<p>Hi, </p>
<p>I am an incoming exchange student from the UK who would like some advice on the following:</p>
<p>Choosing a mobile phone/ provider
Opening a bank account (recommended bank and typical procedure). I will be staying very central to campus union btw.
Specific items to pack/leave behind (weight limit of 1 bag, 23KG). </p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Having had a daughter who studied abroad (England) and was then a member of the new exchange student orientation at the university, I asked her a few of these questions. First off she said you will learn a great deal during your orientation meetings. She did say most exchange students open an account at TCF which has a location in the illini bookstore and they will have people ready to set up your account when you are there to purchase books, all you will need is your i card which you will get when you check in. As for phone service she recommended checking the different carriers out as you will see many booths set up throughout the campus area and overall service is good no matter who you have so just see who has the best deal. She did say to attend the exchange student get togethers as you will meet so many people from all over and these are great people to get together and travel with when planning trips away from campus.</p>
<p>Thanks for your information. </p>
<p>Are there any good places to buy clothing/bedding cheaply when I arrive?</p>
<p>Yes, many places! Your i card will also serve as your free bus pass (even though few drivers ask for it) and the bus is an easy way to get to Target, Walmart, (my favorites) and many other cheap places only a few miles away and of course Marketplace Mall if you need something nicer. Any bus you could ever want to take stops at the Union and signs display when the next one is due. It’s a great system and any student without a car learns it very quickly as many use it to just get all over campus quickly.</p>