Posted by annisleung on Mar 25, 2009 in
Life The semester has gone halfway already. This week I decide to give myself a break from the informative topics as spring break has come. It is time to leave the computer and have some fun. Let’s go check out what others have been doing during the break. Before, that, I would want to give you a brief background of Spring Break.
what is Spring Break?
Spring Break, or March Break, is usually a week-long recess between mid-March and early-April for students. Some would take this opportunity to catch up readings, papers and projects while some would take some time-off or travel else where.
Let’s watch what the students have done in their spring break…
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isprfPna3Ec[/youtube]
Tags: fun, relax, spring break
Posted by annisleung on Mar 23, 2009 in
Living When it comes to student housing, foreign students may find a hard time to determine what is suitable for them. There are several choices – hosting family, dormit0ry, on-/off-campus apartment, fraternity and sorority.
As a new student, I highly recommend that new foreign students live in on-campus housing. Dormitory and university apartment are the most popular choices because they are affordable, safe, walking distance to campus. Student can make new friends with other students, experience the American culture, adjust to college life, and learn native English through the native speakers.
Dormitory
It is also called residence hall which offers a wide range of floor plans, occupancy rooms, and prices. Rooms are usually furnished or unfurnished, and pre-installed with internet, phone line and basic cable TV services. Amenities may probably include kitchens, bathrooms, computer labs, study lounges, laundry centers, recreation areas, parking spaces, etc. Some dormitories require students to join the meal plans. However, I think this can ease your burden of cooking your own meal. Some halls may offer different types of community – coed, female-/male-only, freshman, graduate, international, or American – to fit your needs. Roommates are assigned.
Pros: hassle-free on utilities; 1 fee pays all; easy on freshman or new student; more chance to new friends.
Cons: sharing 1 bathroom facility, living area, kitchen area in the commons with few or more students; meal plans are mandatory in many schools; less privacy; laundry in the public laundry center.
Freshman Residence Hall at University Village at UT Dallas
On-Campus Apartment
Like dormitory, apartment also provides a wide range of floor plans, occupancy rooms, and prices. However, it is more like a housing unit with bedrooms, full bathroom and full-equipped kitchen. It may be furnished or unfurnished depending on the communities. Internet, phone and cable TV jacks may be installed, but probably not the services. Occupancy are usually from 1-bedroom to 4-bedroom. Residences may have their own bathrooms or share with one other. Amenities in the unit may include refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer/dryer, etc.
Pros: more privacy than dormitory; 1-2 persons share a bathroom; optional to choose roommates; cooking is welcome; meal plans is not necessary; do laundry in the unit.
Cons: Responsible for some or all utilities; no computer lab or study lounge provided; less chance to meet new friends than dorm.
Freshman Apartments at University Village at UT Dallas
Waterview Park Apartments
Tags: apartment, dormitory, student housing
Posted by annisleung on Mar 10, 2009 in
Events International Week 2009 is coming along after spring break between Monday, Mar 30 – Friday, Apr 3 at UT Dallas. Here is the list of programs
Passport to to World
Monday, March 30
12:00-2:00pm
Galaxy Rooms Student Union (SU)
International Potluck Dinner
Monday, March 30
6:00pm
Phase 8 Clubhouse (Orange Circle 8 )
Tuesday, March 31
5:30-7:30pm
McDermott Suite (MC)
*Registration Required
Henna by Sumaiya
Wednesday, April 1
11:00am-2:00pm
Women’s Center Conference Room, McDermott Library (MC)
Cricket Tournament
Wednesday, April 1-Friday, April 3
9:00pm-1:00am
Softball Field
Study Abroad Booth
Thursday, April 1
10:00am-2:00pm
Student Union (SU)
International Talent Show
Thursday, April 2
7:00pm
UT Dallas Conference Center (CN)
World Beats Dance Party
Thursday, April 2
9:00-11:30pm
Galaxy Rooms, Student Union (SU)
International Library Display
Monday, March 30-Friday, April 2
First floor, McDermott Library (MC)
Tags: Events, international
Posted by annisleung on Mar 10, 2009 in
Preparation I have recommended what you should pack in your luggage. This post is going to tell you what NOT to bring to avoid the trouble when entering US Customs.
source: http://www.sxc.hu/
- NO fresh fruit and vegetables – not even from your countries, planes or airports before entering Customs. I have seen an officer leading a trained dog to detect any traveler’s hand-carry bag for fruits.
- NO plants – flowers, seeds, etc.
- NO insects
- NO meat – fresh, dried, or canned are prohibited.
- NO animals, or animal/wildlife products
- NO disease agents, cell cultures, or snails
- NO soil
- NO large amounts of cash – to avoid being stolen; few hundred dollars – couple thousands should be enough. For tuition, it is recommended to bring money orders, cashier’s checks or traveler’s checks to deposit to the local bank.
- NO 240V electronics, unless used with 120V adapter.
For Carry-on Baggage
- NO water – you can put 1-2 bottle water in your checked bags in case you need them.
- NO liquids, gels and creams in the bottle OVER 100ml or 3.4-oz; must be packed in one-quart clear, plastic, zip-locked bag
- NO nail clipper, scissors, knives, or razors
For more information, see Customs Declaration Form.
Tags: cash, food, Things NOT to bring
Posted by annisleung on Mar 2, 2009 in
Preparation
- Legal documents
- Cash
- US$500-2000 emergency funds, with some $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills suggested
source: http://www.sxc.hu/
- Clothing
- Top – tee, shirt, sweater, sweatshirt, tank top, bras, scarf, jacket, coat
- Bottom - jeans, pants, skirts, underwear
- Formal – suit, dress
- Foot – socks, shoes for causal, formal and exercise
- Personal/First Aid Medicines
- a basic first-aid kit – pain killer, alcohol wipe, antibiotic ointment, band-aid, etc.
- personal medicine for asthma, allergy, diabetics, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.
- Toiletries
- Mouth – toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash
- Face – facial wash, facial cream, shaving cream, razor blades, cotton swap tips
- Hair – hair gel, shampoo, conditioner
- Body – shower gel, body lotion, perfume/cologne, deordorant
- Personal items
- hair dryer, hair brush, nail clipper, towels, tissues, sanitary pads
- Bedding
- blanket, sheets, pillow and pillow case
source: http://www.sxc.hu/
- Electronics
- cell phone, laptop computer, digital camera, iPod / MP3 player
- Stationery
- Backpack / school bag
- Food
- snacks – chocolate, crackers, bottled water
- Kitchen stuff
- a set of silverware, knife, chopsticks, bowl, plate, rice cooker (my personal preference)
- Travel adapter plug sets – with different legs and 120V~240V compatible
Tags: I-20, Things to bring