<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I'm an international student, arriving to Rose-Hulman this fall. As I don't seem to find much info that would help someone starting in US from scratch (ie, no US bank acct, phone #, etc.), I thought that this thread could serve to collate all this information. </p>
<p>Perhaps a few of the past RHIT students could chip in here? I've got a few questions myself:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Banking: What banks are nearby, and are any easier to deal with than others? Is there anything specific to look out for? (Please do keep in mind that non-US banks might have different regulations, or systems).</p></li>
<li><p>Mobile phones: Which carriers get good reception on campus, especially in the buildings? The less dead zones, the better. And any thoughts on which one is most cost-effective?</p></li>
<li><p>Temperature: How bad does it really get? What kind of clothing is required (esp for winter)? Are down jackets critical? Boots? </p></li>
<li><p>Anything else an international student should take note of? </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks in advance for your help.</p>
<p>Cheers.</p>
<p>I don’t have anything really definitive to say, but here’s my thoughts:</p>
<p>1) I think there is a banking fair sometime near the beginning of the year where local banks come to Rose and help students set up accounts. Maybe @RHITAdmissions can give some details on this, or confirm that it still exists? No idea on what banks are best, though, or what the issues might be for international students. </p>
<p>2) From what I can tell AT&T and Verizon are the best in general, although the buildings are tough for all carriers. Those are typically the most expensive carriers as well, so you get what you pay for. Just ask around to other students when you get to campus who uses what service - you should get a pretty good feel for what people like.</p>
<p>3) You can look at historical data to see what the weather is like. Example [url=<a href=“Local Weather Forecast, News and Conditions | Weather Underground”>Local Weather Forecast, News and Conditions | Weather Underground]here[/url</a>]. If you will be living on campus you will be walking to/from classes and the dining hall, so you will probably need good warm clothing. When I lived off campus I typically just wore a sweater, as getting from a car to the academic buildings is a relatively short walk.</p>
<p>Get used to farmland.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your thoughts. I’m excited, and am looking forward to going. Any information helps greatly!</p>