ARRIVAL GUIDE - UC Merced International
Transcript of ARRIVAL GUIDE - UC Merced International
ARRIVAL GUIDEFOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS and scholars
u n i v e r s i t y o f c a l i f o r n i a , m e r c e d
ABOUT THIS GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
WELCOME FROM CLUBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
PRE-DEPARTURE PLANNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CHECKING IN AT THE UC MERCED INTERNATIONAL OffICE . . . . 4
International Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
International Scholars (non degree seeking students ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
HOUSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Types of Housing in Merced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Where to Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Housing Search Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Common Housing Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Some Apartment Communities within the Merced Area . . . . . . . . . . . 9
TELEPHONE SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
How to Make Collect Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
International Calling Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Cell Phones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Verizon Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
AT&T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Cricket Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
MONEY MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Estimated Living Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Money for Your Arrival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Foreign Currency Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Banking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
HEALTH INSURANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Immunizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Emergency Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
IDENTIfICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
CatCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
CaliforniaIdentificationCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
California Driver’s License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Required Exams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Learning How to Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Social Security Number/Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
POSTAL SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Mail Delivery | Pick Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Mail Drop Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Mailing and Shipping Shops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
fAMILY RESOURCES — f-2 & J-2 DEPENDENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SHOPPING AND GROCERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Household Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Discount Clothing Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Shopping Malls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Dining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
RECREATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
2 | UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA , MERCED | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About This GuideThe Arrival Guide was created to help answer the questions most frequently asked by new international students and
scholars before and upon arrival in Merced. The information provided includes housing, shopping and recreational activities.
Welcome from the Director
Dear international students and scholars,
OnbehalfoftheOfficeofInternationalAffairs,welcometotheUniversityofCalifornia,Merced.UCMercedisthe newest,andfastestgrowing,campusoftheUniversityofCaliforniasystemandiscommittedtoexcellencein teaching,researchandservice. WearepleasedthatyouhavechosenUCMercedandwillsoonjoinourdynamicacademiccommunity.
Weunderstandthatmovingtoanewuniversity,cityandcountrycanbechallenging.Tohelpyouwithyourmove, wehavepreparedthisArrivalGuidetoanswerquestionsyoumayhavepriorto,orafter,yourarrivalintheUnitedStates.Ifyouhaveadditionalquestions,weencourageyoutovisitourInternationalStudentandScholarswebsite(iss.ucmerced.edu),contactyourISSadvisor(iss.ucmerced.edu/new;+1-209-228-4708orvisitourofficeKL-101).
Welookforwardtomeetingyouin-personwhenyoucheck-in,andwishyouthebestofsuccessatUCMerced. Sincerely,
GarettGietzen,Ph.D.Director
staff international students and scholars
UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA , MERCED | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE | 3
Suki SpencerASSISTANT DIRECTOR
International Students and ScholarsEmployment-based Visa Specialist
209-228-4667
Becky MirzaInternational Student AdvisorF-1/J-1 Student Visa Specialist
209-228-4801
Rico JohnsonInternational Scholar AdvisorJ-1 Scholar Visa Specialist
209-228-4361
There are more than 200 clubs and organizations at UC Merced. Many of these clubs ask for the
opportunity to help new international students arrive and adjust to life in Merced.
Below is a welcome message from just one, MIGSA. The Chinese Scholars and Students Association, the
Iranian Student Association and others have also expressed their interest.
You can check out all of the clubs and their contacts online at catlife.ucmerced.edu/Organizations
DearNewGraduateStudents,
Congratulationsonyouradmission!MIGSAwelcomesyoutoUCMerced.Weareoneofthemanyculturalandacademicgraduateclubsoncampus.Weencourageyoutoexploreallyourhobbiesandpassionsbybeingpartofthemanygreatcluboptionsoncampus.
YoucanseethemallontheCatLifeDirectory.
AtMIGSA,wewanttocreateanatmosphereofafamilyawayfromyourfamily.WecelebratemajorIndianfestivalssuchasDiwali,DussheraandHoli.Hopefullyyoucanjoinusinallourcelebrations,beatyourhomesicknessandmakesomenewfriendshere.
YoucanfindmoreinformationaboutMIGSAontheCatLifepagesoronFacebook.
Hopetomeetyouallsoon.
Bestwishes,Megha,President,MIGSA
WELCOME from CLUBs
UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA , MERCED | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE | 5
AlongwithyourformI-20(forFvisastudents)orformDS-2019(forJvisastudents/exchangevisitors),youreceivedinstructions
on howtoapplyforyournon-immigrantvisa.TheU.S.DepartmentofStatewebsitehasfurtherinformationonhowtoapplyforyourvisa.
Ifyourcurrentpassporthasyournameononeline,notseparatedbysurnameandgivenname,youshouldapplyforanewpassportbeforeapplyingforyourvisa.Yourpassportshouldlistyourlast/surnameseparatefromyourfirst/givenname.Ifthenamesarenotseparate,theU.S.EmbassywillputFNUonyourvisa,whichwillcausecomplicationswhenyouapplyforyoursocialsecuritycardordriver’slicense.
YourForJvisapermitsyoutoentertheUnitedStatesupto30daysbeforetheprogramstartdatelistedonyourFormI-20orFormDS-2019.
Pre-Departure Planning
TheclosestinternationalairportsareSanFrancisco(SFO),Oakland(OAK),SanJose(SJC)andFresno(FAT).Youcangetmoretransportationinformationonourwebpage,iss.ucmerced.edu.
TheGraduateDivisionarrangestwoairportpick-upsintheweekbeforethestartofGraduateandResearchOrientationWeek(GROW).Thesedatesarenotavailableuntilsummer.Theinformationwillbesenttoyoubyemail.Lookoutforthisinformationifyouwouldliketoarrangetobeononeofthesetwoshuttles.Thisserviceisforgraduatestudents.
