Chapter 2

LIVING IN ARLINGTON

  • no minimum balance

  • no interest paid on deposits

Regular checking account

  • no service charge if you keep a "minimum balance" in your account ($100-500)

  • service charge or $5-10+ per month regardless of the number of checks you write

  • no per check use fee

  • no interest paid on deposits

Checking with interest

  • no service charge if you keep a larger minimum balance in your account ($1000-1500)

  • interest paid on money deposited

It is very important to keep a running balance of your account each time you write a check. A charge is levied each time you have an "overdraft" on your account, that is, each time you write a check which is not covered by the amount you have deposited in your account.

Most people pay their bills by means of personal checks, sometimes delivered personally but usually sent through the mail. (Cash should not be sent in the mail.) Your canceled checks may be returned to you monthly, but are more likely to be microfilmed and retained by your bank after they have been cashed by the persons to whom you wrote them. Canceled checks are legal receipts for payments you have made. You should therefore retain all canceled checks and monthly statements from your bank for record-keeping, and perhaps income tax, purposes. If your bank holds your canceled checks for safekeeping (i.e. does not return them to you), you may get a copy of one at any time. There is sometimes a fee for this service.

Personalized Checks

Nearly all banking customers use personalized checks. Personalized checks have your name, address, and account number printed on them. You may also have your Driver's License number, Social Security number, telephone number, or other information printed on them. Many people have this information printed because some stores will ask you for such information anyway before accepting your check. Some people prefer not to have such information printed on their checks for security reasons.

You must pay a few dollars for your personalized checks, so it is wise to wait until you have an address before you have your checks printed. In the meantime, the bank will issue you a temporary supply of blank checks with your account number, but not your name, printed on them. Do not be surprised if some stores are reluctant to accept the blank checks; however, most place should be willing to accept the non-personalized checks.

Instructions for Writing a Check

  • Write the date on which you are "issuing" the check.

  • Write the name of the person or business to whom you are making the payment.

  • Write the amount of the payment in Arabic numerals. Put the first numeral directly after the dollar sign. Do not leave any space, as another person could alter the amount of the check by writing in an extra numeral.

  • Spell out the number of dollars included in the payment, and write the number of cents in the form of a fraction (e.g., 50/100 means 50 cents out of the 100 cents in a dollar). Begin writing on the far left end of the line, and fill the entire line with your writing. If there is space left over, draw a line through the blank area so it cannot be used by someone else.

  • Sign your name as it is printed on the check.

  • Note the purpose of the payment on the line marked "memo," if you need the information for budgeting. If you are using a check to pay a bill, use the memo line for your account number.

Immediately after you write a check you should record all the information from it on your check register. This record includes the check number (personalized checks are numbered consecutively), the date the check is written, the name of the payee (that is, the person or business to whom the payment is being made), the amount of the check, and the fee for the check, if there is one. Then calculate the balance remaining in your account. When you add money to your account ("make a deposit"), you should of course record that also.

Each month your bank will send you a statement of your account, along with the canceled checks (if returned) you have written and that have been paid. You should make sure your record of the amount remaining in your account coincides with the bank's record. The statement will reflect amounts subtracted from your account by the bank for service charges or for printing personalized checks. You should enter these amounts in your check register.


John Doe
1210 South Cooper St. Apt. #100
Arlington, TX 76013-2664                                                                                       ____Jan._1___ 20 _04__

PAY TO THE
ORDER OF __The University of Texas at Arlington_________ $ _158.37___

One hundred fifty-eight and 37/00____________________________ Dollars

TEXAS BANK Arlington, Texas


Memo____textbooks_________                                                       _____John Doe_
:11100234:18885345623546 0275

Check Cashing

If someone has written a check to you in payment for something, it is generally best to have that check deposited into your account. After the bank receives money for the check from the other person's account, you will have access to it yourself. If you need to have cash instead of a check, one way to do that is to write a check in exchange for cash. Grocery stores often let you write a check for up to $25 above your purchase and will give you the extra money in cash. They may charge a small fee for this. You can also write a check just for cash at many locations, including the UTA Bursar's Office (Davis Hall) .

Savings Account

A savings account earns interest at relatively low rates. If you have several hundreds of dollars above the minimum balance in your checking account and above your routine living expenses, a savings account is a safe way to invest it. You can withdraw any amount from a regular (or "passbook") savings account whenever it is necessary. If you have a savings and a checking account in the same bank, you can telephone and ask the bank to transfer funds from your savings to your checking account. You are, however, often limited to a certain number of withdrawals per month from savings accounts.

Banks also offer "savings certificates" and "money market certificates" which require specified minimum deposits and earn higher rates of interest than regular savings accounts, but which must remain on deposit for designated periods of time. A savings certificate or money market certificate is a prudent investment if you are certain that you will not need the money until the designated time period has elapsed (which can be 90 days, six months, one year, or more). This is usually called a "certificate of deposit" or "CD." For more information, inquire at a bank's Customer Service Desk.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM)Automatic Teller Machine

The automatic teller is a computerized device through which bank customers can make deposits or withdrawals at any time of the day or night, any day of the week. To operate an ATM, the customer needs a particular plastic card and a Personalized Identification Number (PIN) that the bank provides. Sometimes you may choose your own PIN. Instructions for operating the automatic teller are given on the machine itself.

Automatic tellers are located at banks and at some other locations, including supermarkets, shopping centers, and the UTA University Center (west side near the 'Mail Box'). Note that not all ATM cards will work at all ATM machines as there are different systems in use. Your bank can provide information about which ATM machines will accept your card. There is usually a fee of about $1 assessed every time you use your ATM card at a machine not operated by your bank.

Traveler's Checks

Traveler's checks provide a safe way to carry money when traveling in the U.S. and abroad. They can be replaced if they are lost, and they are more easily accepted by businesses away from your own area of residence. Be sure to record the check identification numbers and store them separately from the actual checks, in the event of theft or loss. Banks sell traveler's checks for a small fee. Most personal checks are not accepted outside the city of your residence.

Cashier's Checks and Money Orders

If you do not have a checking account or are making payment to someone who will not accept a personal check, a bank or post office will write a cashier's check or money order for a fee.

Credit and Charge Cards

Credit or charge cards can be used in place of cash at many businesses. Many credit card companies welcome student applications. If you decide to get a card, however, be sure you understand the charges and payment terms. There is usually an annual fee of $20-30 and a high interest charge for any amount not paid by the bill's due date. Sometimes it is required that you pay your bill in full each month (charge), and sometimes you can just pay part of the bill and let interest (credit) accumulate on the balance. As many Americans have learned, it is easy to get into serious trouble with debt by using a credit card indiscriminately without thought as to how the bill will be paid.

Arlington Banks and Other Banking Institutions

There are many different banks in the Arlington area. Some banks have branches elsewhere around the metroplex. It is also important to take note of a bank's business hours, since they are more limited than the hours of other types of businesses. Most banks are considered equally reliable, and the services they offer vary only slightly. One difference between a "national" bank and a "state" bank is that a national bank provides more direct international services, such as international currency exchange, foreign drafts, and telexes. The state banks can provide such services, but they must go through a national bank to do so.

It is important to get as much information as possible on the different types of accounts and their fees and choose the account that is most appropriate for you. Before depositing money, you should confirm that bank is a member of FDIC, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which insures accounts to maximum of $10,000 per customer in the unlikely event of bank failure.

For comprehensive list of banking institutions in the area, look in the Yellow pages of the telephone book under "Banks," "Savings and Loan Associations," or "Credit Unions" or explore on-line banking options available on the internet. You may also find vast and current array of information at each bank's website. Several of the larger banks located in Arlington and the corresponding websites are given below . The Office of International Education does not recommend any one bank or type of account.

 

Chase Bank of Texas: 500 E. Border Street, tel. (817) 856-3100                                           Chase.com

Bank of America, 925 N. Collins, tel. (817) 274-3699 (2 Miles from Campus)                          bankofamerica.com

Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU), 2212 Southgate Street, tel. (817)882-0700       eecu.org

If you are employed by the University, you may be eligible to become a member of EECU. Southgate is located just west of Cooper Street between Pioneer and Arkansas.

Bank One  1600 E.Pioneer Pkwy                                                                                       bankone.com

Washington Mutual 2580 E.Arkansas(inside the Kroger's grocery store)                               wamu.com

Wells Fargo Bank  2430 E.Pioneer Pkway (inside the Tom Thumb grocery store)                   wellsfargo.com

It is important to get as much information as possible on the different types of accounts (and their fees) and choose the account that is most appropriate for you. Before depositing money, you should confirm that the bank is a member of FDIC, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which insures accounts to a maximum of $100,000 per customer in the unlikely event of bank failure.

