Departments & Offices » Reves Center for International Studies » International Students, Scholars, and Programs » Living in the US
Life in the U.S.
What You Need to Know
The pages linked below contain important information about things you need to know when planning to live in the U.S. for an extended period of time. Most necessary forms are also available at the Reves Center for International Studies. If you have questions, please make an appointment with an international advisor at the Reves Center.
- Housing: how to find a place to live at or near W&M
- On-Campus Housing
- Off-Campus Housing
- Housing options during breaks (short term housing)
- Health Insurance
- Due to the high cost of health care in the U.S., every student and scholar is required to have a health insurance plan that is approved by William & Mary
- Student Health Insurance
- Scholar Health Insurance
- Social Security Numbers
- Anyone who plans to work on- or off-campus will need a Social Security Number (SSN) for payment and tax purposes. Social Security Numbers are only granted to those with work authorization. You can apply for a social security card 10 days after arriving in the U.S.
- How to apply for a SSN: documents and forms
- Who is eligible to work in the U.S.
- F-1 students
- J-1 students
- J-1 scholars
- J-2 dependents
- Banking in the U.S.
- Do I need a U.S. checking account and/or debit card?
- How to open a bank account at a bank close to campus
- Filing Your Taxes
- Virginia State and U.S. federal tax return must be completed if you work in the U.S.
- If you were present in the U.S. during any part of a calendar year 2012, even if you did not work, you may be required to file Form 8843.
- Federal tax forms must be filed by April 15, 2013; Virginia tax forms by May 1, 2013.
- Obtaining a U.S. Driver's License
- You may obtain a Virginia driver's license from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you are a full-time student and have a foreign license, you may drive with that unless you are also employed, in which case you must obtain a Virginia license within 60 days of starting employment.
- How to apply and necessary documents
- Buying/Registering a Car
- Everyone who owns a car in the U.S. is required to also have liability car insurance
- Tips on buying a car
- Gasoline consumption conversion
- Legal procedure for purchasing, registering, and inspecting a car
- ESL: English language Resources at W&M
- ESL tutoring
- ESL classes
- Special courses for non-native English speakers
- International Restaurants and Grocery Stores
- A list of international restaurants and markets in and near Williamsburg