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 is US$50,000 of accident insurance and US$50,000 of sickness and illness coverage.
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 from the second day of orientation.
Although you can start to register during the orientation week, you can take a look what classes are opened for the next semseter at http://myuh.hawaii.edu/uhdad/avail.classes?i=HIL&t=200810
Students can register for classes via My UH portal, Univeristy 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. We will notify you of the date. UH Hilo will have shuttles available all day to transport you from the airport to the dormitory. Please contact the university when you have made you flight arrangements.
Please note that Hilo (ITO) is located on the island of Hawai'i (aka Big Island).
To book tickets from Honolulu to Hilo, please go to Aloha Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines or Go! Airlines (Mesa).