1. What is SSN and how can I get it?

SSN stands for Social Security Number which is identified as your official number in the United States. Anything from your bank account, credit cards, jobs, etc. are associated with the SSN. Eventually all individuals who start earning will have to register for a SSN. Students who take up any part time jobs will receive an offer letter which will be used to register for SSN. Usually the whole process takes around 10-12 business days and your employer should help you through the process.

2. Do I have to carry my government ID (Indian passport) everywhere within the city?

Generally places outside colleges where you need to verify your age might require you to show a valid ID. As an international student, your valid ID is your Indian passport. Most places will not accept your Indian driver’s license unless you have an international registered license. Once entering United States, you can register for a State ID card or a Driver’s license which can be then used as a valid ID.

3. How can I get a State ID card?

In Virginia, you can use a state ID card as an alternate form of photo identification if you don’t have a driver’s license or learner’s permit. You can use your VA ID card for a number of things, including voting, opening a bank account, and proving your age. Details on how to get it are here: https://www.dmv.org/va-virginia/id-cards.php

The DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) visits Mason once every month where they help students get their State ID card (since most of them might not have their SSN). You can even register for the knowledge based exam with them which is the first step to obtaining a Driver’s License in Virginia.

Mason’s DMV schedule: http://transportation.gmu.edu/pdfs/2016_2017/2018%20DMV2Go%20Schedule.pdf

4. Which are the banks student generally open accounts in?

Bank of America, Apple credit Union (they even have an office within campus for Apple Credit Union).

1. How do I find accommodations?

There are plenty of options through which you can find accommodations. Smart thing would be to register to the official IGSA website, join their whatsapp and Facebook group where vacancies are often posted by students. Avalon, Masonvale and Circle Towers are common locations around GMU where students stay in shared accommodations and this happens to be very close to GMU.

2. Is there an option to commute to college?

The easiest commute in America is having a car as the roads are well connected. For students staying further in the city outside GMU area might have to figure out a way to commute in case they don’t own a car. There is a metro that runs in the city but might take a long time depending on the location. Uber/Lyft runs on a regular basis too.

As for GMU, they offer shuttle buses (Mason shuttle/CUE bus) to commute within a certain radius around GMU. Metro, cabs and Mason shuttles have mobile applications that can be used by students for easy access.

http://shuttle.gmu.edu/

3. How is life at GMU in general?

If described in one line, life at GMU is good for all students. The college is located in the city and is known to house a large population of diverse students so it’s always bustling with activities all throughout the year. Programs under Masters will differ in their curriculum and each student will have to figure their schedule out based on their interests and activities/jobs. There are many events that keep happening throughout the semester, great opportunities to meet people and ample amount of place if you just want to sit quietly with a book. Washington DC is a half hour drive away so you will not miss a city vibe as well.

1. Is it advisable to take more than 3 courses per semester?

Your admission letter will tell you how many credits you are supposed to have for completing the program and you will have to take courses which are applicable more towards your program. One course is generally marked for 3 credits and doing the math you will understand that for each semester 3 courses helps you complete the program smoothly. This is just a recommended structure which is commonly followed but again, each student is free to define their own path at Mason.

2. How can I figure out which subjects to take each semester?

Your program will have a catalogue through which you can check what subjects you can take. Talking to students who have already taken courses at GMU will greatly help with these decisions. Spread out your core subjects throughout your first 3 semesters because they are mandatory to be completed. Also, few subjects might not be available in certain terms (like Spring, etc.) which should be kept in mind. You can search for classes on Patriot web for complete details. Also you will be assigned an “Academic Advisor” by GMU who generally are professors from your program itself. It’s a good idea to start an email thread with them asking for guidance on what subjects to take.

Catalogue: https://catalog.gmu.edu/

3. What are pre requisite courses?

Most international students are registered as “Provisional admits” which gets converted to a “Graduate Admit” once pre requisite subjects are completed. These are subjects that are foundation courses needed for your program. Each student can find this information in their admission letter. The pre requisite courses can be with or without credit which can be checked in the course description. The pre requisite subjects can be waived off through a test out exam taken before the term starts.

4. Can I waive the pre requisite subjects and if not, how are the test outs taken?

Unfortunately, GMU does not waive off the pre requisite requirements so easily. The only option one has is to attend the test-out exams that happen a week before class starts. All details on registration and materials are given below:

https://cs.gmu.edu/current-students/ms-students/foundation-courses/testout-exams/

5. Can international students do part time jobs and if so, for how many hours?

Yes, students can take up part time jobs and they are allowed to work for 20 hours a week only. This is a mandate for international students on a F1 visa. Since Mason is a big school, there are many opportunities for students to take up part time jobs in different departments, libraries, dining, campus living, etc.

6. Can students work outside GMU?

No, GMU students on F1 visa will have to work within campus only. Working off campus is considered illegal.

7. Can we get an RA (Research Assistant) or TA (Teaching Assistant) role in the 1^st semester?

Its not impossible but often these roles (which are most sought after) are only given to students who have at least one semester GPA to show, so preferably from 2^nd semester onwards. Moreover, there are many doctorate students who are generally preferred for these roles too. Nevertheless, students can always try sending their applications via the portal (Handshake), reaching out to professors, etc.

8. Which is the website to apply for part time jobs?

Handshake – https://gmu.joinhandshake.com/login

Login with GMU NetID and password.