The information on these pages will prepare you to live in Austin and attend Austin Community College:
Driver’s License & Texas State ID
A Texas driver’s license is not only a document demonstrating authorization to drive but it is also a nationally accepted form of identification that can be used to prove your identity. The Texas State ID is only used as an identification card.
Any international student can apply for the Texas driver license and the Texas State ID. Both are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Get a driver’s license or official state ID.
Employment
Know the employment rules that apply to you.
Health Insurance
Health care is expensive in the U.S. Insure yourself in case of a medical emergency.
Housing Options
The Austin area offers a variety of private apartments, dormitories, and even homes.
Public Transportation
Bus and rail service covers a lot of Austin, but not all areas. Read about Austin’s CapMetro Public Transit.
Taxes
All international students must file at least one U.S. tax form for every year they are present in the U.S. Learn more about taxes for international students.
Scams and Fraud
Students are reminded to be vigilant in avoiding scams and frauds that target international students. Review the information below and notify the International Student Office if you receive fraudulent information.
- Call to demand immediate payment for alleged taxes or debt.
- Threaten to call police or have you arrested, detained, or deported.
- Deny your ability to appeal or question the payment.
- Require specific payment through prepaid cards: Example: Gift Card Scams and Gift Card Fraud.
- Ask for sensitive information (SSN, date of birth, address, bank or credit card number).
- Redirect you to an unsecure website, unauthorized email, or text message for payment.
- If you suspect fraud, end the conversation immediately.
- Never share any personal or financial information (SSN, date of birth, address, bank or credit card number).
- Do not send money through mail or electronic transfer, or purchase gift cards.
- Do not open email attachments from unknown senders.
- Do not click on suspicious links or access unsecured websites. Refer to the ACC links below.
- Five Ways To Protect Yourself From Tax Scams
- Phishing Scams & IT Security Alerts
- Scam Proof Your Life
- Contact the International Student Office so a DSO can report the scam or fraud to SEVIS.
- USCIS Fraud Tip Form – Immigration benefit fraud and abuse to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
- Immigration Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program – Report immigration related fraud and scams.
- Federal Trade Commission – Report any unfair, deceptive or fraudulent practices in the marketplace.
- Federal Trade Commission – How to identify, avoid, and report scams. What to do if you were scammed.
- Texas Attorney General – Consumer Protection – Identity theft and consumer complaints.
- Social Security Administration – Social Security Fraud
- Verify the Source: ACC will never ask for your password, Social Security number, or financial information via email. Always check the “From” address to ensure it ends in @austincc.edu.
- Beware of “Breach” Scams: Be skeptical of emails claiming your data was leaked and asking you to “click here to check your status.” These are often traps designed to steal your credentials.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Ensure your ACC Okta/Multi-Factor Authentication settings are up to date. This is your strongest line of defense against unauthorized access.
- Report Suspicious IT Activity: Report immediately to the ACC IT Help Desk at 512-223-TECH (8324).
- To report a phishing email, take these simple steps:
- From the original email: Select the three dots next to the “Reply” arrow.
- Select “Report phishing.”
- Delete the email.