Bag of Money

Money Management Hints

  • Budget carefully. You know how much your income and basic expenditures are, so pay all bills immediately at the start of each month and you will know exactly how much remains.

  • Keep accounts. Keeping track of expenditures in various categories (food, books, etc.) can help to pinpoint areas of heavy spending which might surprise you. Done on a monthly basis, this can give you quite an incentive to economize in certain areas. Education-related expenses such as books and supplies can in some cases be deducted from your taxable income, so it is important to have accurate records of these expenses.

  • Transportation. Recognize that a few extra dollars for a near-campus apartment can save hundreds of dollars each year on a car. Although many students want to have a car, seeing it as part of the "American Dream," an automobile is expensive. Renting a car on occasion may prove to be less expensive than owning one.

  • Credit. For many students this is the first exposure to credit purchasing on any scale. While it is tempting to carry large credit card balances forward, beware of getting into too much debt. Some cards charge 13 to 20 per-cent per year in interest! While students are often viewed as good risks by credit card companies because parents can be held responsible for paying debts and once they graduate they generally get good jobs after getting out of school, issuance of a card does not imply lenience on the part of the bank when it comes to repayment.

  • Buy used. Garage and yard sales advertised in newspapers are frequent events and you can buy used appliances and household goods at very reasonable prices. Sell them the same way when you leave. Consignment shops and second-hand stores also offer cheaper items.

  • Eating out. It is very tempting to eat out regularly rather than preparing your own food. This can double your food bill. If you doubt it, keep track of your expenditures for a month.

  • Take advantage of "sales." Newspaper ads will tell you when a store is having a "sale" on something, meaning a product is being sold at a lower than usual price. Almost every holiday will inspire stores to discount merchandise. Many places have a different sale every week.

  • Comparison shop. Stores are highly competitive. The price of the same products may differ greatly from store to store. Generally, discount department stores (Walmart, K-Mart, Target, etc.) will carry merchandise at a lower price than regular department stores.

Medical Care and Expenses

General Nature of the U.S. Medical Care Delivery System

The medical care delivery system in the U.S. has two characteristics that distinguish it from many others in the world. First, it devotes considerable resources to prolonging the lives of people with serious illness or unusual injuries. The cost of medical care reflects the enormous investments in research, medication, and technology that is required to make this type of care available. Second, there is no general, government-supported system for paying individuals' medical costs. That is, there is no national medical care program or national insurance program at present. There is, of course, currently substantial discussion on the national level about changing the system of health care delivery in the United States.

The result of these and other factors is that medical costs in the U.S. are very high and must be paid by the individual incurring them. Individuals can buy health insurance which will pay some of their medical expenses. No health insurance plan readily available to students covers all medical expenses. More information about health insurance follows.

Health Insurance

Need for Health Insurance

Medical EquipmentTo avoid paying high medical bills that result from illness or injury (the bill for a few days of hospital care can be in the thousands of dollars), it is necessary to buy health insurance. Insurance protects against the need to meet the entire burden of high medical expenses by spreading the cost among a group of people, not all of whom will suffer injury or illness that will result in medical bills.

Health Insurance Requirement

The University requires all international students to have health insurance before they can register for classes. International students are also strongly urged to provide insurance coverage for their dependents. The policy offered through the University is specifically designed for UTA students and their families. In designing this policy, the University has tried to strike a reasonable balance between cost and comprehensive coverage. For J-1 visa holders, a minimum level of health insurance coverage is also an INS requirement. The UTA student health insurance meets the requirements of this regulation. J-1 visa holders who are not covered by health insurance are considered out of status and could be dropped from their program. International students are automatically billed for the cost of the UTA student insurance policy unless they are covered by the UTA faculty/staff policy (if employed half-time by the University), or an employer- or government-sponsor related policy. If you are covered by the faculty/staff policy or an employer- or government-sponsored policy that does not include the required level of repatriation and medical evacuation coverage, an insurance supplement can be purchased through the Office of International Education. More information is available from the Office of International Education.

It should be noted that insurance companies often require you to use certain doctors or hospitals if you want to maximize what they will pay for your treatment. For the UTA student policy, the local hospital designated is Columbia Medical Center at Matlock and Mayfield. Those covered by the student policy also have their deductible waived and do not have to file any paperwork if they visit the UTA Student Health Services. Those covered by the UTA faculty/staff policy generally use Arlington Memorial Hospital at the intersection of Cooper and Randol Mill, although this may depend on where you live. Additional information on employee insurance is available through the Office of Human Resources at 212 JD Wetsel Service Bldg (tel. (817) 272-5554).

Coverage Provided by Health Insurance

Health and accident insurance does not cover all medical expenses. In general, it covers higher costs that result from accidents and serious illness, with accompanying hospitalization, medical tests, and the services of doctors and nurses. Health insurance may not cover the costs of:

* Routine dental work * Eye glasses * Vision exams * Emergency room visits for non-emergencies

These costs must usually be met by the individual even if he or she has health/accident insurance.

Coverage varies by health insurance policy. Literature accompanying each policy describes what it covers. Policies that are more comprehensive in their coverage are more expensive.

Health Insurance for International Scholars and Their Dependents

Scholars on the University payroll (half-time or more) can participate in insurance plans available to University employees. Scholars who are not on the University payroll (and are not enrolled students) that do not have insurance provided by a sponsoring agency should purchase the student health insurance policy or find similar coverage elsewhere.

Common Misconceptions about Health Insurance

Students and scholars from other countries often have difficulty understanding how the health insurance system works. (Many Americans have the same difficulty, at least in part because the health insurance business has a language of its own, and much of the information it produces is difficult for the average person to understand.) Here are some misconceptions people from other countries sometimes have about health insurance in the United States:

  • If I have health insurance, all my medical expenses will be covered. They will not. See the section above called "Coverage Provided by Health Insurance."

  • Any visit to the hospital emergency room will be paid for if I have health insurance. An emergency room visit is covered only in case of a genuine emergency.

  • The insurance company's job is to help me meet my medical expenses. Yes and no. The insurance company's job is to fulfill the terms of the contract it has with you. But insurance is a business; insurance companies operate in order to make a profit (by investing the money people pay for insurance). Insurance companies can be better or worse, and insurance policies can be better or worse, but in no case are insurance companies operated like charity organizations. The doctor or hospital considers it your responsibility to pay your bills.

  • If I look carefully, I can find a cheap, very comprehensive health insurance policy. Probably not. The more comprehensive the coverage an insurance policy offers, the more costly it will be.

Student Health Services

The Student Health Center is located at 605 S. West Street (tel. (817) 272-2771). Any emergency should be reported via "911," not Student Health Services, as they do not have life support equipment available. Students experiencing difficulty with their English language skills should go with a friend to the Student Health Center or carry a dictionary with them.

All students registered in the University are eligible to use doctor, counselor, and other health-related services at the Student Health Center. Students' spouses and children are not eligible for these services. Students must have their current identification (ID) cards with them when going to the Student Health Center. Students have to pay for tests, medication prescribed by Student Health physicians, and vaccinations. Staff members may use the Student Health Service only to purchase medications at the pharmacy.

Full-time physicians, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technologists, and clinical psychologists staff the Student Health Center. It also employs a health educator and substance abuse specialist, and provides anonymous HIV testing. If you have a medical problem requiring consultation or services not offered on-campus, you will be referred to specialists elsewhere. If you have a medical problem requiring hospitalization, you will be referred to a hospital. Hospitalization is not free, and must be paid by the patient if one does not have health insurance.

During the Fall and Spring semesters, the Student Health Clinic is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The pharmacy is not open on Saturdays. A nurse is also available from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. When the Health Center is not open and you need immediate attention, you can go to a minor emergency clinic or the emergency room of the hospital (preferably one designated by your insurance company), but you should be aware that you may be responsible for a larger than usual portion of your bill. Either you or the hospital will then need to make a "claim" to be reimbursed by the insurance company.

