Free State Festival 2015, Lawrence

Free State Festival of 2015 was held in June (22nd - 28th). It is a celebration of film, music, art and ideas. There were innumerable activities going on in this whole week. Lawrence Arts Center's Director of Film and New Media, Marlo Angell started this as an independent film festival in 2011. Now, it has become an interdisciplinary festival featuring outdoor concerts, documentaries, art exhibitions, cycle race (Tour of Lawrence) etc.

Lawrence Arts Center hosts many film screenings, performances etc. in it's beautiful theater! 

Lawrence Arts Center

There were many outdoor performances like George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic with the Phantastics, Black Joe Lewis, Split Lip Rayfield etc! More than hundreds attended the concert.

Playing of the band 'Split Lip Rayfield'

The African drum ensemble at KU (ADEKU) is a performing ensemble made of University of Kansas (KU) students and community members. They perform throughout the region in each semester. They were performing in Abe & Jake's Landing in the Free State Festival.

African drum ensemble at KU (ADEKU)

Thanks to my friend who volunteered for the festival, I got free tickets to few movies! :D One of them was screened in Liberty Hall. I got to see it for the first time. 

Liberty Hall

Also, the Downtown Lawrence, Inc. has organized the event "Dinner and a movie free", in which there is a screening of the old movies and people can have dinner and drinks served at stalls. We could also bring our own chair or blanket to sit and watch the movie with family and friends! There was free popcorn and door prizes too! It is an outdoor event. Due to the probability of thunderstorm, the first movie screening was arranged in Abe & Jake's Landing in Lawrence. It is located by the riverside and gave a amazing view of the Kansas river! We had great time watching 'Back to the future 1'!

Abe & Jake's Landing

The gushing Kansas river!

There are art exhibitions in the Downtown, known as "Final Fridays". As the name indicates, exhibitions are scheduled on final Fridays of each month! There are beautiful artifacts, paintings, and lot more, made by different artists around the world, at display!

Free State festival provides excellent platform for the artists to perform and entertain the masses. The summer season is best for such festivals! 

Tour of Churches of Lawrence, Kansas

The International Student Organization of our University organizes many trips throughout the year. One such trip was tour of churches in Lawrence, Kansas. There is a huge list of churches that includes Methodist, Presbyterian, Evangelical, Baptist, Lutheran and many more. There are around 5107 churches in Kansas. But we were visiting only these three due to time limitations.

The organizers had asked for volunteers to take the interested students in their vehicles. We were around 20-30 students. Divided into groups of 4-5 each, we went in separate vehicles. I was with a lovely and young married couple. They were very helpful and kind. They loved traveling themselves. They wish to explore most of the world, before starting a family. They didn't earn much from their jobs, yet they were very happy with their lives. They volunteer for the University's organized events most of the times. We visited all the churches and had lunch together in the end.

Following were the churches we visited:

Corpus Christi Catholic School:

The new building of Corpus Christi Church and School opened in Fall of 2000. Since then, artists and business people took the sacred art and architecture into account when building this worship space and educational center.  The architectural details and symbols remind us of the edifices built in the Early Church all throughout Europe. It is located on a hill from where we can get an overview of the city of Lawrence. The campus includes the worship space, a parish hall and it's amenities, administrative office and an elementary school. Here, the lowest grade taught is Prekindergarten and the highest is 7th grade.

Trinity Lutheran Church:

Trinity Lutheran Church opened in 1867. It has undergone many changes in it's name and finally settled on the present name in 1910. The distinctive features of this church are the carvings from Oberammergau, Germany. These carvings include "Flight into Egypt" and two depictions of the Lord's Supper. There are five stained glass windows including the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Crucifixion. There are choirs held in the church, specially during Christmas and New Year Eve.

The Greenhouse Culture:

This Church is located in Downtown. It's appearance is more modern compared to other traditional Churches. It has a stage on which there are performances during Christmas and New Year Eve.

Into the wild..!!

