u/Designer-Extreme4932

Landed in Chicago yesterday with my family to visit my granddaughter before heading to LA for my fully-funded PhD at UCLA (program starts in Sept). I already have a valid F-1 visa since May. Border patrol pulled me aside, held me for 3 hours, barely explained anything, and finally told me I couldn’t enter before Aug 22 because that’s the “earliest admission date” on my I-20 - even though my visa’s been valid for months.

I was only let in because I also have a valid 10-year tourist visa (I’m from Georgia), so right now I’m technically registered here as a tourist, not a student.

Now they’re saying to be “properly registered” I need to fly out of the country (not Canada/Mexico) at some point after the 22nd and re-enter on the same visa I already have?? That makes zero sense to me and I can’t really afford a random international trip right now just for paperwork.

Has anyone dealt with this? Is this actually required or is there another way around it? Genuinely stressed and don’t know what to do at this point 😞

Hi all, I received the worst offer from UCLA housing and have no other option than finding the apartment myself. So what platforms or websites do you suggest where I can find most affordable studios or 1 bedroom apartments nearby the campus? Also what are the best and safest neighborhoods near UCLA?

I just got a UCLA housing offer which is 6bd/6bthr apartment - this was literally the lowest on my priority list, my N1 priority was a studio for 1. What should I do? Accepting this offer seems ridiculous, but I don’t have any backups. What is alternative good housing option? Also, is there a chance they can change my offer? I even think that this was a mistake… please send help🙏🏼

Hi, I am a newly admitted PhD student and for the first academic year I have a departmental award. I tried to find out how much from my award is taxable, but it is so confusing? How much of the income is taxable for international students?