pre-departure guide: san francisco
TRANSCRIPT
Pre-Departure Guide: San Francisco
Student Life
2PrologueA Memorable Journey
The day you leave home to travel to San Francisco is likely to be a day you will remember all your life. It will serve as a marker in your mind — you will talk about life before Minerva, and life during and after Minerva in distinctly different ways. As you prepare to make that trip across time and space, take a moment to pause and think about the people who have helped you get where you are today and the kind of person you want to be in four years, when you make the return trip as a Minerva graduate. The faculty and staff at Minerva look forward to helping you along this journey into your future.
With Great Anticipation,
Stephen M. Kosslyn, Founding Dean
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As you prepare to embark on your journey to San Francisco, we want to be sure you are as ready as possible for life at Minerva. In conjunction with the Prepare section of the online Enrollment Center, this guide was developed to provide the key information you will need to make the most of the coming academic year. It is divided into different sections, each focusing on a different part of the journey:
• In the “Preparing” section, you will find practical information on the things you will need to take care of prior to your departure
• The “Traveling” section includes details and tips for your voyage to San Francisco
• The “Living” section addresses practical information about the wealth of resources that will be available to you at Minerva and in the city
• The final portion of the guide includes the “Dates and Contact Information” you will need to keep in mind prior to your arrival
We are excited to welcome you to San Francisco.
Safe Travels, The Student Affairs Team
IntroductionAbout This Guide
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Prologue 2Introduction 3
Preparing International Travel 6Healthcare and Insurance 7Technology Requirements 9What to Pack 10
TravelingArrival and Departure Dates 13Air Travel 15Arrival at the Residence Halls 17
LivingResidential Life 21
Dates and Contact InformationCritical Dates 31Key Contacts and Resources 34
Contents
Preparing
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VisasAll students who are not U.S. citizens, or permanent residents require a visa to study in San Francisco. The visa application process is outlined for you on the Prepare Page. If you have questions, please email [email protected].
Copies of Important DocumentsWe urge you to photograph and make copies of important documents — including your passport, visa documentation, and birth certificate — to have on hand, in case of loss.
ImmunizationsAll international students are required to provide proof of several vaccinations in order to enter the United States and attend Minerva. Required vaccinations are listed on the Medical Questionnaire & Physical Exam Form, found on the Prepare Page. Please leave yourself enough time to make arrangements to acquire all required immunizations. If you have questions, please email [email protected].
PreparingInternational Travel
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Health Insurance CoverageAll students are required to be covered under a medical insurance plan while studying at Minerva. We anticipate that most U.S.-based students will either remain on their parents’ plans, or participate in state exchange programs (see Covered California, for example). We have arranged for all international students to partake in an international student plan, through United Health Group (UHG); the policy is described here, as well as on the Prepare Page.International students may apply for a waiver, but a waiver will be approved only if the alternate policy provides coverage that is the same or better than UHG. For example, the UHG policy covers mental health services; if the alternate policy does not include mental health services, a waiver will not be granted. In general, “travel insurance” policies will not be approved for a waiver. If you have questions after reviewing the insurance policy on the Prepare Page, please email [email protected].
One Medical Group Minerva offers all students the ability to activate membership with One Medical Group. One Medical is a local medical care provider that offers high-quality, high-access health care services in San Francisco and other U.S. locations. Some of their key services include:
• High-quality, patient-centered Primary Care • Same/next-day appointments
PreparingHealthcare and Insurance
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• Longer appointments that always start on-time• 24/7 phone and email access to their
medical team, 365 days a year • Mobile app that makes appointment scheduling
and prescription refills convenient• On-site flu vaccines, biometric screening,
wellness seminars, and more• Travel clinic that makes getting appropriate
vaccines for overseas travel convenient
Existing Medical Conditions Any student who has a pre-existing, persistent, recurring, or ongoing medical condition should identify appropriate medical providers prior to arriving in San Francisco.
