Public Telephones (Pay phones)

There are many public payphones in area shopping centers, gas stations, airports and other public gathering areas. A local call costs 50 cents plus an additional fee after a time limit. Long distance fees and time limits vary between phone companies. It is best to read the posted information on the phone to understand these rates.

Private Telephones

Residence halls and university apartments are equipped with telephone lines, but it is your responsibility to provide the telephone. Local calls are free with these phone lines. However, long distance or international calls must be made through a long distance provider or phone card.

Cellular Phones

Cell phones are a popular way for students to stay connected. Some students are choosing to rely solely on cell phones without any type of landline/private phone. Some cell phone companies such as Cingular Wireless, offer prepaid, monthly phone plans. If you choose to get a cell phone, make sure you are not signing a yearly contract.

Phone Cards

Phone cards may be the cheapest way for you to make international calls. A variety of companies offer phone cards, each with varying international rates. If you now other students from your country studying in the Midwest area, you may want to ask them what phone card they recommend. One option is the ATT phone card, sold at Wal-Mart. It provides a national rate of 6 cents a minute with varying international charges.

Dialing Phone Numbers

On Campus: When you are dialing a campus number from an on-campus phone, you do not need to dial the local code of 285. Simply dial "5", and then the number.

Off Campus: When dialing local numbers from a local phone, you do not need to dial the long-distance area code. Simply dial the local code and number, such as 285-5422

Long distance: When calling a number outside your local area, you must dial 1, then the area code, then the number. For example, if you were calling the Center for International Programs, you would dial 1-765-285-5422.