{"id":1588,"date":"2012-03-01T15:49:37","date_gmt":"2012-03-01T20:49:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/?page_id=1588"},"modified":"2022-05-20T15:10:34","modified_gmt":"2022-05-20T19:10:34","slug":"internationalstudents","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/internationalstudents\/","title":{"rendered":"International Students"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/h1>\n<p><a title=\"International Students and Scholars Hub\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/globalprograms\/hub\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>BU International Students &amp; Scholars Hub <\/strong><\/a><strong>, <\/strong>links to <a title=\"International Students and Scholars Office\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/isso\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">International Students and Scholars Office <\/a>.<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Reviewing this information before your housing search will save you time, effort and money.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Options to consider<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Are you seeking a studio, one bed or two bed apartment?\u00a0 Furnished apartment?\u00a0 Few apartments are furnished.\u00a0 <a title=\"Apartment Essentials\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/settlein\/apartmentessentials\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Renting furniture<\/a> is an option.<\/li>\n<li>Do you want <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/housingsearch\/roommates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">roommates<\/a> or live on your own?\u00a0 Living with roommates saves money plus it could make the cultural transition easier.<\/li>\n<li>What neighborhoods interest you?\u00a0 Pick two or three choice locations by studying Boston and its <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/today\/nearby-neighborhoods\/\" title=\"neighborhoods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">neighborhoods<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Medical Campus<\/a> is in the <a title=\"South End\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/today\/2015\/getting-to-know-your-neighborhood-the-south-end\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">South End<\/span><\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/housingsearch\/workingwithrealtors\/\" title=\"Realtors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">realtor<\/span><\/a> services necessary?\u00a0 It is often helpful to work with a realtor who can show you various types of apartments.\u00a0 They have cars, know the city and will drive you to visit apartments and see the neighborhood.\u00a0 You can schedule appointments with them prior to your arrival.\u00a0 Realtors will assist you through the leasing process and will charge a finder\u2019s fee of one month\u2019s rent if you lease the apartment they found for you.<strong> <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Can you begin the search process from afar? Preview apartments over the internet.\u00a0 Use <a href=\"http:\/\/maps.google.com\/\" title=\"Google Maps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Google Maps<\/span><\/a> to determine the distance to Boston University Medical Campus, 710 Albany Street,\u00a0Boston MA 02118<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Never send money to rent an apartment you have not seen in person.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Are you looking for housing, and are a borrower of MPower Financing Loans, you may want to look at special options through the <a href=\"https:\/\/mpowerhousing.4stay.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">4Stay<\/a> website.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Documents necessary to rent an apartment<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Copy of your passport\/visa<\/li>\n<li>I-20<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Social Security Numbers\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/isso\/employment-internships\/social-security-cards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Social Security Number<\/span><\/a> (SSN) if you have one.<\/li>\n<li>Proof of good credit history.\u00a0 Landlords may consider looking at your current banking statement or a letter written on your behalf from your banker in your home country.<\/li>\n<li>Boston University\u00a0letter of acceptance<\/li>\n<li>A statement with the name of the guarantor or co-signor who is prepared to sign as a financially responsible US citizen or permanent resident willing and able to pay the rent during the lease period.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><strong>To begin,<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Understand the terms and language of apartment advertisements by reviewing our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/housingsearch\/abbreviations\/\" title=\"Rental Ad Abbreviations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Rental Ad Abbreviations<\/span><\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Start by visiting <a title=\"BU Off-Campus Services\" href=\"https:\/\/offcampus.bu.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BU Off-Campus Services<\/a> for housing listings, Roommate Finder and other Resources.<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"> <\/span><\/li>\n<li>Visit <a title=\"BU Off Campus Services Resources\" href=\"https:\/\/offcampus.bu.edu\/resource\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">BU Off-Campus Services International Students<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Before renting an apartment<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Read about housing styles, costs, lease terms, parking and transportation and more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/housingsearch\/bostonrentals\/\" title=\"About Boston Rentals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">About Boston Rentals<\/a><\/li>\n<li>See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/leases-rentingessentials\/\" title=\"Leases - Renting Essentials\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leases &#8211; Renting Essentials<\/a> for information and questions to ask prior to applying for an apartment.<\/li>\n<li>Boston <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boston.gov\/departments\/neighborhood-development\/office-housing-stability#tenant-and-landlord-resources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Office of Housing Stability<\/a>\u00a0offers information for Boston student renters: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boston.gov\/renting-boston\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Renting in Boston Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li>YOU MUST visit the apartment and meet the landlord before signing a lease.<\/li>\n<li>Usually landlords require a payment equal to three month\u2019s rent \u2013 applied to the first, last and another month, for a security deposit, with the signing of the lease.