Medical Care for Families

FamilyIf you are not a student, or if you are a student with dependents, you may find it necessary to locate a doctor or a dentist in the community. You may wish to inquire at the Student Health Center or ask someone you have met here to recommend a doctor or dentist. You could also look in the yellow pages of the telephone directory under "Physicians" or "Dentists" for the name of a doctor. Often your health insurance company will require that you choose from their list of doctors for full payment of benefits. You should always telephone a doctor or dentist to make an appointment. It is common for families in the U.S. to select a "family doctor" whom they visit when they need examinations or medical care. Over time, the "family doctor" becomes familiar with each family member as an individual.

Pre-Natal and Maternity Care and Family Planning (Birth Control)

In the U.S., a woman usually goes to a doctor or to a clinic for regular checkups during her pregnancy, and has the doctor deliver the baby in a hospital. A private physician's fee for delivering a baby, including pre-natal and post-natal checkup, is around $1,500-$2,000 and the hospital charge is usually between $3,000 and $4,000. Therefore, the total cost of a normal delivery in a hospital ranges from $5,000 to $7,000. If the delivery has complications, the costs can increase greatly -- a cesarean section, for instance, may cost a total of $12,000.

Student Health Services can help a student in choosing a method of birth control (or "contraception"). Counseling, videos, and brochures are also available. There are several U.S. government programs for women and children such as the WIC program, which offers free immunizations and certain food items at a reduced rate.

Services

Transportation

Bus Service

Although there has been discussion in recent years about initiating a comprehensive public transportation system in Arlington, the only systems currently in place are ‘Handitran’ for handicapped residents and a trolley for hotel guests in the entertainment district (Six Flags Over Texas, Wet ‘n Wild, Ballpark, and the Convention Center). The University has initiated a Saturday shopping shuttle service called the Mav Mover. The cost is $20 for 10 tickets. Schedules are available in the Mav Express Office and are posted at the north entrance to the University Center. For additional information, contact the Mav Express Office at (817) 272-2645.

The Dallas area is serviced by bus transportation through DART, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit authority. This bus system operates in and around the Metroplex area, but does not provide service to Arlington, except for direct buses to Ranger Stadium during the baseball season. The Fort Worth public bus system is known as the "T."

Taxicabs

Taxicab (usually called "cab") service is generally far more expensive here than it is in other countries. Taxicabs have meters to register the fare a passenger must pay (generally by the mile). It is customary to pay an additional 15 percent of the fare as a "tip." To call a cab, check the yellow pages under "Taxicabs."

Inter-city Buses

BusThe Greyhound-Trail ways Bus Station at 2075 E. Division Street tel. (817) 461-5337 provides intercity bus transportation, generally through connections in Dallas. Greyhound offers special tickets which permit unlimited travel in the U.S. for periods of 7, 15, or 30 days. Such a ticket is called an "Ameripass" or "USApass." If you wish to travel to Ft. Worth or Dallas through Greyhound, a R-T ticket to either city is $10 and it takes approximately 20-30 minutes in each direction.

Air Travel

DFW airport is located just north of Arlington in the heart of the Metroplex. American Airlines, based in Fort Worth, is the main airline which operates out of DFW and offers the most non-stop and direct flights. Other airlines operating out of the airport are more likely to require connections. The telephone numbers of major airlines (national and international) serving other U.S. airports are listed in the yellow pages of the telephone directory under "Airline Companies." You can make reservations for air travel directly with an airline, or through a travel agency (see in the yellow pages under "Travel Agencies and Bureaus").

Airport Shuttles

One of the next best ways to get to theAirport Scene airport besides being taken by a friend is the DFW "Super Shuttle" tel. (817) 329-2000 (if calling from outside of Texas, but in the U.S., tel. 1-800-258-3826). This service provides transportation from your apartment to the airport departure gate if given 24 hours advance notice. No advance notice is necessary when flying into DFW -- just call Super Shuttle from one of the telephones found in the airport terminals and you will be picked up within a few minutes. Cost of a one-way ride from the UTA campus to DFW airport is approximately $22. Additional passengers on the same pick-up are $6 each. Another common shuttle service available to and from the airport is Discount Shuttle tel. 267-5150 which charges $20 one-way from Arlington to DFW and $6 for each additional passenger.

Train

Travel by train is best arranged directly through Amtrak - tel. (800) 872-7245. Union Station, in downtown Dallas across from Reunion Tower and the Hyatt, is where most trains will arrive and depart. Train service in the U.S. is not of the high quality found in Japan or Europe, but it can be an interesting way to see the country.

Car Rental

CarCars may be rented by the day, weekend, week, or month by any licensed driver who is at least 21 or 25 years old, depending on individual company policies. Agencies require the use of a major credit card. Prices vary, so you should call a number of agencies and ask about their charges. Find the agencies in the yellow pages under "Automobile Renting and Leasing."

Hitchhiking

It is not common on American highways to see people hitchhiking, that is, standing beside the road and indicating with a thumb or sign that they want a ride in a passing car. Hitchhiking is illegal in many states, particularly on major roads and interstates, and is considered to be dangerous, both for the hitchhiker and for the driver of the car.

Mass Communication

Newspapers

Newpaper and MagazineNewspapers are available at coin-operated dispensers on sidewalks outside stores, apartment complexes, and around campus. You can also subscribe to papers and have them delivered to your door by calling the paper's subscription department (see the yellow pages under "newspapers"). The UTA main library subscribes to a wide variety of newspapers, including some papers from other countries. They can be found in the periodical section. Some foreign newspapers can also be purchased from local bookstores, however, the most up-to-date ‘issues’ are best found on the internet. Some of the major local papers you are likely to find around UTA are listed below.

  • The Shorthorn (free), Tuesday through Friday during school year

  • Tempo (free), Monday's during school year, entertainment guide, published by The Shorthorn

  • Arlington Morning News, daily paper, a section of the Dallas Morning News (also sold separately)

  • Arlington Star-Telegram, daily paper, an edition of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

  • USA Today, daily national paper with regional editions

  • Dallas Observer (free), weekly entertainment tabloid with music, art, museum announcements

Radio

Most radio stations in the U.S. are commercial stations supported by advertising. They tend to focus their programming on particular age groups and consumer groups they believe will buy their advertisers' products. Public stations, on the other hand, are supported by government funding and voluntary listener contributions. An example of public radio is:

  • 90.1 NPR National Public Radio (mix of international and national news, feature stories, discussions, world beat music, comedy programs, etc.)

Television

TV, Radio and MicrophoneTelevision is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the United States. With a small antenna inside your home you can receive all of the major U.S. networks, including several Spanish-language channels (23 and 52).

With cable service, you can receive many more channels. Cable service requires an installation fee plus a monthly charge which depends on the channels to which you subscribe. Within Arlington, you also receive Channel 0 on cable. This is a UTA/public access channel. "UTA Today" is a weekly show on Arlington cable channel 98.

Telephones

Most people have a telephone in their apartment, dorm room or home. Telephones can be installed easily and quickly. Some people have cellular phone service in addition to their home service, although this can be a rather expensive form of communication. For information on initiating telephone service and home telephone service options, refer to Appendix IV.

Telephone Directory

A telephone directory is very useful. Arlington has its own directory as does Fort Worth and Dallas. The most popular directory version is published by Southwestern Bell. Great Western Directories, Inc. also publishes an Arlington/Mansfield directory. These directories contain the name, address, and telephone number of each telephone customer. They include (in the first few pages) emergency telephone numbers, instructions for making various kinds of telephone calls, and general information. In addition, you will find glossy pages with community information (local attractions, the history of Arlington, etc.). You will also find local street and ZIP code maps.

The main telephone number listings are divided according to residence customers (white pages), business customers (usually white with some distinctive edge marking), and government (blue). All these are listed alphabetically. The "yellow pages" near the back in the Arlington telephone book (in Dallas and other large cities, they make up an entire separate book) list local service and business advertisements, classified according to the kind of service or business involved. This is a helpful resource when you do not know where to find an item or service and have no one else to ask. A new directory is published every year and delivered to telephone customer residences.

The University publishes a telephone directory known as the "Maverick Connection" in the Fall Semester with the names and addresses of all students, faculty, and staff.

Using Telephones

Telephone numbers in the U.S. have seven and sometimes ten digits in metropolitan areas. For example, the number of the UTA Office of International Education is (817) 272-2355. In addition there is a three-digit "area code" designating the segment of the country in which the phone is located. The area code for the western part of the Metroplex is 817. Area codes must be used anytime you make a call within the metroplex. Area codes are usually written between parenthesis {()} and the seven-digit number is broken down into 3 and 4 digits separated by a dash {-}.

For example, (817) 272-2355.

