Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) by Exchange Students
What kind of health insurance do I need and how do I get it?
All international exchange students need to have health insurance coverage while they are studying at UH Hilo. The minimum amount students need to have is US$100,000 of insurance for any accident AND US $100,000 of insurance for any illness.
You can purchase insurance in your home country, although you will need to provide proof of insurance in English when you arrive.
HMSA student insurance can also be purchased online. https://member.hmsa.com/studentenrollment/
A copy of your health insurance needs to be filed with the International Student Services upon arrival.
What if I don't have my immunization record?
All students are required to have a TB test and MMR from the UH Hilo Student Health Office. The TB test costs $3.00 and MMR is free. During orientation week, students can get a TB test from 8 am to 3 pm on Monday and Tuesday. The MMR is available from 8 am to 3 pm all week during the orientation week. During the school year, immunizations are done every Monday morning from 8 am to 12 noon. Please note that the TB test is required for every International Exchange student, so everyone has to have the TB test even if you have a record of the immunization in your home country. Please see the UH Hilo website for more information about vaccinations. Click here for more information.
How can I get a UH username at My UH portal?
My UH portal is the online-system of University of Hawai'i so that students can do all academic processes such as registration, e-mail, managing credits for graduation, tuition payment etc.
To get an username at My UH portal, go to https://myuhportal.hawaii.edu and click on "Get a UH username".
When you get a UH username you need students banner ID that consists of eight numbers that was provided on your admission acceptance.
How and when can exchange students register classes?
Exchange students can register on-line starting about one month before orientation week. We will notify accepted exchange students about the exact date for registration.
Classes for fall semester are posted on the university website in April or May and classes for spring semester are posted in October. You can take a look what classes are opened for the next semester at http://www.sis.hawaii.edu/uhdad/avail.classes?i=HIL
Students can register for classes via My UH portal, University of Hawaii's online system. So please remember to get a UH username before you start to register classes.
How can I get my UH Hilo transcript?
Students can get their UH Hilo transcripts by requesting them on-line at the UH Hilo website. Visit the website at: http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/studentaffairs/records/transcripts.php to order your transcript. The cost to order a transcript is $5 for regular processing (processed within seven days of request) and $15 for a rush (processed by the end of the next business day after the request and payment are made). At the website you can complete a request form and fax it or mail it to the records office following the instructions on the form. Unfortunately, due to U.S. federal law, only the student is able to request a transcript for his or her academic records. Therefore, our office is unable to request the transcript for you.
When should I come to Hilo and how do I get there?
All students should arrange to fly to Hilo when the dormitories open or shortly before orientation begins. We will provide transportation from the airport on selected days prior to the start of orientation. We will contact you about those dates. Please contact the university when you have made your flight arrangements.
Please note that Hilo (ITO) is located on the island of Hawai'i (aka Big Island). It is a 45 minute flight from Honolulu.
To book tickets from Honolulu to Hilo, please go to Hawaiian Airlines http://www.hawaiianair.com/pages/index.aspx or
Go! Airlines (Mesa) http://www.iflygo.com/.
Should I Sign Up for Orientation?
At this time orientation is not required. There is a cost of $100 to participate in the orientation activities. These activities include many information sessions for students and parents as well as excursions and activities such as the Hawaiian luau (dinner). We recommend students sign up for orientation since it is a way to learn more about your new campus and meet people who are also new to the campus and Hilo life. To learn more about orientation, please visit the orientation website at http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/orientation/index.php