Going to University of the Virgin Islands

Hello Jen,

You can try Sprint or Cingular - get a plan that includes free long distance between the USVI and the states and is nationwide so it works when you are at school and also when you go home without extra fees for being outside your area. If you have a contract with Verizon that you will need to break, tell them you are moving to STT which is outside their network, they will likely ask you for proof - see if your UVI acceptance letter will work since you won't have a lease or anything like that - this should save you from paying fees for early termination of the contract. I attended UVI and I sort of remember that there were mail boxes on campus... not sure if there were enough for all on-campus students as there weren't that many boxes, but you should call them and ask if you will get an on campus mailbox.

All the best with your move!

--Islander

Thank you Islander! Did you like UVI? I am hoping that once I get there I will be able to get more information. Right now it is really hard to contact anyone at school. I keep leaving messages but no return calls...But I am looking forward to the move. This website has been really helpful. Thanks again.
Jen

We got a bank account with 1First Bank. We were on STX when we got it, but do not live there, nor did we have a P.O. box or hadn't bought our condo yet.

Hi JenZ

I don't know about your college experience. You need to get as many answers as possible. Please ask more questions.... It is very difficult this time of year to contact the UVI people. Many are on vacation. As others have suggested, get a Cingular Nationwide plan. (Maybe after you arrive on island). Come to the islands and 'stand in line' (a long time)and get a local bank account and other stuff you need. Bring some money to hold yourself over. money transfers are slow..Portland Oregon will be very different from the Virgin Islands. I know.... I am hoping you know too and have really prepared yourself for the """culture shock""" that you will experience when you arrive.

lake oswego loretta

I grew up in a small town near Vancouver, WA just across the bridge from Portland, OR and wouldn't go back there to live for anything in the world. I'm not sure culture shock is really what happens. It's more a sense of coming home when you finally find yourself in a place where you feel a fit with your own needs and preferences. When I left that small town at 16 to head to Seattle for college, that was actually more of a difference for me to cope with than moving to St. Croix at 38 with two of my three sons in tow. If you are fed up with the gray murky skies of the PNW, you will find yourself smiling at odd moments in the USVI. And then it hits you that you're wearing shorts in 84 degree weather in JANUARY. Life is good.

Try to be open to exploration of whatever you find here without judging things as being worse just because they are different. Experiencing new and different things is what brings growth to your life. Sometimes growing pains hurt and sometimes they are just a little uncomfortable and sometimes it's a breeze. It's all part of life and you might as well find a way to make the best of it rather than trying to fight it or to shut off your growth.

So the "other advice" on what to bring is to bring an open mind and a willingness to shrug things off. Bring a digital camera and take lots of photos to email back to everyone you are leaving behind in the shivery north. If you return to the mainland after college, you will be able to recapture some wonderful memories by watching a slide show of your favorite pics on your iPOD while sitting in traffic for two hours on your way to work.

Thank you all for the advice. I am prepared (as much as one can be) for the culture shock. I have done a lot of reading and am a little nervous but excited. For you Oregonians, the weather here today is going to break 100 and continue through the weekend!
Thank you all,
JenZ

lol - grey murky skies of the Pac NW - nineties this week and gloriously sunny,sunny, sunny

yes, Jane... but this is late July. It won't be long before the gray murky stuff sets in and is there for 8-10 months. I know. I lived there for 38 years. Enjoy the little bit of summer that you get before it's gone.

ah yes, but I am from England. We thrive, nay revel in gray murk. Lol

Hi JenZ,
I just moved back to Portland from STX after spending almost two years there going to UVI. I have a friend and class mate that moved down to there the same time did (we were int he same program) if you want to chat we'd be more than willing to talk about our experience as students and transplants. AS every one has said and I'm sure you're read things are different but it can be done.

Lauren
laurenolivia@yahoo.com

Hi JenZ,
I am from Oregon as well, and have been considering relocating to St.Thomas. I've been looking at the Masters of Marine and Environmental Science program at the university there. I'm am wondering if you could please tell me how your experience has been thus far? I suppose my concerns are finding housing and employment while attending the university. Any advice you or anyone else reading this could share would be much appreciated!
Thanks!