Telephone To call from one on-campus telephone to another, you only need to dial the last five digits of the number. For example, when calling the Office of International Education from a residence hall, dial 22355.

Calling from on-campus to off-campus: Dial 9 and then the number you wish to reach. If dialing long-distance from on-campus you must either have a university code to charge the call to or use a private calling card (discussed in more detail later).

Public Telephones (called "pay phones" or "phone booths")

Pick up the receiver, deposit the amount of money the instructions on the phone says is needed -- usually around 35 cents -- and wait for the dial tone (a humming sound), then dial your number. Special instructions for using public telephones are attached to the telephones themselves. There are many different types of pay phones in the U.S. Some may work differently than others, so be sure and read the special instructions for the particular phone you are using. If a particular telephone is operated by a long-distance telephone company, it may also prevent you from billing your call through another company. By dialing "0" you should be able to get information from the operator to help you solve this problem.

In the east end of the UTA University Center, there is a University metro phone near Bowling and Billiards. There is also one located just west of the Food Court in the University Center and in the student organization area in the basement of the University Center. Unlike most public telephones, these phones allow you to call free of charge within the metro calling area. The metro calling area includes numbers with the following prefixes: ‘817’, ‘214’ ,‘972’,'469' and '682'.

Direct Dialing within the United States

Charges for direct-dialed long-distance calls vary according to the time of the day they are made, with lower rates during non-peak times (evenings and weekends). Refer to the telephone directory or literature provided by your long distance company for details. Dial 1 + the three digits of the area code + the seven-digit number. If you accidentally dial the wrong number, notify your long-distance company immediately and in most cases you will not be charged for the call.

It is possible to direct-dial calls to many other countries. In most cases this involves dialing 011, plus the country code, plus the city and local numbers. You do not dial a "1" in front of these calls as you would for domestic long-distance calls. Codes for calls to some foreign cities are listed in the front section of the telephone book. You may also call AT&T International Information Service free of charge tel. (800) 533-6198 or (800) 222-0300

Calling Cards

When you are making a call away from home, instead of calling someone collect, you may bill your call to a calling card. If you get a card through Southwestern Bell when you have your local service installed, the calls will be listed on your home telephone bill. Cards are also available through many long-distance companies. Consult the issuer of the card on how to use your card and be sure to protect your code from being seen by others when you use it.

Operator Assistance

If you have any questions about how to use a telephone or make a particular call, you may dial "0" and ask the operator to help you. This will connect you to a Southwestern Bell operator. If your long-distance company provides operator services, dial "00" to get in touch with that operator. An operator can also assist you with the following types of calls:

  • Phone Receiver"Person-to-person" calling is for when you want to speak only to one particular person. The operator will ask for that person when the telephone is answered. If the person is not available to talk to you, you are not charged for the call. Person-to-person calling is the most expensive kind.

  • "Collect" calling is when you wish to have the call billed to the person you are calling, rather than paying for it yourself. A collect call may be either person-to-person or station-to-station (whereby you speak to whoever answers). When you place a collect call, the operator will ask the person who answers if he or she is willing to pay for the call.

In some instances, you may also bill your telephone call to a third party (i.e. if your car has broken down in the middle of nowhere and you need to call a tow truck, you can bill the call to your home number or a friend). If calling from a pay phone, however, someone must be present at the place you are billing the call to accept the charges.

To make one of these calls, dial "0," then the area code, and then the seven-digit number. An operator will come onto the line and ask for the information needed to complete the kind of call you are making. If you are calling "person-to-person," the operator will ask you the name of the person you are trying to reach. If you are calling "collect," the operator will ask your name.

If you want to find a local telephone number which you cannot find in a directory, you do not call operator assistance, but should call "Information." If you call the Information number (1411) from your home phone several times in one month you will be charged a small fee. If you are using a pay phone your money usually will be returned if you dial 1411. For numbers outside of your local calling area, dial 1 + area code + 555-1212. You are charged for these calls.

You can also refer to the front of the (Fort Worth) white pages telephone book for more information on telephone usage.

Telephone Answering Machines

More and more residences, businesses, and government agencies are using telephone answering machines to take messages, give information, or act as a receptionist to transfer your call. There are even many offices on the UTA campus which use such systems to answer their telephones. Sometimes these machines give confusing instructions or play messages that are difficult to understand. You need to be ready to respond if you get a recording.

Voice MailThe most common machine is the type used in residences. If you call a home where there is a telephone answering machine in operation, you will hear several rings and then a recorded message that usually says something like this: "Hello. We are not able to come to the phone right now. If you want us to call you back, please leave your name and number after the beep." You should not state that you are out of the house or on vacation. That would give others the impression that your residence is unattended and an easy target for theft.

Some businesses and government agencies are using telephone answering machines to provide information on topics about which they receive a large volume of inquiries. Using these systems require you to have a touch-tone phone (one with buttons) rather than a rotary dial. The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is one place that uses an automated answering system. If you dial the INS office, you will hear a recorded voice. The voice will tell you to push a certain button on your telephone if you want information on Topic A, and another for Topic B, and so on. Most automated answering systems allow you to speak with a person only after you have listened to a long series of taped directions. They may ask you to press the pound sign which looks like ‘#’ or the star key ‘

Special Notes

Toll free numbers are non-local calls at no cost to the caller. Such calls use "800" or "888" in place of an area code and are usually used by businesses that want to encourage customers to call.

In recent years, another form of calling has become available to consumers. When calling a number with a 976 prefix or a number with "900" where the area code is usually found you are charged not only for the call, but also the service rendered. You can call such numbers to get updated information on a subject, to order a product, or talk to female or male "companions". By law, these calls must state their rate in their advertising. These types of calls can be blocked from your telephone (there is no fee for this blocking) so you or someone else does not accidentally call and get charged for them. You can make your preference known in this matter when setting up your local service. Take care not to confuse "800" and "900" numbers.

Although sales solicitations and surveys are often conducted by telephone, be wary of such approaches. Never give your checking or credit card numbers out over the telephone unless you initiate the call. Also beware of computerized sales pitches whereby a machine calls you to sell their service. Often this will take the form of offering you a prize if you call back on a "900" number. It is not recommended that you respond to such calls.

Nationwide, many local communities have gone to a standardized telephone number for use in reporting emergencies (medical, fire, police). Arlington participates in this system. Dial 911 to quickly report an emergency and summon help. This is a free call and you do not need change to make this call from a pay phone. If you are dialing from a campus telephone you can also dial 3003, the UTA police extension reserved for emergencies.

Mail

Pick-Up and Delivery

Mail is delivered to residences Monday through Saturday, once daily. Outgoing mail can be put in your mailbox for the mailman to pick up only if you live in a house. In other instances it should be deposited in one of the blue mail boxes located around town or taken to the Post Office.

Change of Address

You should notify the Post Office, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and the Office of International Education whenever you change your address. If you change your address frequently, it may be a good idea to rent a "post office box" to use as a permanent address. This can be done for a small fee by going to the "Mail Box" in the UTA University Center. The Immigration and Naturalization Service requires the University to have a record of each student" s residence address so you will also need to report that to the Office of International Education.

ZIP Codes

The United States Post Office requires a ZIP (Postal) Code on every letter with a U.S. destination. The zip code is a five or nine-digit number indicating what section of the U.S. the letter is going to. (Most important are the first five digits preceding the dash, the last four digits will make your mail delivery faster, but are not necessary.) Arlington ZIP codes all start with "760." There is a map in the Arlington telephone book showing where the ZIP code boundaries are located. To find out your complete nine-digit ZIP Code, inquire at any post office.

Post Office Locations

The Post Office most convenient for UTA students is located in the west end of the University Center (the "Mail Box"). The main Arlington Post Office is located at 300 E. South Street, just a few blocks east of the University. Other post office locations are listed in the telephone books.

Rates

Stamps, Letter and MailboxPostal rates change periodically. To get information about them, ask someone who lives here or call the Post Office. Mailing books is comparatively inexpensive, whether they are being sent elsewhere in the U.S. or to another country, as there is a special rate for "printed matter." Regular first class letters cost $ .37 and postcards, $ .23. For airmail, a regular letter is $ .80, a postcard $ .70 and an aerogram is $ .70. If you are unsure of the weight of a letter or card, it is best to visit a post office and attach adequate postage to better ensure that it’s delivered.

