UCLA Student Needs advice (loan, costs, tuition)

[britboy]

Hi All,

In a few weeks, I will be coming to LA to study a PhD at UCLA. I'm from the UK, and have quite a secure life here having just completed a teaching course, and being open to many job offers. However, the opportunity of doing a PhD at UCLA is something that I couldn't turn down.

My Problem is finances. I will be paying international student fees, which are quite hefty. Even though UCLA are giving me some funding which covers some of the cost, what I have saved is not quite enough for my accommodation, (on campus) and fees and food etc.

I would be very happy to work to earn whatever I need, but am worried about my VISA restrictions. I will be on an F1 visa which has restrictions as to where and when I can work. I would like to know how easy it is getting a Job on Campus at UCLA, and how strict they are about people working off campus. Do many people do it?

As a worst case scenario, I am prepared to get an international Loan, but would prefer not to for obvious reasons.

Please advice. Thanks in advance.

britboy

[Cattknap]

Britboy - you need to talk to someone at UCLA - they will have the straight scoop for you.

[zenjenn]

I attended UCLA 2 years, and my husband did all his undergraduate there, including assisting graduates on paid research. (physics)

There are a number of campus jobs. As a grad student, I assume you've already agreed to work as a teaching assistant to offset or eliminate tuition? In addition, work as a paper grader is often available, especially if you are in an objective field of study (sciences, engineering, etc.) Being a grader is nice work, because you can do it at your pace and from the comfort of home.

If you go to the Ackerman Student Union there is a job center and a ton of jobs. I worked as an editorial illustrator for the Daily Bruin, and there are staff jobs on the student paper, etc, all kinds of things. These jobs don't pay huge amounts but enough to offset student costs I think. What field of study are you in?

[James T]

Originally Posted by britboy

Hi All,

In a few weeks, I will be coming to LA to study a PhD at UCLA. I'm from the UK, and have quite a secure life here having just completed a teaching course, and being open to many job offers. However, the opportunity of doing a PhD at UCLA is something that I couldn't turn down.

My Problem is finances. I will be paying international student fees, which are quite hefty. Even though UCLA are giving me some funding which covers some of the cost, what I have saved is not quite enough for my accommodation, (on campus) and fees and food etc.

I would be very happy to work to earn whatever I need, but am worried about my VISA restrictions. I will be on an F1 visa which has restrictions as to where and when I can work. I would like to know how easy it is getting a Job on Campus at UCLA, and how strict they are about people working off campus. Do many people do it?

As a worst case scenario, I am prepared to get an international Loan, but would prefer not to for obvious reasons.

Please advice. Thanks in advance.

britboy

Check out the film Soul Man.

[britboy]

Thanks for the reply guys. I have inquired about grad positions but have not had anything definite. I will be studying education and have applied for some of the grad posts their but have not heard back from them yet. Zenjenn, if as you say, there are a fair few jobs at the union then i think i will be ok. I have been advised that it's best to look when i actually arrive in LA, so will wait for a few weeks and renew the searching. Thanks again.