Currently letting "Supersize Me" load on my computer. The first 22 minutes have been nothing but shock, horror and awe. I'm probably most surprised that the dude willingly did it to himself. But anyway, another edition of Tris' travel guide, which he has no doubt will benefit kiddies going for exchange from next year on all the way to perpetuity. Unless this blog needs to be taken down, which I WON'T LET IT. HA.
Anyway, on with the tips Tris has gathered from 22 days here:
1) Find out where your cold spots are.
Very simply, you need to know which parts of your body are most susceptible to the cold, which parts will make you feel the worst and shiver the most. It's crucial because, as I'm learning, my hands react very badly to the cold, and will royally screw up the rest of my body by chafing up. (perhaps it is the lack of fat around the hands that causes this result, hm. Especially worrying now that I'm watching the show that I am.)
If you don't know, it never hurts to pack more. Bring, especially if you're going after July, a pair of gloves, a woolly cap/hat, a scarf and a good coat, preferably with a faux fur lining. (must please the PETA folk) And a raincoat if you're coming to Seattle (I went out to get my mail and then realised it was raining), plus an umbrella if you, like me, don't believe in raincoats. Or one of those windbreaking jacket thingies.
Though with the number of books you're carrying, my personal suggestion is a raincoat / poncho / windbreaker. With a hood, unless you're an idiot like I am.
2) Find out where everything is from each other
America is deceptively small on its maps and "directions" webpages. NOTHING in America, even if it claims "a block away" is as near as it seems. (which is why so many people drive - I've had sore thighs just walking back and forth from the University Village which is 'only' 5 blocks away.)
SO, my tip is: Know where everything is on a map, overestimating everything grossly. If there's a store nearby, how nearby is it? It's only near if it's 1 intersection away, maybe 2 if you're fit. Of course this formulation will surprise you when you realise how near everything is. But only if you begin by thinking everything's super far from each other. The problem is less obvious in New York, but in Seattle, WHOA. Big difference. especially when the freaking map doesn't include significant topographical signs, e.g. the HILLS in SEATTLE will KILL you when you walk.
So remember, distance is everything but means nothing on a map. You'll get used to it, but till you do, overestimate.
3) Know your locale.
In Singapore, location is not crucial. Where you actually live doesn't even apply to your GRC, let alone areas that are unsafe. America though is a rather different kettle of fish.
Read the guidebooks, they tend to give very good advice on the safe and not-so-safe areas, espcially important in determining where you live and what time you should be home. For Seattle anyway, any area beyond University Way NE is NOT safe at night, a lot of freaks who're high tend to roam the area at night. 15th Ave NE (that's the street up from Uni Way) and up is generally safer, and tend to be more crowded - which means safer crowds.
Though you do have to deal with the noise from the fraternities and sororities, most of whom will not actually invite you to their drunken orgies, sadly. :p
So far, that's as much advice as I have to give. Worry not about me, it's just the cold talking. And shivering. Brr.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The First Supper
And friends, I present to you:
Tris' First Meal.
Ok, so it's spaghetti and sauce which is easy to prepare. But I suppose I was worried that the chicken would be undercooked, the sauce overcooked and the pasta all gone.
If nothing else, it suggests survivability. Haha! (Ok, I know it's really hyping up a big nothing but better this nothing than some other nothing. :p)
Now, on to proper real full recipes. Whoo hoo! Like not burning a steak, unlike the last time I cooked in America and ate enough carcinogens to pollute the resort I was staying next to.
P.S. Much thanks to Ying for all her cooking tips! And to babypoo for being there always. :) And to Mummy for reminding me that I needed soy sauce or oyster sauce for the meat. :p
Tris' First Meal.
Ok, so it's spaghetti and sauce which is easy to prepare. But I suppose I was worried that the chicken would be undercooked, the sauce overcooked and the pasta all gone.
If nothing else, it suggests survivability. Haha! (Ok, I know it's really hyping up a big nothing but better this nothing than some other nothing. :p)
Now, on to proper real full recipes. Whoo hoo! Like not burning a steak, unlike the last time I cooked in America and ate enough carcinogens to pollute the resort I was staying next to.
P.S. Much thanks to Ying for all her cooking tips! And to babypoo for being there always. :) And to Mummy for reminding me that I needed soy sauce or oyster sauce for the meat. :p
Monday, September 24, 2007
Guess what's changed in my room!
Old Room:
New Room:
That's right, a heater!
Ok, seriously, my table came in about 6 this evening. I was just about to cook, so it came at a horrible horrible time. That said, I'd been waiting for it for so long that I decided to start immediately.