Mailing Parcels Overseas

Different countries have varying regulations governing the parcels they will receive and handle in their mail -- such things as the contents of the parcels, their weight, their dimensions, and the manner in which they must be wrapped. The Post Office has information on the postal regulations of various countries. To avoid delays, it is wise to call the Post Office and request information about the requirements for mailing any package you wish to send outside the U.S.

 

Laundry Services

Students usually wash their own clothes. There are washing machines ("washers") and drying machines ("dryers") in every dormitory and in most apartment buildings. People who live in places without washing machines take their clothes to "Laundromats," where large numbers of washing machines and dryers are available. To locate the Laundromat nearest you, ask a neighbor or look in the yellow pages under "Laundries-Self Service."

Using Laundry Machines

Instructions for using washing machines and dryers are usually posted in the laundry room of the dorm or apartment, or in the Laundromat. Washers usually require a fee of 75 cents to operate and dryers take increments of 25 cents depending on how much you need to dry. You must provide your own laundry detergent. If you have never used such machines before, it is a good idea to read the instructions on the clothes label or ask someone which of your clothes can safely be put into washing machines, how they should be sorted (by color and material), how much to put into a machine, and how much soap to use. Be careful not to overstuff the washing machine nor use too much soap as these tendencies can potentially damage your clothing. Also, unless you are familiar with a particular dryer, you may want to check it periodically, in the event that it operates at a hot temperature or fails to quit after 30-40 minutes.

Dry Cleaning

Articles of clothing that cannot be washed in water can be taken to a "cleaner," where they will be cleaned with a solvent. You can locate a cleaner by looking in the yellow pages of the telephone book under "Cleaners." You can drop off your clothes one day, and return to pick them up in 1-3 days. Costs of drying vary, depending on the type of fabric and garment. Shirts to formal dresses tend to range from $1.00-$12.00 per article so you may want to discuss prices in advance.

Hair Cutting and Styling

Scissors and CombSee the telephone directory yellow page listings under "Barbers" and Beauty Salons." Traditionally, men got haircuts at barber shops and women went to beauty salons for styling, coloring, etc. Now, many are called Hair Styling Salons and offer services to both genders. The cost of a hair-cut will vary significantly based on the type of salon. Hair-cut prices generally range from $10 to $25. If you have transportation and are interested in an inexpensive hair-cut, Ogle’s School of Hair, Skin, Nails at 2200 W. Park Row, tel. (817) 460-8181 offers hair-cuts by senior students at $7.50.

Religion

Religion is generally considered a private matter and does not play the pervasive role in the U.S. that it does in, for example, Moslem countries or in countries where Catholicism is the major religion. Though the major tradition in America is Christian, there is no official religion or established church that is supported by the government. Indeed, strong efforts are generally made to prevent any open governmental support for religious activities. The doctrine of "separation of church and state" is widely respected, and perceived deviations from it over such matters as prayer in public schools cause vigorous debate. People have their own beliefs, but might not be willing to discuss them with others. Americans are generally do not raise the subject of religion with people they do not know well, lest they offend or create an argument.

Visitors from abroad will find a wide range of religious practices in Arlington. Some people here attend a church weekly and also participate in church-related social and service activities. Some attend a church irregularly, perhaps only once or twice a year. Some Americans do not go to church at all, perhaps because they do not believe in Christianity or because they do not believe that "organized religion" adequately represents their own religious or philosophical beliefs.

Some Americans who openly discuss their religious beliefs belong to fundamentalist Christian groups who consider it their duty to try to attract others to their faith. International students will want to be aware that kindness or interest shown to them by representatives of religious organizations may be displays of genuine helpfulness and concern, but may also be part of an effort to induce a student from abroad to join their group.

Religious Organizations

Places of Worship

Arlington has many churches. Although Catholic and Protestant churches are the most prevalent, many other religions are represented. The names and addresses of Arlington churches are in the yellow pages of the telephone book under "churches." The listing is classified by denomination. There is also a yellow page listing for synagogues. A few of the places of worship of major world religions are listed here for your reference.

  • Religious EdificeBuddhist Center of Dallas -- 8484 Stults Road tel. (214) 340-6187

  • Hindu "Ekta Mandir"-- temple in Irving at 1605 N. Britain Road, tel. (972) 445-3111

  • Islam -- mosque at 100 Medinah Drive (off Center St. south of Park Row) tel. (817) 461-8415

  • Jewish -- synagogue at 1211 Thannish Drive (off Center St. north of Randol Mill) tel. (817) 860-5448

Campus Ministries

Some churches have "campus ministries" with their own buildings next to the campus. The ministries pay special attention to the religious needs of college students. Such groups may put on special programs for international students and spouses. There are also religious student groups registered with the UTA Office of Student Governance and Organizations.

Cults

As it is used in contemporary America, the word "cult" generally refers to a religious-oriented group that may have no affiliation with an established church. Cults generally differ from traditional Christian churches in a number of ways. They often have a leader who is considered god-like and who has an exalted position. Their members' personal possessions sometimes become the group's property. They operate in a secretive way; they are unclear about their purposes. They often believe they are being persecuted by the general society. They sometimes require complete obedience from their members.

Cult members try to recruit other members by offering friendship, help, and answers to problems. They often choose people who appear lonely or confused, because such people are considered more vulnerable to cult members' ideas. They often do not make clear their goals. You should be careful about "retreats" or out-of-town meetings where you do not have your own transportation. Do not go to meetings that you are not free to leave at any time. There are some non-religious organizations that utilize manipulative cult-like tactics as well.

International Visitors and Religion

If you want to see what happens in an American church you can simply attend a service. Times and places for some nearby religious services are given in The Shorthorn each Friday. You may also want to go with a friend or acquaintance who attends a church.

ChurchIf you meet someone who tries to persuade you to join their religious organization and you are not interested, you can simply say so. You need not listen or reply to someone who does not respect your right to have your own religion. One tactic used is to invite students to a dinner or party or some other event without informing students that the event is sponsored by the church or cult and that those who attend may be subject to pressure to change their religious beliefs. Students who find themselves in such situations can simply leave if they are uncomfortable.

Housekeeping

Suggestions

Many people coming to the United States have never faced the need to do their own shopping, cooking, and housecleaning. These things may have been done by parents and/or servants. Having servants is fairly uncommon in the U.S. As a result, it is highly acceptable for men and women to shop for groceries, cook, wash dishes and clothes, clean house, and take care of children.

Cleaning SuppliesWhether a tenant or landlord, most feel it is important to keep one’s living area reasonably clean. UTA apartments are inspected around the middle of the Fall and Spring semesters. Apartments that do not pass the inspection, must be cleaned and re-inspected.

In the supermarket you will see large numbers of liquids, powders, and sprays designed to help clean or polish dishes, floors, windows, toilet bowls, walls, furniture, ovens, etc. In addition, you will see brooms, mops, dust mops, dish rags, sponges, scouring pads, and various brushes, all for cleaning purposes. You will not need all of these products, but a few will be necessary. Ask someone who lives here, and whose living quarters seem clean, to help you select the supplies you will need if you have any questions.

When using any specialized cleaning product, read the label carefully and follow instructions. The label will tell you how dangerous the product is and how to use it safely. Some of this information is confusing even to Americans. If you do not understand, get someone to translate it for you before you use the product. Many cleaning products are harmful if inhaled or allowed to touch your skin and can cause toxic reactions if mixed. Mixing products containing bleach (NaOCl) and ammonia (NH4), for example, can be deadly.

Disposal of Trash and Garbage

Ask your landlord what you should do with trash and garbage. In most apartment complexes, you periodically put your garbage in a large dumpster near your apartment which is then emptied several times a week by the City of Arlington. If your apartment has a garbage disposal in the sink, note that not everything can be disposed there. A garbage disposal is a machine that grinds food waste and allows it to be washed down the sink drain. Usually only small quantities of non-greasy foods can be disposed of with a garbage disposal, for example carrot peelings. Cold water must also be turned on any time the garbage disposal is turned on (usually through a switch near the kitchen sink). Other items should be thrown away in a trash can or dumpster.

Keeping the Kitchen Clean

American kitchens are less open to fresh air than kitchens in many other countries, allowing grease and oil in the air to accumulate on walls and tops of refrigerators and cabinets if these areas are not cleaned regularly. This is especially true if you prepare a lot of food in oil, as may be done with a wok. Keeping crumbs off the counters and the floors swept will avoid attracting insects and rodents. Roaches are a big problem in Texas and many apartment complexes will spray insecticide regularly to help keep them away.

