
We recognize that it is challenging to navigate graduate school as an international student. We want you to know that you have a right under federal law to join or organize a union, regardless of your citizenship or visa status. Here are a few resources that our fellow international graduate students find helpful to navigate thier professional and personal lives. If you want to help with the page, join our Slack Channel #International-Student-Committee
Academic
Language Communities/ESL Assistance
Get SSN/ITIN
- You will need to apply for SSN physically at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
- Address: 120 Athens Way, Nashville, TN 37228
- SSN Support Letter Request (if employed on campus)
- If not employed on campus and J1 – “Invitation or employment letter”
- Valid passport
- Valid I-94
- Most current I-20 (F1 visas only) or DS-2019 (J1 visas only)
Financial
Banks and Credit Unions
- Banking | International Student & Scholar Services | Vanderbilt University
- Best Credit Cards for International Students
- Apply For a Credit Card
Taxes
- International Tax Office (ITO) – https://hr.vanderbilt.edu/international-tax/
- Note: Different countries of origin have different tax treaties with the US. Here are factors that may affect tax status.
- Income, Funding Source: Grant/ Stipend/ Scholarship, Marriage Status
- Note: Different countries of origin have different tax treaties with the US. Here are factors that may affect tax status.
- IRS
- Helpful FAQ from the University of Minnesota
Life Services
Housing
- Off Campus Housing
- Facebook Housing Group | Daily Updates, Direct Interaction with Other Students
- Vanderbilt Grad Resources: https://gradschool.vanderbilt.edu/current_students/index.php
Internationally- Oriented Community Organizations
- Global Education Center South
- 2195 Nolensville Road, Nashville, TN 37211
- Global Education Center West
- 4822 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
- Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRCC)
- 3310 Ezell Rd, Nashville, TN 37211
- I-Fam Vandy/Tennessee (Christian Organization)
Shopping/Grocery Stores
- Publix – international section is well-stocked
- K&S World Market
- 4225 Nolensville Pike
- 5861 Charlotte Pike
- Fresh & Fresh International Market
- 3905 Nolensville Pk, Nashville, TN 37211
Phone Plans
Health and Wellbeing
Going Out
Restaurants (Internationally-Owned)
Australian
- Hearts | Australian-owned coffee shop, bar, light fare
- 914 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
British/Irish Food
- Fleet Street Pub
- 207 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201
- McNamara’s Irish Pub
- 2740 Old Lebanon Rd, Nashville, TN 37214
Cafes
- Hearts Australian-owned Coffee Shop | Bar | Brunch
- 914 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Indian Food
- Woodlands Indian Restaurant Vegan | Gluten Free 🌿🌾
- 3415 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
- Sitar Close to campus | Vegan 🌿
- 116 21st Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203
- Bombay Palace
- 2912 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
- Chaatable
- 345 40th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209
- Chauhan Ale House
- 123 12th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203
- Amaravati Indian Cuisine
- 5012 Thoroughbred Ln, Brentwood, TN 37027
Japanese & Thai
- Koi Sushi and Thai
- 2214 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
- Koi Sushi and Thai
- 923 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
Mediterranean Food
- Greko Greek Street Food
- 704 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
- Barcelona Wine Bar
- 1200 Villa Pl Suite 110, Nashville, TN 37212
- Boqueria
- 5005 Broadway Place, Nashville, TN 37203
Nigerian Food
- Nico’s Lounge Restaurant and Bar
- 4750 Nolensville Pike