A horrid idea. After having set up 2 chairs, the table was another break my arm didn't need. There I was, twisting away at the tough nuts and bolts and trying to break the wood in properly. Screwing isn't easy at all folks. The table was also fheavy and the protector cardboard pieces were deceptively heavy. On my feet.
That said, I'm really glad the table is here, so I can start work.
HURHURHUR. Taking 4 classes for anyone who's wondering, more updates when I actually figure out what I'm supposed to be doing for each. :)
Old Room:
New Room:
That's right, a heater!
Ok, seriously, my table came in about 6 this evening. I was just about to cook, so it came at a horrible horrible time. That said, I'd been waiting for it for so long that I decided to start immediately.
A horrid idea. After having set up 2 chairs, the table was another break my arm didn't need. There I was, twisting away at the tough nuts and bolts and trying to break the wood in properly. Screwing isn't easy at all folks. The table was also fheavy and the protector cardboard pieces were deceptively heavy. On my feet.
That said, I'm really glad the table is here, so I can start work.
HURHURHUR. Taking 4 classes for anyone who's wondering, more updates when I actually figure out what I'm supposed to be doing for each. :)
Saturday, September 22, 2007
I truly am learning how to truly live in Seattle.
I found out today that:
- Normal detergent does not belong in a dishwasher. It belongs to the sink. If not you have your own foam party.
Sadly, said foam party today had no bikini-clad chicks to make the clean up op bearable, hur hur.
- My dryer only operates on a half load, so I have to spend a full dollar.
If not, the towels smell funny.
- I need a car here, or a mental map of the buses. It's damn hard to get your lazy ass out when you're carless and hence, immensely limited with what you can and can't do.
- I think I shall consciously forgo the clubbing party tonight. Partly because I don't know enough people to make it fun, and partly because I know I won't be missed.
And at this bizarre juncture, let me say:
I miss the Singapore clubs, not because the music is any better or the atmosphere better or what, but because of you guys. I miss you all, my clubbing khakis, and the lady in red who I haven't stopped dancing with ever since. Miss you all quite badly, because the weather and home may be different, but this heart is still the same.
Excelsior, folks. Love you all.
I found out today that:
- Normal detergent does not belong in a dishwasher. It belongs to the sink. If not you have your own foam party.
Sadly, said foam party today had no bikini-clad chicks to make the clean up op bearable, hur hur.
- My dryer only operates on a half load, so I have to spend a full dollar.
If not, the towels smell funny.
- I need a car here, or a mental map of the buses. It's damn hard to get your lazy ass out when you're carless and hence, immensely limited with what you can and can't do.
- I think I shall consciously forgo the clubbing party tonight. Partly because I don't know enough people to make it fun, and partly because I know I won't be missed.
And at this bizarre juncture, let me say:
I miss the Singapore clubs, not because the music is any better or the atmosphere better or what, but because of you guys. I miss you all, my clubbing khakis, and the lady in red who I haven't stopped dancing with ever since. Miss you all quite badly, because the weather and home may be different, but this heart is still the same.
Excelsior, folks. Love you all.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Updates Few and Far Between
Some minor updates from me:
- Internet has been hooked up in my room, so I am connected to a world of pain, porn and potential. I now wonder if I should've hooked it up in my living room instead. Oh well.
- My bed has come in! And turned out somewhat uncomfortable and somewhat bigger than I thought. Suspect it's not hard enough, and rather larger than expected. My butt hurts. And no, this particular pain I'm not used to, it's in the cheeks rather than the middle. :p
- Had a chance to meet more international folks these past few days. One turned out worse than expected, the other way better. Unfortunately I only have photos of the first, but here it is:
The Irish Emigrant. Excellent ale and fries - must try!
From left to right: PRC, Taiwanese, Korean exchange, Indonesian facilitator (senior from FIUTS, the international whoreland), Japanese doll (who talks as much as a doll does - i.e. not at all), Lithuanian, two Germans who ate my food. :p
This was the Pub Quiz, which while interesting was probably not as fun as I'd hoped. Primarily because the SPGs were all whoring up to the Caucasians while the girls I met were. Well. Let's just say they were really friendly and personable. To be serious, they were, but it's hard to talk in a pub and make lifelong friends that way.
The other event I went for was the Law School Dinner at the UW Club. Which turned out really well. The place is dominated by Asians (only about 20% were non-Asian) which made for interesting talk as we discussed the difference between our countries and the legal systems. I think it turned out better as the students were 1) Asian, 2) older and 3) all open to talking to as many new people as possible, perhaps to be exposed to more influences. And since we're all going to be classmates anyway. :) It was quite enjoyable, really.
- Am meeting the Singaporean folk tonight for dinner. Should be fun - though the one non-graduate Singaporean girl I met was so American I wasn't even sure why she put 'Singapore' on her nametag at the Pub.
