<p>How much is needed for an international student for first year? And what's the life like in Appleton? Can any "Lawrencist" say sth?</p>
<p>My son has a job (or two) and he covers all his own spending money. I pay for airline tickets but he has gotten some free ones because of so many accumulated points from past travel. He was spending money going to the local store for goodies and the such until he learned he didn't really need to do that. He wanted to save for a computer. Occasionally he goes with his girlfriend to a restaurant. But he is more frugal than I remember him being when he lived at home. Lots of action on campus and jobs are there! During the shorter holidays, another student who lives in our hometown spent the time with friends from the dorm like for instance, Thanksgiving. International students are invited home. There is a nice international community and you get to go early and kind of bond with the group. They take you shopping etc. before all the rest of the freshman arrive. Look on the website and read some of the blogs for the year. You will get an idea about what the kids are doing. I have never been to Appleton so I can't speak for the town though my son thinks it is great. He loves the people and you can walk to the downtown. You need a ride to the large mall. Taxi to the airport costs about $9 and kids share the fares or have dorm mates with cars drive them. You can ask them direct here: </p>
<p>PS My son is going to buy a bike this spring. Lots of students use them.</p>
<p>Your health insurance cost as an international, I got it for my son as well, was about $400 for the year.</p>
<p>I go to Lawrence (c/o '09). I'm not international.</p>
<p>Most of the social events stay on campus unless you are 21+ (then you can hit the bars within walking distance). Nearly everything on campus is free or has a nominal charge (like benefit concerts and when someone big comes to the Chapel). On campus jobs are also available to anyone who would like one.</p>
<p>to overseas and GUITAR SHREDDER,
thank you so much for your help!!!</p>
<p>Libra-Sky:</p>
<p>My daughter was recently accepted to Lawrence, and it is high on her list. We have visited the campus 3 times (first to visit, second to audition, and third for a scholarship workshop), Appleton is not a major metropolitan area, but it is a small city with several restaurants, bars, and coffee houses that appear to attract the college crowd. The university is small -- only 1400 students. The campus is pretty, and overlooks the Fox River. The politics are progressive. The food in the cafeteria is pretty good. The students we met were friendly and intelligent. The campus is 90 minutes north of Milwaukee, and 3 hours north of Chicago. It can get very cold in the winter, but fall, summer, and spring are wonderful.</p>