Kitchen stoves may be gas or electric. In either case, it is important to keep the burners and oven clean so they will work safely and effectively. You should wipe the burners after each use to keep soiled food from hardening on them. If you use the oven often, clean it periodically using ammonia or a special oven cleaner.

If you do not have a "frost-free" refrigerator, it should be defrosted when the ice (or frost) around the freezing unit becomes 1/4 inch thick. To defrost the refrigerator, turn it off, empty it, and let the water from the melting frost drip into a tray or pan which you can empty into the sink. You can speed the process of melting the frost by putting a pan of boiling water in the refrigerator beneath the frosted area. Some people use a hair-dryer to speed the melting process. Wipe the inside of the refrigerator with a solution of water and baking soda. You should never use a sharp instrument to chip away ice as that may cause serious damage to the refrigerator.

Keeping the Bathroom Clean

An important area in which there are widespread differences among cultures has to do with ideas about toilets and bathrooms. While Americans do not generally clean and polish a bathroom on a daily basis, as people in some countries may do, they believe that bathrooms should be kept relatively clean and free of odors. This means regular cleaning of toilet bowls, bathtubs, sinks, shower stalls, and bathroom floors. Products for cleaning toilet bowls, porcelain (with which sinks and toilets are made), tile, and glass are available at grocery, department, and discount stores.

A word about toilets. People in many parts of the world do not use the type of toilet on which a person sits. Instead, they are accustomed to the type on which a person squats. Unfortunately, the practice of squatting on a sitting-type toilet will eventually cause damage to the toilet by loosening its connection to the sewer pipe that goes into the floor. People who are accustomed to squatting on a toilet are well-advised to learn to sit on the toilets used in the U.S. Finally, two points about toilet etiquette: 1) Flush the toilet after each use; 2) Men should raise the toilet seat before urinating into the toilet so they do not splash urine on the seat. When finished, put the seat back down.

Coping With Texas Weather

Hot Weather

Weatherman and MapTexas heat can be almost unbearable if you come from a cooler climate. Temperatures above 100o Fahrenheit (38o Celsius), sometimes with high humidity, are not uncommon in the summer and air-conditioners are found cooling almost every building and automobile. During extremely hot, sunny weather you should take the following precautions:

* Wear loose, light colored clothing if you will be outdoors in the sun for extended periods of time. You should also wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes, face, and neck.

* Use a sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 and re-apply frequently if you will be out in the sun for very long. This allows you to stay in the sun 15 times as long, while only absorbing the amount of dangerous sun rays normally absorbed in one hour.

* Wear protective eye-wear. Look for sunglasses that not only darken the light, but protect against dangerous ultraviolet rays as well.

* Stay out of the sun as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This is when the sun's rays are the strongest and most dangerous.

* Drink plenty of liquids, especially water.

If you are doing a lot of work outdoors in the heat and you stop sweating, you have high potential for heatstroke. Stop what you are doing and go under the shade or indoors to a cool location.

Cold Weather

The winter season in Texas is not as severe as it is in many parts of the U.S., but may still come as a shock to visitors from warmer countries. Low temperatures are made even more uncomfortable when the wind is blowing. During cold weather you will hear reports about the "wind chill factor." The wind chill factor is the temperature of still air that would have the same effect on exposed skin as a given combination of wind speed and air temperature. The lower the air temperature and stronger the wind, the lower the wind chill factor. When it gets really cold, or if you visit any of the northern states or Canada during the winter, keep the following in mind:

* Wear several layers of lighter clothing rather than one or two very heavy layers. Several lightweight, loose layers will keep you warmer then one heavy layer because air trapped between the layers will be heated by the body and serve as insulation. Another advantage to wearing several layers of clothing is that extra layers can be removed in warm indoor rooms.

* Choose warm fabrics. The type of fabric used in a garment can also affect its warmth. More absorbent fabrics, by allowing perspiration and body moisture to evaporate from the skin, keep you warmer. Natural fibers such as cotton and wool are the most absorbent and therefore the warmest fibers. Garment fiber content is printed on an attached label.

* Select clothing designed for cold weather use. Garment design also affects insulation. Tight clothing does not keep you warmer. It actually inhibits blood circulation, so the body cannot warm itself as efficiently, and also provides less chance for warm air to be trapped in the clothing for insulation. However, garments should fit tightly at the wrists, ankles, neck, and waist to prevent warm air from escaping.

* In general, it is prudent when you must be outside during very cold weather to leave as few areas of the body exposed as possible. On very windy winter days, it is advisable to wear slacks rather than skirts, a long coat rather than a short jacket, and gloves. It is essential to keep your head and ears covered with a hat (or hood), and wear a scarf to cover your mouth and nose. Ears are especially susceptible to frostbite (skin tissue damage due to freezing).

There is also a danger in cold weather of water pipes freezing. If your apartment or house is not well insulated against the cold, you should let your faucets constantly drip a little bit so that the water does not freeze and cause the pipes to break.

Tornados

Tornados are powerful, twisting, wind storms which can measure up to several hundred yards (or meters) in diameter and may produce winds of more than 300 m.p.h. (500 k.p.h.). These storms usually occur in the spring and early summer and can be very destructive. When the National Weather Service issues a tornado "watch" it means that weather conditions are reasonably likely to produce tornados. Tornado watches are broadcast on all radio and television stations. A tornado "warning" means that a tornado has actually been seen. The sirens of the Arlington Severe Weather Warning System will sound continuously for several minutes following issuance of a tornado warning. If you hear a tornado warning, immediately seek shelter as indicated:

Where To Go
Permanent major structure. Lower corridors or other areas without windows or outside doorways.
Temporary or residence type structures. Nearest major permanent structure (it is best to abandon trailer houses and other portable buildings) or the most protected area of the basement; avoid locations below heavy appliances. Going to a lower floor closet in the center of the building or lower floor bathroom without windows, covering yourself with a mattress, can help protect you from flying debris.
In a car or outside Always abandon your car. Take cover in a ditch or low-lying area. Protect head with pillow or hands.

Recreation

For recreational and social activities, Americans are likely to go somewhere or plan a specific activity. Americans tend not to sit and talk with friends as often as people tend to in other cultures. For more information on campus social activities, refer to the Extracurricular Activities section in Chapter 4.

Things to Do in Arlington

Entertainment ParaphanaliaSocial and recreational activities on the campus and in Arlington are far too numerous to mention in detail here. They include movies, concerts, art exhibits, sports, and museums. Considerable socializing takes place in the various bars (called "pubs" in many countries) in Arlington. In addition, there are a wide variety of student organizations that hold social events throughout the year. The Shorthorn and the Dallas Observer are the best sources of information about social and recreational opportunities in the Metroplex. You can also contact the City of Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau.

 For more information contact: City of Arlington Convention Center; PO Box A; Arlington, Texas 76004-0927; tel. (817) 265-7721.

Recreation Facilities

The major recreation facilities on and near the University campus include the following:

  • Activities Building (west of the University Bookstore, north of Trinity Hall) This facility houses racquetball courts, two gyms, three weight rooms, steam rooms, an indoor jogging track, a lounge area, and a room for combatant sports. For information call Recreational Sports, tel. (817) 272-3277. Recreational Sports offers a wide variety of sporting, leisure, physical fitness, and wellness activities to enhance a student's college experience. These activities are offered through the following programs: QUEST Student Wellness Program, Intramural Sports, Sports Clubs, Informal Recreation, and the Outdoor Adventure Center.

  • P.E. Building (just north of Trinity Hall) has a swimming pool and several gyms. The gyms are generally used for organized group reservations.

  • Outdoor Adventure Center (east of Maverick Stadium, behind the Police Department) Backpacks, camping equipment, volleyball nets, etc. can be checked out for a small charge.

  • Tennis Center (adjacent to the Activities Building) These courts are lighted and available for 1½ hours per reservation. No charge for student use.

  • City Parks and Recreation Centers (various sites around the city) Outdoor parks in Arlington provide sites for picnics, outdoor barbecuing, jogging, volleyball, and many other activities. Some parks include swimming pools. In addition to these facilities, there are also several "Recreation Centers" found around the city. Each center varies, but generally they provide gymnasiums and meeting rooms for rent. They are open during certain hours to the public at large. At other times they provide recreational programs for youth or other groups. A particularly nice park for walks, rollerblading and cycling is Legacy Park located in north Arlington – north on Cooper and west on Green Oaks Blvd. For more information on programs call the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department (tel. 817 459-5467).

