Notifications
Clear all
Topic starter
Hi
I'm a college student from Colorado who is relocating to St. Thomas. I don't exactly know why or how I chose St. Thomas to relocate to but thats what I'm doing. I bought a one-way ticket for October, I'm excited and doubtful at the same time. I hear very different things concerning the attitude of St. Thomas. As for me I'm a very open minded, trusting, and outgoing individual, but I hear that the people on St. Thomas have a idea of Americans and are often rude and inconciderate to the mainlanders.I also hear that if you are from the mainland most islanders think that you are wealthy and often see a mainlander as a target to steal or rob from. Is this true? I come from a very laidback town in the mountains, and really never was concerned with being robbed or maniputed in such ways. I hope that what I hear isn't true but you still wonder you know.
But besides that I have also very good things about the people there and the few that I've talked to on the phone have been very friendly and accomedating. So the experiences that I have had so far have been good but the things I hear are, ummm, how should I put it, not what I expected. Anyhow I'm arriving in October by myself, as for now I rented a one month rental with Ronnie (very nice individual) @ Fairview Villas. But I will be looking for a longterm rental, so if there is anyone out there with suggestions it would be greatly appreciated! I will also be looking for employment on the island while I'm still here on the mainland (through the internet). I'm hoping to find something before I get out there so that a way I'll be pretty much garunateed a job when I get there. But I know not have any expectations. All I really hope for is that what I have heard is not entirely true. I know that where ever I go there will be people who are rude and inconciderate, I just hope that it won't be the majority of the population of the island.
excited and doubtful here in Colorado!
Posted : September 6, 2005 3:39 am
Oh honey, where to start? Have you ever been to STT? Do you have friends here?
My best advice is to see if you can change your one-way ticket to a round trip. I beleive you can book for 90 days. That should give you a change to see if this is what you want. If you can't change the ticket, be sure a put enough $$ aside to get home, if necessary.
Ronnie posts here often and is a native St. Thomian. He will be able to steer you in the right directions.
Good Luck.
Posted : September 6, 2005 3:40 am
After that horrible showing by Dear Ole CU Saturday, I don't blame you wanting to leave Colorado!!!
On the other hand, you should get your degree before you do anything rash. Come visit on an extended vacation. And if you don't listen to any of that advice, bring plenty of money and have a return ticket available.
Posted : September 6, 2005 3:40 am
Hello SBarberxxv, I am also living in Colorado and I am moving to STJ in 18 days I am getting really excited. Where in Colorado do you live. You may want to consider living on STJ, I have heard that it is much safer. I am in the process of finding some cool people to share a house with so you should let me know if you would be interested. I have a place to stay when I arrive but I will be looking for a house or apartment. I already have a job so that is helpful. From what I have heard you have to get on island to find a job so good luck with that, I am sure you can find one when you get there. Send me an e-mail if you want to chat. It is so nice to talk to others that are moving there. Anyway talk to you soon.
Rachel
droda_7@yahoo.com
Posted : September 6, 2005 3:41 am
If you find you don't cars for STT, try Stx. The people there seem to be very friendly, as long as you greet them properly and don't have an attitude. It is much cheaper to live there as well, and a lot more laid back attmosphere.
Posted : September 6, 2005 4:10 am
SBarberxxv and Rachel, i'm so glad to hear of other college students moving to the island! i'm 18 from texas and planning on moving to st thomas in january. i'm traveling alone too but planning on going to the University down there. i'm soo excited but at the same time very doubtfull too. we really need to keep in touch to see how each other are doing. i'm so afraid of looking like a stupid american white girl on the island! at the same time i feel that island life is what i need. i've been to st thomas when i was little, love to travel, and ready for adventure.
Posted : September 6, 2005 4:38 am
Sarah, not to worry, lot of people say things thatthey nothing of. As long as you follow instuructions you will be okay. See you in October.