Before I go, more piccys from pretty Seattle! :)
Church! Not mine though, but nicest building in the area. :p
Electric Metro buses. Singapore should try, but the way drivers drive back home...
William H. Gates Hall! School for the next 9 months, starting September 24.
UW in the Fall. Quite pretty, but I think the picture will be more crowded next week when classes start proper.
The dominant citizen on UW - Freakin' Squirrels. There are a million of them.
And me. Cold, hungry and still fat. Shit.
Ok folks, shall update when school begins. :)
- Internet has been hooked up in my room, so I am connected to a world of pain, porn and potential. I now wonder if I should've hooked it up in my living room instead. Oh well.
- My bed has come in! And turned out somewhat uncomfortable and somewhat bigger than I thought. Suspect it's not hard enough, and rather larger than expected. My butt hurts. And no, this particular pain I'm not used to, it's in the cheeks rather than the middle. :p
- Had a chance to meet more international folks these past few days. One turned out worse than expected, the other way better. Unfortunately I only have photos of the first, but here it is:
The Irish Emigrant. Excellent ale and fries - must try!
From left to right: PRC, Taiwanese, Korean exchange, Indonesian facilitator (senior from FIUTS, the international whoreland), Japanese doll (who talks as much as a doll does - i.e. not at all), Lithuanian, two Germans who ate my food. :p
This was the Pub Quiz, which while interesting was probably not as fun as I'd hoped. Primarily because the SPGs were all whoring up to the Caucasians while the girls I met were. Well. Let's just say they were really friendly and personable. To be serious, they were, but it's hard to talk in a pub and make lifelong friends that way.
The other event I went for was the Law School Dinner at the UW Club. Which turned out really well. The place is dominated by Asians (only about 20% were non-Asian) which made for interesting talk as we discussed the difference between our countries and the legal systems. I think it turned out better as the students were 1) Asian, 2) older and 3) all open to talking to as many new people as possible, perhaps to be exposed to more influences. And since we're all going to be classmates anyway. :) It was quite enjoyable, really.
- Am meeting the Singaporean folk tonight for dinner. Should be fun - though the one non-graduate Singaporean girl I met was so American I wasn't even sure why she put 'Singapore' on her nametag at the Pub.
Before I go, more piccys from pretty Seattle! :)
Church! Not mine though, but nicest building in the area. :p
Electric Metro buses. Singapore should try, but the way drivers drive back home...
William H. Gates Hall! School for the next 9 months, starting September 24.
UW in the Fall. Quite pretty, but I think the picture will be more crowded next week when classes start proper.
The dominant citizen on UW - Freakin' Squirrels. There are a million of them.
And me. Cold, hungry and still fat. Shit.
Ok folks, shall update when school begins. :)
Saturday, September 15, 2007
This is just a side note: I won't be posting much from Monday till thursday, so keep me in prayer and hoping well. I shall be net-less, but not work-less as I try to organise and co-ordinate course selection and my newly ordered furniture comes in.
It's exciting times. :) I'm in a hotel waiting for American Football, if you were wondering why I had internet. ;p
It's exciting times. :) I'm in a hotel waiting for American Football, if you were wondering why I had internet. ;p
Friday, September 14, 2007
Tris' House!
From a pretty boring yesterday, today turned interesting very quickly. In the oh-shit-I-can't-believe-this-is-happening sense.
If you were wondering, I was so burnt out I fell dead asleep and died in my couch. I didn't even have the strength to get back to my bed in the hotel. Don't ask me why dudey folks, it just was.
Erm, I moved into my house today.
The house's facade. Apologies, but too much vegetation = lousy shot.
The door to the house. I have: 1 girl staying next to me, 3 girls in the basement.
My door. Sorry lah, not funky yet. :p
The carpeted interior, kitchenette + living space.
The as-still-bare bedroom. Before I messed it up.
Very pretty right? Unfortunately, it's still very bare, so any contributions towards making this house a home will be much appreciated. Among the things I need are:
- A laundry basket
- 2 rubbish bins (one for the bathroom, one for the kitchen)
- Cooking stuff (pots, pans, baking stuff)
- Eating stuff (Forks, spoons, knives, plates, bowls)
- Chairs / Stools (I'm currently typing this while sitting on my ass in my flat)
- A fan (Ventilation here isn't very good, but the day isn't windy so well.)
- Tables (Currently sitting on my ass... You get the idea)
- Cabinets
I think my bed will be coming in around Tuesday, my Internet on Thursday. I shall decide if cable TV is necessary for "good livin'" up here.