PublictransportationinCaliforniaisnotsimilartotransportationinmostcountries.BesuretoplanappropriatelybeforearrivinginCalifornia. ThereisanAMTRAKtrainthatstopsinMerced.ThereisalsotheBayAreaRapidTransitSystem(BART),butthistraindoesnottraveltoMerced—itstopsinPleasanton/Dublin,stillalengthydrivefromMerced.Taxis,UberorLyftwillcostseveralhundreddollarssowerecommendyoumakepriorplanstotakeAMTRAKorBARTtoAMTRAK.ThereisalsotheGreyhoundBus.
TRANSPORTATION
› AMTRAK amtrak.com
› BART bart.gov
› GreyhoundBus greyhound.com
ThetwolocalbusesinMercedareTheBusandCatTracks.CatTracksisproudtobetheofficialtransitsystemfortheUniversityofCalifornia,Merced.WithservicefromthemaincampustotheCastleextensioncampus,aswellastoDowntownMercedandselectNorthMercedlocations.AnystudentsorscholarcanrideCatTracksforfree,providedheorsheshowsaUCMercedIDcard.
› The Bus
› CatTracks
Checking-inat the UC Merced International office
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UnitedStatesimmigrationregulationsrequirenewstudentsandscholarsreporttotheiruniversityafterarrivingtotheUnited
States.FailuretodosomayresultinaterminationofyourprogramandcancellationofyourFormI-20orFormDS-2019.Thiscan
leadtoseriousconsequencesforyourlegalstatusandabilitytoreturntotheUSinthefuture.Thecheck-inprocessisdifferentfor
studentsandexchangevisitors/scholarssopleasereadbelowforyourcheck-inprocess.
FollowingyourarrivaltoMerced,youwillneedtocheck-inattheInternationalOffice,KolligianLibraryroom101(KL101).Yourattendanceat
thescheduledinternationalstudentorientationismandatory.InformationabouttheorientationcanbefoundinthelettersentwithyourForm
I-20orFormDS-2019.
Bring the following items with you to your check-in:
› Passport(s)withvisastampsforyouandanydependents;
› FormI-20(s)orFormDS-2019(s)foryouandanydependents;
TheOfficeofInternationalAffairsholdsJ-1scholarcheck-inseveryotherFriday.Youcanviewascheduleonline.
PleaseemailRicoJohnsontonotifyhimwhichcheck-inmeetingyouwillbeattendingfollowingyourarrivaltotheU.S.
Bring the following items with you to your check-in:
› Passport(s)foryouandanydependents;
› FormDS-2019(s)foryouandyourfamily;
› Completedcheckinform;
› Proofofhealthinsuranceforyouandyourfamily;
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
INTERNATIONAL SChOLARS (Not registered iN coursework)
› CompletedNewStudentCheckinForm;and
› FormI-94,retrievedonlinefollowingyourarrivaltotheU.S.
› FormI-94,retrievedonlinefollowingyourarrivaltotheU.S.;
› CopyoftheJ-1ExchangeVisitorsResponsibilityAgreement;and
› $550DependentFeeforaspouseifapplicable(cash,checkormoneyorder)
Types of housing in Merced
UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA , MERCED | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE | 7
TherearevariouskindsofhousingoptionsinMerced.Manystudentsareabletofindavailableroomsinhouseswhereyoucan
livewiththehomeownerormultiplestudents.Therearealsoapartmentsthatrangeinsizefrommultiplebedrooms,one
bedroomorastudio(nobedroom).Mostalloftheapartmentsdonotcomewithfurnituresoyouwouldneedtopurchase
furniture.Also,youmaybeneedtorequestserviceandpayforutilities.
utilities:
› GAS/ELECTRIC POWER PG&E | 800-743-5000
› WATER/POWER Merced Irrigation District | 209-722-5761
› WATER/SEWER City of Merced | 209-385-6841
housing
Youshouldstartyoursearchforhousingfromabroadbecausefindinghousingfollowingyourarrivalcanbeextremelydifficult.
TherentalsinMercedgoquickly.
resources for finding housing in merced:
› UCMercedoff-campushousing
› UCMercedClassifieds
1. Haveacellphoneandalaptoporcomputertoinquireonvacanciesthatbecomeavailable.Youmightneedtoleavemessages sobesuretoleaveyourphonenumberwheretheycanreachyou.Youmaywanttoprepareascriptwhenleavingphone messagesforthelandlordmentioningthatyouareanewstudentatUCMercedandthatyouareinterestedintheproperty.
2. Becomefamiliarwiththehousingvocabulary(seebelow)
3. Preparealistofquestionstoaskyourpotentiallandlordsuchas:
“WHAT UTILITIES ARE INCLUDED IN THE RENT (WATER, GAS, ELECTRICITY)?
“IS THERE INTERNET?”
“WHAT IS THE COST OF THESE UTILITIES AND INTERNET?”
“WHEN WILL THE ROOM OR APARTMENT BE AVAILABLE?”
WhERE TO START
hOUSING SEARCh STRATEGIES
› UCMercedoff-campushousingFacebookpage
› Findapartments
“HOW MUCH IS THE SECURITY DEPOSIT?”
“WHAT WILL I OWE WHEN I FIRST MOVE IN?”
“WHAT FURNITURE WILL BE IN THE ROOM OR APARTMENT?”
“ARE THERE LAUNDRY FACILITIES LOCATED ON SITE?”