  • There are also several museums in Arlington, as well as much larger ones in downtown Dallas (e.g. Dallas Museum of Art) and Fort Worth (e.g. Kimball Museum). (See "museums" in the yellow pages.) You will also find opera, ballet, concert, and dramatic performances in many different places around the Metroplex. If you don't have transportation or money to attend Dallas and Fort Worth events, watch for local campus activities sponsored by the Theater/Music Departments or EX-CEL/Campus Activities.

Vacation Travel

Many students and their families like to travel in the U.S. during vacations from school so they can see other parts of the U.S. Traveling in the U.S. can be expensive, because distances are great between different locations. Many people who travel a lot join the American Automobile Association (AAA) which provides its members with free travel and tourist information, as well as emergency roadside assistance. For information, call (817) 370-2503. Chambers of Commerce of the places you want to visit are also good sources of information. The  Office of International Education also keeps information on some sites of interest to international visitors.

Friendship International House at Christmas, Christmas International House, and similar programs sponsored by church and community organizations throughout the U.S. offer international students a place to go over the Christmas holiday seasons. The purpose is to provide international students with a place to spend Christmas vacation and to share the Christmas celebration with an American family. Many programs provide room and board in one of many U.S. communities; the student pays for transportation and for a small application fee. Applications are available by November 1 of each year through local churches. Applications are submitted during a designated time period; students who apply early are more likely to be assigned to their first choice of destinations.

Cars and Bicycles

Owning and Operating a Car

It may seem to you that everyone here needs a car, that everyone else has one. However, it is possible to live in Arlington without owning one, even though it may not be easy. Owning a car is expensive and can be very troublesome. Cars need to be repaired and automobile repairs are often costly. Besides the cost of the car itself and gas, car owners will also incur on-going expenses such as license plate registration, insurance, and periodic tune-ups. Unless you have an ample supply of money, it is advisable to be cautious about buying a car.

CarIf you purchase a vehicle, be sure to read and be familiar with required maintenance procedures (oil changes, tire rotation, etc.). You should also remember to use coolant/anti-freeze in your radiator as specified in your owner's manual. Coolant/anti-freeze not only keeps your radiator from freezing in cold weather, but keeps it from overheating during the hot summer.

Driver's License

If you have a current international driver's license and are new to the United States, you may use the international driver’s license for up to one year in Texas, after which time you must obtain a Texas driver's license. You may also drive legally in Texas with a current out-of-state license if you are a resident of that state and a full-time student. Under all other circumstances, you have thirty days in which to get a Texas driver's license.

To get a Texas driver's license, you must go to the Texas Department of Public Safety. In Arlington, the office is located at 3901 W. Arkansas (at the intersection of Arkansas and Park Springs). It is open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday except on Thursday when it stays open until 7:00 p.m. The office is difficult to find and is positioned in the corner of a strip mall with low signs. You will need to take your passport for identification.

To get a driver's license you will be required to take a written (actually computer) examination concerning driving laws and practices, as well as a driving test whereby you will be asked to drive your car while accompanied by a driver's license examiner. (You must furnish your own car or that of a friend, and show evidence of liability insurance, for the test.) If you have a valid out-of-state license, you will not be required to take the driving test. Driving tests are given on an appointment basis only. You must make an appointment in person the morning of the day you wish to take the test. You should arrive early in the day to insure that an examiner will be available. You may not make an appointment for a driving test until you have taken and passed your written test. Once you have passed the driving test, your vision will be tested, your picture taken, and you will pay a $24 fee. A temporary license will be issued and your permanent license will arrive in the mail within four to six weeks. The permanent license is good for six years.

If you would like to get an instruction permit to allow you to practice driving, you only need to take a written test. Cost for an instruction permit is $5 and it is valid until your next birthday. When practicing with an instruction permit, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver occupying the seat beside you who is at least 18 years of age with one year driving experience.

Plan on spending several hours when you go to the Department of Public Safety as lines for written tests and photographs are long. The written test itself will take at least 30-45 minutes. If you fail the test, it may be retaken. You may be required to make several trips to this office in order to complete the entire process.

Before going to take the driver's license examination, you should study the booklet, Texas Drivers Handbook, available at the Department of Public Safety Office. The booklet contains all the information needed to pass the written part of the test and is available free of charge.

It is very important to learn and follow traffic regulations. Regulations concerning driving speed, turning, and parking are used to control automobile (and bicycle) traffic in the U.S. Most people generally adhere to these regulations. Regulations are also enforced by the police. Violations of traffic regulations are punishable by fines, jail sentences, and/or loss of driving privileges. Cars which are parked in violation of regulations may be towed away, and the owner required to pay a fine, towing costs, and storage costs. If you need to learn to drive, you might consider a driver education class. Look in the yellow pages under "Driving Instruction."

In some countries, driving regulations are not as detailed or as strictly enforced as they are here, and driving habits may be shaped more by competition with other drivers than by laws. In still other countries, the laws regulating traffic are detailed but are much different from the ones in the U.S. People who have learned to drive under other circumstances may easily but unintentionally violate driving regulations here, and then be penalized for their violation. If you are stopped for a traffic violation, it is advisable that you remain seated in your car and politely cooperate with the police officer.

Texas' Safety Belt Law

Seat BeltTexas has a law requiring the use of seatbelts by the driver and front-seat occupants of any 1966 or newer car, truck, or van. Children under two years of age must be secured in a child restraint system which meets federal safety standards. Children two to four years of age may be secured in safety seats or belts.

The law is intended to protect motorists from death and injury and to reduce costs to taxpayers that result from traffic accidents. In a collision, the car stops before the riders do. After impact, the people inside the car continue to move in the direction the car had been traveling. Without seatbelts, passengers are hurled into the windshield, into doors or fellow riders, or even onto small children in child restraint seats. Motorists can be fined $25 or more for not "buckling up."

Buying a Car

If you choose to buy a car, you will probably want to buy a used car which are significantly less expensive. You may buy either from a car dealer or from a private individual who has advertised a car for sale. In any case you should have with you an American acquaintance who is both knowledgeable about cars and skeptical by nature. Such a person can help you evaluate both the condition of the car and the claims made by the person who is trying to sell it. These evaluations are essential, because buying a car, especially a used one, can be very tricky.

When you buy a car the "certificate of ownership" or "certificate of title" must be transferred to you from the previous owner. If the seller does not include an official title or certificate of ownership (often called a "pink slip") when buying the car, it may be a stolen car and it’s best, therefore, to go elsewhere.

Automobile Registration

If you buy a car, you must register and obtain license plates for it. Arlington residents may do this at the Southeast Sub Courthouse, 724 E. Border St., tel. (817) 548-3935. You may call State Vehicle Registration at (817) 884-1100 for more information. You must have your car inspected at a "State Inspection" site and provide proof of passing and of car insurance when you register. If you brought the car to Texas from out-of-state you must also bring your out-of-state title with you. Cost will depend upon the model of vehicle you have.

Your registration and license plates must be renewed once a year. You may do this by mail (you will be mailed a reminder if your address does not change) or in person. License plates may be renewed at the teller window in the UTA University Center.

All car owners are required to carry liability insurance. Insurance is essential because you are financially responsible if you cause your car to injure another person or damage someone else's property.

Automobile Insurance

Insurance PolicyThere are several types of automobile insurance. Liability insurance is the most basic type and is required by law. It protects you if your car kills or injures someone else, or damages someone else's property. You are considered legally liable if a car you own (whether you or someone else is driving it) causes injury or death to another person or damage to someone else's property, unless the accident is clearly not the fault of the person driving your car. If you are legally liable for injuries, death, or damages resulting from an automobile accident, you could face payments of tens of thousands of dollars. If you do not have liability insurance to help pay those costs, you will have to pay them yourself. This is why you will want to have liability insurance, even if your car itself is not very valuable. To simplify this confusing subject, Jack Longgrear, a veteran speaker at New International Student Orientations, has prepared an outline. If you plan on owning a car while in the United States, review this information carefully.

