Life in the U.S
The CISS staff understand that transitioning to a new country can be full of both adventures and challenges. We are here to support you. This page of our website focuses on the information and links to resources that you may need to make the transition to the U.S. and cultivate a sense of belonging in the Bentley community.
 Banking |  Campus Safety |  Driver's License & Cars |  Financial Resources |  Health/Wellbeing |
 Housing |  Phones |  Scams / Fraud |  Taxes in the U.S. |  Transportation |
Banking
Some Local Banks
- Bank of America
- Chase Bank
- Citizens Bank
- Santander Bank
- TD Bank
ATMs On-Campus
- Bank of America
- Santander Bank
How to Open a Bank Account
It may be best to visit a bank to speak with a bank representative. You should try to schedule an appointment beforehand.
You will need to have the following:
• Passport and one other form of identification
• Form I-20 or DS-2019
• Form I-94
• Local mailing address
• Initial funds for deposit
Some banks may ask for a Social Security Number (SSN). However, you can open a bank account without an SSN.
Types of Accounts and Cards
Accounts
Checking Accounts
• Generally used for everyday spending
• Can be used for writing checks or making online payments to pay bills
Savings Accounts
• Primarily used for saving larger sums of money
• Cannot be used to write checks
Cards
Debit Cards
• Most banks issue debit cards with the opening of a bank account
• Money is taken directly from your bank account
• Most businesses accept debit cards
• May be limited to a certain number of daily withdrawals
Credit Cards
• Most banks offer credit cards.
• Take some time to research and compare your options before deciding on a credit card.
• In most cases, international students and scholars will be required to have an SSN to apply for a credit card
Driver's License/Buying a Car
Apply online or fill out the application.
Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
Registry of Motor Vehicles – Watertown, MA
Watertown Mall
550 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA
(857) 368-8000 or (800) 858-3926
Closest Social Security Office
135 Beaver Street, Suite 120
Waltham, Massachusetts 02452
(800) 772-1213
Use this Document Checklist to review the documents you will need to take to the DMV. In most cases, you will need the completed application and the following documents:
- Passport
- Form I-20/DS-2019
- Form I-94 (you can print it from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website).
- Social Security card or denial letter
- If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must obtain a "Denial Letter". A "Denial Letter" can be obtained by visiting any Social Security Office with your passport, I-94 card, and I-20 (or DS-2019) and submitting an application. A representative should issue your "Denial Letter" immediately. You must apply for a driver's license within 10 days of receiving this letter.
- The closest Social Security Office is located at:
- 135 Beaver Street, Suite 120
Waltham, Massachusetts 02452
(800) 772-1213
- 135 Beaver Street, Suite 120
- Proof of Residence Address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement received in the mail with your address printed on it).
- If you live on campus the Residence Life Office can issue you a letter stating your address.
Arrive to the RMV prepared
Buying a Car
The purchase and maintenance of a car in Massachusetts can be quite expensive. In addition to the cost of the car, you are required to pay insurance, as well as sales and excise taxes. Used cars are sold through dealers and privately through the classified section of newspapers. One great online source for car reviews and average prices is Edmunds.com. We recommend that you have the cars examined by a mechanic before you buy them, and ensure that you receive a certificate of ownership along with the bill of sale. A good way to decrease the price of insurance is to bring a letter of recommendation from your insurance back home. Some insurance companies will even give you a discount if you provide them with a transcript of good grades.
Available parking can also be scarce and/or expensive, depending on where you live. To be able to park your car at Bentley, you will need a parking sticker from University Police. For more information, call the Bentley Card Office at (781) 781-2292.
Helpful Resources
Massachusetts Driver's License Application - MassDOT RMV Website
Document Checklist - MassDOT RMV Website
RMV Tips for Success - MassDOT RMV Website
Financial Resources
Students who anticipate difficulty in paying their tuition bill are encouraged to contact Student Accounts at GA_Student_Accounts@bentley.edu prior to the due date of the bill, whenever possible, to discuss tools and options (including payment plans). Financial holds may prevent course registration, so it is important to resolve these holds as soon as possible. You can find a complete list of payment due dates, costs and billing, as well as information on late payments and refunds here, on the Student Accounts website.
The Student Hardship Fund was established in 2020 to ensure that every Bentley student can focus on their education, even when facing unexpected duress. It is intended to assist students with unforeseen costs that may arise outside of the standard costs of education. You can learn more about the Student Hardship Fund here on the Office of Financial Assistance website.
