College / University...
So you are deciding to go and study in America but where. Well there are a multitude of educational institutes around America. Research is a must and in particular the area where the college or university resides. Quite often they are sited in isolated areas where land is cheap so getting around can be a problem. But there are educational institutes in major cities so it's just a case of seeing who is where and what they will offer you.
Sports Season- Games are played for half the year. So for soccer it is from August to November only. This is so the various sports get as much recognition and airtime as possible and don't conflict with each other too much For your sport you need to check with your coach to find out what your season is. American Football and Basketball as you would expect dominate, and get the most money thrown at them. The schedules are very hectic and you travel great distances by bus to games because flights are just too expensive unfortunately.
Hidden Costs - Despite being offered a scholarship you will still have some costs to pay, unless you are getting a "Full Ride" (full scholarship). Quite often you are offered a part scholarship and how much this is depends on each educational institute's finances at the time you apply. Expect to pay for books (expensive) and food (fast food quite often). If you are late paying your bills you can incur a late payment fee so keep an eye on it
Food - To get fed you need to purchase a food plan at the beginning of the semester (term) as the accommodation doesn't have any cooking facilities. There are a number of these food plans and the quality of the food varies depending on what you pay. The majority is fast food style and vegetables are limited depending on where you are in the USA, although I hear things are improving. That must be thanks to Jamie Oliver?
Accommodation - This is split into Dormitories (lots of people, no privacy), Suites (share with two or four people) or Family Suites (for those students who have a family ie single mothers, couples,etc). The more people per room the cheaper it gets, sort of! You can elect to share with your mates at the beginning of the semester so speak with the Housing Office. Sports players are normally lodged in suites and within the same accommodation block so they can be summoned more easily. Ultimately it's down to what your parents can afford to what type of accommodation you receive. Just contact the Housing Office prior to turning up or if you are going on a sports scholarship email the coach to find out where you are sleeping.
Internet Access - The campus will have its own Internet access point (wired and wireless) which is normally included in your charges or free. To access it you will need to be logged onto the system by the site administrator and issued a password. This will happen as part of your induction within a few days of you arriving on campus.
Keeping in Touch with Home - You have just left home and your parents want you to keep in touch. Goodness we parents are so unreasonable! Your friends here are Skype and email. Both are free and give you privacy if you want. If you are out and about then get WhatsApp on your phone and use the free Internet access which is everywhere, great for accessing your parents when you run out of money in Las Vagas. The message to parents (as a parent myself) is let them contact you, simple. They will but probably only when they need help, money or a bill paying but at least they are contacting you.
Work - International Students are NOT permitted to work off campus. If you do then you can be kicked out of the country for breaking your VISA agreement. You can work on Campus but the wages are very low. For those on a sports scholarship you will be too busy training and studying to hold down a job as well, trust me.
Spending Money suggestion (for students): How much do you need for socialising and having a life? Well, this is a very tricky one but you should have a realistic expectation but don't expect a fortune because it's costing a house to send you to the States.
Spending Money suggestion (for parents): Now you could give them "sufficient" to get by but if you do then they will phone and ask for more every week or so. Also, it will be embarrassing for them if everyone is going out and your child is sat in their room broke. But having said all that don't be so generous that they don't know what to do with all the money you give them. Think comfortable but not poverty.
Sports Season- Games are played for half the year. So for soccer it is from August to November only. This is so the various sports get as much recognition and airtime as possible and don't conflict with each other too much For your sport you need to check with your coach to find out what your season is. American Football and Basketball as you would expect dominate, and get the most money thrown at them. The schedules are very hectic and you travel great distances by bus to games because flights are just too expensive unfortunately.
Hidden Costs - Despite being offered a scholarship you will still have some costs to pay, unless you are getting a "Full Ride" (full scholarship). Quite often you are offered a part scholarship and how much this is depends on each educational institute's finances at the time you apply. Expect to pay for books (expensive) and food (fast food quite often). If you are late paying your bills you can incur a late payment fee so keep an eye on it
Food - To get fed you need to purchase a food plan at the beginning of the semester (term) as the accommodation doesn't have any cooking facilities. There are a number of these food plans and the quality of the food varies depending on what you pay. The majority is fast food style and vegetables are limited depending on where you are in the USA, although I hear things are improving. That must be thanks to Jamie Oliver?
Accommodation - This is split into Dormitories (lots of people, no privacy), Suites (share with two or four people) or Family Suites (for those students who have a family ie single mothers, couples,etc). The more people per room the cheaper it gets, sort of! You can elect to share with your mates at the beginning of the semester so speak with the Housing Office. Sports players are normally lodged in suites and within the same accommodation block so they can be summoned more easily. Ultimately it's down to what your parents can afford to what type of accommodation you receive. Just contact the Housing Office prior to turning up or if you are going on a sports scholarship email the coach to find out where you are sleeping.
Internet Access - The campus will have its own Internet access point (wired and wireless) which is normally included in your charges or free. To access it you will need to be logged onto the system by the site administrator and issued a password. This will happen as part of your induction within a few days of you arriving on campus.
Keeping in Touch with Home - You have just left home and your parents want you to keep in touch. Goodness we parents are so unreasonable! Your friends here are Skype and email. Both are free and give you privacy if you want. If you are out and about then get WhatsApp on your phone and use the free Internet access which is everywhere, great for accessing your parents when you run out of money in Las Vagas. The message to parents (as a parent myself) is let them contact you, simple. They will but probably only when they need help, money or a bill paying but at least they are contacting you.
Work - International Students are NOT permitted to work off campus. If you do then you can be kicked out of the country for breaking your VISA agreement. You can work on Campus but the wages are very low. For those on a sports scholarship you will be too busy training and studying to hold down a job as well, trust me.
Spending Money suggestion (for students): How much do you need for socialising and having a life? Well, this is a very tricky one but you should have a realistic expectation but don't expect a fortune because it's costing a house to send you to the States.
Spending Money suggestion (for parents): Now you could give them "sufficient" to get by but if you do then they will phone and ask for more every week or so. Also, it will be embarrassing for them if everyone is going out and your child is sat in their room broke. But having said all that don't be so generous that they don't know what to do with all the money you give them. Think comfortable but not poverty.