PreparingHealthcare and Insurance
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Laptops All students are required to have a laptop computer to participate in class. The requirements for computers and equipment are specified here. Minerva students are offered a discount through the Claremont Consortium bookstore, so please be sure to read this information carefully. You may ship newly purchased computers to Minerva Headquarters in anticipation of your arrival: 1145 Market Street, 9th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94103Please note that we cannot allow early shipment of any other personal items; this is only for new computers, shipped directly from vendors.
PreparingTechnology Requirements
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Clothing and Personal Items We encourage you to pack only the minimal amount of clothes and personal items you will need. You can easily purchase almost anything in San Francisco, including inexpensive and/or used clothing. The clothing you bring should be easily layered, so you can stay comfortable in San Francisco’s many microclimates. If there are specific possessions you would like to bring with you from home, we encourage you to select small items that are easy to pack. Some essential items include:
• warm, waterproof jacket• warm sweater or sweatshirt (wool or fleece)• compact knit hat (wool or fleece)• comfortable walking shoes• basic toiletries• all prescription medication• electronics, appliances, and adapters (US
electrical outlets are 110 volts AC) Room SuppliesEach room in the residence hall at 1412 Market Street is equipped with a bed, desk, lamp, chair, small refrigerator, microwave oven, small television monitor, and dresser for each student. Each room in the residence hall at 851 California Street is equipped with a bed, desk, lamp, chair, small refrigerator, and dresser for each student. All students are responsible for providing their own towels and bedding, including pillows, duvet/comforter, and sheets. (See the “Living” section for additional information and recommendations.)
PreparingWhat to Pack
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LuggageOn most international flights, you are allowed to check one piece of luggage, weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms). Some international airlines allow two pieces of checked luggage to the U.S., and the amount of checked luggage you can transport at no extra charge often depends on your travel cabin, fare, and status with an airline. Fees can apply for any additional checked bags or overweight luggage. If you wish to bring more than two large bags, it may be more cost-effective to ship them. Please remember that you cannot ship anything (except for new computers) for arrival before August 24, as we are not able to store items at the residence hall or headquarters in advance of that date.
Shipping If you are planning to ship items to the residence hall in coordination with your arrival, please arrange for delivery only after August 24 to one of the following addresses:
[Your Name]Minerva Schools at KGI1412 Market StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102United States
PreparingWhat to Pack
[Your Name]Minerva Schools at KGI851 California StreetSan Francisco, CA 94108United States
Traveling
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Key Dates and Accommodations Please keep these dates in mind when making your travel plans:
DATESAugust 24–26 Move-in days
August 26–September 1 Foundation Week (attendance mandatory for all first year students)
September 4 Fall Classes begin
October 6–10 Fall Recess
November 22–26 Friendsgiving Recess
December 15 Continuum I
December 16 Last Day of Fall Semester
December 17–January 7
Winter Recess
January 8 Start of Spring Semester
January 12–14 Elevation (attendance mandatory for all first years)
February 2–6 Spring Recess
March 16–20 Quinquatria Recess
April 22 Symposium
April 24 Continuum Feast
April 25 Last Day of Spring Semester
April 29 Last Day to Move Out of Residence Hall
The residence halls will remain open during all recesses.
TravelingArrival and Departure Dates
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You should plan to check into the residence hall no later than Saturday, August 26, at 1 p.m., because Foundation Week activities will begin that afternoon. You are able to check into your room in your residence halls starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 24.
For students who are arriving earlier, or with family members or friends, there are several hotel options close to the residence halls. The closest hotels to 1412 Market Street are Hotel Whitcomb, Holiday Inn Civic Center, Edwardian Hotel, Good Hotel San Francisco, and the Inn at the Opera. The closest hotels to 851 California Street are the Fairmont Hotel and Stanford Court, both immediately across the street. Alternatively, accommodations can be found through most major hotel chains and on websites like Airbnb and Booking.com. Non-published rates on Expedia and Priceline are often the best source of low-cost, high-quality hotels, when filtered by rating and neighborhood. The 1412 residence hall is considered just west of the “Mid-Market” area of San Francisco, bordering the neighborhoods of Hayes Valley, Civic Center, and SoMa (South of Market); the 851 residence hall is in the Nob Hill neighborhood.