If you so wish, you may send me gifts at Target.com / Walmart.com / Homedepot.com at 5042 15th Ave NE, Apt #C, Seattle, WA 98105. :p You're welcome to visit too, tell the driver at the airport to drop you off at 15th NE and NE 52nd. And call me beforehand at (206) 601-9792 or email me.
[now no one can say I never informed you folk. :p]
The day took a downturn when I decided to go stock up the house by myself. (as well as to break my horribly big notes) I went to the nearby Safeway and loaded up my shopping cart, thinking (erroneously): "As long as I can push it, it's light enough."
I completely forgot that volume is a very important consideration in grocery shopping as well. Plus the combined fact that America has no concept of 'big bags' and the assumption that everyone drives also escaped me, and worked towards my unfortunate downfall. Which involved me repacking everything frantically while trying to get home, which was only 2 streets north and 2 streets left. It became a battle as I worked my way up the slope, struggling with every step as Tide laughed at me and my mineral water taunted me, while my toilet rolls did not help.
I made it, somehow, and got everything to where I thought they ought to be. The house is still threadbare but at least there's some food and drinks to last me. This was the reason I paid for another stay in the hotel in uptown Seattle, since I figured that I wouldn't get cable on time and I wouldn't have a bed to sleep comfortably on. Tonight should be interesting, to say the least.
So anyhow, Tris has moved in and is happy to receive you all.
I know that this isn't easy, and that you hope for some basics that I can and do want to give. I know you love me, and I know you know I love you. I'll try to work it out, and we'll hit a nice consensus. Because love is always a bit of a struggle, that the end result of joy is best appreciated and the journey may keep going. I love you, and I want to for a very long time indeed.
If you were wondering, I was so burnt out I fell dead asleep and died in my couch. I didn't even have the strength to get back to my bed in the hotel. Don't ask me why dudey folks, it just was.
Erm, I moved into my house today.
The house's facade. Apologies, but too much vegetation = lousy shot.
The door to the house. I have: 1 girl staying next to me, 3 girls in the basement.
My door. Sorry lah, not funky yet. :p
The carpeted interior, kitchenette + living space.
The as-still-bare bedroom. Before I messed it up.Very pretty right? Unfortunately, it's still very bare, so any contributions towards making this house a home will be much appreciated. Among the things I need are:
- A laundry basket
- 2 rubbish bins (one for the bathroom, one for the kitchen)
- Cooking stuff (pots, pans, baking stuff)
- Eating stuff (Forks, spoons, knives, plates, bowls)
- Chairs / Stools (I'm currently typing this while sitting on my ass in my flat)
- A fan (Ventilation here isn't very good, but the day isn't windy so well.)
- Tables (Currently sitting on my ass... You get the idea)
- Cabinets
I think my bed will be coming in around Tuesday, my Internet on Thursday. I shall decide if cable TV is necessary for "good livin'" up here.
If you so wish, you may send me gifts at Target.com / Walmart.com / Homedepot.com at 5042 15th Ave NE, Apt #C, Seattle, WA 98105. :p You're welcome to visit too, tell the driver at the airport to drop you off at 15th NE and NE 52nd. And call me beforehand at (206) 601-9792 or email me.
[now no one can say I never informed you folk. :p]
The day took a downturn when I decided to go stock up the house by myself. (as well as to break my horribly big notes) I went to the nearby Safeway and loaded up my shopping cart, thinking (erroneously): "As long as I can push it, it's light enough."
I completely forgot that volume is a very important consideration in grocery shopping as well. Plus the combined fact that America has no concept of 'big bags' and the assumption that everyone drives also escaped me, and worked towards my unfortunate downfall. Which involved me repacking everything frantically while trying to get home, which was only 2 streets north and 2 streets left. It became a battle as I worked my way up the slope, struggling with every step as Tide laughed at me and my mineral water taunted me, while my toilet rolls did not help.
I made it, somehow, and got everything to where I thought they ought to be. The house is still threadbare but at least there's some food and drinks to last me. This was the reason I paid for another stay in the hotel in uptown Seattle, since I figured that I wouldn't get cable on time and I wouldn't have a bed to sleep comfortably on. Tonight should be interesting, to say the least.
So anyhow, Tris has moved in and is happy to receive you all.
I know that this isn't easy, and that you hope for some basics that I can and do want to give. I know you love me, and I know you know I love you. I'll try to work it out, and we'll hit a nice consensus. Because love is always a bit of a struggle, that the end result of joy is best appreciated and the journey may keep going. I love you, and I want to for a very long time indeed.
Photo Post
I also thought I should liven up this blog and put up some pictures of the campus, if you haven't already seen them on Facebook. :)
I took this on Saturday when I was still blur and super seh. It was strangely warming, I suppose, to see the place where I would be studying for a whole freakin' year. Quite amazing, really.
