Getting apartments early

[wmu37]

We are planning on coming to the island around August 3rd or so. Was wondering if we will have a problem finding an apartment that early?

[FoxTrot]

I think that's a bit too early since the May semester doesn't end until August 19th. Nobody will have moved out of their apartments yet. Two weeks before classes is the best time. If you come earlier than that, you'll probably be staying at PBH which isn't a nice place to stay for somebody that's new to the island. The nicer place you have, the better your experience will be here.

[Dru]

IF the BMSI classes started on 5/24/04, and IF the BMSI is a 10-week class, and IF the BMSI group finishes on 8/2/04....

would it be possible for an early arriving student to get a BMSI student's apartment?

(just a thought)

Dru (the Ross mom)

[wmu37]

I now have a couple of new questions...Is the number of hours connected to
the dialup you get unlimited? What if you the apartment you were moving
into already had DSL. Would that make the getting it that much easier?

[spatel0434]

Dru,

You have a point there about BMSI. However, not that many students take BMSI though (as compared to the entire class). So, while the BMSI students would vacate some apartments early, one would probably have more choices if they waited until the entire semester ended like what Foxtrot is saying.

After the semester ends, you will have 4th semester students leaving the island, and during this time, there are also many students that move from one place to another (which I know doesn't necessarily open up more spaces in terms of number, but may provide more of a variety of choices).

[spatel0434]

I now have a couple of new questions...Is the number of hours connected to
the dialup you get unlimited? What if you the apartment you were moving
into already had DSL. Would that make the getting it that much easier?

There are different plans to choose from in terms of dialup service.

There is an unlimited plan, but you have to pay everytime you login. I have this plan, so I just login and stay connected 24-7. Also, since I use internet telephony to call back home, I need the unlimited service.

There are also plans for certain number of hours per month, which you do not have to pay for login (but economically its almost the same price as the unlimited, maybe 10 or 20EC less per month).

As far as DSL goes, I know some apartments come with DSL and its included within the rent. However, these types of places are very rare to find.

If you moved into a place that had DSL, then it would be easier. All you would need to do is an account transfer from the previous tennant's name to your name, and you would be set.

[Dru]

Can you give a ball-park number of how many students have to take the BMSI?

I seem to recall around 50, so I guess the prospect of that number of apartments may offer early arrivals a chance of finding something (especially if there may be an equal or less number of early birds).

Considering the experiences of my daughter and other students that have shared their tales, it seems like arriving 1-2 weeks prior to registration seems the most ideal.

[LuckyLuciano]

I wouldn't hesitate to get down here early. YOu may be giving up some time back home, but if you get a nice apartment it will make it worth it. At least, that's my opinion. Also, don't be hesitant to be assertive and knock on random houses to see if there are rooms for rent. Also, if you're planning on moving that day and find something you like.....some cash in hand always goes a long way.

[Neuro3]

Some people waited until registration time to come down and they had to get apartments in Portsmouth. You can probably talk with the housing department and see if they can give you some numbers to apartments. I live at the Silver lining apartments and they are really nice. It's about a 10-15 min walk to school.

[oc23]

IF the BMSI classes started on 5/24/04, and IF the BMSI is a 10-week class, and IF the BMSI group finishes on 8/2/04....

would it be possible for an early arriving student to get a BMSI student's apartment?

(just a thought)

Dru (the Ross mom)

last semester, the bmsi final exam was 3 days AFTER ours. so this won't work.