• For general information: www.uh.edu or specific access the Office of International Student and Scholar Services website www.uh.edu/intservices
• For specific information about campus life and safety, student demographics and services: www.uh.edu/youru/prospective.html

When is the first stipend check issued?

• Fall incoming Graduate students will receive their first stipend check on October 1.
• Spring incoming Graduate students will receive their first stipend check on February.

How often are stipend checks issued?
Once a month. Typically, checks are issued on the first day of each month unless the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday. Then, the check will be issued on the following workday.

What is the amount of each stipend check?
The $21,600 stipend is divided into 12 months, which averages to $1,800 (gross amount) each stipend check.  Note: this gross amount does not reflect the deductions of taxes or any additional option selected.

How much money should a student bring?
It is difficult to estimate how much money a student should bring.  Much depends on each studentís arrangements. Listed below are expenses to consider:

• Fee Bill
  Students must pay at least half of their fee bill.  The fee bill includes all costs for extra benefits selected by the student.  Therefore, if a student chooses to live on campus, opting for one of the housing packages and chooses a meal plans, these cost will be added to the fee bill.  Half of the total amount of the studentís fee bill must be paid the first week of class.  By adding the cost of all options selected, students can estimate the amount that must be paid.
  NOTE: the student fellowship and out-of-state tuition waiver will pay for most (90%) of the tuition per semester.  Insurance is free for the student only, not dependents.
• Cost of Housing
  If a student chooses to live off campus, ask the apartment manager or housing manager the terms of the housing agreement. Some apartments require a full months rent in advance along with a security deposit. There are many apartment locators in Houston and most offer a free service.
• Food, transportation,and sundry of items

Coins and Currency or traveler checks?

• International students should bring most of their money in U.S. travelerís checks. Cashier Checks and regular bank checks often take weeks to cash. Moreover, if lost, traveler's checks can be recovered, currency cannot.
• Another recommendation is to find a bank and open an account. For convenience, many U of H students use the banking system on campus, WoodForest National Bank, located in the University Center Building. Later, direct deposit can be added to a studentís account so that monthly stipend may be deposited electronically and directly to the specific checking account.

How much will food cost?
Food in Houston is inexpensive. Much depends on individual preferences. Great culinary and price diversity exist in Houston. There are many grocery markets and restaurants available. Students can find a listing of restaurants in the free publication ìHouston Press or website www.houston-guide.com/guide/dine/framedine.html. Additionally, there are many eateries located at the university in the University Center Building or University Center Satellite. Refer to the Campus map website www.uh.edu/cgi-bin/campusmap.