Typical red-brick classical architecture all over UW. They're engaged in a program to restore the current buildings, so these will all become schools of some sort in the future. Yes, it IS just as it is in the movies. Very Mona Lisa Smile ish.
The Plaza, flanked by the library and a building which I have yet to take a piccy of.
Me in front of the School of Music.
Denny Hall, which I believe is Residential but I'm not sure.
Myself and Junichi outside the William H. Gates Hall.
Junichi-san is a 28-year old student from Japan, doing his IP LLM. He works at the Patent Office at home (Tokyo, near the Diet) and he's been here since the end of July. Think he's on a government scholarship or something. I met him through the Internet... I mean, through the International Students' Orientation yesterday. Very very nice chap, who struggled through English to speak with me and walked the campus with me. Very nice dude, though I realise this photo makes him look bad boy.
Oh, and he's married, if you were wondering. (just in case. :p)
--------------------------------------------------------------
And for my bonus: RANDOM PICS OF BEAUTIFUL GIRLS!
This one not cheap, must be able to love much much and give much much. Likes the cute things, criteria also applies to boyfriend.
These two velly different: One is very good schoolgirl type and other is very literate insulting type. One likes men going to India, other likes men as well. You not choosy, take one without boyfriend for now, is good time.
This one very exclusive, only likes MEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEME. :p
On a less insolent note: Hi darlings! (and not forgetting those not in the piccys.) Much love to you all, and most love goes to the one in the last picture. I love you, poo. :) -muah-
I took this on Saturday when I was still blur and super seh. It was strangely warming, I suppose, to see the place where I would be studying for a whole freakin' year. Quite amazing, really.
Typical red-brick classical architecture all over UW. They're engaged in a program to restore the current buildings, so these will all become schools of some sort in the future. Yes, it IS just as it is in the movies. Very Mona Lisa Smile ish.
The Plaza, flanked by the library and a building which I have yet to take a piccy of.
Me in front of the School of Music.
Denny Hall, which I believe is Residential but I'm not sure.
Myself and Junichi outside the William H. Gates Hall.Junichi-san is a 28-year old student from Japan, doing his IP LLM. He works at the Patent Office at home (Tokyo, near the Diet) and he's been here since the end of July. Think he's on a government scholarship or something. I met him through the Internet... I mean, through the International Students' Orientation yesterday. Very very nice chap, who struggled through English to speak with me and walked the campus with me. Very nice dude, though I realise this photo makes him look bad boy.
Oh, and he's married, if you were wondering. (just in case. :p)
--------------------------------------------------------------
And for my bonus: RANDOM PICS OF BEAUTIFUL GIRLS!
This one not cheap, must be able to love much much and give much much. Likes the cute things, criteria also applies to boyfriend.
These two velly different: One is very good schoolgirl type and other is very literate insulting type. One likes men going to India, other likes men as well. You not choosy, take one without boyfriend for now, is good time.
This one very exclusive, only likes MEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEME. :pOn a less insolent note: Hi darlings! (and not forgetting those not in the piccys.) Much love to you all, and most love goes to the one in the last picture. I love you, poo. :) -muah-
Tris' Travel Tips! - The House
Apologies for the lack of updates, I've been running around trying to settle stuff and get to school and what-have-you, so this blog will STRIVE to be more updated. No guarantees though.
Anyhow, my next article regarding the housing application. I'm a bit torn as to what to say here, and I shall go into excruciating detail why this is the case. Bear with me a little as I take you through the past 6 days and my various anxieties.
2. THE HOUSE
As a UW student, you will find that you are at the bottom, or near the bottom, of the priority ladder w.r.t. on-campus housing. Do not see this as a problem; instead, use this as an opportunity to find your own housing and experience the highs and lows of finding your own house. It makes the house so much sweeter. I think only the St. Louis people had to find their own house as well - so you are part of an extremely elitely frustrated group.
a. Do your Research
You ought to find out prices of places where you might like to stay. Do note that Seattle, as with other big cities, is not cheap. I'm paying US$795 a month for my current apartment (photos when I finally take 'em) + electricity + cable + internet. So, just a word of caution.
Research is important because it gives you options, and it gives you a fair idea of what to expect when you get there. I like the following websites as they tend to be the most accurate / updated, in descending order:
Craiglist Seattle - The best listing site for all of your needs. Search under apartments OR rooms, and type in your price range, as well as 'UW' or 'District' to search for houses near the school. Updated so freaking regularly, you'd better check every hour. :p
UWHousing - Runs several apartments around the area, for pretty good prices.
