1st month @Stanford
October 1, 2023

TL;DR

09/09 Arrival in the U.S.
09/18 Start of the Stanford Visiting Scholar Program
09/25 Joined the Chris Re Lab

0. Stanford University (From a Geographical Perspective)

Stanford University is located in California (CA), positioned as a central entity for education and innovation in the Silicon Valley region. It is situated approximately 55 miles south of San Francisco and about 32 miles north of San Jose, boasting a prime geographical location. Silicon Valley is renowned worldwide as a hub for technology companies and startups, and Stanford University is intricately connected to this ecosystem. Particularly in the field of Computer Science, Stanford University is recognized as one of the world's leading research institutions. Numerous projects originating here have brought revolutionary advancements to the technology industry.

Furthermore, Stanford University's campus is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, with vast grounds that are home to lush botanical gardens and breathtaking views. Thanks to its excellent programs and geographical advantages, many students and researchers chase their dreams here, contributing to the future development of technology.

1. Getting Settled into Life in the U.S.

It was crucial to prioritize tasks since certain procedures could not proceed without a mobile number, proof of address, and Social Security Number (SSN).

- [x] Opened a personal bank account
- [x] Obtained a mobile phone number
- [x] Signed a housing lease
- [x] Rented a car
- [x] Purchased furniture
- [x] Opened a public funds bank account
- [x] Acquired a Social Security Number (SSN)
- [x] Passed the written test for the California (CA) driver’s license
- [ ] Need to take the driving test for the California (CA) driver’s license
- [x] Obtained a credit card
- [ ] Need to finalize the mobile phone plan
- [ ] Need to purchase a used car

1.1. Opening a Personal Bank Account: Before Moving to the U.S.

US Bank is the only bank that allows you to open a personal account without proof of a U.S. address (this can be done within Japan). Union Bank, which was acquired by US Bank, used to be under the umbrella of Mitsubishi UFJ, and Mitsubishi UFJ has taken over the account opening process. Since I couldn't pay the housing deposit without issuing a check, this procedure before moving to the U.S. was a must.

1.2. Obtaining a Mobile Phone Number: 9/9

I heard that I couldn’t sign a full contract without an SSN and proof of address (although I could get a phone number), so I signed up for T-Mobile's prepaid plan. It’s a 30-day unlimited talk and data plan for $100/2 lines.

1.3. Housing Contract: 9/9

I had no intention of telecommuting after arriving in the U.S.; I wanted to go to university every day, so I wanted to live as close as possible. However, Palo Alto, where Stanford is located, is famous for its high-end residential areas and was not affordable. Therefore, I decided to look for housing in Mountain View, the city next to Palo Alto. (Many Visiting Scholars make a similar choice.)

I used an agent called "Silicon Valley Real Estate," introduced by Mr. Narai, and proceeded with the contract procedures before moving to the U.S. It was an apartment endorsed by Mr. Narai and his friends, so I completed the contract procedures on the first day after moving to the U.S. without any on-site inspection. Thanks to quickly completing contracts for electricity & gas (PG&E), internet (Xfinity), mattress purchase (Sleepworld), and signing up for renters insurance (Lemonade), I was able to start my life in my new home from 9/12, after just a 3-night hotel stay. I think it went smoothly with setting up my life afterward, including furniture purchases, and it also helped save expenses, so it was all good.

1.4. Car Rental Contract: 9/10

I contracted a car rental on a monthly basis. By prepaying on the internet before finalizing the contract at the car rental store, I was able to obtain a significant discount.

1.5. Furniture Purchase: 9/12-17

I acquired furniture using Sale-N-Buy and Craigslist. These sites are similar to Jimoty and Mercari in Japan, allowing for substantial savings. I was able to get a TV, TV stand, humidifying air purifier, desk, chairs, standing lamp, bicycle, etc., all second-hand but at a very low price. The humidifier was personally my top purchase, almost a must-have item. (The air here is dry, and while it lacks the muggy heat of Japan and is very comfortable, my throat would get so dry at night that I had to wake up to hydrate. Hence the humidifier.) I bought other kitchenware and daily necessities at Target and Walmart.

1.6. Opening a Bank Account (for Public Funds): 9/13

I opened an account at Chase Bank. I needed proof of residence, so I brought a copy of my housing contract. They told me that once I get my SSN, I can come back to the counter to start building my credit score.

1.7. CA Driver’s License Written Exam: 9/14

The U.S. has ratified the international driving license agreement (valid for one year after entering the country), but California requires obtaining a CA driver’s license within 10 days. To get a CA driver’s license, you need to apply, take a written exam, have a vision test, take a photo, and pass a driving test. All but the driving test can be completed in one day. I went to the nearest DMV, Santa Clara DMV. Although there were rumors that an SSN was required, I was able to apply with my I-94, passport, visa, and proof of residence. To pass the written exam, you need to answer at least 32 out of 40 questions correctly. Fortunately, I passed on my first attempt. The place was very crowded, and it took about 2 hours in total (mostly waiting).

1.8. Obtaining SSN: 9/25

I applied for my Social Security Number (SSN) at the Social Security Administration (SSA) on 9/12. The website had a list of documents to bring, so I brought a lot, but in the end, all I needed were my I-94, visa, DS-2019, and proof of residence. The card was sent to my home by mail on 9/25. There are many things you can’t do without an SSN, such as creating a credit card and obtaining a RealID, so it’s advisable to get it as soon as possible.

1.9. Credit Card Acquisition: 9/29

I obtained an ANA USA credit card, which allows for dollar transactions and is linked to a U.S. bank. I completed as much of the procedure as possible while in Japan, and then finalized my address registration and SSN registration after arriving in the U.S., allowing me to start building my credit history promptly.

1.10. Used Car Purchase

I visited Gulliver USA, Toyota dealers, Carmax, etc., listened to their offers, and compared used cars on online sales sites such as Carvana, Shift, and Craigslist. I didn’t want to buy an expensive car because the Sales Tax is 10%, but prices are soaring due to inflation and supply shortages. I found a Nissan car on Craigslist listed at half the price assessed by Kelly Blue Book, and proceeded with the purchase. However, it turned out to be a scam. They requested a ridiculous payment method, asking me to buy eBay prepaid cards at Walmart, Safeway, or somewhere and send them the card numbers. I suggested using the official eBay Motors site, saying, "If we don’t use that, I can’t trust this transaction," but they didn’t agree. Convinced it was a scam, I stopped the transaction.

In the end, I’m back to square one and need to look elsewhere.

2. Starting My Research Life

- [x] Submitted J-Arrival
- [x] Orientation for International Students (via Zoom)
- [x] Information Security Education (on a dedicated website)
- [x] Registered for Laptop Network Access
- [x] Acquired Stanford ID Card
- [x] Acquired Email (msrks@stanford.edu)
- [x] Obtained Room Key
- [x] Obtained Stanford CS ID
- [x] Registered on CS Visiting Scholar Web Page (https://forum.stanford.edu/people/masahiro-rikiso)
- [x] Obtained Parking Permit
- [x] Registered Printer
- [x] Participated in Lab Meeting

2.1. Acquiring a Parking Permit

At Stanford, there are no free parking spaces available during weekdays, and both Commuters and Visitors are required to purchase a Parking Permit in advance. Although parking spaces are limited for Commuters, they can purchase a Permit at a cheaper rate than Visitors. I opted for the more affordable but less convenient Permit C, which costs $38 per month (Permit A is $133 per month, and Visitor Parking costs $4.46 per hour).