RL
Posted : September 6, 2005 2:28 pm
Topic starter
Hey Ginanosa-
hey there this is Sarah from Colorado I saw your post. I'm also going to hopefully finish my degree at UVI after I gain residence so it will be cheaper. So have you visited UVI what are you studying? Anyhow write back. Sarah
Posted : September 6, 2005 8:50 pm
I moved here (STX) from Fairplay Colorado two years ago. At first it was extreme culture shock. I was too trusting. You should not be as trusting as the majority of Coloradans are. Dont try to make friends too quickly. Most people here are used to people comming and going so often that they will not make friends very quickly. If they do be suspitious. All the people looking for a free ride will pick you out in a heart beat. Just keep to your self at first until you get the feel of the culture here. Truely it is a very simpel way of thinking. Nothing complicated about the thoughts here. Either they want something from you now, or they want something from you later. Dont go giving the bums any money when they begg from you. Dont try to drink your frustration away. That makes you very vulnerable. Enjoy the beaches,sun sets and sun rises, Windex colored water,and most of all never forget that you come from a place where it gets so cold that your sinuses freeze within 2 seconds of leaving your front door. Good luck. Be presistant and always keep your chin up. Inner strength is what is needed to make it here. Feel free to contact me by e-mail if you have any trouble. I'll do what I can to help a fellow mountain person.
Posted : September 8, 2005 1:17 pm
Just a heads up, you wont be walking around at night outside the Villa Fairview. The villa is a nice inside, but it is in a very poor part of the town. I had numerous friends living there last year.
Also, when you are down there, check out Bumpas on the Waterfront. It is a breakfeast place. The owner raised his daughter in St. Thomas and she now lives in Denver.
Posted : September 8, 2005 3:58 pm
whats up, I too am moving to stt. However i will be there the end of october and i also am looking for some people too share a house with. if you heve any ideas, e-mail me at mkh110480@yahoo.com.
thanks, matt
Posted : September 10, 2005 6:29 am
Hi Ginanosa,
I will be relocating around dec. also. I am sure it will be an exciting change of pace from Atlanta to the Virgin Island, but I am looking forward to it. I finished my education, so I will not be in a college setting. I am sure you will meet great peole at school, and in the community. I visited STT & STX this summer. Let me know how things are going with your preparation, and if you come across professional jobs, let me know. Keep my e-mail to contact.
nuyue2001@yahoo.com
Posted : September 19, 2005 3:14 am
Hey,
You will have a blast here. Just don't do here what you wouldn't do in CO.
I got here from a nieghbor Island at 18 with $100 in my pocket. A LONG time ago.
Try to find some people to share a house with. Apt. are getting filled as season is right around the corner when you get here.
The "Northside" is my favorite place. I have lived all over STT and STX.
Saphire condos looks nice and some have a killer view.
Don't try to find a place for less than $600 per month right off the bat. If you do be suspect. Maybe I'm off but that seems to be the low side now.
Good luck and just use your head it's not that scary here or STX
Posted : September 22, 2005 6:23 pm
I am also moving, I have read this site for about 8 months and am going to start my own post soon.
I am a 26M just done with University and ready to get out of this slump and get active again.
I have done maybe 200+ hours of research and reading and talking and believe me I know the downsides to moving there. The two worries are crime on STT and lack of dateable women, however I can make do anywhere and will be working in the tourism/restaurant/club industry where alot of statesiders work.
I can deal with crime and know how to not get hustled or taken or look like a tourist. being 6'3'' i can def take care of myself. I just hope it is not BAD badk, like assault muggings and such. I lived In Philadelphia and Allentown and spent some time in NYC, so I know crime and ghettos.
my thoughts- dont look like a target and you wont be one.
Just moved out of my apt, sold or gave most of my stuff away and now am waiting for my car to sell. once it does I am gone afew days later. so hopefully I will be there by the end of next week.
I DO MY RESEARCH. looked up numerous places and companies on the island, send out resumes to them with a solid cover letter even if they did not say they were hiring, i am determined and motivated. I browse all the sites and island trader(online) and have a good line on places to rent and cheap used cars(to start off with)
This site has helped TONS
I can make do anywhere and hope I love it there. I hope to get a car, a place and some face to face interviews in after 2 or 3 days on the island.
what else??? anyone will do fine, alot of people who complain are used to all nice things in life and condos and wegmans, blockbuster, DSL, target, malls, great customer service, etc etc.
But if you are flexiblethen you can make due, i am gonna be determined and start hard and work hard but always have time to relax.
Posted : August 30, 2006 4:56 am
