Apartments; what do they look like around campus

I would like to share with you examples of apartments and how it is usually looks like:




If you have any questions please let me know, I am always glad to help you.

More informationa about housing! Your bills, deposits and lease contract!

Hello Everyone,
     
Living in an apartment since my 2nd year of college, I have learned all the important details about housing in United States. To find an apartment and move in requires a certain process.

STEP #1 apply for an apartment and sign a lease contract
Lease contract is an agreement between you and apartment owner, where you have to provide all your information and sign in. First of all, they will want your current passport with visa. Also, you need to provide some finance statement that you will be able to pay the rent each month. You can either get a financial statement from your bank, or your I-20 will work as well.
Usually, lease contract is standing for 6 and 12 month. It means you have to stay and pay for your apartment for 6 or 12 month. There is no way to cancel or decline the leasing contract.So be sure you are going to stay for the whole period of time.
     Moreover, before move-in the leasing office want to collect deposit. Deposit means that you pay some amount money to the leasing office in case some of the property will be damaged. If not, you will get your money back at the end of the contract. All apartments have a different deposit amount, but its about $700-1000$ in average.

STEP #2 utilities and other expenses
     Besides paying the rent each month, you also need to pay your utility. It includes internet, water and electricity bills. Usually, for your utilities you can pay online,or write a check. The amount of utilities depends on how much you have been using water, or electricity. For instance, I pay like $150 per month for water, electricity and Wi-Fi internet.  Here is an example of paying bills for water online :

As you can see, everything you need is your bank card information and your address. And your log-in name and password of course ).

To summarize, here is a sample monthly budget for me living in an apartment:
rent:  $ 470 (this is my part of rent that I share with 2 people)
electricity:  $ 60
internet:$ 65
water:  $ 50
phone:  $ 30

I hope this post was helpful for you, and if you have any questions please let me know and text me.

Housing Options at MiraCosta

Hello Everyone!
In this post I would like to talk to you about Housing options and share some tips about finding a place to live.  I know, it is not easy to go to college,and find a good and convenient place to live.
First of all, MiraCosta International Office page has all information you need about housing and expenses. Please, follow this link New Student Information to check it out!

There are a couple options for housing :

First, in my opinion, the most useful and helpful place to look for a place is on MiraCosta website page! If you click on Student Housing it will take you to online service for student and and community members wanting to find a roommates. If you open this link, you can see the different options for housing. Now, you need to choose what option do you like and contact the person via e-mail or cell phone. If you choose this option, you will have to buy your own food.

I know that it is very difficult to find a good place from long distance. So, if you have some problems - don't stress! There are other ways to find a place before your arrival. A home stay services can provide you host family and pick up from San Diego Airport. If you like this option, you can also find contact information.  Usually, while you are living with Host family they are providing your food, so you don't have to care about grocery shopping and cooking.

In my own experience, I lived with the host family the first year of my college year and it was a great experience! I still have an excellent relationship with them even I moved out. 
Talking about myself, I am living with a couple MiraCosta students near the college. It is about 7-10 min walking to the college. The complex called "Rancho Tuscana". If you are interested, please check their website Rancho Tuscana Apartments.

$1280,

and for a 2 bedrooms apartment $1480.
Here is some pictures of Rancho Tuscana Apartments:

I hope this information was helpful for you and good luck with your housing!

Fun Activities on Campus

Hello Everybody! Welcome to my blog.

It's already September and now it is so hot in San Diego.
Today, I would like to tell you a little bit about fun activities in MiraCosta College. Besides classes and studying students also like to have fun at school with your friends. And everething is available here, in MiraCosta campus! During the year MiraCosta has a various events for students. Such as college hour, field trips, club activities and sport competition.

Students can find various clubs on MiraCosta college. We have different language clubs, like Chinese, Japanese, Italian. One of my favorite club is International Club. Clubs usually meets twice a month where they discuss different topics,studying together and plan a field trips! The attending of the club is totally free and this is a great way to meet new people with the same hobbies and interests.


Also, twice of each month we have an college hour, that is usually on Thursdays. College hours are organize by Mira Costa Associated Student Government. Imagine yourself outside sitting on a grass with other students relaxing and enjoying your time. Students have a free lunch and there are speakers and music around. College hour is a great way to have fun during the break or just relax off your classes. Also, during the college hour you might see different organization who is informing students about them and encourage them to join. College hour is a very fun event to attend to make your experience in MiraCosta more memorable and and excited!


Check out our MiraCosta Flicker account to find more amazing pictures from MiraCosta!
Halloween College Hour
College Hour 80th Anniversary
College Hour MiraCosta College