NW Apartments - I believe this is attached to a local newspaper, so you're reading online classifieds. Good place to read up, but not as updated as Craigslist.
The idea here is to get a sense of what you want, and where you want to stay. If you prefer walking to school, then you shouldn't stay more than 1 mile eitherway. (i.e. between 11th-21st Ave NE on NE 41st - 55th.) If you don't mind bussing, you can go further out, prices tend to drop a little. Set yourself a price range and happy searching.
b. Reservation
You have 1 of 2 options:
1) You can agree with a landlord for a house first, before you even touch down, so that you have a place to stay OR
2) You can scout about and around after you touch down.
The most obvious benefit of 1) is that you have a freakin' place to stay, rather than the hotels I've been shacking up in. BUT, my recommendation goes against it because you should get a feel of the place once you're in Seattle AND inspect the area. The location is important but I don't think you get a sense of how far it is from the uni till you're actually there.
AND, if you stay at Travelodge, you get free wireless and Cable, while your house is still unequipped. (unless you get a fully furnished house, which is pretty pricey)
I thus recommend 2, for nothing beats the sense of being there. But do make calls if you want to have a place ready, make enquiries (rent, whether rent includes utilities, what connections there are, and facilities like laundry are all good questions. AND, when you can move in) and be ready to pay a deposit to reserve the place.
Do note though that if you want the widest spread of options, go as early as you can, noting that the earlier you go, the more you will end up spending due to miscellaneous costs. Including hotels, which will be your main residence and eat up money like no one's business, as I'm learning.
c. Preparation
Regardless of what house you want, all landlords will perform a credit check application on you, to ensure you're not a convicted felon and that you have good credit. SO, as a non-U.S. citizen, you think this doesn't apply. And you'd be wrong. So, let me tell you what you will need to show your landlord person.
i) Create a bank account.
You need a checking account OR you should purchase money orders at Safeway (it's near the Uni) to issue checks for deposit / credit check - landlords do not accept cash. The banks here open till about 8pm, so going late isn't a problem. Just remember to bring in your cash and set it up, and tell parents that your account is up.
But remember, set up a CHECKING account, not a savings one. This guarantees you access to checks and a check card (like a debit card). You want to be able to GIVE people money, not hoard it yourself you bastard.
ii) Make photocopies. Many of them.
Most landlords will accept proof of your identity as a student. So, make a copy of:
- Your passport photo page
- Your Visa page on the passport (and your I-94 departure card which should be stapled next to it)
- Your I-20 form (just the 1st page)
- Your bank account setup / proof / something. Ask your bank advisor to do this for you.
Bring all these, plus checks, to the house and look interested.
Uh, ok, so that's it for housing from me. Shall update the post if anything changes, as well as photos. :)
Anyhow, my next article regarding the housing application. I'm a bit torn as to what to say here, and I shall go into excruciating detail why this is the case. Bear with me a little as I take you through the past 6 days and my various anxieties.
2. THE HOUSE
As a UW student, you will find that you are at the bottom, or near the bottom, of the priority ladder w.r.t. on-campus housing. Do not see this as a problem; instead, use this as an opportunity to find your own housing and experience the highs and lows of finding your own house. It makes the house so much sweeter. I think only the St. Louis people had to find their own house as well - so you are part of an extremely elitely frustrated group.
a. Do your Research
You ought to find out prices of places where you might like to stay. Do note that Seattle, as with other big cities, is not cheap. I'm paying US$795 a month for my current apartment (photos when I finally take 'em) + electricity + cable + internet. So, just a word of caution.
Research is important because it gives you options, and it gives you a fair idea of what to expect when you get there. I like the following websites as they tend to be the most accurate / updated, in descending order:
Craiglist Seattle - The best listing site for all of your needs. Search under apartments OR rooms, and type in your price range, as well as 'UW' or 'District' to search for houses near the school. Updated so freaking regularly, you'd better check every hour. :p
UWHousing - Runs several apartments around the area, for pretty good prices.
NW Apartments - I believe this is attached to a local newspaper, so you're reading online classifieds. Good place to read up, but not as updated as Craigslist.
The idea here is to get a sense of what you want, and where you want to stay. If you prefer walking to school, then you shouldn't stay more than 1 mile eitherway. (i.e. between 11th-21st Ave NE on NE 41st - 55th.) If you don't mind bussing, you can go further out, prices tend to drop a little. Set yourself a price range and happy searching.
b. Reservation
You have 1 of 2 options:
1) You can agree with a landlord for a house first, before you even touch down, so that you have a place to stay OR
2) You can scout about and around after you touch down.
