New Student Guide

Introduction

Location

Buffalo is located in western New York state. It is approximately 300 miles from New York City and is the state’s second largest city after New York City. The capital of New York state is Albany. Canada & Niagara Falls is about 30 minutes drive from University at Buffalo.

 

Power Outlet

United States supplies 120V while Malaysia supplies 230-240V. Do not bring electrical/electronic devices which do not accept 120V. Most portable devices (laptop, phone, camera) accepts 100-240V.

United States wall socket are different from those found in Malaysia. United States usually use the Type B (American 3-pin) sockets while Malaysia uses the Type G (British 3-pin) sockets. If you need travel adapters, get them in Malaysia because it is cheaper and easier to find. Get the 3-pin grounded version (~$5).

Alternatively, you can always replace the cable (~$10) for laptops.

 

 

Cell phones

There are 4 major service providers in United States. Sprint and Verizon uses CDMA network which does not use a separate SIM card, while AT&T (formerly Cingular) and T-Mobile uses GSM network. It is possible to bring over your hand phone from Malaysia and get a SIM card here. Most newer phones should work without problem, if unsure, ask us!

Although iPhone 4 is a popular choice among Malaysians, many of them are not aware that iPhone 4 obtained through AT&T contract are locked phones; meaning they can’t be used with a different carrier (etc. Maxis, DiGi, T-Mobile). AT&T and Apple will not permanently unlock this phones. Apple do sell unlocked iPhone 4 from $649.00.

There will be an orientation regarding cell phone accounts during orientation.

Laptops

If you plan on getting a new laptop, and will be in the United States for at least a year, get it here in the United States as you will get better deals, especially during sales. Besides that, you will have better regional warranty coverage.

Office Supplies

It is not recommended to bring folders, hole punchers, hole binders, staplers and paper unless you well stock your supplies. United States uses 3-hole binders while Malaysia uses 2-hole binders. We use Letter size instead of A4 size. Bring your favorite supply of pens, mechanical pencils and erasers as they are usually more expensive in United States.

Pre-departure

Health Background

Please complete the UB Health Background Form. Mail it in or submit it during orientation. Make a copy before mailing it.

Academic Transcript

It is highly recommended for transfer students to bring their academic transcripts with English Translations.

Accommodation

On-Campus Housing
There are choices of Dorms and Apartments, both with different benefits. Please apply a few months early as dorms fill up quickly. More at http://www.ub-housing.buffalo.edu/

Off-Campus Housing
There are a number of Malaysians living off-campus, in apartment complexes or houses.

Arrival

Temporary Accommodation

On-campus residence hall does not officially open until a day or two before classes start. If you are arriving earlier, you will need to get temporary housing. You can stay in hotels or inns nearby, UB’s temporary housing or maybe fellow Malaysian’s house which is limited. Contact us!

Transportation from Airport

Check here for more information: http://wings.buffalo.edu/intlservices/directions.html
There might be Malaysian volunteers who are willing to pick up new students from the airport.
Contact us!

International Orientation

More information here: http://wings.buffalo.edu/intlservices/orientation.html

Banking

You will need proof of address, passport, student ID before opening a bank account. It make take up to 3 weeks to receive your ATM/Debit Card, so prepare enough cash to last that long. There will be a session on bank accounts during orientation. More information: http://wings.buffalo.edu/intlservices/bankinginfo.html

UB Student ID Card

Student ID card which allows you to borrow books, enter residence hall, etc. Usually done during orientation week. Picture can be taken at the office or submitted electronically at http://www.myubcard.com/ubcard/submitcardphoto

Others

Driving in New York State

Malaysian Driver’s License is valid in New York State, however police officers will have difficulty determining if our driver’s licenses are valid due to the Malay languages used and design (laminated paper) of our license. This can be reduced with the use of International Driving Permit (RM150/year). If you plan to drive in other states, they may have different regulations like our license is valid up to one year from the date of arrival. Read More…

Social Security Number

International student will not be able to obtain a social security number unless they are working on-campus. You do not need a social security number to open a bank account, housing or driver’s license. If you face any problem, please approach the ISSS (International Student & Scholar Services).

Canadian Visa

For those adventurous students who wants to visit Canada, you will need a Canadian Visa to enter Canada. Canadian Visa can be done here in Buffalo or back in Kuala Lumpur. The High Commission of Canada office is located in Menara Tan & Tan which is opposite the US Embassy. Applying one from Malaysia is much more convenient. The best time to apply for a Canadian Visa is right after receiving the US Student Visa. You’ll need to show your US Student Visa and I20 as a proof of studying in US.
Please visit http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/kualalumpur/ for more information.

Pre-departure Checklist

• Passport
• Student Visa  & I-20
• Canadian Visa
  Optional, Canada is approximately 30 minutes from UB North Campus.
• Financial Proof
• Academic Transcript from previous institutions with English translation
  Highly recommended for transfer students
• Cash
  Recommended, to pay for supplies, transportation, accommodation and meals for at least 3 weeks.
• Credit card
  Optional, useful for emergencies
• Travel adapters
  If you are bringing electrical devices
• UB Health Background form
  If you have not submitted through mail
  

By UBMaSA.org Administrator in Guides on January 9, 2012