› INTERNET/CABLE Comcast | 800-824-2000
› INTERNET/CABLE AT&T UVerse | 844-827-7057
Single or Studio Singleroomapartmentwithasmallkitchenandabathroom.
leaSe Alegalcontractsignedbyboththemanagerandtherenterregardingthelengthofstay,price,andconditionsofa rentalagreement.Itisimportanttonotsignaleaseformorethantheamountoftimeyouwillstay.Youareresponsible forrenttheentirelengthofthelease.Violationoftheleaseagreementcanresultinaheavyfinancialpenalty.Residents shouldunderstandalloftheconditionsoftheleasebeforesigning.Anynegotiatedvariationoramendmentshouldbe setoutinwriting,initialed,anddatedbyboththetenantandthemanager.
Credit CheCk Aprocessinwhichthelandlordverifiesyourcredithistoryandconfirmsyourbankinformation.Internationalstudents orscholarswhodonothaveacredithistoryinthiscountryshouldnotneedtopayforacreditcheck,butitmaybe necessarytonegotiateanagreementwiththelandlordinthiscase.
depoSit or Anadditionalamountyoumustpaywhenmovingintoanapartment(usuallyatleastoneortwomonths’rent)toSeCurity depoSit guaranteeoccupancy,paymentofrent,repairofdamages,andprofessionalcleaningafteryouleave.Inmostcases,the depositisreturnedtoyouinfulltoyouifthereisnodamagetoyourapartmentattheendofyourstay(theremaybea slightdeductionforcleaning).Inspecttheapartmentcarefullywhenmovinginandrecordanydamages,soyouwon’t bechargedwhenmovingout.
FirSt, laSt, depoSit Thismeansthattomovein,youmustpaythefirstandlastmonth’srentamount,plusthesecuritydepositamount. Mostrentalapartmentsrequirethis,butitispossibletofindthosethatonlyrequirethedepositamountandthefirst month’srent.
rent Paymentmadeforlivingaccommodations,usuallyonamonthlybasis.
utilitieS Thetermusedfortheextrachargesforgas,electricity,cabletelevision,andwater.Planonspendinganextra$25-$100 permonthdependingonyourlifestyle.Somestudentsarecarefulaboutfinding“gasstoves”and“non-halogenlamps” astheyuselessenergy.
Sublet Specialarrangementwhereyouliveinsomeone’sapartmentintheirplace.Subletsareattractivebecausetheyareoften short-termopportunitieswithfurnishedroomsandnodeposit.However,itisusuallybesttoaskthepersonrentingif theirmanagerorlandlordknowsaboutyouragreement,incasetheleaseprohibitsyoufromtakinghis/herplace.
a/C or air Air-conditioning
br or bdrM Bedroom
fP Fireplace
2/2 OR 3/2 Thefirstnumberindicatesthenumberofbedroomsintheapartment.Thesecondnumberindicatesthenumber ofbathrooms.
abp Allbillspaid.Yourutilities(water,electricity,gas,sewage,garbagecollection)havebeenincludedinyourrent.
W/d Washingmachineandclothesdryerareprovided.
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Common housing Terms
Some Apartment Communities Within the Merced AreaTheuniversitydoesnotinvestigate,endorseorguaranteetheaccuracyofanylistingreferrals,thequalityofthefacilitylisted,orthelistedindividuals,companies,orfirms.Theuniversitydoesnotinvestigate,endorseorguaranteesuitabilityofthoserespondingtothelistings.Usersofthisservicecommunicateandcontractwitheachotherindividuallyandattheirownrisk.TheRegents,officers,agentsandemployeesoftheUniversityofCaliforniashallnotbeliableforanyactionsoccurringbecauseofarrangementsmadebetweenusersofthisserviceorforanyerrorsoromissionsmadeincompilationorprintofthelistings.
A R E A 1
NO. APARTMENT NAME ADDRESS PHONE WEbSITE ADDRESS
1 Brierwood 3202 Denver Ave. 209-722-3300 2 Covington Creek 925 Loughborough Drive 209-722-6731 [email protected] Lincoln Gardens 1287 Loughborough Drive 209-388-0837 4 Meadowlark 3270 Meadows Ave. 209-383-5115 5 Northwood Village 255 Snowhaven Court 209-383-6000 heritagemanagement.com6 Oak Terrace 1019 Loughborough Dive 209-723-9639 7 Royal Oaks 1622 Conestoga Drive 209-726-9151 8 Saratoga 673 Loughborough Drive 209-723-6685 gsfpi.com9 Sierra Village 1163 Loughborough Drive 209-384-7060 villagemeadowsapts.com10 Village Landing 3601 San Jose Ave. 209-384-9000 heritagemanagement.com11 Village Meadows 1163 Loughborough Drive 209-384-7060 villagemeadowsapts.com12 Village Terrace 3827 San Jose Ave. 209-383-1000 heritagemanagement.com
13 Villages 3342 M St. 209-383-1616 thevillagesapartmenthomes.com
A R E A 2
14 Brookdale Gardens 147 Brookdale Drive 209-383-3564 brookdalegardensapts.com15 Brookdale North 344 E. Brookdale Drive 209-383-2201 gsfpi.com16 Ridgeview Meadow 2111 Cold Springs Ave. 209-722-1112 17 Garden East 295 Olive Ave. 209-722-4721 18 Yardley Gardens 3388 G St. 209-383-3280 gsfpi.com
19 Sahara Apartments 200 Seneca St. 209-723-7262
A R E A 3
20 Bear Creek Manor 2929 M St. 209-723-4674 gsfpi.com21 Bear Creek North 2976 M St. 209-383-5704 gsfpi.com22 Bear Creek Park 2841 Park Ave. 209-384-2609 gsfpi.com23 Bear Creek Terrace 2922 R St. 209-383-3549 gsfpi.com24 Creekside Apartments 2813 Park Ave. 209-723-2157 [email protected] Alamar 218 S. Canal 209-385-3411 [email protected] Granville 2908 Willowbrook Court maxwellhomes.com27 Olivewood 904 Olivewood 209-722-3922 28 Summertrace Resort 1205 Devonwood Drive 209-384-2394 [email protected] Swiss Colony 3075 Park Ave. 209-722-7721 maxwellhomes.com30 Tioga 1715 N St. 209-723-2354
31 Willowbrook 1756 Willowbrook Drive 209-722-0745 maxwellhomes.com
A R E A 4
32 Castle Apartments 3044 G St. 209-722-8642 [email protected] Campus Garden 2500 Glen Ave. 209-384-2900 34 Riverglen 2560 Glen Ave. 209-383-5447
35 Willow Glen Townhouse 2175 Yosemite Parkway 209-384-8030 [email protected]
housing
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merced area map
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Moraga HousingMillennium Sports Club | Raleys
Starbucks | Promenade
Rite Aid | Walgreen’s
Hollywood Theaters Mainplace
Granville Luxury Apts.
