Other Information
Social Security Number
Every resident of the United States is required to register himself with the Social Security Authorities. On registration, a Social Security Number is provided which acts as an identifier of that person. Social Security Number is required for almost every activity such as opening a bank account, applying for a driver's license, applying for a credit card, applying for a job, buying a car, renting an apartment, buying a real estate and so on.
For more information please visit http://www.ssa.gov/
Housing
Students have the option of staying in college dormitories or rented apartments depending on the rules of individual colleges. Apartments can be searched by referring to advertisements in magazines or seeking help of realtors.
For more information please visit:
http://pittsburgh.apartments.com/
http://rentals.realtor.com/FindHome/RentalsSearch.asp?poe=realtor
Driver's License
Immigrants are allowed to drive a private vehicle for a period of three months from the date of entering the state of Pennsylvania, using the International Driving Permit (IDP) that they get from their home country. Within these three months, the immigrants are required to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license. The process of obtaining license normally comprises of passing a written test and a road test.
For more information please visit http://www.dot.state.pa.us/
Buying a Car
This is dicey subject. The price of the car depends on a wide variety of parameters such as the make and model of the car, features available, age and mileage of the car, as well as the dealership from where the car is purchased. Hence, It is necessary that the buyer is well informed of the market value of the car offered for sale by a dealer or private seller. Several websites provide valuation tools as well as availability of cars for sale.
For more information please visit
Blending In
Computers
In today’s scenario, especially in America, computers are necessary to complete day to day tasks and, one cannot imagine life without them. Computers are used for activities such as sending e-mails, paying of utility bills, transfer of money from bank accounts, purchasing of materials via the internet, getting driving directions, and so on. It is also used for seeking information on various subjects via several internet sites. For finding out any information one should visit google.com.
Social Behavior
Acceptable social behavior and mannerisms in the United States are different than those in other countries. It would be worth reading as much as one can on social etiquette and manners in the United States. For example, teachers in the U.S. are called by their last name and not “Teacher” as done in some Asian countries. Gestures have different meanings in different countries, for example, in Afghanistan a thumbs-up sign is considered sexually obscene whereas in the United States it indicates a job well done. In some countries, as a sign of respect you do not look at a person in the eye, but avoid eye contact.