The most obvious benefit of 1) is that you have a freakin' place to stay, rather than the hotels I've been shacking up in. BUT, my recommendation goes against it because you should get a feel of the place once you're in Seattle AND inspect the area. The location is important but I don't think you get a sense of how far it is from the uni till you're actually there.
AND, if you stay at Travelodge, you get free wireless and Cable, while your house is still unequipped. (unless you get a fully furnished house, which is pretty pricey)
I thus recommend 2, for nothing beats the sense of being there. But do make calls if you want to have a place ready, make enquiries (rent, whether rent includes utilities, what connections there are, and facilities like laundry are all good questions. AND, when you can move in) and be ready to pay a deposit to reserve the place.
Do note though that if you want the widest spread of options, go as early as you can, noting that the earlier you go, the more you will end up spending due to miscellaneous costs. Including hotels, which will be your main residence and eat up money like no one's business, as I'm learning.
c. Preparation
Regardless of what house you want, all landlords will perform a credit check application on you, to ensure you're not a convicted felon and that you have good credit. SO, as a non-U.S. citizen, you think this doesn't apply. And you'd be wrong. So, let me tell you what you will need to show your landlord person.
i) Create a bank account.
You need a checking account OR you should purchase money orders at Safeway (it's near the Uni) to issue checks for deposit / credit check - landlords do not accept cash. The banks here open till about 8pm, so going late isn't a problem. Just remember to bring in your cash and set it up, and tell parents that your account is up.
But remember, set up a CHECKING account, not a savings one. This guarantees you access to checks and a check card (like a debit card). You want to be able to GIVE people money, not hoard it yourself you bastard.
ii) Make photocopies. Many of them.
Most landlords will accept proof of your identity as a student. So, make a copy of:
- Your passport photo page
- Your Visa page on the passport (and your I-94 departure card which should be stapled next to it)
- Your I-20 form (just the 1st page)
- Your bank account setup / proof / something. Ask your bank advisor to do this for you.
Bring all these, plus checks, to the house and look interested.
Uh, ok, so that's it for housing from me. Shall update the post if anything changes, as well as photos. :)
Friday, September 7, 2007
Tris' Travel Tips! - The Flight
Oh right, my 1st advice post. Incidentally, I definitely am suffering from jetlag because it's 10 at night and I don't feel the least sleepy. I just ordered Pizzs Hut, just bathed, and just realised that I haven't eaten since 8 this morning, on the plane. My body's hugely out of whack. :(
1. THE FLIGHT
a. Fly American!
I'm not equipped to advise on European airlines because I haven't flown long haul with them since... Ever. So, I can only discuss the benefits and detriments of Malaysian & China Airlines V/S United Airlines.
The big benefit about flying United for me - NO FUCKIN KIDS. Well, there was this one Indian family who lost control of their children (who seriously looked like brown Shrek babies, no kidding) but the flight was serene otherwise. And a little girl sitting next to me kicking my feet when she adjusted in her seat. BUT unlike Asian kids, Caucasian kids only whimper in bouts, not continuously; and not so loud that the whole airplane hears them. This could also have a lot to do with timing, but it appeared that today, more pockets of individuals were flying United rather than families. Big bonus.
The downside is that American staff are a little... Patronising. Not just in scolding you but also in praising you. I got scolded, rightly, for not stowing my laptop away; but a million smiles and 'thank yous' got nothing but scowls from the same grouchy stewardess. Who then said that the old Japanese couple next to me were very nice, even though she didn't speak their language. It wasn't inconsistent, but it was f-patronising. Seriously irritating.
Food's ok on United. People who expect gourmet food on flights should ride the Orient Express or fly Business, because let's be honest - food's food and you're sitting Economy. United gave me 2 meals per flight leg, and the food wasn't bad. I don't know how SIA does it, but I do vaguely remember Malaysian Airlines serving inedible vegetables. Perhaps it's the Tokyo ground staff who serve good food, I've no idea. But United was alright.
b. Fly Late! (and other timing issues)
As I alluded to earlier, don't bother flying early. Especially if you fly in the June July period - you're going to bump into pockets of kids & families. I flew with a planeload of students today, a whole bunch from Korea in front and visiting / matriculating individuals behind.
Why are kids so important anyway? This is a big deal because it affects your sleep majorly. I was decently rested getting off the plane, because nothing bothered me. I touched down in 2005 sickish, irritated and couldn't get out of bed for 3 days, because of one screaming kid. It's all a matter of luck of course, but reducing probability works in YOUR favour.
Another thing too is to not do what I did, as much as it can be helped:
- DO NOT touch down in the morning. Sure, you gain a whole day, but as it turned out, I spent it sleeping. The only things I've done are: make some prospective apartment calls AND get acclimatised to the weather. And order Pizza and get gypped of 2 Pepsi bottles. B******ds. And anyway, evening flights work better because you can sleep immediately and begin the time switch process.