FoodMaxx | Barnes & Noble
Merced Mall | Target
Village Landing Apts.
El Redonodo
Villages Apts.
Merced College
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Merced Mall Theatre
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KEY
ROADS
AREA 1 AREA 3
KEY BUS STOPS
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AREA 2 AREA 4
MakingcallsintheU.S.canbeconfusing.Therearemanydifferent“areacodes.”TheareacodeinMercedandsurroundingareasis209.
TYPE Of CALL HOW TO CALL
Emergencies Call911.Thisistheemergencynumberforpolice,ambulanceservices,andfiredepartment.Ifyouare oncampusyoucancall209-228-2677(CATCOPS).Putthisnumberinyourcellphonecontacts.
Directory Assistance Call411.Anoperatorwillgiveyouphonenumbersforpeopleandbusinesses.Thereisa$1.25fee.
Calling outside the U .S . Call011+countrycode+citycode+phonenumber.Seebelowfor“collectcalls”IntheU.S.but goingoutsideyourlocalareacodeCall1+threedigitareacode+sevendigitphonenumber.
In your local area code: Calltheseven-digitphonenumberdirectly.
On-campus to another Callonlythelastfourdigitsofthephonenumber.Forexample,thenumberfortheOfficeofon-campus phone InternationalAffairsis209-228-4722,soyouwoulddial4722.
On-campus phone to an Call9+thephonenumberasdescribedabove.Forexample,ifit’soutsidethe209areacode,youwilloff-campus location call9+1+areacode+7-digitphonenumber
HOW TO MAKE COLLECT CALLSWhenyoumakeacollectcall,thepersonyouarecallingpaysforthecall.
Todoso,dial0andtelltheoperatoryouwanttoplaceacollectcall.Theoperatorwilldialthenumberforyouandaskthepersonwhoanswersiftheywillacceptthecharges.Iftheyaccept,youcanbegintalkingimmediately.
INTERNATIONAL CALLING CARDS Youcancallhomebyusinganinternationalcallingcard,acreditcardorbyplacinganoperator-assistedorcollectcall.InternationalcallingcardsarebyfartheleastexpensiveofthethreeandcanbepurchasedontheInternetatverylowratesoratmostgroceryorconveniencestoresthroughoutthecity.Differentcardsarebetterfordifferentpartsoftheworldintermsofconnection,minutesandcost.Shoparoundandgetthebestdealforthecountryyouareusuallycalling.
CELL PHONESIfyoualreadyhaveacell/mobilephonefromyourhomecountry,youwillneedtoinquireaboutitsuseintheU.S.Manycompanieshaveinternationalplans.However,itmaybemoreeconomicaltopurchaseanewphoneafteryouarriveintheU.S.DosomeresearchinadvancebylookingatwebsitesofthemajorcellphonecompaniessuchasAT&T,T-Mobile,Verizon,MetroPCSandSprint.
Telephone Services
UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA , MERCED | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE | 11
SomecellphonecompaniesintheU.S.requirethatyouhaveasocialsecuritynumber(SSN)topurchaseaserviceplan.Ifyouwillnotbe
eligibleforasocialsecuritynumberimmediately,askthecellphonecompaniesaboutserviceplansthatdonotrequireit.Inmostcases,the
cellphonecompaniescanofferyouapre-paidplanthatrequiresnocreditcheckoridentificationnumbers,orrequirealargerdepositin
lieuofthesocialsecuritynumber.
VERIzON WIRELESS
Verizonoffersaninternationalstudentprogram.Here are the local Verizon stores:
› 1124W.OliveAve.,Merced 209-385-2257› 1764W.OliveAve.,Merced 209-383-3623
AT&T
AT&Toffersavarietyofcallingplans.Here are the local AT&T stores:
› 560W.OliveAve.,Merced 209-725-2175› 225MercedMall,Merced 209-230-5444
CRICKET WIRELESS
Cricketoffersdifferentcallingplans.Here are the local Cricket Wireless stores:
› 2839GSt.,Merced 209-233-9905› 1340W.OliveAve.Merced 209-723-3234
T-MObILE
ThereisoneT-MobilestoreinMerced:
› MercedMall,340MercedMallDrive,Merced 209-384-3400
METROPCS
MetroPCShasvariouscallingplans.
› 30W.OliveAvenue,Merced 209-384-0000› 1950YosemiteParkway,Merced 209-722-4336
SPRINT
Sprintalsoofferschoices.779E.YosemiteAve.,Merced 209-388-1200
Telephone Services CONTINUED
12 | UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA , MERCED | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE
› 680MercedMall,Merced 209-726-5219› 3560GSt.,Merced 209-205-4033
Estimated Living Expenses
UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA , MERCED | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE | 13
housing $500-$1,600permonthdependingonthetypeofroomorhousingyouselect.Adepositofupto3timesthisamount couldberequireduponsigningaleaseorrentalagreement.Thismonthlyestimateincludesutilities,whichalsomight requireaseparatedeposit.Seeutilitieslistedunderhousingtypesabove.
health insurance RegisteredstudentsareautomaticallyenrolledintheUCSHIPinsuranceunlessawaiverwasapproved bythedeadline.$1,100-$1,250persemesterdependingoneducationlevel(F-2&J-2dependentinsuranceisnot includedinthisestimate)
transportation $150-$200permonth
food and incidentals $300-$400permonth
Money Matters
WhenyouarriveintheU.S.,youwillneedenoughmoneyforimmediateexpensesincludingfood,hotel(ifnecessary),housingcosts(seeestimatesandthehousingsectionondepositandfirstmonth’srentforoff-campushousing),universitytuition/feesandtransportationcosts.
