General Legal Advice to International Students

General Legal Advice to International Students

1. If you own or operate a motor vehicle, you must purchase and have in your possession proof of liability insurance. The law applies even if you are borrowing another’s car. $500.00 mandatory fine.

2. Do not sign a housing contract or lease without first having the document examined at the Tenant Union, Room 326 Illini Union, 333-0112.

3. Landlords may not lawfully refuse to rent to you because of your sex, race, or national origin.

4. Purchase inexpensive renter’s insurance for your household in case of theft or fire. The landlord is not legally responsible for your losses should they occur.

5. When/if confronted by a police officer for any reason whatsoever, maintain a calm and polite attitude. Do not argue with the officer even if s/he is acting improperly. You can resolve the matter in Court with the assistance of Student Legal Service.

6. Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed on any public property, sidewalk, parking lot, etc., nor may an alcoholic beverage be transported after opened in any type of motor vehicle, in any compartment, including the trunk of the vehicle.

7. Beware of telephone and mail invitations to purchase items or earn prizes because you purchased an item. Most “prize” contests that involve a contribution of any amount of money by you are swindles and many are illegal. Hold on to your money!

8. Be aware that most of the time used autos and most other used items do not carry any guarantees or warranties. You take the items “as is”. Have an independent licensed mechanic thoroughly examine any used vehicle before you make a purchase.

9. Many U.S. students believe international students are wealthy. Do not make personal loans in any amount of money which you are not prepared to forfeit forever. International students are frequent victims of unscrupulous borrowers in the name of friendship.

10. Your Student Legal Service (SLS) is located at 324 Illini Union and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to Noon, and 1:00 through 4:30p.m. The office is staffed by three licensed attorneys. All information you discuss with your attorney is confidential. The office is funded entirely by the $14.00 Student Organization Resource Fee (SORF). The $14.00 SORF fee funds over 200 student organizations including many international student groups. If you obtain a refund you will not receive any assistance from the SLS office. Never obtain a SORF refund!

Student Legal Service

324 Illini Union, 1401 W. Green St., Urbana

Phone: 333-9053

www.odos.illinois.edu/sls

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to Noon, and 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.

PAID FOR BY S.O.R.F.

Notice to Non-U.S. Citizens

Nonimmigrant aliens subject to National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) Registration, or special registration, who are also enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) do not have to notify DHS separately of changes in educational institutions or addresses.

However, you must notify your educational institution of your change in address as soon as you are able to do so.

At UIUC you must do this through “U of I Direct, Self-Serve Applications” at:

Http://apps.uillinois.edu

For information on “Maintaining Your Status” (available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese) and other issues related to Student and Exchange status: