The official blog for the Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences

Resource Spotlight On: International Student Resources

by | Apr 15, 2023 | Dean's Corner, Features, Outreach & Impact

The University of Arkansas and our Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences have so many resources available – but how do you find them or learn what might come in handy to know?

In this edition of our “Resources Spotlight On …” series, we present resources and opportunities available to international students – with a particular focus on navigating day-to-day practical things like commuting, housing, banking and more that might be especially challenging to find as a new international student at the U of A. 

“International students at the U of A, and especially here in Fulbright College, are paramount to our mission of fostering peace through education,” said Kathy Sloan, interim dean of Fulbright College.

“These students raise the bar for all of us in our classrooms, in our teaching, in our research, in our careers, in our relationships and beyond,” Sloan said. “Without a doubt, being an international student can be challenging. And by supporting these students and highlighting these resources, we create a college, campus, and community where a sense of belonging and dignity are engrained in all we do.”

These helpful resources below for international students include on- and off-campus resources, compiled by our college’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Driving in Arkansas

Check out this helpful information from the Office of International Students and Scholars about how to obtain an Arkansas driver’s license.

We have answered a few frequently asked questions about transportation, too.

  • What if I do not have a car yet?
    • Many insurance policies only cover specific drivers. It is not worth the risk to borrow or practice with a friend’s car whose insurance does not cover drivers not listed on their policy.
    • In some cases, a new driver who has obtained their learner’s permit (after taking and passing the written portion of the test) can be covered under a policy. It is important to verify insurance information with your insurance agent.
  • What if I do not have a car to borrow or practice with?
    • Northwest Arkansas is home to several driving schools that offer 1:1 practice driving sessions to get new drivers road-ready for the driving portion of their test. They also allow students to use a vehicle owned by the driving school for practice with an instructor and a driving exam. As a student, drivers are completely covered by the driving school’s insurance policy.

Living in Fayetteville

Those who choose off-campus housing may find that this process can be overwhelming. Be prepared with your proper documentation. This includes:

  • Identification (passport or state-issued ID)
  • Proof you can afford to pay rent (job offer or award letter from financial aid)
  • Often bank statements may be requested to additionally verify income.
  • Form 1040NR (U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return may also be accepted)
  • References from previous landlords
  • Proof of student visa or Permanent Resident Card

Also, be prepared to pay your first month’s rent plus a deposit that will help cover any damage you may cause to the rental property.

Safe rental options, plus more information on living off-campus as a student at the U of A, can be found here.

In addition, if you plan to stay in Fayetteville year round, check out this information on living in Fayetteville during the summer.

Tip: Remember that you have rights and have to be careful! Click here for more information about precautions to consider and ways to protect yourself.

Banking in Fayetteville

With a little research, you can find the right bank for you and open a local bank account that will help prevent unnecessary fee charges. You will need your passport and another form of identification (usually your i-20 or DS-2019).

Click here for a list of banks in Fayetteville.

Tip: Different banks have different types of accounts. Research what each bank offers to be sure of finding the right bank and account for you.

Food Resources for Students

While only U.S. citizens and certain lawfully present non-citizens can receive SNAP benefits, hunger should not be part of the college experience.

These free on-campus resources are available to all students:

  • Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry
  • Gearthart Mini Pantry
    • Located at the back of Bud Walton Hall, students are free to take what they need.
  • Department of Sociology Pantry
    • Located on the second floor of Old Main, students are free to take what they need.

In addition, there are many off-campus resources and community partners. Check those out here:

  • Patchwork Pantry: 3 W South St.
  • Your Neighborhood Essentials Pantry: 4880 W Wedington Dr.
  • modus mini: 15 N Church Ave.
  • Grace Church: 2828 N Crossover Rd.
  • Community Box: 1469 S. Jasmine Ln.
  • Joseph Catholic School & Church: 1722 N. Starr Dr.
  • TLC from TLG: 1830 Shelby Ln.
  • NRHH Little Pantry: 513 N Lindell Ave.
  • McNair Little Free Pantry: 3030 East Mission Blvd.
  • The Grove Church Free Little Pantry: 2223 N. College Ave.
  • South Creekside Apartments’ Little Free Pantry by Solidarity Sisters: 900 N Leverett Ave.
  • Feed Communities: 221 S Locust Ave.
  • Tyson Pantry: 6302 Wilkerson St.
  • Fayetteville Church of Christ: 2416 Deane Solomon Rd.
  • The Hill Church: 115 S Willow Ave.
  • Paul’s Episcopal Church: 224 N. East Ave.
  • City Point Church Toiletries & Supplies: 6644 E. Mission Blvd.
  • Christ’s Church Blessings Box: 525 W 15th St.The Little Free Pantry: 2925 Old Missouri Rd.
  • Holcomb Elementary Little Free Pantry: 2900 N Salem Rd.

Work Opportunities for Students

While F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, they may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. In addition, students may be able to work full-time during times when school is not in session or during annual breaks.

More information about on-campus jobs is available through the RazorTemp student employment program.

After their first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

More on these categories and off-campus employment is available here.

More General Resources and Support

Seek emergency funding if needed, through the college’s Dean’s Emergency Retention Fund.

Sign up to receive the college’s weekly DEI Newsletter by visiting deiartssciences.uark.edu.

Connect with additional resources available at U of A Cares, report.uark.edu, from our Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance, and through our college’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Have an idea for U of A or Fulbright College resources, services or topics you’d like to see be a part of the Fulbright REVIEW’s “Resources Spotlight On …” series? Let us know! Reach out at fulbright@uark.edu.