IfyouhaveaUCMercedTA/GSRappointment,itmaytakemorethanamonthtoreceiveyourfirstpaycheck.Donotbringlarge
sumsofcash.Therearemanysaferoptions.Contactyourbankinyourhomecountryfordetailsaboutthefollowing:
› traveler’s checks —ThemoneyisimmediatelyavailableifchecksareinU.S.dollars.Theycanbereplacediflostorstolen.Keepinmind thattraveler’schecksinlargesumscanbedifficulttouse.Checksinaforeigncurrencymaybesubjecttoexchangefees.
› international credit cards—NotallU.S.storesandbusinessesacceptinternationalcreditcards.
› electronic banking —ATM/checkcardsfromyourhomecountrybankmaybeusedatsomeU.S.ATMmachines/banks,butnotall. Thesemightofferthebestexchangerates,buttheremaybedailylimitsforwithdrawals.
› wire transfers —Thisisthesafestwaytotransfermoney,butaU.S.bankaccountmustbeopenedfirst.Yourtuitionandfeesmayalso bepaidfromyourhome-countrybankdirectlytoUCMercedbywiretransfer.Findmoreinformationonline.
Money for Your Arrival
Books and supplies $700persemester
personal expenses $200permonth
Money Matters continuedForeign Currency Exchange
14 | UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA , MERCED | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE
CurrencyexchangefacilitiesintheU.S.arelesscommoncomparedwithothercountries,andexchangingmoneyintheU.S.canbeexpensive.Somebanksdoexchangecurrency,butonlyifthecurrencyisinnotes,notincoins.Debitcardsgivethebestexchangerate.Somecurrencyexchangelocations:
› SanFranciscoAirportTravelexAmericahasseveralcurrencyexchangeofficesthroughouttheinternationalterminal.Themainoffice islocatedintheInternationalTerminalMainHall,DeparturesLevel,nearthesecuritycheckpointforBoardingAreaG.
› WellsFargoandBankofAmericainMercedalsoexchangeforeigncurrencyifyouopenanaccount.Seebankinginformationbelow.
OpeningabankaccountintheU.S.isrecommendedforseveralreasons.Itisasafeplacetokeepyourmoney.BanksandcreditunionsaregovernmentregulatedandFDICinsured.IntheU.S.,youcanuseacombinationofcheckwriting,debit/ATM,andVisa/MasterCardtomakepurchasesandpaybills.Onceyouopenanaccount,youwillreceiveanATM/debitcardthatalsocanbeusedasaVisa/MasterCard.Abankaccountalsoallowsforyoutoreceivewiretransfers.Manybanksandcreditunionsopenaccountsforstudentswithoutasocialsecuritynumber.Insteadofasocialsecuritynumberthatyoumightnothave,abankcanuseyourpassportnumberorstateidentificationnumberfromadriver’slicenseorCaliforniastateIDcard.
Youdonotneedasocialsecuritynumbertoopenabankaccount.IfabankclerkinsistsonaSSN,asktospeaktoamanager.Toopenabankaccount,youwillneed:
› U.S.Stateorothergovernmentissuedidentification(passportorvisa) › Aminimumdepositthatmayrangefrom$25to$100
The following are a few local banks and their locations
Bank of america chase710W.MainSt.,Merced 3550GSt.,Merced209-384-5051 (inside Raley’s Market) 209-383-6082
citibank wells fargo1840MSt.,Merced 3538GSt.,Merced800-627-3999 209-381-7890
bANKING
educational employee credit union (two ATMs on campus)127W.ElPortalDrive,Merced209-726-7420
merced school employees federal credit union (one ATM on campus)1021OlivewoodDrive,Merced209-383-5550
UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA , MERCED | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE | 15
AllF-1,J-1andJ-2visaholdersarerequiredtohavehealthinsurance.Internationalstudentsregisteredinclasseswillautomaticallybe
enrolledintheUCSHIPhealthinsurance.WestronglyencourageF-2dependentsalsopurchasehealthinsuranceduetothehighcostof
medicalcareintheU.S.Youcanviewinsurancerates,coveragedatesandpolicyinformationonlineathealth.ucmerced.edu/insurance.
ThewaiverprocessisavailablebutseldomifeverapprovedforinsurancepoliciespurchasedoutsideoftheU.S.duetothestrictwaiver
policyrequirements.
IMMUNIzATIONS
EachincomingstudentisrequiredtocompleteaTBscreeningquestionnaireandprovevaccinationand/orimmunitytomeasles,mumps
andrubella(MMR);varicella(chickenpox);meningitis(underage22only);andtetanus/diphtheria/pertussis(TDAP)tocomplywithUC
immunizationrequirements.
Internationalstudentswhohavenothadtheabovevaccinationsmaychoosetoobtainthemintheirhomecountriesbeforearrivinginthe
U.S.orgetthemfollowingtheirarrival.InternationalstudentswhoreceivevaccinationsbeforecomingtotheU.S.willneedtosubmitproof
ofthevaccinations.StudentswhochoosetogetthevaccinationsfollowingtheirarrivalintheU.S.mayobtaintheirvaccinationsattheUC
MercedHealthcenteroratanotherclinicintheU.S.Youcangetfurtherinformationonline.