Examples of costs that may warrant an appeal:
- Travel costs associated with a personal or family emergency.
- Unanticipated emergency health and medical costs not covered by insurance.
- Temporary support costs for a student in a dangerous situation.
- Replacement costs of essential personal belongings in the event of theft or damage not covered by insurance.
- Housing or food insecurity due to costs resulting from non-fault student employment change or other unforeseen circumstances.
Examples of costs that will not be funded:
- Expected tuition, fees, living expenses, and other standard costs of education like books and personal expenses (exceptions may exist for replacing educational resources in the event of theft or damage)
- Study abroad costs or expected airfare costs to/from school.
- Expenses related to conferences and professional development.
- Travel costs associated with field trips and other school-sponsored trips
- Non-essential expenses (e.g., library fines and gym membership, parking tickets)
- Support of the student's family members.
The Falcon Family Fridge is Bentley's version of a Community Fridge. The concept is simple - anyone in the community can donate food, and anyone in the community can take food. They operate by the principle: "Take what you need, leave what you can." Learn more about this program here.
Swipe Out Hunger is a program designed to provide support to Bentley students who are experiencing food insecurity. Any Bentley student experiencing difficulty in funding or accessing food-related costs is eligible to apply for donated meal swipes. Learn more about how to request a donated meal swipe here on the Office of Sustainability’s website.
Students experiencing financial hardship may choose to seek out external funding or scholarships. You may choose to use a free scholarship search engine, or apply for a private alternative loan. Parents or students who apply for private alternative loans must apply directly through private lenders; however, Bentley is required to certify loan eligibility. Most lenders will require a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen as a cosigner. There are also loans designed with international students in mind, including MPower financing and Paras Education Services.
Other external funding resources include:
- NAFSA | nafsa.org - Get information for international students applying to or enrolled in U.S. institutions, including guidance on costs, funding sources, scholarship search engines, and tax credit information.
- eduPass | edupass.org - Offers guidance on admission, financial aid, cultural transition, and more.
- FastWeb | fastweb.com - Enter your strengths, interests, and skills, and FastWeb will match you with scholarships that align with your profile.
- Scholarships for Development | scholars4dev.com - Find up-to-date listings of international scholarships open to students from developing countries.
- College Scholarship | collegescholarships.org - Use their financial aid database to search awards from corporations and nonprofit agencies.
For more information on options for financial assistance, please contact the Office of Financial Assistance at finaid@bentley.edu.
Health/Well-Being
Health Insurance
International students are covered by Bentley Student Insurance while they are enrolled as a student. After graduation a student may need insurance coverage if they are not employed and offered an insurance plan by their employer.
There are various health insurance companies that work with international student and scholars. While we cannot endorse any one company here are a few options for coverage after student insurance ends.
- IMG Travel Insurance
- Compass Benefits Group
- BETIns
- ISO – Student Health Insurance
- International Student Insurance
Well-Being
Students at Bentley can find a wide array of resources to support their physical, mental, and emotional health. Please see Wellbeing at Bentley for more information. Information on recreational fitness can be found here.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
On-Campus Housing is available for undergraduate students across all years. If you plan to live on campus, please submit the Housing Contract by the published deadline. For more information about on-campus housing options, processes, and deadlines, please visit the Residential Center website. Email GA_Housing@bentley.edu with questions related to on-campus housing.
Off-Campus Housing
Waltham is a beautiful town just west of Boston with a number of popular apartment complexes and privately owned apartments and housing throughout the town. It is surrounded by the towns of Belmont, Newton, Arlington, and Watertown, which are also options for living.
Visit the Bentley University Off-Campus Housing Website to search for off-campus housing options.
Popular apartment complexes close to campus include:
Windsor Village
976 Lexington Street
Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 349-5627
Cronin Landing Apartments
25 Crescent Street
Waltham, MA 02453
(844) 283-9094
Finding a place to live off-campus can be challenging for any new student. Make sure to be a smart consumer! When renting a room or apartment, we recommend you:
- Let landlords and real estate agents know what type of rental units you are looking for (such as studio or one-bedroom; furnished or unfurnished).
- Do not rent a place that you have not seen.
- Have any repairs or maintenance work agreed to in writing by the landlord before you sign a lease.