- DO NOT fly before a weekend, especially if your housing is as done as mine. Most places are open on Saturday, but Sunday is as good as gone; and if you're staying as far from the campus as I am, even worse. But that's an accom problem. Still, no sense to fly in on Friday, make it Thursday or Sunday itself. :)
c. Fly Prepared!
Bring the following:
- Chapstick
- Eyedrops
- Moisturiser
- Empty Bottle
The flight experience is horribly dehydrating, as I learnt to my chagrin. Don't be daft. Be prepared.
Ok, time to eat. Shall keep posting since I'm SO BLOODY BORED. :p
1. THE FLIGHT
a. Fly American!
I'm not equipped to advise on European airlines because I haven't flown long haul with them since... Ever. So, I can only discuss the benefits and detriments of Malaysian & China Airlines V/S United Airlines.
The big benefit about flying United for me - NO FUCKIN KIDS. Well, there was this one Indian family who lost control of their children (who seriously looked like brown Shrek babies, no kidding) but the flight was serene otherwise. And a little girl sitting next to me kicking my feet when she adjusted in her seat. BUT unlike Asian kids, Caucasian kids only whimper in bouts, not continuously; and not so loud that the whole airplane hears them. This could also have a lot to do with timing, but it appeared that today, more pockets of individuals were flying United rather than families. Big bonus.
The downside is that American staff are a little... Patronising. Not just in scolding you but also in praising you. I got scolded, rightly, for not stowing my laptop away; but a million smiles and 'thank yous' got nothing but scowls from the same grouchy stewardess. Who then said that the old Japanese couple next to me were very nice, even though she didn't speak their language. It wasn't inconsistent, but it was f-patronising. Seriously irritating.
Food's ok on United. People who expect gourmet food on flights should ride the Orient Express or fly Business, because let's be honest - food's food and you're sitting Economy. United gave me 2 meals per flight leg, and the food wasn't bad. I don't know how SIA does it, but I do vaguely remember Malaysian Airlines serving inedible vegetables. Perhaps it's the Tokyo ground staff who serve good food, I've no idea. But United was alright.
b. Fly Late! (and other timing issues)
As I alluded to earlier, don't bother flying early. Especially if you fly in the June July period - you're going to bump into pockets of kids & families. I flew with a planeload of students today, a whole bunch from Korea in front and visiting / matriculating individuals behind.
Why are kids so important anyway? This is a big deal because it affects your sleep majorly. I was decently rested getting off the plane, because nothing bothered me. I touched down in 2005 sickish, irritated and couldn't get out of bed for 3 days, because of one screaming kid. It's all a matter of luck of course, but reducing probability works in YOUR favour.
Another thing too is to not do what I did, as much as it can be helped:
- DO NOT touch down in the morning. Sure, you gain a whole day, but as it turned out, I spent it sleeping. The only things I've done are: make some prospective apartment calls AND get acclimatised to the weather. And order Pizza and get gypped of 2 Pepsi bottles. B******ds. And anyway, evening flights work better because you can sleep immediately and begin the time switch process.
- DO NOT fly before a weekend, especially if your housing is as done as mine. Most places are open on Saturday, but Sunday is as good as gone; and if you're staying as far from the campus as I am, even worse. But that's an accom problem. Still, no sense to fly in on Friday, make it Thursday or Sunday itself. :)
c. Fly Prepared!
Bring the following:
- Chapstick
- Eyedrops
- Moisturiser
- Empty Bottle
The flight experience is horribly dehydrating, as I learnt to my chagrin. Don't be daft. Be prepared.
Ok, time to eat. Shall keep posting since I'm SO BLOODY BORED. :p
So here I am, in Seattle Travelodge North Aurora. I'm impressively far from the university (about 3.3 miles to be exact), I haven't checked in with the University yet, and the hotel cuts bare standards of decent. I'm incredibly jetlagged, my stomach's all over the place, and I'm not sure what time it's supposed to be.
I'm sure things'll look up soon, as they always do. It's just that for 45 minutes just now, I was impressively close to bawling my eyes out because I was so depressed and upset and confused and lost. Then I rolled off to sleep. I don't feel much better but I'm doing ok.
To a better tomorrow then. Bon voyage y'all.
I'm sure things'll look up soon, as they always do. It's just that for 45 minutes just now, I was impressively close to bawling my eyes out because I was so depressed and upset and confused and lost. Then I rolled off to sleep. I don't feel much better but I'm doing ok.
To a better tomorrow then. Bon voyage y'all.
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