EMERGENCY CARE
IfyousuddenlybecomeillorhaveamedicalemergencywhentheHealthCenterisclosed(nights,weekendsandholidays)pleasecall911
(9-9-1-1ifusingacampusphone),campuspoliceat209-228-2677,activateaBlueEmergencyPhone,orgotothenearesturgentcareor
emergencyroom.Ifyouhaveamedicalemergencyoncampuscall911orthecampuspoliceat209-228-2677.
MEDICAL fACILITIES LOCATED NEAR THE CAMPUS
mercy medical center merced patients first urgent care
EmergencyRoom 394EastYosemiteAve.,Merced
333MercyAve.,Merced 209-383-3990
209-564-5000
fountain Valley urgent care castle urgent care
374WOliveAve.,SuiteA,Merced 3605HospitalRoad,Atwater
209-384-5766 209-381-2000option#2
Ifyoudonotneedanambulance,youmayusethecampusCatTracksbussystemortaxiservices:
yellow cab of merced merced taxi
209-723-0000 209-722-8294
Studentsundertheuniversity’sStudentHealthInsuranceProgramcanlocateaBlueCrossPreferredProviderbyaccessingtheAnthemBlue
Crosswebsiteorbycalling800-888-2018.
health Insurance
CATCARD
FollowingyourarrivalatUCMerced,youwillneedtogetyourCatCard.AttheCatCardOfficeintheKolligianLibraryroom111A(neartheOfficeofInternationalAffairs),youwillpresentyourpassportandstudentIDnumber.YoucanfindyourstudentIDnumberonyouradmis-sionletterorinyourstudentportal.YourpicturewillbetakenandyourCatCardwillbeissuedwithinafewminutes.
TheCatCardisauniversityidentificationcard,butitalsohasmanyotherpurposes.ItallowsyoutoridetheCatTracksbusforfree.Itper-mitsyouaccessintolabsandcertainlockedbuildings.Youcanuseittopayforfood,booksandsuppliesoncampusandatafewoff-cam-puslocations.Formoreinformation,pleasevisittheCatCardwebsite.
CALIfORNIA IDENTIfICATION CARD
TheCaliforniaDepartmentofMotorVehicles(DMV)issuesIDcardstopersonsofanyage.TheIDcardlookslikeadriver’slicense,butisusedforidentificationpurposesonly.AregularIDcardisvalidforsixyears.Youmayfindithelpfultousetheidentificationcardinsteadofcarryingyourpassportwithyoueverywhere.
ToapplyforanIDcardyouwillneedtomakeanappointmentattheDMV,whichcanbedoneonline.
CALIfORNIA DRIVER’S LICENSE
Ifyouhaveacarorwillbepurchasingacar,youwillneedaCaliforniadriver’slicense.ThestateofCaliforniadoesnotrecognizeaninter-nationaldrivingpermit(IDP).Californiadoesrecognizeavaliddriver’slicensethatisissuedbyaforeignjurisdictionofwhichthelicenseholderisaresident;however,notallpoliceofficersareknowledgeableontheresidencyreferredtoinVehicleCodeSection12505.ACaliforniadriver’slicenseisrecommendedtoavoidanyproblems.CarinsuranceisrequiredinCaliforniaandmostcarinsurancecompanieswillrequireaCaliforniadriver’slicense.
REqUIREDExAMS:Ifthisisyourfirsttimetoapplyforadriver’slicenseintheU.S.,youwillneedtotakebothawrittenexaminationandadrivingtest.Ifyoucanshowproofthatyouhaveavaliddriver’slicensefromanotherstateintheU.S.,youwillonlyberequiredtotakethewrittenexamination.Tostudyfortherequiredwrittenexamination,youcandownloadcopiesoftheCaliforniaDriver’sHandbookalongwithsampletestsfromtheDMVwebsite.Thetestisavailableinmanydifferentlanguages,andifyoudonotpassitthefirsttime,youcantakeituptothreetimesinoneday.Onceyouhavepassedthewrittentest,youcanmakeanappointmenttotakethedrivingtest(oftenscheduledseveraldayslater).Youwillneedtobringyourowncar.ThecaryouusemustbeinsuredandregisteredwiththeDMV.Onceyoupasstheroadtest,youwillbeissuedatemporarydrivinglicenseuntilyourpermanentonearrivesinthemailfourtosixweekslater.Checkthewebsiteforcurrenthoursofoperation.Beawarethatthisofficeisverybusyandnotoriouslyslow.Forfasterservicecallorgoonlinetomakeanappointment.
ToassistDMVcustomerswhomayhavereading/learningdifficulties,orEnglishistheirsecondlanguage,theCaliforniaDriver’sHandbookisavailableinEnglish,Spanish,Armenian,Chinese,Korean,Punjabi,Russian,TagalogandVietnamese.ThereisalsoMP3audioformatinEnglish.Thisaudiolessonisdesignedasacomplementtotheprintedhandbook.
LEARNING TO DRIVE
Ifyoudon’talreadyknowhowtodrive,youcantakeadriver’seducationcourse.Therearemanytochoosefrom,andoften,theyprovidetrainingonline.Whichevercourseyoudecidetofollow,makesureithasbeencertifiedbytheDMV.Findmoreinformationongettingstarted.
