Interning for the summer (Charleston, North Charleston: rentals, colleges, income)

[mhsquire]

I'm a college student who will be interning at Nucor Steel this coming summer. I'm just curious as to what the Charleston area is like. I'm used to the big city, like San Francisco or New York, but don't mind small towns if good natural sites are nearby. What's there to do on the weekends? Are there things like banana boating and parasailing on the beaches, because I'm not a just sit on the beach and get a tan type. I also like Asian food. Are there many restaurants serving foreign food or foreign food supermarkets? I'm leaning towards staying in Mount Pleasant, but where do most college aged people live?

I feel like I'm asking 20 questions, so any answers would be great. Thanks!

[Jim3310]

Most college aged people live near the colleges...

This is not NYC or San Fran. That's actually the good news.
There are PLENTY of things for you to do here with people just like yourself. That's the better news.

Have you been here yet?
Do you know someone that lives here?
Why Mt. Pleasant?
What is your preferred living arrangement?

Let us know, we'll help!

[mhsquire]

I've not been to Charleston, but my parents liked it when they visited for a few days. I chose Mt. Pleasant mainly because if my internship is confirmed, living there will give me a shorter commute. The steel factory is about ten miles north from there, as opposed to 15 to 20 from downtown. I plan on getting a used scooter for the lower costs compared to a car, so short commutes would be nice. No preference in living conditions. I look forward to experiencing another part of America. I think the big cities spoiled my experience in Charlotte, NC. Living there for seven years left me wanting something new.

[Jim3310]

You could look in Dunes West, that's about 12 miles. Rent goes for $1000 - $1200.

Make sure you check Craig's list for Charleston under South Carolina as well. For an internship you may just want to share a place.

Nucor is most definitely NOT in the city area here. It's pretty rural. Personally, I think a car might be better.

[Luvsdabeach]

I agree with Jim. I would definately use a car.

[mhsquire]

Thanks for the pointers. I've looked at some of Dunes West's shared rentals. It's nice to know that living near Charleston won't use up all my income. I wasn't hoping to get a car; they waste so much money. But I guess it's more needed out there than where I am right now.

Do you guys know of any stores that sell imported Asian food? I'd like to be able to cook Thai and Chinese food.

[Jim3310]

That's a tough one.

We do have a fairly decent grocery by the Northfields mall in North Charleston. It's the traditional, smelly, great experience. Can't beat a tray of sliced pig snoots!

Your best bet is to ask the owners of the best restaurants down here. I think Red Orchid is absolutely the best for chinese and I put Basil up there for Thai.

[Luvsdabeach]

Yes there is a imported Asia grocery store near Northwoods Mall on Mall Drive near the Ice Palace ice skating rink. A few of my DH coworker's from China shopped there while they were here.