2011-12-23, 02:41 PM
Rick, I do live in the LA area; if you need anything, do give me a holler
From my experience, getting to SD by train or bus would be the cheapest bet. I did some research on Amtrak's website and its roughly about ~$27-39 to go from LA Union Station to one of the stations in San Diego. However, the problem is that there are no stations that are really close to UCSD (Solana Beach is the closest to La Jolla, about 10 miles north of UCSD). Which means some other form of transportation (public bus?) will likely be needed
While you should bring your debt/credit card, having lots of cash would be a good idea.
And yes be prepared for sales taxes; all prices you see are prices before taxes, unless noted. Just FYI, the California sales tax is at 9.75% (one of the highest in the nation).
Also don't worry about being "robbed" and such; its relatively safe in UCSD, but do be aware of your surroundings.
For space and for the reasons you described above, it may be a good idea to buy those items once you come to the States.
Yup! Besides the Californian culture, expect LOTS of diversity around. Have an open mind, don't make moves that might come off as insensitive to others.
There's lots out there, I can say. For specifics, I'll have to look it up (esp for the San Diego area)
So far so good; if there's anything missing I'll let you know.
Quote:1. I'll be arriving at the Los Angeles airport as opposed to San Diego (where I'll be studying). I'm arriving there because it's several hundred dollars less than arriving at the San Diego airport. Is there anyone in California with experience in getting between the two? Out of trains, buses, or other, which would in your opinion be the best way (keeping in mind I'll have my suitcase, laptop, and a backpack with me). Keep costs in mind too because I'm poor.
From my experience, getting to SD by train or bus would be the cheapest bet. I did some research on Amtrak's website and its roughly about ~$27-39 to go from LA Union Station to one of the stations in San Diego. However, the problem is that there are no stations that are really close to UCSD (Solana Beach is the closest to La Jolla, about 10 miles north of UCSD). Which means some other form of transportation (public bus?) will likely be needed
Quote:2. Money. In New Zealand it's commonplace to use our bank cards to pay for everything. From what I've gathered, people use cash a lot more in the United States? This is material because it'll decide how I store my USD. If you guys use cash a lot more, then I'll wanna store it in something with lower ATM fees. If you're more swipe your card at purchase I'll wanna get something different. Also should I like, put it in my sock or something in case someone tries to rob me. What about a US bank account, would I have to jump through hoops to open a temporary one of those? Finally, is it true that when you see a price over there it's tax -not- included? I don't wanna get surprised and caught out by forgetting to add it on.
While you should bring your debt/credit card, having lots of cash would be a good idea.
And yes be prepared for sales taxes; all prices you see are prices before taxes, unless noted. Just FYI, the California sales tax is at 9.75% (one of the highest in the nation).
Also don't worry about being "robbed" and such; its relatively safe in UCSD, but do be aware of your surroundings.
Quote:3. Electronics. Should I just leave all my things like my hairdryer and my alarm clock and other things back in New Zealand. I know the plugs are different and I'd at least have to get adaptors at least for the plug heads, but I really don't know about this whole different voltage thing and I'm not sure if I'd have to buy some form of transformer which could possibly be expensive. Would it be better just to head on down to Walmart and buy the American version of these things and get rid of them when I leave?
For space and for the reasons you described above, it may be a good idea to buy those items once you come to the States.
Quote:4. Any standout culture differences I should expect?
Yup! Besides the Californian culture, expect LOTS of diversity around. Have an open mind, don't make moves that might come off as insensitive to others.
Quote:5. Omg food. What should I try guys
There's lots out there, I can say. For specifics, I'll have to look it up (esp for the San Diego area)
Quote:6. Any final things you think I should think about that I haven't mentioned?
So far so good; if there's anything missing I'll let you know.