> Telephones
> Emergency Numbers
> Calls to Foreign Countries
> Cellular or Mobile Phones
> Public Phones
> Internet and E-mail Services
> Telegraph

Telephones
For convenience and privacy, most students will want to have their own telephones. Almost all dormitories have at least a dorm or a "floor" telephone, which students share. Other dormitories have telephones already installed in the rooms. If there is no room phone, it is permissible to have one installed. Remember that you will be responsible for the telephone bills. If you decide to have a telephone installed in your room, ask the residence adviser of your dormitory for advice. If you live off-campus, you will need a telephone not only for convenience but also for safety. Ask your international student adviser for advice on how to get a phone installed in your home or apartment.

When you get a phone line installed, you will have to buy your own phone and pay for installation charges and perhaps a deposit (to ensure that you will pay your telephone bills). You will be billed monthly for use of the telephone, usually a flat fee for local service (depending on the kind of service you have) plus extra charges for long distance calls. These costs vary from area to area in the United States.

Back to top

______________________________________________________________

Emergency Numbers
It is very important to write down emergency numbers (fire, police, doctors, paramedics, campus emergency numbers, and so on) and to keep them near your telephone. Be sure that you have the correct emergency numbers to serve you if you need help, and keep these numbers posted near or taped to your telephone.

In many communities in the United States, when you need police, the fire department, or paramedics in an emergency situation, you simply dial "911." Once you have dialed 911, the operator will ask you what the emergency is, ask for your address, and then summon the appropriate help. Most of the time, the operator will stay on the line and give you support or advice until help arrives. It is very important to call 911 only in an emergency situation, and it is illegal to use it otherwise.

Back to top

______________________________________________________________

Calls to Foreign Countries
It is possible to dial direct to almost all foreign countries from the United States, and direct dialing is less expensive than placing calls through the operator. To get an international line, you must first dial "011," then the country code, city code, and telephone number you wish to reach.

Back to top

______________________________________________________________

Cellular or Mobile Phones
Cellular phones are widely available in the United States, and most mobile phones purchased in other countries will not work in the United States. If you wish to have a cellular phone, it is best to get one after you arrive. Many types of phones and a number of service providers are available in most places, so investigate to find those that best suit your needs.

Back to top

______________________________________________________________

Public Phones
These telephones can be found in many locations in commercial areas. Directions for making calls are printed on the telephone. You usually need to insert 35 to 50 cents to make a local call. Most telephone companies now sell debit cards. When you buy the card, you pay a certain amount that is recorded into the card's computer chip or magnetic strip. Afterwards, you can use this card in public telephones until the balance is depleted.

Back to top

______________________________________________________________

Phone Cards
Many supermarkets and convenience stores sell pre-paid phone cards for specific dollar amounts ($5, $10, $20) that charge a small connection fee, then provide inexpensive long distance service. Prices vary by provider, but it is possible to call other countries for as little as 4 cents per minute; choose the card that provides the best rate for the country you wish to call.

Back to top

______________________________________________________________

Internet and E-mail Services
Generally, U.S. colleges and universities have several computer rooms where you can check your e-mail, use the Internet, or use various software programs. Because of the popularity of these services, you might have to stand in line to get access to a computer terminal.

If you want Internet to be connected to your home computer, there are many possible alternatives. As a student, you can get a dial-up connection from your home computer to your university's server at a discount or, possibly, for free. Some universities even have network connections available in all dorm rooms. Contact your university's Information Technology (IT) Services Office for more information. Private computer service companies, local telephone companies, and some television cable companies also offer home Internet connections. These private Internet suppliers can be more expensive to use, but their services and connection quality might be better. If you are unsure what to do, ask your international student adviser for advice on home Internet connections.

Back to top