TravelingArrival and Departure Dates
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Air Travel You are likely to find better deals the sooner you reserve your flights to San Francisco. Nearby Oakland International Airport (OAK) is also an option, often with cheaper fares and easy access to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). However, Oakland has far fewer carriers than San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Some good websites to compare flights and fares are skyscanner.com, momondo.com and KAYAK.com. You may also want to refer to StudentUniverse, a travel booking service that offers student discounts for flights and hotels.
Immigration and Customs International visitors to the U.S. will need to go through immigration at their first port of entry, so if you do not have a direct flight to San Francisco, you will need to clear immigration and customs at your first port of call before flying on to San Francisco. Passing through immigration in the U.S. often involves long queues and retrieving your luggage from baggage claim prior to transferring. Please allow ample time before any connecting flights. Also, you should anticipate having to respond to numerous questions when going through immigration, so do not feel intimidated by the immigration and customs officials.
TravelingAir Travel
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You will also receive a U.S. Customs Declaration Form to complete during your flight. You must complete this form and present it to the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) official when you enter the U.S., so do not lose it. If you are traveling with family members, you will only need to complete one of these forms for your entire family. The CBP official will stamp it and return it to you. You may be selected to undergo a secondary inspection, where an Agricultural Specialist or CBP Officer will perform a visual inspection. Be sure to have the following documents with you on the plane and ready to present at the U.S. Port of Entry. Do not pack these items in your luggage:
• Original I-20, issued by Minerva Schools at KGI• Valid passport (must be valid for at least
6 months upon date of entry)• Valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport (students
from Canada are exempt from this requirement)• SEVIS I-901 payment receipt• Documentation of first-year finances (the same
documentation provided for your visa application)
TravelingAir Travel
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Getting to the Residence Halls There are various ways to get to the residence halls from the local airports, including taxicab, airport shuttles like SuperShuttle, and public transportation on BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). Considering you are likely to have a fair amount of luggage, the easiest way to get to the residence hall is by taxi, Uber, Lyft, or any other car service; SuperShuttle is also a good, lower-cost option, available at the airport.Note for arrival at 1412 Market Street: You cannot easily get dropped off or park a car directly in front of the residence hall, due to traffic restrictions on Market Street. Instead, if you are driving or being dropped off, plan for drop-off or parking on Fell Street. The residence hall at 1412 Market is where Polk, Fell, and Market Streets converge.
Above: San Francisco map showing the Minerva residence hall at 1412 Market St. and 851 California St.
TravelingArrival at the Residence Halls
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Taxicab You will find taxi lines outside each arrival area at SFO, with designated taxi coordinators to assist you. The ride should take about 40 minutes, unless there is heavy traffic, and the taxi fare to the residence hall should beapproximately $60 USD including a tip for your cab driver (it is common to tip drivers in the U.S.).
Lyft or Uber Other popular transportation options are Lyft and Uber, two ridesharing services that connect riders with independent drivers, through their mobile apps. If you do not have cellular service, you can use the airport wifi to request a ride. At SFO, drivers pick you up at Departures upstairs. You should download the apps on your mobile device and set up your account and credit card payment information in advance of your arrival, and be sure to verify your location at the correct terminal when you make your ride request. The ride should cost approximately $17-28 USD, but may be more expensive during peak hours. Your fare also depends on whether you select the pooling option (Lyft Line or Uber Pool), or opt for a dedicated personal car (Lyft or UberX).
SuperShuttle The SuperShuttle is a shared ride van with other passengers, which makes multiple stops in San Francisco, so travel times will vary. You may purchase a ticket online, in advance, or at the airport terminal for $17 USD to either residence hall.
