Frequently Asked Questions
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Airport Pickup

1) How do I get from airport to UHCL?

2) Do I have to inform both IISS & ISA about my pick up?

3) What is the IISS, and how is it different from ISA?

4) Do I have to fill any form for my airport pickup?

5) Will IISS drop me to my relatives home?

6) Can I land at some other place than Houston?


Answers

Q1: How do I get from airport to UHCL?
A:If you have asked for pickup from UHCL and ISA, this is what happens at IAH airport:

Someone from IISS and someone from ISA will come to pick you up in a van. When you get out of the baggage claim, etc. once you come out, you will see two Indian students waiting for you. You will easily be able to make out its them from among the other Americans there. So don’t worry about missing them.

If you see many desis around, you can ask "are you from UHCL?” All of them will be students doing pickups, so they all know everything about new students etc. So don't worry, or hesitate to ask anyone.

In case you don’t see anyone for a while, go to a phone booth and deposit 35 cents (make sure you carry change) and call one of the emergency numbers. These numbers will be provided to you by the ISA executive council. You can get these phone numbers from the ISA website at www.isauhcl.org

These members should be able to update you where the van is, how much longer it will take, etc.

If there is any problem, there are plenty of airport officials around who will help you.. They are sincere and helpful, just ask for help.

Once the students find you, they will bring you to your allocated temporary accommodation. From then on there will be several ISA members around to help you with anything.  

Taking a cab, etc. are last resort. If we say we will be there, we will be there. We won’t forget!!
Lastly, don’t worry about anything. We are there to help you. We will make sure you get through this experience with only good memories!

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Q2: Do I have to inform both IISS & ISA about my pick up?
A: You have to mail your flight details to the IISS office at iiss@uhcl.edu. They will be arranging a van for your pickup. You also have to fill out the web form at www.isauhcl.org for airport pickup . Look for “Flight details” and fill out the form. An ISA member will come with the IISS van to meet you at the airport.
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Q3: What is the IISS and how is it different from ISA?

A: IISS (Intercultural & International Student Services) is a UHCL office which advocates the International students and speaks on behalf of international students in the university.

ISA is a voluntary organization made up of students like yourself, committed to help Indian Students.

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Q4: Do I have to fill any form for my airport pickup?
A: As mentioned above, you have to mail IISS office well before than 2 weeks and also inform the ISA members about your travel details. IISS and ISA coordinate together to pick up the new students. Dont forget to fill the ISA airport pickup form.
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Q5: Will IISS drop me to my relatives home?
A: No, IISS will only drop you to UHCL campus. We (ISA) will take care of you from there. If you want to go to your relatives place, we would recommend you request them to pick you up.
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Q6: Can I land at some other place than Houston?
A: Some students have relatives in other states of US, and wish to stay there for a few days first before coming to Houston. This is highly risky as they check your I-20 at the airport, and might ask you why you are not flying to your school directly. This is just our recommendation and opinion. There are many students who have flown to other states and been safe; the choice is up to you. 
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Note : If you are not satisfied with any of the answers provided here, you can post in your question on the Discussion Board of ISAUHCL for further clarification. All the ISA members are willing to help you on the discussion board.Also check the previous questions asked, so that you wont repeat the same question. For suggestions mail webmaster (AT) isauhcl.org