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Transitioning to the United States

Bank Account

Many banks in the United States require a Social Security Number (SSN) to open an account. Our current International Students have had an easier time getting a bank account without a SSN at Chase Bank. Chase Bank offers a Student Checking Account to all Bradley students. You must schedule a meeting at Chase Bank to open a new bank account.

Please see the list below of the required documents for opening an account:

  • I-20
  • Passport
  • Bradley Student ID
  • I-94

Click here to schedule an appointment at Chase Bank to open a Student Checking Account.

When conducting a bank transaction, you need to carry an ID (passport or US driver's license).

Mobile Network

Obtaining a new mobile network is simple for an international student who is traveling to the US. Start by looking at major carriers that have decent coverage in the area of your campus, such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or Mint mobile. Select a suitable plan that meets your needs, then go to a nearby store or buy a SIM card online. Before purchasing the SIM card, Make sure your phone is compatible with the carrier's network before activating the SIM card by following the steps provided. Create an online account to control your payments and plan.

 

Driver’s  License

You can get your driving license in Peoria by scheduling a new Driver’s License appointment for the test. Students can get their Driver’s License without providing a Social Security Number (SSN). You need to arrive at the DL office at least 15 Minutes prior to your appointment. You will be required to take a paper test and a driving test (bring your own vehicle). Please make sure that you review the Rules of the Road before taking your test.

Additionally, you will need to bring documents to get your license. Please review this chart provided by the Secretary of State for documents required for a license– you will need to bring items from sections A, B, and D to provide proof of your written signature, date of birth, and residency.

Please use this link to schedule your appointment at the Peoria Department of Motor Vehicles.

 

Markets and Restaurants

Please see below lists curated by current students of places where you can buy all kinds of groceries and go out to eat  near University in Peoria. These lists contain local grocery stores and internationally focused grocery markets, the majority of which are accessible by CitiLink Bus, and both international and local restaurants.

Examples of Internationally Focused Grocery Stores

  • Devon Food & Groceries (802 W Pioneer Pkwy, Peoria, IL 61615)
  • German Specialties (3439 N University St Ste A Peoria, IL 61604)
  • Masala Groceries (9915 N Knoxville Ave Ste H Peoria, IL 61615)
  • Mediterranean Mart (2328 W Willow Knolls Dr, Peoria, IL 61614)
  • Swagat food & Grocery ( 6926 N University St, Peoria, IL 61614)
  • Fresh Asian Market (3016 N University St, Peoria, IL 61604)

Local Grocery Stores

  • Walmart (3315 N University St, Peoria, IL 61604)
  • Aldi (3420 N University St, Peoria, IL 61604)
  • Schnucks (4800 N University St, Peoria, IL 61614)
  • Costco [Requires Membership] (301 West Washington Street, East Peoria, IL 61611)
  • Kroger (3311 N Sterling Ave, Peoria, IL 61604)
  • Haddad’s West Peoria market (2407 W Rohmann Ave, West Peoria, IL 61604)
  • Sam's Club [Requires Membership] (4100 W Willow Knolls Dr, Peoria, IL 61615)

International Focused Restaurants

  • Rice & Spice [Indian Restaurant] (1200 W Main St Ste 10, Peoria, IL 61606 )
  • El Gordo Mexican Bakery [Mexican Restaurant] (841 W Main St Peoria, IL 61606)
  • Thanh Linh [Vietnamese Restaurant] (1209 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61606)
  • Jimador [Mexican Restaurant] (1200 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61606)
  • Tawa Kitchen [Indian Restaurant] (816 W Pioneer Pkwy, Peoria, IL 61615)
  • Jerusalem Restaurant [Mediterranean restaurant] (2027 W Farmington Rd Ste B, Peoria, IL 61604)
  • Indian Tadka [Indian Restaurant] (7815 Knoxville Ave Unit #12, Peoria, IL 61614)
  • Olive Garden [Italian American Restaurant] (3915 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL 61615)
  • Masala Cafe [Indian Restaurant]  2118 Knoxville Ave, Peoria, IL 61603)

Locally Known Restaurants

  • One World Cafe (1245 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61606)
  • Obed & Isaac’s (321 NE Madison Ave, Peoria, IL 61603)
  • Blue Duck Tavern (212 Southwest Water Street Suite B, Peoria, IL 61602)
  • Kelleher’s Irish Pub (619 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602)
  • Fieldhouse Bar and Grill (1200 W Main St #24, Peoria, IL 61606)
  • Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe (305 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602)