Living in Beaumont

Housing

Many students choose the convenient option of living on campus or within walking distance of campus. Cardinal Village is a series of four on-campus residence halls that offer private bedrooms and the luxury of modern facilities in buildings that have all been constructed since 2001. For more information on leases and amenities please visit the Cardinal Village web site.

Students who choose to live in an apartment or house off campus should find a residence that is within walking distance or on the bus route unless they plan to purchase a car. To aid in property searches outside the University’s residence halls, we have listed several property management companies who can assist in finding rental units. This list is not exhaustive and none are endorsed by Lamar University. For housing and roommate wanted listings in the area check southeasttexas.com.

 

Banking

General Information

Functioning efficiently in the United States involves making transactions by cash, check, or credit cards. In most situations that do not involve large sums of money, cash is sufficient. In other situations where there is a large sum of money or where additional identification is required, credit cards and checks are much more convenient.

There are several banks to choose from in Beaumont. Each bank offers different services, so it is important that you compare these services. Most international students prefer to handle their needs through the Beaumont Area Educators Federal Credit Union. All students, faculty, and staff of Lamar University are eligible to join the Credit Union.

To open a savings or a checking account at any bank, the student will need two pieces of identification, such as a Lamar University ID, Texas State Identification, driver's license, or passport. Students do not need a Social Security number to open a bank account.

Students need only to provide proof that they are accepted as students of Lamar and secure $25.00 in a savings account in order to qualify for checking and other services. The main branch of the Credit Union, often referred to as the "Teachers' Credit Union," is conveniently located across from the University at 4695 Rolfe Christopher Drive.

 

Types of Accounts:

Savings Accounts
A savings account enables students to save money and accumulate interest on their savings. Interest is paid either monthly or quarterly. Although students can withdraw money from their savings account, this service limits, the number of monthly withdrawals permitted without penalty.

Checking Accounts
Banks offer different types of checking accounts designed to fit individual needs. The cost of having a checking account varies from bank to bank. Some banks charge per transaction, some have a basic monthly fee, and others offer free services for those who maintain a certain minimum balance in their account at all times. A list of all the account activity will be sent in a monthly statement. Students should carefully record every check they write, every withdrawal and deposit, and any transaction fees in order to avoid having checks returned and incurring additional charges. "Bouncing" a check (writing a check for more money than is actually in the account) can cause a major expense and a great deal of trouble. Some banks provide overdraft protection.

Interest Bearing Checking Accounts
Regular checking accounts do not earn interest. However, an interest bearing checking account combines the features of both a checking account and a savings account. This means that students may write checks and also collect interest on the money in their account. This type of account usually requires a high minimum balance at all times.

Cashing Checks
To cash a check two pieces of identification are needed. The primary piece of ID must be a driver's license or a State of Texas ID card. The second piece of ID is usually a major credit card.

Some stores will cash a check for students who shop there regularly and have a proper ID. Some stores may not accept the temporary checks that most banks issue to new account holders. In fact, most stores require that checks have name and addresses professionally printed on them.

Non-drivers can be issued a State of Texas picture ID card at the Texas Department of Transportation, This ID is available to individuals who do not have a driver's license. A valid passport is required for verification of person and date of birth. The State of Texas ID card is an accepted form of identification throughout Texas and is valid for four years. It can be used for identification when cashing a check or when opening a bank account.

Bank Cards
Many banks issue cards that make deposit and withdrawal services available 24 hours a day by use of an automatic teller machine (ATM). These machines, frequently located outside the bank, are very convenient and allow access to cash after the bank closes or in an emergency. However, there is often a service charge of approximately $1-$2 for using ATM's from another bank.

A Note of caution: To prevention assault, users of ATM's should be cautions when withdrawing funds after dark.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are convenient, especially to cover unexpected major expenses. Medical fees, airplane tickets, and car repairs can be paid for by with any major credit card. But credit cards are seductive. It is very easy to get deeply into debt. Be sure to understand all of the terms of a credit card before signing anything. Most credit companies charge an annual fee of $20 to $40. Some waive this fee while others do so with a minimum number of annual transactions. The company will send a monthly statement. By paying the full balance, additional finance charges (usually 18%) may be avoided. The credit card company will then assess a finance charge on unpaid balances. That charge will appear on the next month's statement.

A note of caution: The issuing company should be notified about lost credit card A new card with a new account number will be sent. Also call the police department so that it may have the information needed in case of any illegal activity any old account.

 

Health and Safety

Insurance
Medical insurance is an absolute necessity in the United States since individuals are responsible for their own medical care costs. All international students are required to have health and accident insurance for themselves and any family member accompanying them in the United States. Insurance must be purchased at the University during the registration period. Lamar University requires all students to purchase the University student insurance plan provided by Academic Health Plans (AHP). The annual rate for one student is $588 as of the 2007-08 academic year. For more details on insurance rates and coverage go to: Academic HealthPlans

Staying Healthy
If you are not feeling well, have a minor injury or are experiencing depression or other psychological difficulties, the on-campus Student Health Center provides care administered by a physician, nurse practitioner or mental health counselor. The center provides basic care for all enrolled students while the university is in session.

 

Student Life

The best way to experience student life is to get involved on campus. Lamar University has over 100 active student organizations of social and professional orientation. For a list of and links to these organizations, click here.

A wide variety of university related activities are hosted on campus and in the community. For a listing of these events, click to see the university Calendar of Events.

Lamar students benefit from modern campus amenities like the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center. Click for more details on our campus facilities and student services.

 

Transportation

Bus
For Beaumont bus routes and schedules visit:
http://www.beaumonttransit.com/Schedules.htm

Campus Shuttle
Students who live in the area around the university find the campus shuttle a safe and convenient means of transportation after dark. The shuttle runs in the evenings from 5:30pm to midnight or 2:00am (whichever time the library closes that day). The shuttle departs every 15 minutes from the library and will take students back to their apartments. Or for transportation from their apartment to the library, students can call 880-2241 for pick up.

The campus shuttle also runs a special weekend service on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am to 3:00pm transporting students from the library to Wal-mart and then from Wal-mart back to each student’s apartment. If you have any suggestions or complaints about the campus shuttle service, please notify Belinda Cooper at 880-2264.