Sunny California (2 Season State) to Utah (4 Season State) (Logan, Washington: sales, home)

[kavm]

Right - the snow tires are for a different kind of use, and you most likely do not need them. I’d not write off the outdoor and winter activities. They are popular for a reason. I think you should be able to get the information from the student union, prior to the formal decision from the U. If you look at the google map of the U, you will find areas - Federal Heights (excellent but likely expensive), area a bit south of that (a lot of student housing there), lower avenues area. All of these should be good areas. Please remember that students commuting to campus by car can get expensive as the campus parking is expensive and, to a degree, limited to employees. Hence the suggestions about walking distance or commuting by campus shuttle, TRAX, etc.

[old fed]

no, most things don't close down in a storm. the roads are plowed.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

If your boots are flat-heeled with a good tread, you could try a waterproof spray if you insist. Much simpler and easier in the long run to buy a proper pair once you are here.

[DaleDaisies]

Originally Posted by kavm

Right - the snow tires are for a different kind of use, and you most likely do not need them. I’d not write off the outdoor and winter activities. They are popular for a reason. I think you should be able to get the information from the student union, prior to the formal decision from the U. If you look at the google map of the U, you will find areas - Federal Heights (excellent but likely expensive), area a bit south of that (a lot of student housing there), lower avenues area. All of these should be good areas. Please remember that students commuting to campus by car can get expensive as the campus parking is expensive and, to a degree, limited to employees. Hence the suggestions about walking distance or commuting by campus shuttle, TRAX, etc.

I do plan to use Trax for the majority of my time at the U. However, it would be nice to drive to campus during more extreme temperatures or if I'll be staying later on campus. Plus Utah prices are 50% cheaper than CA, and that's including the parking permits! But yes, my ideal apartment location is walking distance to campus or Trax. Thanks for the housing tip!

[DaleDaisies]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

If your boots are flat-heeled with a good tread, you could try a waterproof spray if you insist. Much simpler and easier in the long run to buy a proper pair once you are here.

I guess I'll see how my current boots hold up once I'm there. Thanks for the tip!

[DaleDaisies]

Originally Posted by old fed

no, most things don't close down in a storm. the roads are plowed.

Really? I thought at least the campus would close down!

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by DaleDaisies

I prefer to live by Trax, but at the same time, I would also like to have a car with me since I'll be doing residencies the following year. Do you know of any resources to find housing specifically for students?

ksl.com is the "Craigslist" of Utah. It's not geared specifically to U of U students, but is still probably your best source of information.

I'm in a healthcare degree.

Cool! So will most of your classes be up near the Medical Center? If so, TRAX is definitely going to be your best bet. I can understand, though, why you'd want a car. It's hard for me to imagine living without one in this area.

You also asked about "snow boots" as opposed to "regular boots." You just don't want to try walking around in the snow in high-heeled boots with no tread. Bad, bad idea. Just get yourself a pair of flat boots with a little tread, at least, and you'll be fine. Try DSW for some phenomenal deals.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by DaleDaisies

Really? I thought at least the campus would close down!

About the only chance of that would be if we got 2 feet of snow in a single storm. That might happen once every ten years.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

In the 11 yrs I lived in SLC, I don't remember the U ever closing. The most snow I got in Sugar House was about 14-15 inches.

[brittstea]

If I were you, I would look for a house with a wood stove and find a room mate. I’m sorry, but the whole “easy way of living”, apartment.... carport.... electric heat etc.... isn’t all that easy in the end. A little bit of elbow grease required to keep warm in the winter using wood stove for heat is allot “easier” in the end. Not having to constantly worry about the power bill is reason #1. Reason #2... wood stove for heat is a great way to stay in shape. Seriously. Chopping wood manually is an excellent way to work out. Many people these days, especially younger folks (sorry), look down upon manual labor, but honestly, you could kill 2 birds with one stone=workout to stay warm and also workout to, well, workout. If that’s not your thing, then I don’t know what to tell you. I wish you the best! Utah is an amazingly beautiful place. Especially Logan Utah, and the Logan scenic byway that takes you down to garden city and bear lake. Absolutely stunning views any time of the year! I also wish you the best of luck with the change of demographic. You will notice a bit slower pace of life in Utah compared to that of CA. Generally, as you move farther away from the west coast, people tend to care less about fashion and more about your personality.

As far as vehicles go.... Japanese all the way. Domestics are junk. My husband was a professional mechanic for a decade. Domestic vehicles are engineered to keep you coming back to the dealer for repairs, constantly. Whereas Japanese vehicles are engineered to last so you will buy another one when it wears out after 250-300 thousand miles. AWD for the win!