Current International Students Resources

• • Health Insurance
• ◦ All foreign national students, BOR Policy 3.14 requires that you have credible health insurance as determined by the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR).
• ◦ SDBOR approved Mandatory Health Insurance
• • Student Health Services and Benefits

• • Visit our Residential Life website for housing resources. It includes sections for:
  Residential Life resources for living ON campus
  Residential Life resources for living OFF campus
• • An International Student's Guide to Living Off Campus and How to Get Along With a Roommate
• • Housing Checklists
  • ◦ Examples of:
  • > Apartment Hunting Checklist
  • > Lease Checklist
  • > Inventory Checklist
  • > Example of a Roommate Agreement

After you arrive in the United States, you may want to set up a bank account. You will need two statements that show proof of address. Need proof of your address? Contact the Ivanhoe International Center. Here is a handy handout on Finances and Banking.

Cell Phones are widely used in the United States. Mobile service by some providers is limited in the greater Rapid City area. Please note: it is considered rude to let your cell phone ring during lectures and concerts!

If you live in South Dakota for more than 90 days, you are required to have a state driver's license. When you are ready to apply for a driver's license, visit the South Dakota Department of Public Safety for Driver's License Information.

Visit the Employment Authorization website for information.

• • Don't walk alone at night!
• ◦ Walk with a friend when out late at night and walk on designated pathways and well-lit areas.
• ◦ Work with another student when working late at night in campus buildings.
• • Save emergency numbers in your phone:
• ◦ Off-campus: call 9-1-1
• ◦ SD Mines Campus Safety: 605-394-6111
• • Locking doors and other items
• ◦ Keep the door to your room and to your residence hall or your apartment/house locked both when you are home and away. Do not leave doors propped open.
• ◦ Know who is at the door before you open it.
• ◦ Be sure the exterior residence hall door locks behind you when you enter or leave the building to ensure the safety of others.
• ◦ Secure bicycles through the wheel and frame with a high-quality cable AND lock or other approved device. Register bicycles with the Rapid City Police Department.
• ◦ Car
• > Lock your car doors anytime you leave the car.
• > Don't leave obvious valuables in plain view in your car.
• > Check the back seat of your car before you get in.
• • When meeting strangers in person:
• ◦ Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe.
• ◦ Don't invite strangers into your home.
• ◦ Consider having a friend accompany you.
• ◦ Don't meet in a secluded place.
• ◦ Be especially careful when buying/selling high value items.
• ◦ Tell a friend or family member where you're going.
• ◦ Take your cell phone along if you have one.
• ◦ Trust your instincts.

• • What is a scam? A scam is a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation, often a dishonest way to make money by deceiving people.
• • International students can be targeted for several scams. Keep up-to-date on common scams and how to protect yourself.
• • USCIS Common Scams Website
• • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website
• ◦ You can also sign up for scam alerts here
• • Privacy, Identity & Online Security
• • Download the Common Scams Against International Students