Housing

[Sebastian85]

Hi,

Does anyone know the exactly where student housing is? I have read the letters that came with the acceptence package, and it states that students are required to stay at a hotel for the first day in the St.Lucia. Also, is says something about apartments, the difference in cost and which ones are most suitable.

Should we contact the school regarding this matter, is this soley the responsibility of the students? Can anyone with prior knowlegde please explain.

Thanks

[RN2DR]

everyone worries about this issue. a man will pick you up the day you arrive (he works for the school). he will take you around to look at apartments. the people in the area have nice brick homes with added apartments. some people rent entire houses. the price is way way way better than you'd expect. way way cheaper than living in the states or at another carib island school. you can expect to pay around 1000 ec. which comes out to a little less than 400 dollars/month. there are places cheaper than that also. (single room apartments are cheaper). water and cable are usually included. but you'll need to ask up front. most are within walking distance. if you decide to buy a car you can venture out a little further. but don't worry. the school has been doing this for a long time. if there are any problems with the apt/house the school will contact the landlord directly. (the locals make good money off us, so they will fix things quickly---usually) -- but if not, you can get into another place pretty fast.

[Sebastian85]

Hi,

Thank you for the reply.So just for clarification, let's say students arrive 1 week before classes, someone picks us up from the airport then he drives us around looking for apartments? Does that mean we move in on the spot..we see a place we like, then we pay the landlord?

I imaged it would have been more organized, I mean I thought we would establish living arrangements prior to arrival, not at the moment of.

[RN2DR]

sorry, but this is one thing you'll have to learn about "island life." and believe me, you really don't want to set up housing before you get there. you really need to see the places first. some are way better than others. there are some very nice places though!
so yes, you can move on the spot. if you see something you like you pay the landlord within a week or so. it's way easier than you think. don't worry.

[Sebastian85]

sorry...but this is the last thing....but until we find a place..we're staying at a hotel?? and how do we find roommates...I hope that there will be lots of us arriving the same time....so I guess we have to develop a relationship pretty quickly, seeing as how we're living together.

And I hope its as easy as you say, my parents may think otherwise.....

[RN2DR]

i know it's a scary thing. but trust me. you'll find a place the first day. there will be a few to select from. if you want a room mate all u have to do is tell the driver (mr. maxwell). he will let other people know.

i've never heard of anyone staying at the hotel for more than 1-2 nights. all the places are furnished, so all you have to do is move your clothes in. if you don't like it you can move again. they like for you to give it at least a month. while you give it a month you can look around at all the other student's houses.

i know it's a bit of a shock at first, but try to relax. you don't have to have everything perfect in the first week. you'll have at least 16 months on the island. there is plenty time for adjustment.

believe me, housing will be the least of your worries. (you just need a place you can sit and study for many many many hours).

i'll actually be visiting the island again before my residency starts in june. so i'll see you there.