Moving to Hilo for Pharmacy college...Any suggestions (sales, rental)

[krsnyf]

Hello. I'm asian, female, will be moving to Hilo (to attend UHH Pharmacy College)for the next 4 years and is completely clueless to how things are there. With tuition costs and other expenses related to it (health insurance, books, etc) , I'm trying to pinch where I can. I would be really grateful for insights on the following areas:

1) I found a 1br/1b on Pukihae St + hwy 19 (close to the "singing bridge") at $850/month w/o electricity. Is this on the expensive side and can I find something more afordable? How is the traffic and neighborhood at that corner?

2) The library seems to close quite early there. Where do students go to study?

3) Is the cost of food as high as I've heard (milk= $5/gal )? Is the farmer's market any cheaper?

4)I'm also looking into finding a job but realize that my biochem degree seems to be completely useless there. What jobs can I find with my science/research background? I speak Japanese since I went to highschool in Japan but have forgotten quite a bit. What jobs can I find?

5) I'd like to learn how to surf and scuba dive. Where do I start?

Thank you in advance.

[cynmkolohe]

Aloha, Just have time for a quick note, but wanted to let you know that the area near the "singing bridge" can be a little iff-y. If you know the exact address, I'd be happy to drive by and check it out for you...it's one of those areas where there are some nice places and some places that "need work" side by side...There is always the option of a short-term rental (maybe get a place for a week or so) to allow yourself the opportunity to scope out the area!

[Sorcerer68]

Just over the river=no good. Lots of ice heads. If you're from the city it will be no big deal.

My tip to you is to get housing asap. Once it starts getting down in August, UH students and faculty will have rented everything and there's literally nothing left but expensive, small stuff. This happened to me once, I ended up an hour from town. It's also best not do do anything about housing until you're on the island. Nobody will take you seriously if you're not there.

Farmer's market is awesome for produce. Best market for prices is Safeway. KTA is way more expensive. I don't know why people shop there except you can buy a machete in a supermarket which is kinda cool. Sack n Save can have good prices on a few things. Wal Mart is good for other grocery items. I made trips to Costco in Kona to stock up on some things.

[Jonah K]

Originally Posted by krsnyf

Hello. I'm asian, female, will be moving to Hilo (to attend UHH Pharmacy College)for the next 4 years and is completely clueless to how things are there. With tuition costs and other expenses related to it (health insurance, books, etc) , I'm trying to pinch where I can. I would be really grateful for insights on the following areas:

1) I found a 1br/1b on Pukihae St + hwy 19 (close to the "singing bridge") at $850/month w/o electricity. Is this on the expensive side and can I find something more afordable? How is the traffic and neighborhood at that corner?

If that rental's at the "Polynesia Capri" you're probably paying too much. There are better places in Hilo for that price.

Originally Posted by krsnyf

2) The library seems to close quite early there. Where do students go to study?

During the regular school year, the library at UH Hilo is open on Monday thru Thursday from 8:00AM to 10:30PM, Fridays from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Saturdays from 9:00AM to 5:00PM, and Sundays from 2:00PM to 10:30PM. Outside of those hours, students usually study at home; however, some also study at coffee shops and bookstores.

Originally Posted by krsnyf

3) Is the cost of food as high as I've heard (milk= $5/gal )? Is the farmer's market any cheaper?

Some groceries in Hilo are more expensive than elsewhere and some are cheaper. Shopping at farmer's markets, Cost-U-Less, Wal-Mart, and Costco, along with taking advantage of sales at grocery stores (be sure to join those free "member clubs") will help keep grocery costs down.

Originally Posted by krsnyf

4)I'm also looking into finding a job but realize that my biochem degree seems to be completely useless there. What jobs can I find with my science/research background? I speak Japanese since I went to highschool in Japan but have forgotten quite a bit. What jobs can I find?

Some kind of on-campus job will probably be your best bet. However, you might want to inquire at Big Island Candies....

Originally Posted by krsnyf

5) I'd like to learn how to surf and scuba dive. Where do I start?

For scuba diving in Hilo, there's the Nautilus Dive Center. For surfing, there are some places over on the Kona side where you can get lessons. In addition, you might want to find out if there's a "scuba club" or "surfing club" at UH Hilo.

Hope this helps,

Jonah K