<p>Hey,</p>
<p>I'm coming to UVa from England on an exchange programme this coming academic year. Really really excited!! but there a few things that I need advice on...</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Cellphone - I'm planning on getting an american number for the year but I have no idea which company has the best rates, reception etc. I've heard that American companies charge you for receiving calls and texts as well as making them(?!) so I'm wondering whether I should try and get a monthly deal or to stick with Pay as you go? I'm not bothered about a smartphone, just something i can call and text on.</p></li>
<li><p>Accommodation - I've been looking at on-campus accommodation and really like the look of Brown College, properly seems like my cup of tea! But I was reading that they're quota is only 2-4 places for transfer students :( so I should really look for alternatives in case I don't get in. Any advice on good accommodation? I'm open to places off-campus, but since I'm only coming for a year, I wanna make the most of it - so somewhere open and social, with lots going on would be awesome :) Cheers!</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Have you looked at the International Residential College on Emmett St.?</p>
<p>Yeah I have. I liked the look of the IRC but my only concern was that it would be all too easy to stay within the international student comfort zone? but that was my only worry.</p>
<p>I don’t know if any on-grounds housing is still available. If there is, I’m guessing it is in the least desirable locations, such as Copeley. Sometimes a space opens up in a good on-grounds location when someone changes plans.</p>
<p>With off-grounds housing, there typically is a 12 month lease. You might be able to sublease for the summer, but that can be difficult because of a limited market. Or, you might consider staying for the summer and travelling. Cville is a convenient location as a base to see the east coast because it is on a couple Amtrak lines. </p>
<p>IRC does have some American students. If they still have room, I’m guessing that would be your most sociable option. In grad school, I lived in an IRC type residence hall and I loved it. It was the only chance I had to meet people from Japan, Guatemala, S. Korea, Bulgaria, etc. - who all spoke fluent English.</p>
<p>Many students assemble a group of core friends their first year and through fraternities/sororities they join first year. Therefore, it is nice to have a social group like IRC when you come in as an older student.</p>
<p>If you don’t care about smart phones and internet data plans, and if you are staying in the US for less than 24 months, then your cheapest and easiest option is a basic pay as you go phone. Most US companies push discounted phones with 24 month commitments. Many of the deals offering the better phones require a data plan. If you don’t do a 24 month contract, you get overcharged for the phone.</p>
<p>As an exchange student I have to wait till the 1st of may to apply for on-campus housing so I hope they’ll be spaces left!!</p>
<p>As for the phone is it possible to just buy an american pay as you go sim card when I get there? I’d much rather buy a cheap unlocked quad-band phone than pay for one locked to an american company…</p>
<p>You should apply for Brown, but know it is competitive so be prepared to live somewhere else if you aren’t accepted.</p>
<p>Wherever you end up living, you will have a great time. Even if your hall/roommates aren’t your type of people, you would have to be a really boring person to not make ANY friends. Most of my best friends are from the drama groups I’m part of and a few are from the classes I’ve taken. I only stay in contact with 2 of my 1st year hallmates.</p>
<p>I’m from the UK and I use Virgin Mobile (US version) in the states - it’s $35 a month for 300mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data - perfect for facebooking/emailing friends/family back home. Be prepared to buy a new phone though, costing around $80, because Virgin Mobile doesn’t use SIM cards, it’s all built in.</p>
<p>What are you studying?</p>
<p>Yeah, I’m sure I’ll have fun whatever halls I’m in tbh.</p>
<p>I’m currently in my second year studying Philosophy, I’m doing a sandwich year abroad at UVa and then coming back to study in England again for my final year.
I guess I’ll just seek out phone deals once I get there, and take my unlocked phone just in case I can use it there.</p>