ThelocalDMVisat: 1313W.12thSt.|Merced,CA95340 www.dmv.ca.gov
16 | UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA , MERCED | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE
Identification
ASocialSecurityNumber/Card(SSN)isrequiredforanyonewhoworksintheU.S.Individualsareassignedoneunique9-digitnumberperlifetime.Thenumberassignedwillnotchange.Thesocialsecuritycardisnotaworkpermit.TheU.S.governmentusestheSSNtocollecttaxesfromemployees.Creditorsmayalsousethisnumbertoverifyorcheckcredithistory.YoudonotneedaSSNtoapplyforadriver’slicenseorabankaccount.Thefollowingpeopleareeligibletoapplyforasocialsecuritynumber/card:
› F-1studentswithajobofferletterandworkauthorizationfromtheirI-20sponsor
› J-1StudentswithajobofferandworkauthorizationfromtheirDS-2019sponsor
› J-1VisitingScholars
› J-2dependentswithworkauthorizationfromUSCIS(EAD)
F-2dependentsarenoteligibletoworkintheU.S.andarenoteligibleforaSocialSecurityNumber.
ASSNisissuedonceperlifetime.IfyouhavepreviouslybeenissuedaSSNbutyoudonothavethecardordonotrememberthenumber,youcanapplyforaduplicatecardatthelocalSocialSecurityAdministrationOffice:600WestOliveAve.|Merced,CA95348
AlthoughanSSNisonlymeanttobeusedfortaxandgovernmentpurposes,itisoftenusedbyfinancialinstitutions,businessesandothers.An
SSNisauniqueID,soitisoftenthetargetofidentitytheft.Therefore,youshouldbeverycarefulaboutwhereandtowhomyougiveyourSSN.
MAIL DELIVERY | PICK UP Mailisdeliveredtoyourhomeonceaday,MondaythroughSaturday.ThereisnomailserviceonSundaysorfederalholidays.
MAIL DROP bOxES Ifyouwanttosendmail,youcaneitherattachittoyourmailboxforpickupbythepostalworker,ordropitinoneofthebluemailboxeslocat-edaroundthecity,ataprivatepostalcenterbusinessorataU.S.PostOffice.Themailispickedupatspecifictimeseachday—checktheschedulepostedinsidethedoorofthemailbox.MakesurethemailboxsaysU.S.P.S.ontheboxbeforedroppingitin.
UNITED STATES POST OffICE ThepostalserviceintheU.S.isefficientandreliable.Ifyouneedtobuystamps,postcardsandaerograms,changeyouraddressorsendlettersandpackagesbyfirstclass,priority,express,certifiedorregisteredmail,visitthelocalpostoffice.Formoreinformationonlocationsandhourscall1-800-275-8777orcheckthewebsite.U.S.postofficesinMerced:
› U.S. Post Office – 415AW.18thSt.|Merced,CA|209-383-0553 › U.S. Post Office – 2334MSt.|Merced,CA|209-723-3741 MAILING AND SHIPPING SHOPS Therearemanymailingserviceshopsaroundtownthatfunctionmuchlikethepostoffice,butareprivatelyownedorretailchainsandserveasaconvenientalternativetothepostoffice.Notonlydotheyprovidemailingandshipping,buttheywillalsopackageyouritem.Theyofferphotocopyingandfaxingservicesandotherdocumentproductionservicesaswell.Somestoresinclude:
› the ups store › postal connection
COURIER/ExPRESS MAIL SERVICES Ifyouneedovernightorquickdeliveryofapackage,contactthefollowingexpresscourierservices:
› dhl worldwide express:1-800-225-5345or415-644-0900 › federal express:1-800-463-3339
› u.s. postal service:1-800-275-8777 › united parcel service (UPS):1-800-742-5877
UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA , MERCED | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE | 17
postal services
social security number | card
F-2 & J-2 Dependents
14 | UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA , MERCED | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE
SPOUSES/CHILDREN
Youcanbringaspouseand/orchildrenasdependentswithyouwhileyoustudyintheU.S.Dependingonyourvisastatus,thedependent(s)wouldapplyforeitherF-2orJ-2visastatus.HereisinformationoncommontopicsofinterestforinternationalspousesandchildrenintheU.S.Parents,siblingsorextendedfamilymembersdonotqualifyasdependents.
HEALTH INSURANCE
TheDepartmentofStaterequiresJ-2dependentstohaveinsuranceuponarrivaltotheU.S.Hereisfurtherinformationonthisinsurancerequirementandminimumpolicycoverage.iss.ucmerced.edu/professors-researchers/j-1/health-insurance
F-2dependentsarestronglyrecommendedtopurchasehealthinsurance.
EDUCATION
AllchildreninCaliforniabetweentheagesof6and18arerequiredtoattendschool.Childrenwillberequiredtohavecertainmedicalexamsandvaccinationsbeforeenteringschool.Tohelpyourchildrenmakeasmoothtransitionintotheirnewschool,readasmuchasyoucanabouthowtheU.S.schoolsystemworksandwhatyoucanexpect.Herearesomehelpfulwebsites:
› TheU.S.DepartmentofEducation› Great Schools› MercedCitySchoolDistrict AnF-2spouseordependentchildmaynotengageinafullcourseofpost-secondarystudy(studyafterU.S.HighSchool),butmayengageinstudyataSEVP-certifiedschoolintheUnitedStatesaslongastheyareenrolledinlessthanafullcourseofstudy.
EMPLOYMENT
DependentsinJ-2statusarepermittedtoapplyforworkauthorizationwithU.S.CitizenshipandImmigrationServices(USCIS).Theemploymentmustbeforculturalenrichmentandnotbasedonfinancialneed.
DependentsinF-2statusareNOTpermittedtoworkwhileintheU.S.