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COVERAGE

  1. There are four (4) types of coverage available to you
    1. LIABILITY COVERAGE
      1. State laws of Texas require you to have this protection.
      2. Liability Insurance pays for damages to the other car, if you are at fault.
      3. Minimum coverage required:
        BODILY INJURY PROPERTY DAMAGE
        $20,000 Protection per individual $15,000 protection
        $40,000 Protection for a group of individuals
    2. COLLISION COVERAGE
      1. Pays for damages to your car if you are at fault.
      2. Pays for damages to your car if you hit an object such as a wall, tree, building, etc.
      3. Pays for damages to your car if you are in a collision, it is not your fault, and the other driver has no liability coverage.
      4. Is written with full coverage or deductible amounts ($100, $200, $300, $400, $500, etc.). The deductible is the amount you must pay before insurance coverage starts.
    3. COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE
      1. Pays for damages to your car resulting from theft, fire, vandalism, glass breakage, mischief, etc.
      2. Is written with full coverage or deductible amounts ($50, $100, $200, $300, $400, $500, etc.)
    4. UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED COVERAGE
      1. Protects you or your passengers injured by a driver who does not have enough insurance or has no insurance.
      2. It also offers you protection if you are riding in someone else’s car and that driver has inadequate insurance.
      3. It is recommended that you at least purchase coverage similar to that listed under liability (A.3.) above.
  2. You must submit proof of automobile liability insurance when:
    1. Obtaining a driver's license.
    2. Obtaining a vehicle inspection sticker.
    3. Obtaining automobile license plates.
    4. Applying for initial automobile registration.
    5. Renewing your driver's license (drivers who don't own cars can secure a driver's license without showing proof of insurance by obtaining an affidavit from a Department of Public Safety Office).
  3. You must be able to show proof of insurance when requested by a police officer. Driving without liability coverage (proof of insurance) is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine.
    1. First offenders are subject to a $175 to $350 fine.
    2. Subsequent offenders can be fined $350 to $1,000 and face the possibility of having their vehicle impounded (taken away) for six months.
  4. Automobile insurance rates are set by the State Board of Insurance. Rates can vary from as much as 30 percent below to as much as 30 percent above the benchmark rate and are largely contingent on the insured's driving record, use of the auto, and to some extent on the age of the driver as well as the age of the automobile. The benchmark rate is a reference point used by insurance companies to charge rates within a range established by the board. To get the best possible rate for your car the following suggestions are given:
    1. Avoid shopping by phone.
    2. Make personal appointments with more than one agent (salesperson). They are listed in the yellow pages under "Insurance." Shop for the best coverage at the best price.
    3. Try to buy only the coverage you need.

Driving during Winter

Winter often brings dangerous driving conditions. If you plan to operate a car during the winter, there are some things you should remember:

Get your car "winterized" (especially if you will travel north of Texas). "Winterizing" means putting on "snow tires" (that have a heavier tread than regular tires), or at least making sure your tires are not worn smooth. Put anti-freeze into your radiator to keep it from bursting in freezing weather (unless your car's engine is air-cooled); change to a lighter weight oil; and make certain your brakes, windshield wipers, turn signals, and headlights are in good operating condition.

Drive carefully. There are times (radio and television reports will tell you when they are) that roads are so slippery and/or visibility is so limited that automobile driving should be undertaken only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive under these adverse conditions, you should remember several safety rules: Start slowly, using second gear. Do not follow other cars closely. Drive slowly. To stop, pump your brakes, rather than pressing steadily on the brake pedal. If your car starts to spin, turn your wheel in the direction of the spin. Watch other cars very carefully, and assume that their drivers are having difficulty controlling them. Be particularly careful to obey all traffic regulations.

Bicycles

Mountain BikeBicycling is popular as a sport and means of transportation in the U.S. Therefore, many of the bicycles for sale here are very elaborate ten-speed racing models and rugged "all-terrain" bicycles. If you use a bicycle for transportation only, you may not need such expensive models.

You do not need to license a bicycle in Arlington. It is recommended, however, that you have your bicycle's serial number registered with the UTA or City of Arlington Police Department. There is no fee for this service. Having the serial number registered can help police recover your bicycle if it is stolen. For more information, contact the Campus Police Department's crime prevention officer at 272-3902. It is important to lock your bicycle securely whenever you leave it. Ask the person who sells you the bicycle to recommend an effective lock for it. You should lock your bicycle into a bicycle rack, not to light poles, trees, or posts.

Bicycle Safety

When you are riding your bicycle on a street or road, you must be very careful as the Arlington area can be very unfriendly to bicyclists and pedestrians. There are hand signals you should use to let motorists know when you plan to make a turn. Putting your left arm straight out from your side signals a left turn. Bending the left arm upwards at the elbow or extending your right arm indicates a right turn. If you are riding your bicycle before sunrise or after sunset, you must have a headlight visible from a distance of at least 500 feet, as well as a rear light visible from at least 300 feet or a reflector. It is also a good idea to wear light-colored or reflective clothing when riding at night. When on the road, you should stay as near as possible to the right edge.

Before riding a bicycle in the Arlington area, spend some time observing bicycle traffic patterns. Those patterns might not be the same as the ones you are accustomed to. Notice that cars do not usually yield to bicyclists. Neither do pedestrians. Bicyclists must therefore be quite attentive to cars, trucks, and pedestrians, and must be able to stop or turn aside if they find their path obstructed. In some other countries, bicycle traffic gets more preferential treatment than it generally does in the United States.

It is recommended you stay off busy streets such as Cooper, Collins, Division, and Pioneer Parkway. There are several parks around town that have special recreational bicycle trails. River Legacy Park in north Arlington is especially noted for its new and scenic trails.

Police and Law Enforcement

Local Police

The police have different roles in different countries. In addition to law enforcement, in the U.S. it is common for people to ask the police to open a car into which they have locked their keys. Another common police activity in Arlington is giving parking tickets to people who have parked their cars illegally. The police expect residents to ask for their help with such matters as lost or stolen property, noisy neighbors, and suspicious activity they witness in their neighborhoods (such as someone peeking in other people’s windows).

Another primary responsibility, of course, is to enforce Arlington's ordinances (local laws). Some of the ordinances that are most strictly enforced (and most often violated) in Arlington are those concerning alcohol and driving. Area police agencies, including the City of Arlington and UTA, work in conjunction with one another. They cooperate with and assist U.S. government agencies such as the CIA and INS but are not a branch of any U.S. government agency.

If a person is convicted of violating a law, that person's name and the nature of the violation are recorded in the police department's files. This is called a "police record." A person will have a police record for committing minor violations as well as criminal violations. A person's police record can be made available to certain government authorities if they request it.

A copy of Arlington's ordinances and laws is available at the Arlington Public Library.

Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing the immigration laws is the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). No other agency shares responsibility for acting in cases where aliens might have violated the terms of their immigration status. A controversial federal regulation requires non-immigrants to answer any questions asked of them by INS officers, no matter what the subject of the question might be.

Another federal law-enforcement agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has responsibilities that sometimes (not often) lead their agents to question international students and scholars. International students and scholars are not required to answer any questions addressed to them by an FBI agent unless the agent has obtained a court order (called a "subpoena") mandating a reply. If an FBI agent asks you to answer some questions and does not have a subpoena you can, if you wish, simply say that you prefer not to answer any questions. Doing so will not affect your immigration status. If you are contacted by the FBI and are uncertain how to respond, you may want to consult with an international student adviser. See Chapter 5  for a summary of your legal rights and responsibilities.

You have the right to have a lawyer accompany you while you answer questions from law enforcement officials if you so choose.

Identification Documents

In many countries the law requires every person to carry an identity card at all times. There is no such requirement in United States. Although there is no national identity card, it is best to carry some kind of identification document with you. Most Americans use a driver's license as an ID card. If you will be driving a car while living in Texas, you must get a Texas driver's license. This is the most accepted form of identification when cashing a check or making a purchase with checks. Procedures for obtaining a driver's license are explained in Chapter 2(page 29). If you not be driving, you can get a photo identification (I.D.) Card from Texas Department of Public Safety. This is the second best form of identification you can get. You may apply for an ID at the DPS Office located at 3901 W.Arkansas (Arkansas and Park Springs), in Arlington. You will need to bring your passport to show proof of your date of birth along with your I-94 card. There is a fee of $15. The card will be mailed to you within six weeks passport can be offered as proof of identity, but may not be accepted by all stores and places of business.

As a UTA student you will also have a MAV EXPRESS student identification card, but it is rarely accepted as proof of identification or age outside of the University. The MAV EXPRESS card may be obtained one day after you have successfully registered for classes. The ID is a permanent document with a magnetic strip on the back. You do not need a new card each semester. UTA staff members get a similar Staff ID card. Both can be used as debit cards at several points around campus dining and vending machines. It also acts as an access card for computer labs, dormitories and to check-out library materials or sports equipment. For more information, visit the MAV EXPRESS office near the north entrance of the University Center.

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