Books are probably one of your main expenses in college. Therefore it is important that, whenever possible, you save some money on them.

In this article I want to focus my attention on renting books because this is usually the best solution, especially for exchange students. There are several websites that you can use to rent books, but I suggest using Chegg.com because so far it has delivered the best results in terms of savings.

Otherwise, if you don’t want to rent or you cannot rent the books you need, you can find more information on how to buy books at this page http://www.uncgstudent.com/article/how-to-get-the-books-you-need/

Also, once you have signed up, you can try to use the following coupon codes before checking out on Chegg.com because so far it has delivered the best results in terms of savings:

• aff51
• B6C0A266

If you cannot find your books on Chegg, then your second best option is Amazon.com.

Other websites that allow you to rent books are:

• Barnes&Noble: the largest book retailer in the United States.
• Campusbooks.com: get $8 Off Your Rental
• CollegeBookRenter.com: Rent and Save up to 85% on your Textbooks!
• Local bookstores

For more information on other ways to get the books you need you can visit this page http://www.uncgstudent.com/article/how-to-get-the-books-you-need/

LIVING ON CAMPUS

Compared to living off campus, living in the dorms is easy and convenient. In most cases you arrive to Greensboro and immediately go to the dorm and check in. Everyone who lives in the dorms is required to have a meal plan and there are five cafeteria sections with different foods you can choose on campus.

But dorm life can have its frustrations. At times the dorms can become loud and privacy may be at a minimum. However, there are ways you can reduce any problems with dormitory life.

THE ROOMMATE

For many international students studying in the U.S., it is their first experience with a roommate. You need to know how American students view the roommate situation, what their expectations are, and what your rights are.
To most Americans, living with another person during the college years is normal and to be expected. So, we have developed unspoken rules of etiquette for this situation. Sit down with your roommate in the first few days and talk about how you each like to live; whether you are messy or neat, quiet or noisy, etc. Try to lay down a few “ground rules” regarding visitors to the room, study time, sharing things, etc.

You will find that your American roommate has tons of “stuff” and will, in most cases, be happy to share. However, if problems begin to develop, talk to your roommate at once. Don’t wait until you are angry. If you cannot get along with your roommate and feel that you can no longer live together, it is possible to go to the Office of Housing and Residence Life and request a change. If you have met another person and would like to room with that person, both of you need to go down and request the change together. In most cases changes are approved.

Note: it is only possible to live with people of the same sex.

In many cases, this will be your roommate’s first experience living and talking closely with someone from another country. Sometimes they may have silly questions, get your nation confused with another nearby country, or they may not even know where your country is located. Be patient with them and try to answer all of their questions. One of the benefits of your stay is that you will spread international awareness on the campus.

You will also find that your roommate can be an important source for information and aid. Not only do they know where most things are located on campus and in Greensboro, but they know how to deal with the day-to-day problems that will crop up. So, if you have a question or are confused, BE SURE TO ASK!

Also, if your roommate extends an invitation to visit his/her home/family or friends, consider accepting. It is a great way to see other parts of the U.S. or NC and gives you a view of the American family.

If you are concerned about having some “alone time” in the dorms you should know that many UNCG students go home for the weekends. If your roommate is a North Carolina resident, the chances are good that he or she will be home at least one weekend a month.

I-HOUSE

UNCG has designated space in the Phillips-Hawkins Residence Hall as the University International House. I-House residents include UNCG students who have studied abroad; those whose majors include foreign languages and international business; degree-seeking international students; and exchange students.

The I-House stages a weekly get together (Friday-fest) and several events throughout the year from international film evenings to them dinners. This program has been designed to provide a rich atmosphere of language learning, cultural orientation, and social activities with an international flavor. If you would like to join the I-House community, just let IPC know of your interest.

PRIVATE/OFF CAMPUS

Living off campus has many benefits. You have more privacy, less noise, and it is easier to study. However living off campus also has a few drawbacks. Transportation becomes necessary and your bills can be higher.

But once you have decided to live off campus in a private house or apartment, there are a few things you need to know in order to make the process of house hunting easier.

First, you should know that most area landlords, particularly those around the campus, REQUIRE THAT YOU SIGN A ONE-YEAR LEASE. If you are not planning to stay an entire year, you must remember that you will lose your deposit (usually one month’s rent) if you leave early and can be required to pay the rent for the entirety of your lease. If your lease is over or you are looking for somewhere to live for a little while before returning home, you can usually find fellow international students to stay with especially through the summer, as some students like to spend the summer traveling, studying or working before returning home.

Finding an apartment can be a little difficult in Greensboro. But, if you are patient and diligent you should be able to find something within a two-week period. Apartments within walking distance to campus will cost you anywhere from $350 to $800 per month, depending on the area, the landlords, and the number of roommates you have. Please click on the following link for a list of off campus apartments close to campus. http://www.uncg.edu/cap/commuter/apartments.php

BEFORE YOU SIGN A LEASE, READ IT THOROUGHLY!! Make sure that you understand the language and if you don’t, ask a friend to explain it to you. Remember, this is a legally binding contract and you will be expected to fulfill your obligations. Some important questions to ask include: Are the utilities (electricity, water, gas) included? What is the penalty for leaving early? Who is responsible for lawn care and repair of appliances? What are the rules for sub-letting? How many people can live in the apartment? Are pets allowed?