RECREATIONStudentsareencouragedtoexperiencethewarmthofUCMerced’shostcommunityanddiscoverMerced’streasures.Thefriendlydowntownareawithitsbrick-pavedwalkways,alleysdecoratedwithmuralsandItaliantrellises,anawardwinningmulticulturalartscenter,communityplayhouse,thenewlyrestoredMercedTheater,andseveralhistoricallysignificantbuildingsisagoodplacetostart.Therearealsomanyadditionalthingstodoinnearbycities.
regal hollyWood MerCed Movie theaterS:
403W.MainStreet,Merced,CA|844-462-7342
playhouSe MerCed:
452W.MainStreet,Merced,CA|209-725-8587
roCkin’ JuMp: 1230W.MainStreet,Merced,CA|209-500-1355
viSta ranCh:
7326E.Highway140,Merced,CA|209-722-8200
the MerCed MultiCultural artS Center:
645W.MainStreet,Merced,CA|209-388-1090
MerCed ShakeSpeareFeSt:
ApplegatePark,28West27thStreet,Merced,CA|209-723-3265
MerCed art hop:
1733CanalStreet,Merced,CA|209-349-8682
bellevue boWl:
785BellevueRoad,Atwater,CA|209-358-6466
YosemiteNationalPark,SanFrancisco,SanJose,theCentralCoastandmanyotherexcitingcitiesareallwithina2hoursdrive.TheOutdoorExperienceProgramandYARTSpublictransittoYo-semiteprovidemanyopportunitiestoenableyoutoexplorethecentralandnorthernareasofCalifornia.
recreation.ucmerced.edu/OEP/Calendar
yarts.com
Family Resources
UNIVERSIT Y OF CALIFORNIA , MERCED | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE | 15
fURNITURE
AsavisitortemporarilyintheU.S.,youwilllikelywanttobuy
inexpensivefurniture.TargetandWal-Marthavesomefurnitureitems
thatrequireinstallation,butareeasytotransport.Belowareother
furniturestores:
Furniture City: 1125W.OliveAve.,Merced,209-723-0477
SlaterS hoMe FurniShingS: 345W18thSt.,Merced,209-722-1534
big lotS:665FairfieldDrive,Merced,209-385-3113
ikea:4400ShellmoundSt.,Emeryville,510-420-4532
Transportingyourfurnitureifyoudonothaveacarcanbedifficult.
Someofthestoresabovewilldeliverforafee.Youcanrentatruckat
U-Haul,Budgetorthroughothervehicle-rentalcompanies.Renting
anddrivingrequiresavaliddriver’slicenseandrentalfee.
GROCERIES (fOOD)
Thesupermarketslistedbelowofferavarietyofgroceries.Youcanalso
purchasehouseholditemsatsupermarketsbutitcancostmore.There
isanothersectionbelowforhouseholdshopping.
raley’S:3548GStreet,Merced,CA209-722-3689
Save Mart:150W.OliveAvenue,Merced,CA209-723-1032
Food 4 leSS: 1115W.OliveAvenue,Merced,CA209-725-2150
FoodMaxx:1300W.OliveAvenue,Merced,CA209-722-3385
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Furniture,bedding,smallappliances,cleaningsuppliessuchastowels,
andlaundrydetergent,personalhygieneitemssuchasshampoo,
toothpasteanddeodorantcanallbepurchasedat:
Wal-Mart: 3055LoughboroughDrive,Merced—Majorretailstore
thatsellsinexpensivehouseholditemsandsomefurniture.
target: 3280RSt.,Merced—Majorretailstorethatsellsinexpensive
householditemsandsomefurniture.
DISCOUNT CLOTHING STORES
roSS:1113W.OliveAve.,Merced,isaretailchainsellingbrandname
clothing,shoes,accessoriesandhousewaresatdiscountprices.
MarShallS: 1200CommerceAve.,Atwater,locatedintheApplegate
RanchShoppingCenter
tJ Maxx:2891CountrysideDrive,Turlock
SHOPPING MALLS
MerCed Mall: Therearemanystoresandvendorsashortdistance
fromUCMercedattheMercedmall.Itislocatedat713MercedMall
offofOliveAvenue.Youcanseealistofallthestoresonline.
vintage Faire Mall: ThismallisinModesto,whichisabout45
minutesnorthonthe99freeway.Theaddressis3401DaleRoad.
DEPARTMENT STORES
JC penny:600MercedMall,Merced
SearS: 1011W.OliveAvenue,Merced
MaCyS:500VintageFaire,Modesto
the proMenade: Thisshoppingcenterisnearcampusandhasseveralrestaurants.
doWntoWn MerCed: Downtownoffersanumberofquaintshopsandactivities.
CoStCo: Membership-basedwarehousestore.1445RSt.,Merced
dining: ThereisadiverseselectionofrestaurantsintheMercedarea.
TherearelistingsonYahoooronYelp.
MERCED fLEA & fARMERS MARKETS
Flea Market:
900GSt.,Merced(nearthefairground)onSaturdays
FarMerS Market: 16thandCanalstreets,Merced,onSaturdaymornings
PHARMACIES/DRUG STORES
rite aid:3142GSt.,Merced
CvS:300MercedMall,Merced
WalgreenS: 3098GSt.,Merced
el portal pharMaCy:3377GSt.,Merced
fACTORY OUTLET STORES
San FranCiSCo preMiuM outletS:
2774LivermoreOutletsDrive,Livermore
tulare outletS:
1407RetherfordSt.,Tulare
ShoppingTheMercedareaandSanJoaquinValleyhaveanarrayofshoppinganddinningoptions.Turlock,Modesto,FresnoandtheSanFranciscoBayAreaareareaswithmoreoptionsthatarenotveryfaraway.
W. BELLEVUE RD.
99
59
99
140
CENTRAL YOSEMITE HIGHWAY
BEARCREEK
BLACKRASCALCREEK
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NOTE: NOT TO SCALE
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MOVIE THEATER
GROCERY STORE
MERCEY MEDICAL CENTER
PLAYHOUSE MERCED
MAINZER THEATER
COFFEE HOUSE
TARGET
AMTRAK STATION
GREYHOUND STATION
MERCED MALL
merced entertainment & shopping