Living in the Aberdeen South Dakota will be very exciting for you. We strongly encourage you to live on campus if you do not have a family. If you have a family living with you then you will need to rent an apartment. There are a number of options, but an apartment close to campus is recommended. There are not many public transportation options in Aberdeen; there is a taxi and many students ride bikes or walk when the weather permits.

Living On Campus

All freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus. We strongly encourage all other international students in the United States for the first time to live on campus also. On-campus housing often is less expensive and more convenient than off-campus options. On campus, you will have easy access to the library, computer equipment, the student center, sports and recreation facilities, cafeterias, and your classes. More important, you will have the greatest possible opportunity to interact with other students.

The residence halls at Northern State offer more than just a place to sleep. Emphasis is placed upon supporting students' academic objectives through academic and social activities. For example, your residence hall may offer quiet areas for study and a computer lab. It also offers recreation areas and rooms for social activities such as watching movies. A typical residence hall room has two individuals living in them. (There are few single rooms.) Rooms do not to have a kitchen, although common kitchens are available. Each residence hall has free laundry facilities for its residents as well. The university will offer several "meal plans" from which you may choose.

You should contact the office of Residence Life as soon as possible to learn more about the different residence halls at Northern.

Living Off Campus

Many foreign students, particularly graduate students, prefer the independence of living off campus. In some cases, students find off-campus living to be more affordable because they can share costs. You should exercise care, however, in selecting the right apartment or house. If you plan to seek housing off campus, arrive well before classes start. Information about temporary housing is available through the office of Residence Life.

When choosing an apartment you should consider its cost, proximity to campus, and safety. Is the property well lighted? Are there adequate locks on the windows and doors? A "lease" is a binding legal contract between you and the property owner, or landlord. When you sign a lease, you are obligated to pay the landlord monthly rent for the duration of the lease. Most leases are for 9 or 12 months, and it is usually very difficult to break or alter a lease. Therefore, before you sign you should be reasonably sure that you can live with your decision for the duration of your lease. With permission from your landlord, you may be allowed to find a tenant to take your place for the remainder of your contract. If you "sublease" your apartment to other tenants, however, you probably will remain responsible for their actions.

Never sign a lease unless you are completely satisfied with the apartment and surrounding property. Sign only when you understand all the terms of the lease.

When you sign a lease, you will typically be required to pay a “security deposit” usually equivalent to at least one month's rent, as well as the rent for the first month. The security deposit will be returned to you when you move out, provided you leave the apartment in good condition. In addition, you may incur expenses that you would not incur on campus. For example, most apartments come equipped with basic appliances such as stove and refrigerator, but you may need to purchase or rent a bed and other furniture, as well as kitchen equipment, a telephone, and other items. In addition, you probably will be responsible for paying the cost of your telephone service and "utilities:" water, electricity, and gas. The utility companies may require you to pay a deposit before service is activated. These deposits will be refunded to you or credited to your account when you terminate your service, provided you have paid all of your bills.

Whether you plan to live on or off campus, consider protecting your belongings with renter's insurance. With renter's insurance, you will be compensated by the insurance company if your personal belongings are stolen or destroyed.

Transportation

Aberdeen’s public transportation, unlike most major cities or many other countries, is limited to a courtesy shuttle and a taxi. Students are usually able to find rides from friends in the residence halls or if they live off campus then they can usually get a neighbor to give them a ride to the store.

Some international students have purchased cars while attending school in the United States. Students who purchase cars are expected to obey all university policies, city, state and federal laws pertaining to ownership, insurance and driving regulation.

See Chapter 11 (Public Transportation | Automobiles | Crimes and Scams | The CIA and the "FBI")

Owning and Operating an Automobile

You must have a valid driver's license to drive a car. You are ok to drive on your countries driver's license, but it is recommended that you also obtain an international driver's license.  Each state in the United States issues its own driver's license.  To obtain a South Dakota driver's license, you will be required to demonstrate your knowledge of the traffic. You will also be required to take a driving test. Never drive a vehicle unless you understand all of the applicable road rules, recognize all of the road signs, have car insurance and possess a valid license to drive. Stop by the ISA and the staff can explain how to obtain a South Dakota driver's license.

South Dakota requires car owners to purchase and maintain automobile insurance. In case of an accident, automobile insurance protects you against most of the cost of injuries and repairs. The cost of repairs can be very high.

Helpful guides to purchasing cars can be found in local bookstores, and perhaps even in the campus bookstore. The Aberdeen News (the local newspaper), campus bulletin boards, and electronic bulletin boards may also be useful. Be very careful when purchasing a car, especially a used one. Before you buy, have a reliable mechanic inspect the vehicle for defects. Be sure to obtain the "title" to the car you buy.

The title is an official document issued by the state that signifies ownership of the vehicle. Additional documents may be required to complete the transfer of a car from the previous owner to you. If you are unsure about your rights and responsibilities when purchasing an automobile, check the office of ISA, which may suggest that you visit the nearest office of the motor-vehicle administration.