TravelingArrival at the Residence Halls
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BART The Bay Area Rapid Transit system is a fast and reliable rail system, and the most economical mode of transportation to the residence halls. The BART station at SFO is located in the international terminal. There is a free AirTrain from all of the other terminals, connecting you to the Garage G/BART Station stop. If you decide to take BART, tickets to downtown San Francisco cost $8.95 one way and can be purchased from a ticket machine in the station. These tickets store credit and are re-loadable; you simply add value as needed. Trains leave every 15 minutes and it takes about 30–35 minutes to get downtown. Catch trains going in the direction of Pittsburg/Bay Point.
• The closest BART station to the 1412 Market Street residence hall is Civic Center/UN Plaza. This residence hall is about four blocks west from the station, straight down Market Street. If you are carrying a lot, you will probably want to hail a taxicab or rideshare service.
• The closest BART station to the 851 California Street is Powell Street Station. From there, however, it is a steep uphill walk for eight blocks to the residence hall, or you may take the cable car (cost is $7 for single ride and there are usually long lines at Powell and Market). If you are carrying a lot, you will probably want to hail a taxicab or rideshare service.
TravelingArrival at the Residence Halls
Living
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1412 Market Street The residence hall at 1412 Market Street is located on a major artery, through the heart of the city, with very easy access to public transportation. It is also just a few blocks away from Minerva headquarters. The building, which was refurbished in 2015, has a communal kitchen, assorted common rooms, and a laundry room, all located on the top (fourth) floor, as well as a security desk at the building entrance. There are three floors of resident rooms, made up of approximately 3 triples, 45 doubles, and 55 singles; most students share hallway bathrooms, interspersed around each floor. Every room is equipped with a single bed for each student, with approximately half of the double rooms including bunk beds. Single rooms are first assigned to those who require accommodations for health reasons, then preference is given to those who are willing to pay a premium rate.Each student will be provided with:
• Standard twin size bed-frame and mattress; either freestanding or bunk bed
• Desk, chair, lamp• Small television monitor (shared with roommates)• In-room refrigerator and microwave
(shared with roommates)• Chest of drawers or drawers under
bed, and/or small closet • Wi-Fi in all rooms and common areas
LivingResidential Life
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851 California Street The residence hall at 851 California Street is located near the top of Nob Hill, an appealing neighborhood near the financial district and Chinatown. Public transportation is available nearby, although walking anywhere (including Minerva headquarters, about 1.5 miles/2.4 kilometers) involves a very steep hill. The building has historical charm, with a number of common spaces for students, including a communal kitchen, bike storage area, laundry rooms, and a spacious outdoor patio. There are single, double, triple, and quad rooms, organized in two wings on each of four floors, with shared bathrooms. Because the building was constructed before ADA compliance regulations, it has historical status with the city and does not offer accessibility for disabled persons, who cannot walk up and down stairs, or are in wheelchairs. Single rooms are first assigned to those who require accommodations for health reasons, then preference is given to those who are willing to pay a premium rate.Each student will be provided with:
• Standard twin size bed-frame and mattress; either freestanding or bunk bed
• Desk, chair, lamp• Small refrigerator (shared with roommates)• Dresser, armoire and/or small closet
(shared with roommates)• Wi-Fi in all rooms and common areas
LivingResidential Life
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Living Essentials
All students will need to provide their own bedding, pillows, towels and toiletries, as well as laundry detergent. All of these items are available for purchase at local stores, or online once you arrive in San Francisco, so we recommend that you not include these in your luggage. Please refer to your Residential Agreement (part of the Prepare section) for items that are not allowed in the residence hall.
Roommates Based on your responses on the Residential Survey (part of the Prepare section), you will be matched with one (or possibly two) other students, unless you are assigned to a single room. You will learn which building you have been assigned to approximately three weeks prior to arrival, so that you will have the correct address. Room and roommate assignments will be announced upon your arrival in San Francisco, and every effort will be made to accommodate your preferences and requests.
