Frequently Asked Questions { F.A.Q.s }
This section lists the frequently asked questions that new and prospective students have ...
I've a GRE score of XX, a TOEFL score of YY and my academic percentage is ZZ. What are the chances of getting admission and financial aid?
We cannot guarantee either admission or financial aid. You need to contact admissions office and your department office for any admission queries you have. We also encourage you to talk to the professors and your department faculty for any funding options.
Currently I don't have any aid. What is the probability of getting some kind of financial aid after I come to the University?
It is very unlikely that a newly admitted student get TA/RA in the first semester. But, still it would help if you are in constant touch with the faculty in your department so that if they have any openings, they might consider you.
Will it help if I come early and talk to the professors?
Sometimes. But, we cannot guarantee on this aspect as it solely depends on the professor and your ability to convince him.
My tution fee is charged according to credit hours. What are credit hours?
Credit hours are the number of hours that you attend the university per week in a semester. Most of the courses are 3 credit hours each, but there are 1 and 2 credit hour courses too. International graduate students must take at least 9 credit hours per semester according to INS rules. To put it simply 1 course = 3 credit hours.
(credit hours = credits = semester units = units ... kinda confusing ... different people refer to them differently).
Will my tuition fee be waived if I get funding?
NO. This is the big difference between this university and most of the other universities. The funding you get will be enough for your monthly expenses. You will have to make your own arrangements for your tuition fee.
Can I work on-campus?
Yes, you can definitely work on-campus (for F1 students only). You will be given a work authorization from International Programs and Services after you come here. There are many kinds of jobs available on campus. It is not that difficult to get one, but it is not guaranteed. Likely jobs include: grading job, job in cafeteria, lab assistant etc., etc. The pay can start from around $6 per hour and it can be even about $15 an hour. You can work maximum of 20 hours per week when the school is in session, and maximum of 40 hours per week in break.
Can I work off-campus?
There are two kinds of off-campus jobs, Co-ops and Internships. These jobs are offered through SJSU Career Center by Companies. Please note that International Students cannot do Co-ops or Internships until they complete 9 months of stay in the United States. Any other kind of off-campus jobs are not authorized by INS (Immigration & Naturalization Services) which handles visa status of foreign nationals.
What is the Health Insurance that is mentioned in I-20?
You will have to buy Health Insurance here before you can register for your courses. It is mandatory for everyone here. It is also safe for you. The medical costs are too high here. Having a Health Insurance can save you lots of money in case your health suffers. We also suggest you to get basic medicines with you and also depending on your health condition.
Do I need to get any inoculations or immunizations before coming to SJSU?
Yes, you need to get Measles (MMR) and Hepatitis-B vaccination before you come here. Though Measles is given for free in the Health Center on campus here, the Hepatitis-B vaccination is costly. But, we suggest you take both of them in India itself and get the certification with you. You will need them before you can register for courses in second semester.
When should I arrive in San Jose?
Your I-20 specifies the date by which you are expected to arrive at the University. We suggest that you arrive by that date. Keep in mind that it is good to have at least a week to settle down before classes begin. Coming earlier could be helpful if you are interested in meeting with faculty. If you decide to arrive early, keep in mind that: - some professors might be on vacation. - you will have to budget for your longer stay in the US. If you want to arrive later than the date specified on your I-20, we strongly suggest to inform the international Admissions Office and your Department as well.
What are the monthly expenses there?
The monthly expenses here can be split up like this: Rent: $250 - $500 + Utilities (water, electricity & gas) Food and supplies: $75 - $125 Miscellaneous: $100 - $150 Also, the telephone charges depend on each person, how frequently you call India and here in other states.
How far do I have to stay from the university?
It depends on your discretion. But, most of the students here stay around campus so that it is easy to commute. The transportation facility in Bay Area is very convenient. There is lot of bus and train transportation here. Often many of us stay in school during late hours. So, you might not want to travel too far late in the night unless you have a car.
How would the apartments be and how much do they cost?
Typically, there are 1-3 bedroom apartments available here. Even studios are available which are very much like 1-bedroom apartment without a bedroom (only hall and kitchen). Typically, 3 people will stay in 1-bedroom apartment and one extra person for each extra bedroom. A typical 1-bedroom apartment would cost around $800 - $1000 while a 2-bedroom apartment would cost around $1000 - $1600.
How would the weather be over there and what kind of clothes do we need to carry?
Though this is Sunny California, the temperature has been known to drop to as low as 1°C during winters. Hence, we strongly suggest you to get woolen sweaters, jackets, thermal wear, gloves and a monkey cap so that you are protected from the cold. If you cannot handle cold, we advice you to get some thick shirts along with you. During summers, it gets pretty warm here ... so, getting some shorts and T-shirts is recommended.
What about laundry?
Normally, no one washes any clothes by hand. Every apartment complex has a laundry facility. Typically, it costs around $2 for each load which includes washing and drying. Don't get any washing powder unless you want to wash by hand, which is unlikely.
How safe is the SJSU campus?
The campus is located in San Jose downtown. It is a safe campus, crime free. The campus police are seen around the campus all the time. If you feel unsafe when going to home during nights, there is escort service available to you. They will escort to your destination or via vehicle for destinations within one mile of campus radius. Also, the campus police telephones are located at all the places in the campus.
Do I need to get textbooks from here?
YES. Textbooks here are very costly, around $100 for each textbook. Though you don't get all the textbooks in India, it's better to get the available textbooks. You need to contact your seniors in your department which textbooks to get.
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