Documents and Accounts

Document & IDs

In general, you do not need your Malaysian Driving License or IC but it might be a good idea to bring them unless your parents need to hold on your IDs. Bring all certificates or documents (with photocopies) that you think might be important to your college life. Examples are:

-       -  Certificate of achievements

-       -  ID photos (with US specifications)

-       -  High School Transcript

-       -  Syllabus for post-form 5 courses taken (only if you plan to apply for advanced credits)

-       -  UCLA offer letter and other documents

-       -  Medical history if you have one

-       -  Recommendation letters

If possible, make sure you leave some photocopies in your house just in case you lose it here.

Social Security Number

Social Security Number (SSN) is just like your IC number in the States but you are not supposed to tell anyone your number and bring the card with you. Foreign students are not eligible to receive an SSN unless they hold a full or part-time job in the US.

When opening bank accounts and phone lines, or applying for housing or a driver’s license, you may be asked for a Social Security Number (SSN). Just tell them that you do not have one and are not eligible for one. Sometimes the service staff might not understand why you do not have one. Because of that, you may then be asked to provide extra deposits or answer some questions – most of these should be reasonable.

If you do get a job on campus, you will be provided with instructions on applying for one. You will also need to get a letter from Dashew Center too in most cases. The closest Social Security Office is in Culver City, about 30 minutes away including walking time which is not that bad.

BruinOnline and URSA Account

BruinOnline is the logon ID you need for online verification purpose when you sign in to your UCLA email account, class website and everything else. You should be able to apply for one in Malaysia.

Ursa.ucla.edu is another important website that you need to know. It has all the official record of you in this university. You need it to pay for your housing, register for classes, check your GPA, and update your information. You need your BruinOnline logon ID to login. 

You can use BruinOnline to host your website with a storage of maximum 100MB. You website address will be <yourUCLAlogonID>.bol.ucla.edu.

Driver License

The California Driver’s License is the primary form of identification in this state. Unfortunately, you cannot convert your Malaysian license to a California one. To obtain a California license, you have to first take and pass the theory test at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in any offices (closest ones are in Culver City and Santa Monica). You can obtain the study material for theory test on DMV website. Then, make an appointment online and go to take the test. DMV is notorious for its inefficiency and slowness, so you want to make sure you make an appointment before you go.

Most places where alcohol is served require you to be at least 21 years old to enter and carrying a passport is very troublesome. The driver license comes useful in this case. ID is also needed when you buy sharp items or weapons (to prove that you are over 18 year olds or more). You can also use a driver license to fly domestically without your passport.

You will then receive a learner’s permit and may drive if a qualified driver is in the passenger seat. Passing the practical test will get you a temporary license, and you should receive a permanent one once it is processed – within one to two months. You want to make sure the address is valid for at least two months.

If you do not know how to drive, you can always ask friends or seniors to teach you, but if you would like a qualified instructor instead, check the Yellow Pages or look for listings online. It is about $50-80 per lessons.

If you fail the first time, you will be given another 2 chances but you have to make another appointment and usually it is at least 2 weeks in apart.

**Mind you that even though driving here is easier than in KL or Penang, but people follow rules all the time. So, if your license if obtained through ILLEGITIMATE ways (ahem!), you better learn it here and check out all the rules. If you cause any accidents which involve injuries or death, you will be sued for millions and go to jail because people take lives very seriously. Most people fail at least once here no matter how great their skill might be, and if you drive with Malaysian attitude, chances are you might not pass. Cars here are a lot bigger and faster than in Malaysia so any accidents will be unimaginable. Never ever talk on the phone while driving or when the key is in the ignition (your license will be revoked) and also do not commit DUI (Driving under Influence). Bribe is very uncommon and you will find yourself in even more troubles.