🛀 Dorm Exchange | Draw for a Single Room with Bathroom on Christmas Eve | On Campus Housing Offer
Organizing six months of living expenses, budget for sister's visit, cash preparation before departure, and essential documents for opening an account at Bank of Hawaii, providing the most comprehensive reference for living expenses in Hawaii.
On Christmas Eve, I was very happy to receive the housing allocation notice from the school, which was a relief after the chaos caused by my previous semester’s self.
Finding a Backup
Looking back, I applied for the dormitory on 11/3 (I almost said two months ago), and I wonder if anyone remembers the type of room I applied for (？
Let’s review it, although it’s not very important Q
After a long wait filled with anxiety, I finally couldn’t stand it anymore and looked for alternative accommodation on 12/18, successfully spending USD 235 to reserve my single bed…
Here’s the application proof:
By the way, this is an association called the East-West Center on campus, which is also a good housing option. Although it lacks air conditioning, which is quite a big issue for me, I spent some time convincing myself to sign the contract.
Housing Allocation Notice
Surprisingly, on 12/24, I received the accommodation notice…
I was also quite surprised to be allocated a single room with a bathroom, so I decisively decided to give up the EWC accommodation. However, I remembered that when applying for RCL, the contact person from the exchange office specifically told me to confirm my eligibility (such as housing eligibility).
To avoid being kicked out of the dormitory due to ineligibility, I emailed the housing office to inquire about my credit issue. But I felt like our conversation was going in circles, and in the end, I only received this response:
“We recommend that you do not pay the reservation fee of USD 400 until you confirm your eligibility.”
This response made me very anxious, so I had to postpone paying the reservation fee, after all, I had already spent 235 to learn my lesson (？
KOKUA Program
Then I continued to keep in touch with the housing office to ask how to resolve the issue. After several communications back and forth, I learned that I needed to apply for the KOKUA Program, which is an office that supports individuals with disabilities, specifically for students who need assistance (like me).
However, it requires an appointment for an interview and submission of a doctor’s certificate, and the website states that what to do next will be discussed during the interview. Thank you, this is so practical 🖕
My interview is scheduled for 1/6, just a few days before the semester starts 😮💨, and I need to pay the reservation fee by 12/31; otherwise, I still cannot live on campus.
At the same time, the EWC contract also states that I need to inform them at least seven days in advance if I want to cancel the accommodation; otherwise, I have to pay the full rent (USD 4675), which is indeed a significant amount… leaving me unsure of what to do.
Funding Issues
Meanwhile, I also faced funding issues. Close to the departure date, I only had 550 USD in cash and didn’t know when I could open an account to wire the accommodation fee; otherwise, the credit card processing fees seemed quite considerable (which I really don’t want to see).
Additional Information about My Backup EWC (East West Center)
I filled out a special housing application form, and shortly after, someone contacted me to allocate a room, and I could pay the deposit. I was also mentally prepared to live there.
The information online still feels quite limited. Before moving in, I did some homework and organized some visible dormitory information:
Hale Manoa
Next, this video (should) be an official one, showing a clearer view of the interior:
I also watched a video of someone reviewing their college experience because they used the keyword Hale Manoa. I found it not very useful, so I won’t specifically link it…
This video is quite practical, summarizing the key point that there is no way to lift the mattress, and there isn’t enough space in the room for indoor exercise (presumably meaning a yoga mat can’t fit?).
Conclusion
It is indeed very nerve-wracking and exciting. I hope I can gradually adapt to this completely different lifestyle.