Once You Are at Caltech
First Things to Do
US Citizens Postdoctoral Scholars
Check in with the Postdoctoral Scholar and Visitor Affairs
After you arrived at Caltech, please check in at the Postdoctoral Scholar and Visitor Affairs office in Human Resources located at 399 S. Holliston Avenue. Please bring the black or white new hire packet that was sent to you along with your appointment letter. Also, please bring your social security card so we can set up your payroll. Depending on how much of the paperwork you have filled out prior to your arrival, please allow about 45 minutes for your initial check in appointment. In addition to signing various forms, you will also be given information regarding health, dental and other benefits (if applicable) and given a memo to obtain your Caltech Identification (ID) card. You may also request to have a personal campus account linked to your ID card. The Bursar's office will bill your account monthly. You can use your personal campus account at the Caltech Dining Services and Convenience Store.Get a Caltech ID Card
To get your Caltech ID, you have to go to the Card Production Office (located inside the Bookstore). The Office hours: 9 am - 1 pm weekdays, phone (626) 395-6169. Caltech ID cards can be used for a variety of things - to gain entrance into authorized buildings, as a library card or as a photocopy card at the library. In addition, postdoctoral scholars have the option to use their ID as either a credit card (where you charge items like books bought at the bookstore, lunches in various cafeterias etc…to it and get a monthly bill) or a cash card (where you add money on the card which you can then spend). Ask to have this set up at the Card Production Office.Get an Email Account
In order to obtain an email account, check with your research group or division office. Each research group has its own protocol. Once set up, you can access your email.Get a California Driver's License and Car Insurance
If you want to drive in California, you will require a driver's license within the first two weeks of arriving. Remember that residents who come from other states need to register their vehicles in California within 20 days of their arrival. The license also serves as a crucial piece of photo identification. Take a look at the Department Motor Vehicle section on the web site as well as the Automobile Insurance section.
Get a California ID Card
For those of you who don’t drive, obtain an Identification Card at the Department Motor Vehicle. See the Department Motor Vehicle section in our web site.Get a Parking Permit, Register your Bike or Find Out About Public Transportation
If you will be parking on campus, you will need to purchase a parking permit from Caltech's Parking Services. There are different rates for individuals or carpools. For information on regulations, permits and registration, go to the Parking & Commuter Services web site and for a Caltech Parking Map.
If you plan to bike, you are encouraged to register your bicycle if you use it on the campus. Information can be found at the Caltech Security web site
If you plan to use public transportation, please see Public Transportation.Housing
If you have chosen to live in a Caltech apartment, please check in with Caltech Housing as soon as you arrive at Caltech.
Also refer to the Housing section on the web for stores and utilities.
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