Residence Assistants Six to seven students will be selected as Residence Assistants (RAs) for the 2017–2018 academic year in each residence hall. RAs serve an important role as peer counselors, community builders, and informational resources in the residence hall. They receive ongoing training in order to support the social-emotional learning of their peers and to facilitate programming
LivingResidential Life
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that encourages the safety, health, and wellbeing of all Minerva students. RAs also gain valuable work experience, while providing an important contributions to the residential experience for all students.
Shopping Once you arrive in San Francisco, you will be able to shop for nearly anything you need or want. In advance of your arrival, we recommend ordering bedding and towels, so you are ready for your first night in the residence hall. These can be delivered to the residence hall beginning (but not before) the date of your arrival. The following stores/sites have good selections of bedding and towels at reasonable prices: Amazon, Target, IKEA, CB2, MUJI, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Macy’s. Before you buy, be sure to look for discount coupons and codes on websites like RetailMeNot.
Money and Banking
Domestic Banking Students have several choices for domestic banking services, including Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America. We have found that Bank of America is the most student-friendly in the first year, offering a zero-fee student checking account. We will have information available during Foundation Week for students interested in opening an account. Please note: in order to receive payments, all students
LivingResidential Life
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with work-study positions at Minerva will need a U.S.-based checking account, throughout their four years at Minerva, regardless of location of residence.
U.S. Department of State Guidelines For international students, the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs provides a series of helpful tips regarding money and banking. These are available at http://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/money-and-banks.
Food and Cooking Minerva students are expected to feed themselves in healthful and economical ways during the academic year. Minerva will provide information about local farmers’ markets, grocery stores, meal delivery services, and restaurants; we expect that some students will use the small communal kitchen in the residence hall more than others, but we encourage all students to arrive in San Francisco knowing how to prepare a simple meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We suggest you pick up any practical cooking lessons that might be available at home. (YouTube is also a great reference.) We also have cooking classes planned for those who choose to further develop their culinary skills, while living in the residence hall.
LivingResidential Life
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Communications The easiest and most cost effective way to stay connected while away is through downloadable applications like Skype, WhatsApp, or Viber that are free with a Wi-Fi connection. Another good option is Google Voice, which you can sign up for using your minerva.kgi.edu username. This service includes a free phone number and free calls in the U.S. and Canada from your computer.
Mobile Phone Service International students wanting to obtain a U.S. mobile phone number (strongly recommended as means of emergency contact, as well as for keeping in touch with classmates and local connections), may purchase SIM cards for their current phones. Alternatively, you can purchase a new phone and individual or family plan through a U.S. provider, such as Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, or AT&T. More information on mobile phone service will be provided during Foundation Week.
Mail Your address will be either 1412 Market Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102 or 851 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108. Please make sure to include your room number in your shipping address when giving this address to others, or ordering items online. However, we strongly suggest that you prevent this address from getting on mailing lists that will continue past your stay in San Francisco. You should elect paperless options as much as possible, particularly at banks and other services that require an address.
LivingResidential Life
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Getting Around
Public Transportation San Francisco’s primary municipal public transportation network is known as Muni, short for San Francisco Municipal Railway. Consisting of streetcars, subways, buses, and cable cars, the system is reliable and affordable. A single-ride fare costs $2.50, which gives you 90 minutes of transit time (transfers allowed). Tickets can be bought at ticket vending machines at the stations, or directly with the driver on some buses, but only with exact change. To find out more about routes and fares, visit the SFMTA website.There are a number of other transportation systems connecting San Francisco and the other counties in the greater Bay Area, including AC Transit, BART, Caltrain, Golden Gate Transit, and SamTrans.
Clipper CardsBecause schedules, fares, and routes differ for each system, we recommend purchasing a Clipper card. It is a re-loadable, all-in-one transit pass that can be used on most forms of public transportation in the Bay Area, including buses, trolleys, trains, and ferries. Simply tap your card on the reader each time you enter a station or vehicle.Once you acquire a card, make sure to register it on the Clipper website so that, in the event you ever lose or have your card stolen, you will be able to recoup your remaining balance. Once registered, you may also replenish your card credit online, or at local Muni/BART stations.
