Las Vegas Life and Housing

Las Vegas is a dynamic and vibrant southwestern city located in a valley surrounded by the beautiful landscaping of the Mojave Desert. More than 1.5 million people live in Las Vegas, making it one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S.

Average daily temperatures range from 15.5 to 37.8 degrees Celsius with very little humidity. It seldom rains or snows in Las Vegas. There are many recreational opportunities located in and near Las Vegas, including areas for camping, hiking, rafting, boating, water and snow skiing, and fishing.

Las Vegas is located about 430 kilometers via car from Los Angeles, California and can be reached easily by bus, automobile, or air. The city itself has a very limited public transportation system. Although the city bus conveniently stops in front of the UNLV campus, the majority of international students drive, walk, or bike around town. New or used automobiles can be purchased, but a car can be expensive to maintain due to high automobile insurance rates and registration fees.

There are many ethnic grocery stores in Las Vegas. International students usually have no trouble finding familiar ingredients for their home-cooked meals. Most small cooking appliances can be purchased here at lower cost than shipping your items.

All types of clothing can be purchased at reasonable prices in Las Vegas. UNLV students, like most students in America, dress casually for classes. Students generally wear jeans, t-shirts, and other informal clothing. You are encouraged to bring several changes of clothing so you will not have to wash clothes every day.

You might want to bring one set of formal wear and some of your native dress for special occasions or international events.

When You Arrive In Las Vegas

The university is three kilometers from McCarran International Airport. Taxi service to UNLV is approximately $10 U.S. currency. You must make your own arrangements to find a hotel or to stay in campus housing upon your arrival. Our office is NOT able to provide airport pickups.

You must report in person to the Office of International Students and Scholars (Student Services Complex, Room #311) soon after arriving in Las Vegas. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time. The phone number is (702) 895-0143. You should call to let the office know when you will be coming to check-in. Please bring your passport, visa, I-20 and I-94 card.

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Mail and Baggage

If you have excess baggage you wish to send ahead of your arrival, first notify the Office of International Students and Scholars that you are sending items. Then, you may direct your mail and baggage to:

Your Name
c/o Office of International Students and Scholars
UNLV, SSC #311
4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 451035
Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-1035

Be sure to write "HOLD FOR ARRIVAL" on each piece of mail or baggage. Storage space is limited to two pieces of luggage. Never mail valuable items!

Living Arrangements

UNLV has eight residence halls which provide suite-type housing (two double rooms connected by a bathroom) for approximately 1500 mostly undergraduate students.

Residence hall contracts are written for one full academic year and include a required meal plan. At this time, UNLV does not have housing facilities for married students who live with their spouses and/or children.

The Office of Campus Housing requires a U.S. currency deposit and a signed contract to reserve a room on a first-come, first-served basis, so you must apply very early. For more information, contact Office of Campus Housing, 4760 Gym Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119.You can also contact the Office of Campus Housing by phone at (702) 895-3489 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Pacific Time or by facsimile at (702) 895-4332 or email at housing@nevada.unlv.edu.

Off-Campus:

Numerous apartment complexes are located within walking distance of UNLV. Since it is difficult to lease an apartment in advance, you may want to arrive one month before classes begin to make these arrangements.

If you want to share an apartment with another student, our staff may be able to assist in providing this information to other students.

Apartments vary greatly in cost and are usually unfurnished. Rent for a one-bedroom furnished apartment can range from $600 to $900. Two and three-bedroom apartments are more expensive. Furniture can be rented or purchased from numerous local stores.

In addition, students living off-campus should be prepared to pay several security deposits. Deposits can range from $150 to $300 and may or may not be refundable depending on circumstances. Deposits will be needed for the apartment, electricity, gas service, telephone, and possibly water.

The Office of International Students and Scholars cannot rent an apartment on your behalf nor can we recommend a particular apartment complex.

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