WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT UCLA: We will get you set up with our Personnel Office and appointed as an employee of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
YOU WILL NEED TO BRING WITH YOU:
- Your passport
- Your DS-2019
- Your Ph.D. certification (if you are a Postdoctoral Scholar)
You will also need to fill out some employment forms. You can do this with the help of the Chemistry Department Personnel Office (Young Hall room 3064).
NOTE FROM THE OFFICE OF INTERATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS:
Please be advised that the new federal regulations require all J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors report to the UCLA Dashew Center for International Students and Scholars upon arrival in the United States. They must bring their passport, DS-2019, and I-94 within 30 days of their arrival. In case of J-2 dependents who cannot report to this office, it is suggested that J-1 principals bring the dependents' visa documentation. Failure to comply will result in serious consequences of exchange visitors falling out of their legal immigration status and in termination of the exchange visitor program. This new reporting requirement is mandated by the U.S. Government.
IF YOU ARE COMING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME: You will need to get a Bruin Card (UCLA identification), keys to the lab, and a "recharge number."
- You can get the forms for the Bruin Card and the keys at the Chemistry Department Information Window (Young Hall room 3034). Both forms will require signatures from Professor Houk. You will also need to go to the Bruin Card Office in Kerckhoff Hall to get your picture taken for the Bruin Card once you have filled out the form.
- You can get a recharge number from Laura in Professor Houk's office. She will request it for you, and it usually arrives in a day or two. A recharge number will enable you to get supplies and make copies.
IMPORTANT: If you need a place to stay during your first few days at UCLA while you are looking for housing, we may be able to get you a reservation at the UCLA Guest House or the UCLA Tiverton House. However, these hotels are often sold out, so please let us know if you would like a reservation, along with your arrival date, as soon as possible. If we cannot get you a reservation at the UCLA Guest House or the UCLA Tiverton House, we can sometimes get you a room at the nearby Hilgard House or the Hotel Angeleno; if we have to do this, you will need to hold and pay for your stay with a credit card, and then we will reimburse you. This may take some time, however, so it is best if can get you a reservation at the UCLA Guest House or UCLA Tiverson House as soon as possible.
HOUSING: If you are going to be at UCLA for more than a few days, it is your responsibility to find a housing situation that suits your individual needs. For help with finding housing, you can check the Postdoctoral Scholar Housing Options page or contact UCLA Housing and Hospitality Services and the UCLA Community Housing Office. If any of these offices or rental options ask you to show proof that you are connected with UCLA, Prof. Houk can provide you with a formal invitation letter; this is not a problem - just let us know if you need one.
Other housing resources are the campus newspaper, The Daily Bruin, and various Los Angeles newspapers and rental listings. There are lots of rooming and rental options in the neighborhood, and it usually takes only 3-5 days to find a situation and be accepted as a tenant. Also, the members of Professor Houk's research group may be able to help you find something. Many of them have gone through this very same process and may have suggestions and advice that they can share. You can find our group listing here.
POSSIBLE HOUSING OPTION: RW Selby & Company is now pre-leasing luxury apartments. All of their apartments are within walking distance of UCLA and Westwood Village. Their properties are safe, quiet, gated, and have 24-hour onsite management. They also offer a roommate matching service if cost is an issue or you prefer living with a flat-mate. Phone: 310-208-4868. Website: RW Selby & Company Westwood Village Student Housing and click on the International Students Tab. Be sure to mention the Dashew Center during your property tour for special international student rates.
Please do not ask Laura to find housing for you. It will be quicker and easier if you contact the various UCLA housing offices and/or rental options yourself. All of the information and urls that we have regarding local housing have been placed on this website.
NOTE: You should be aware that housing in Los Angeles, especially the places closest to campus, can be expensive. The UCLA Community Housing Office has a Rental Rate Survey on its webpage.
WHEN YOU HAVE GOTTEN SETTLED: Please notify Laura in Professor Houk's office as to your new local address, phone number, and the email address you will use while at UCLA. We will then add you to our group list.