<\/li>\n<li>Read <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/leases-rentingessentials\/terms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Commonly Used Lease and Rental Terms<\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Some landlords may require a SSN but most international students do not have one.\u00a0 However, it is the landlord\u2019s\u00a0right to decide to accept a student without one.<\/li>\n<li>Do not pay rent and other rent related payments with cash.<\/li>\n<li>Most apartments are rented unfurnished so you may need to purchase the furniture or rent furniture from a furniture rental company.\u00a0 Visit <a title=\"Apartment Essentials\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/settlein\/apartmentessentials\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Apartment Essentials<\/a> for other resources<strong>. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Know what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/settlein\/\" title=\"Utilities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">utilities<\/a> (electricity, internet, cable, heat, hot water) are included in the rent.\u00a0 For utilities not included, get an estimate of annual charges\u00a0from the utility supplier.\u00a0 You need to know the total cost of your housing expense each month.<\/li>\n<li>In addition to utilities, you will need to pay for laundry service if the apartment does not include a washer\/dryer.\u00a0 Plus, you are responsible for cleaning your apartment so if you choose a cleaning service, that will add to your living expenses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Be Aware of Scams!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>While rare, BU students have fallen prey to nefarious scammers. International students are especially targeted for such scams. However, all students should be aware of the possible signs of a housing scam.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/articles\/2021\/students-warned-to-look-out-for-rental-scams\/?utm_campaign=bu_today&amp;utm_source=email_20210706_full&amp;utm_medium=2_must_read_1&amp;utm_content=technology\">BU Today<\/a>, in collaboration with BU Police, provides\u00a0 troubleshooting tools about how to avoid housing scams.<\/p>\n<p>If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Contact Housing Resources (<a href=\"mailto:ohr@bu.edu\">ohr@bu.edu<\/a>) if you have any concerns that you encountered a housing scam.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What you need to know when signing an apartment lease<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Learn about the language of apartment leases in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/leases-rentingessentials\/terms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Commonly Used Lease and Rental Terms<\/a> section<strong>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>A lease is a legally binding document, whereby you are accepting all the terms and conditions once you sign it. Read it thoroughly.<\/li>\n<li><em><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Before signing any lease, you should understand everything in it<\/span>.<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\n<li>Discuss concerns and questions you have with the landlord.\u00a0 Both you and the landlord must initial and date any changes.<\/li>\n<li>Be sure you receive a copy of the lease signed by the landlord within 30 days of your signing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Never wire money or pay a deposit for a rental you have not seen in person.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>What you need to know about banking to secure an apartment <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Two primary types of banking accounts in the U.S.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>checking<\/li>\n<li>savings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Documents you must have to open an account<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Passport<\/li>\n<li>A second form of identification (ID), a Boston University ID is acceptable.<\/li>\n<li>Proof of your United States address shown on:\n<ul>\n<li style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">apartment lease<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">utility bill<\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">copy of your Boston University registration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>F-1, F-2, J-1 and J-2 Visa holders are not required to provide a SSN to banks or other financial institutions.<\/li>\n<li>You may request that the bank provide you with \u201cIRS Form W-3, Certificate of Foreign Status\u201d. \u00a0Once this form has been completed and filed, the bank will open an account in your name without a SSN.<\/li>\n<li>You may use an <a href=\"http:\/\/www.irs.gov\/individuals\/article\/0,,id=222209,00.html\" title=\"ITIN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Individual Taxpayer Identification Number<strong> <\/strong><\/a>to open a bank account if you have one.<\/li>\n<li>You cannot open an account via phone or Internet.\u00a0 You must visit the bank.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Important Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/isso\/\" title=\"BU International Students &amp; Scholars Office\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>BU International Students &amp; Scholars Office<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/isso\/\" title=\"BU International Students &amp; Scholars Office\"><strong><\/strong><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.massrmv.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/isso\/\" title=\"BU International Students &amp; Scholars Office\"><strong> <\/strong><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/portal\/site\/uscis\" title=\"US Citizenship and Immigration Services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>US Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a title=\"US Department of State\" href=\"http:\/\/www.state.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>US Department of State<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/ai.ocelotbot.com\/embed\/standard\/a18e4a47-86a0-4c46-ad4d-677e7587d39e\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>BU International Students &amp; Scholars Hub , links to International Students and Scholars Office . Reviewing this information before your housing search will save you time, effort and money. Options to consider Are you seeking a studio, one bed or two bed apartment?\u00a0 Furnished apartment?\u00a0 Few apartments are furnished.\u00a0 Renting furniture is an option. Do [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1008,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1588"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1008"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1588"}],"version-history":[{"count":50,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1588\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5687,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1588\/revisions\/5687"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/ohr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1588"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}