a roommate:
- Post something to the ISSS Facebook page.
- Ask fellow students in your academic department
- Post signs on campus bulletin boards
You want to legally change your name?
http://newlastname.org/no-thank-you
http://www.namechangelaw.com/states/tn/tennesee.htm
The name on your I-20/DS-2019 should match the name on your passport. If you change any part of your legal name—first/given name, middle name, or last/family name—on your passport, this change should be reflected on your I-20/DS-2019. Conversely, if you want a different name on your I-20/DS-2019, ISSS will wait for you to change your passport first, before updating the I-20/DS-2019.
You want to get married?
You want to get a divorce?
You moved and need to update your address?
You want to ship a lot of stuff back to your home country?
Craters & Freighters, 131 Jones Boulevard, Lavergne, TN 37086, Phone 615-777-7447, www.cratersandfreightersnashville.com
Schumacher Cargo Logistics, Corporate Office, 550 W. 135th Street, Gardena, CA 90248, 562-408-6677, www.schumachercargo.com
Lilly and Associates International Transportation and Logistics, www.shiplilly.com, 1-888-464-5459
International Sea & Air Shipping, www.internationalmoving.com, 1-866-780-3768.
You’ll need to contact each company to get a price quote to see which company you should choose. ISSS cannot recommend one company over the other.
You want to advocate for international education?
You received a letter from the Selective Service System?
Safety
You had something stolen like wallet, passport, backpack or purse?
For a lost or stolen passport click here are the important steps you will need to follow.
To report a theft click here.
If your wallet, backpack or purse are stolen try to make a list of all items inside. You will want to cancel any active bank/credit cards you have and request new ones. If your driver’s license is stolen contact the DMV for a replacement card.
Click here for risk reduction tips to help protect your safety.
You are being harassed by your professor or supervisor?
You or someone you know feels threatened or is experiences personal violence?
Project Safe provides resources and support for students, staff and faculty who have been affected by power-based personal violence (sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and identity-based targeting). They can answer questions and help connect you to resources on and off campus. A Victim Resource Specialist is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling the Project Safe Hotline at 615-322-SAFE (7233).
If you wish to file a complaint, you can contact Project Safe for assistance or directly contact the Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Disability Services Department (EAD) or Vanderbilt University Police Department (VUPD).
If you are in immediate danger, contact VUPD. The phone number to use in case of an emergency is 911 or 615-421-1911. For non-emergencies, call 615-322-2745 or 2-2745 from an on campus phone line.
You want to be alerted to campus emergencies on your mobile phone?
You need to report an immigration scam?
Health & Wellness
You need to find a doctor?
You feel homesick and need someone to talk to?
You want to have a baby?
Those with limited financial resources may find a need to seek out lower cost health care options. There are some clinics and organizations in Nashville that offer services at reduced cost, usually based on your income.
*Please note that F and J non-immigrants are not eligible for federal assistance programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.*
Shade Tree Clinic – Free clinic run by Vanderbilt medical students, including prenatal care
Siloam Family Health Center – Provides care for people without insurance
Vanderbilt Medical Center Patient Financial Assistance Program – VUMC patients with financial need may be eligible for a discount on services. For information about this assistance, call 615-936-3938, Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
Siloam Family Health Center – Provides care for people without insurance
Vanderbilt Medical Center Patient Financial Assistance Program – VUMC patients with financial need may be eligible for a discount on services. For information about this assistance, call 615-936-3938
You are looking for resources as a parent or for a breastfeeding welcoming space on campus?
You have a disability and need to find services?
You or someone close to you needs support after a cancer diagnosis?
You have questions about gender and identity?
You have a friend who may need alcohol or drug related help?
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