- Be prepared to sign a lease (binding rental agreement) for one year.
- Be prepared to pay the first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit for your room or apartment before you are permitted to move in.
Students are advised to use all available resources when choosing a place to live.
Bentley University is not responsible or liable for any off-campus student housing arrangements. Furthermore, neither Bentley University nor the CISS staff endorses the apartment complexes or apartment-finder websites mentioned above. Bentley University does not inspect the premises of any off-campus housing locations, nor does it assume responsibility for contracts/leases or other housing arrangements between individuals.
Phones
When you arrive in the U.S., you will need a local phone number for communication, banking, and daily life.
You have two main options:
Bring your own unlocked phone: If your current phone is unlocked, you can purchase a U.S. SIM card from providers like AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, or from affordable prepaid carriers such as Mint Mobile. Sim cards can be purchased online on their websites or in store as well.
Buy a phone in the U.S.: If your phone is locked or incompatible, you can buy a new device directly from carriers or electronics stores.
Tips:
- Make sure to research the different cellphone providers and plans before deciding.
- Prepaid plans are flexible and don’t require a long-term contract or credit history.
- Monthly costs vary, usually $25–$60, depending on data and features.
- Free Wi-Fi is widely available on campus and in public spaces, which helps reduce data usage.
- Make sure your phone supports U.S. network bands before arrival.
Scams/Fraud
International students and scholars may receive scam calls from individuals who claim to be government officials (FBI, USCIS, IRS, Detention Centers, 911) using fake phone numbers that can imitate government agencies.
Sometimes, these callers demand personally identifiable information (financial information, bank account numbers, SSN number, etc.) or payment of “fees” via wire transfer or gift cards to resolve what they claim to be a problem with your immigration status or taxes, and that you are under surveillance and at risk of deportation.
They may also tell you that contacting any other individual or referencing another source regarding the issue may result in serious consequences or deportation. These calls are false. Even if the caller knows information about you already, do not share any additional information or financial information with the caller.
Important Reminders:
- Government agencies will not call you to demand payment over the phone, even if you owe money or have not paid a fee. Any communications will occur in writing via official government mail.
- 911 will never call you. The only time that 911 may show up on your caller ID is in the case of a widespread emergency or safety advisory in your area. These are generally pre-recorded messages.
- The government will never ask you to pay a fee via a particular payment method (such as wire transfer, gift cards, etc.).
- The government will not ask for personal, financial, SSN, bank account information, credit, or debit card numbers over the phone.
- The government will not threaten arrest or deportation for late payment of a fee.
- A government agent cannot remain anonymous. They are required to give badge information.
What if I receive a similar call from someone claiming to be a government official?
- Do NOT share any personal or financial information, and do NOT transfer any money.
- Ask for the name and contact number for whoever is calling, along with a badge number.
- HANG UP. Do not answer additional calls from that number.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.identitytheft.gov/ 5) Call Bentley University Police’s non-emergency number at 781-891-2201 to report it to the university. Then call CISS at 781-891-2829 or email GA_CISS@bentley.edu to report it to the Center for International Students and Scholars.
What if I already gave them information or money?
- Call Bentley University Police’s non-emergency number at 781-891-2201 to file a report. Unfortunately, in most cases, the police will not be able to recover any lost money. However, the police report is useful in making other credit protection measures moving forward.
- Notify the CISS that you have been subject to a scam.
- If you disclosed your Social Security Number, report this to the SSA.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission: https://www.identitytheft.gov/ and research a plan to monitor your credit and potential fraudulent activities.
Why was I targeted?
Bentley University does not disclose information about your student or immigration status. Frequently, scammers use information available publicly online via social media and other websites to make an informed assumption about your status. To further protect yourself from potential scams, you may wish to:
- Check your LinkedIn and related accounts. Remove any contact information (other than email, if required).
- Check your social media accounts, particularly if they are public.
- Remove your phone number from these accounts, and be mindful of what you post online.
- Check if your contact or other personal information is available via online directories. You may inquire about getting these listings removed.
For any questions regarding scams, your status, or immigration-related fees, contact the Center for International Students and Scholars at GA_CISS@bentley.edu or call 781-8912829.
Transportation/Parking
Bentley University provides various options for transportation. For further information about on-campus parking, commuting choices, and shuttles, please visit the following links: