Students entering the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM) will find the following items useful throughout their college careers. While this is not a comprehensive list, having these essential items will make the transition to UHM much smoother.

Identification

	Photo identification Students should carry some form of photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, at all times. Students will need a photo ID in order to open checking accounts, make check and credit card purchases, find employment, etc.
	Validated UHM student identification card All students enrolled in a degree program at UHM may obtain a free photo ID card at the Campus Center Ticket and Information Services Office once they have paid the current semester's tuition and fees in full and have cleared all holds. Students must bring a valid photo ID. Student IDs must be validated each semester at the Ticket and Information Services Office once tuition and fees have been paid in full, and all holds are cleared. Student IDs are required for services and/or discounts from the University of Hawaii libraries, intramural sports, the Campus Center Ticket and Information Services Office, and Kennedy Theater. Many local shops and restaurants also offer discounts upon presentation of a student ID.
	Student Identification Number and UH username UHM identifies students primarily through their Student Identification number, so each student should know his or her own Student ID. Your UH username is required for registration, and also serves as your @hawaii.edu email address and grants you access to UHM's wireless network and computers. Official notices are often sent to this email address, including information on when and where to seek advising.
	Social Security Number Students will need a Social Security number in order to find employment.

Health

Health Insurance Health coverage is recommended for all students so that any accidents or illnesses will not cause financial hardship. Students should carry their health insurance card with them at all times in the event that they need emergency medical care. Students have the option of purchasing health insurance through University Health Services (http://www.hawaii.edu/shs/.

Finances

Checking account Having a checking account enables students to manage their money more effectively and is required for on-campus employment. The following financial institutions have branches located near UHM: American Savings Bank and the University of Hawai‘i Federal Credit Union have branches on campus; American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawaii, and First Hawaiian Bank have ATMs located on campus, as well as numerous ATMs throughout the city of Honolulu; University of Hawai‘i Federal Credit Union members may use all First Hawaiian Bank and Kalabash ATMs without a surcharge; There are a limited number of Central Pacific Bank ATMs in Honolulu.

Credit card Students should have one credit card for emergencies, such as purchasing a plane ticket home. Having a credit card will provide students with an opportunity to establish credit. In order to avoid credit card debt, it is recommended that students charge only what they can expect to repay within the month. For more tips on managing credit, visit http://www.cautionwithcredit.com.

Academics

	Current year's University of Hawaii at Mānoa catalog The catalog contains important information on campus policies and resources, academic departments and degree requirements, and courses offered at UHM. The catalog can be purchased at the university bookstore for $8.00 or can be accessed online at http://www.catalog.hawaii.edu/.
	Current semester's Schedule of Classes (SOC) Students should keep the current SOC for the duration of the semester. Not only is the SOC essential for registration, but it also contains the academic calendar, tuition and fees, final exam schedules, and whether courses fulfill Focus requirements. Information in the SOC can also be found online at http://www.hawaii.edu/myuh/manoa/
	Transfer credit evaluation For transfer students or students who earned college credits while in high school (for example, through Advanced Placement exams), the transfer evaluation indicates the number of college credits transferable to UHM and their UHM course equivalencies, if applicable. Transfer credit evaluations are mailed to you from the Admissions and Records Office. Students should always bring their transfer evaluation to advising sessions at the Mānoa Advising Center.
	Catalogs and course syllabi from colleges previously attended Transfer students should bring all catalogs and course syllabi from their previous colleges in case there is a question of whether transfer courses have UHM course equivalencies.
	Portfolio for important academic documents It is useful to have a single portfolio to store all academic documents, such as information packets and tuition receipts, for future reference.

Transportation

Bus Pass If students do not have their own means of transportation (car, bicycle, etc.), they may wish to purchase a bus pass. A discounted bus pass, the UPass, can be purchased at the Campus Center’s Ticket and Information Office with a validated student ID (http://www.hawaii.edu/parking/upass.html).

Personal

	Laptop computer Computers are located in various computer labs (http://www.hawaii.edu/itslabs/hours.htm), Sinclair Library, and Hamilton Library, but as computer labs are only open during certain hours and other students may be using the computers, it is far more convenient for students to have their own. Laptops are more convenient than desktop computers, as students can take them to class or to their favorite study spots on campus. It is also easier to take laptops home during weekends and breaks. There are power outlets and data ports for laptops located throughout Hamilton Library, Sinclair Library, and the Campus Center Lounge. Wireless access points are available across campus. Access to the UHM wireless network requires a valid UH username. For information on the wireless network, and requirements, see http://www.hawaii.edu/wireless/. Each dormitory room contains one ethernet port per occupant. Click here, to determine whether your computer meets the minimum system requirements. While it may also be convenient to own a printer, students will most likely use computers more often than printers, and can utilize the computer labs’ printers when necessary.
	Planner Use a planner to keep track of classes, assignments, work schedules, extracurricular activities, and appointments. UHM's Board of Publications distributes free planners at the beginning of the fall semester.
	Alarm clock Don’t sleep through your first class of the day!

Updated: 12/18/08