LivingResidential Life
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Walking By far the best and most exciting way to get around the city is on foot. San Francisco is easy to navigate
— just be aware of the hills and wear comfortable shoes. The Everytrail Guide is one resource that lists a number of great walks and also offers a mobile app for download. You will learn much more about walking and hiking resources once you arrive in San Francisco.The city has improved its cycling infrastructure in recent years, following the 2009 San Francisco Bicycle Plan, and now has numerous bike lanes and paths. The State of California legislation recommends everyone wear helmets, although it is not mandatory for anyone above 18 years of age.
Bicycle Resources Bay Area Bike Share is a membership program providing short- and long-term access to shared bicycles throughout the city and Bay Area. Pedal Revolution is a nonprofit offering new and used bikes, as well as providing employment and job training for at-risk youth in San Francisco. The Bike Kitchen is a cooperative providing affordable ways to acquire and maintain bicycles, while teaching people maintenance and repair. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is an advocacy group promoting bicycle use for everyday transportation, and providing great resources for cyclists in and around the city. The SF Bike Party is an evening bike ride that occurs the first Friday of every month, bringing people together to ride and socialize.
LivingResidential Life
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Car Travel San Francisco is a compact, densely populated urban area with limited and expensive parking. Also, the residence halls are centrally located with access to many public transit systems, and in addition to the common taxicabs and town cars, the city hosts numerous car sharing services like City CarShare, Getaround, and Zipcar. For these reasons, Minerva strongly recommends against owning or leasing a car while living in San Francisco. While it may be possible to drive using a drivers license from your home country, international students who plan to drive should obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP translates the information contained on your home country drivers license into ten languages and is much more widely accepted. The U.S. does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors, so you will need to obtain this document in your home country before you travel to the United States.
LivingResidential Life
Dates andContactInformation
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Critical Dates Minerva will host two Pre-Departure Briefings for you to meet key staff, who will respond to your questions about how to prepare for Minerva, life in San Francisco, and what to expect upon arrival. We will send information about how to sign up for these via “The Week”:
• Friday, July 21, at 12 p.m. PDT• Friday, July 28, at 5 p.m. PDT• Friday, August 4, at 8 a.m. PDT
Dates and Contact InformationCritical Dates
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Academic Calendar
Fall 2017DATESAugust 16–23 RA Training (RAs only)
August 24–26 New Students Move-in
August 26 (evening)– September 1
Foundation Week (mandatory for all first year students)
September 4 Fall Classes Begin
October 6–10 Fall Break
October 25 Fall Course Drop Deadline
November 20 Friendsgiving Feast
November 22–26 Friendsgiving Break
December 12 Last Day of Fall Classes
December 15 Continuum I
December 16 Last Day of Fall Semester
December 17–January 7
Winter Recess
Dates and Contact InformationCritical Dates
33Dates and Contact InformationCritical Dates
Spring 2018DATESJanuary 8 Spring Classes Begin
January 12–14 Elevation (mandatory for all first year students)
January 26 Civitas
February 2–6 Spring Break
February 28 Spring Course Drop Deadline
March 14 Quinquatria Feast
March 16–20 Quinquatria Break
April 17 Last Day of Spring Classes
April 22 Symposium
April 24 Continuum Feast
April 25 Last Day of Spring Semester
April 29 Last Day to Move Out of Residence Hall
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Visa questions: [email protected] questions: [email protected] questions: [email protected] Parents: [email protected] pre-enrollment requirements: Prepare Page
Susan Christopher, Ph.D. Director of Student Affairs [email protected]
Melissa Billings Manager of Student Services [email protected]
James Lyda, Ph.D. Director of Mental Health [email protected]
Dates and Contact InformationKey Contacts and Resources
Mike Wang Director of Student Experience [email protected]
Norian Caporale-Berkowitz Student Experience Manager [email protected]
Capri LaRocca City Experience Manager [email protected]
Minerva Schools at KGI1145 Market Street, Ninth FloorSan Francisco, CA [email protected]