This information is borrowed from ‘UNCG’ IPC International Exchange Student’s Survival Guide to UNCG.

These are some pictures taken on campus.

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Use your senses in Greensboro, North Carolina, and immerse yourself in fun and excitement! There are plenty of sights, smells, sounds, tastes and activities to experience. Browse through this guide for fine accommodations, fun-filled attractions and events, delicious dining, great golf and more!

Foto: rustytanton

The UNCG 29th Annual International Festival one of the largest events on campus is an exciting opportunity for the University and greater communities to celebrate diverse countries of the world and to foster multicultural awareness. The 29th annual International Festival will be held in the HHP (Health and Human Performance) Building today from 12:00 to 5:00 pm. The Festival promotes cultural appreciation and understanding through music, food, exhibits, educational demonstrations, and live entertainment from all regions of the globe. Last year, some 50 different countries, organizations and vendors hosted booths for the over 3,000 people in attendance. This year, passports to the world, which will be distributed at the event, can be stamped as attendees visit numerous country booths and meet representative international students. Parents, children, students and all community members are welcome.

Cycling in the U.S. is very different from other nations. Bicycles are mostly used for recreation.

However, cycling is a cheap, healthy, and fun way to get around town as long as you know the rules.

Cyclists must follow ALL traffic regulations issued by North Carolina. Also, remember that most American drivers are not used to dealing with cyclists on the roads, so be careful. Wear bright clothing as well as a helmet. Also, you are required by law to use lights when traveling at night. You should know that cycling is not allowed on most highways and is never allowed on the interstates.

This information is borrowed from ‘UNCG’ IPC International Exchange Student’s Survival Guide to UNCG.

Photo: fixedgear

You may want to purchase a car during your stay. International students who choose to live off campus may find it necessary. If you are considering this option, talk to other international students and see if two or three of you would like to purchase one together. This will greatly reduce the total cost to each person. Owning a car will give you complete freedom, but there are a couple of important things to keep in mind when considering this option.

A reliable used car can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000. Besides the purchase price, you are required to buy insurance to drive in North Carolina. Call the insurance agents listed in the Yellow Pages of the phone book to get the best rate. Depending on your situation and driving record, insurance can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000 per six month period. Additional expenses will include gasoline, any maintenance or repairs, tax, and title/licensing fees (about $150).

Buying a car can be a risky operation. Be sure that the seller has a valid title (proves ownership) to the car in his or her name. Be sure to have a qualified mechanic look over the car before you sign anything or give the seller any money. Most mechanics will do this for a small fee ($50-$75). You should be aware that North Carolina has something called “lemon laws” which protect consumers when purchasing a car. If you have bought a car and it is in such disrepair that you cannot drive it or if it will cost you a lot of money to fix, you can still get your money back even if you signed an “as is” agreement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Photo: Mozul.

Renting a car is a great way to travel across America with friends. The age requirement for renting a car in North Carolina is 21 years of age or older, and in some cases, 25 years of age. The Greensboro Airport has a wide variety of rental car agencies that offer cheap and competitive rates and the internet is also a good source for finding cheap rental cars. Closer to campus is Enterprise Rent-A-Car (275-1299), which is located at 501 W. Lee Street. You can check the availability of rental cars at www.enterprise.com.

This information is borrowed from ‘UNCG’ IPC International Exchange Student’s Survival Guide to UNCG.

Photo: Chika

Where: Phillips-Hawkins residence hall (I-House).

When: Friday, March 25, 2011 2:00pm- 4:00pm

Description: Come check out the Brazil, Mexico and Spain International Friday Fest! Students from both countries will be presenting their country and culture. Learn about their culture, sample traditional foods and meet new people from all over the world! Presentation starts at 2pm in the downstairs lobby of Phillips-Hawkins dorm (I-House).

Airplanes

pic by jimdavidson.

If you can afford it, air travel is the quickest way to travel and is probably best for long distances. For this reason it is best to make reservation well ahead of time.

The internet is an excellent source in helping you to find cheap airline tickets; some great websites are: www.kayak.com, www.cheaptickets.com , www.orbitz.com , or www.expedia.com , and www.studetuniverse.com.

Greensboro has its own airport about a 20-30 minute ride by taxi or car. Although it operates only flights within the United States, it is extremely easy to find a connecting flight in bigger cities such Philadelphia, New York, Atlanta or Chicago. United, US Airways or Continental all fly from the Piedmont Triad International Greensboro Airport (GSO) to this major destinations.

This information is borrowed from ‘UNCG’ IPC International Exchange Student’s Survival Guide to UNCG.