After coming to U.S. , this was my first trip. International Students Association organizes a trip to local areas every year for international students. We had gone to Kansas City Zoo, which is an hour drive away from the University. There were around 40 students and we all went in same bus.

It was a wonderful sunny day! It had started to get cooler as the Fall was approaching. It was like that particular day specially reserved for our trip! :D

The idea of zoo was born, anchoring Kansas City as the kid "edu-tainment" capital of the Midwest. The zoo is one of the top 60 zoos of the United States.

The main attraction are the arctic polar bears! We saw two bears Nikita and Berlin dive into the pool, amuse themselves with the enrichment items or laze around on the rocky terrain. The pool is maintained at 65 degrees to make them feel more at home. The zoo gives the conservation message of the polar bears to the masses.

The Helzberg Penguin Plaza features both cool pool for cold water penguins and a warm wet area for warm water penguins! The Southern Oceans gallery provides views of five exhibits. These exhibits connect all the oceans through a colorful coral reef aquarium, floating moon jellies and a mesmerizing schooling fish aquarium. 

There is the sea lion show for a fixed hour each day. It is awesome!

The zoo also features Keeper Chats, elephant painting demonstrations and many other opportunities for animal encounters. There is a Safari boat ride across the lake in the zoo's African plains, where visitors can see hoofstock, including zebra, giraffe and more. There were various entertainment activities for kids. 

Breathtaking panorama view on the rope way across Africa!

Dancing monkey!

Remember Baby's Day Out? ;)

The visit to Kansas City zoo is like a journey around the world! You roam around in Asia, then you exit and step into Australia! I have never seen so many animals even in zoos in India, as I had seen that day in the zoo!

The Zoo gives a beautiful message to all the visitors:

Pre - departure to - do's (Study in the States)

VISA INTERVIEW:

(Updated: Nov 23, 2020)

Read about the current situation (say, pandemic) in any country you want to pursue higher education or job opportunities and if it's worth taking the risk. Refer to official websites about the information: CDC, WHO.

Most of the students are tensed for their VISA interview and the whole preparation process.. But with proper guidance, you can chill through the process! The interview gets over in 3-5 minutes and your future is decided within those minutes. But don't worry! 

Here is the VISA process explained.. Based on personal experience, I'm referring to an Indian student applying for U.S. F-1 VISA (Non-immigrant student). Official link for the process: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/index.html

1. Prepare your financial documents well in advance. The financial documents include the Income Tax returns, the loan sanction forms, the bank statement of your sponsor's accounts. You should start preparing around 2-3 months before booking an appointment, but you can book the appointment only after getting an I-20. The rule is to book an appointment within maximum 120 days prior to the date by which you are supposed to attend the university.
2. In order to book an appointment, you just need Passport, I-20 form of the specific university and bank account details  (capable of handling international transactions) with you. You won't be able to pay online immediately during application process. You will be able to generate a form depending on various banking options that you select, go in person and complete the payment (US$160).
3. Fill the DS-160 form. Save the personal copy for yourself (don't need to show it during the interview). Just take the print of the DS-160 confirmation page and the payment form needed to show in the bank. Fees are non-refundable; exchange rate is provided here.
4. Fill the SEVIS form. Pay US$ 200. Take the print of the SEVIS fee receipt. Instructions for the payment are given here.
5. Book the appointment date based on availability in the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The dates option will be active an official day after you complete the payment. Preferably, book the OFC appointment on the day prior to the day of VISA interview. Just take the print of the appointment letter.
6. You need to take the interview appointment letter, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, I-20, Passport, financial documents (compulsorily).
7. You need to take 5-6 VISA size photographs, original GRE, TOEFL/IELTS scores, copy of your degree certificates/transcripts, research statement (with list of publications for PhD applicants) (in case you need them).

Please note:

• Even if the student does not have adequate liquid assets, the consulate officer can grant a visa if the student gets admitted into a good university and has a great GRE score and impressive academic background. 
• Also, if the student gets funding from the university, the consulate officer doesn't ask many questions.
• Be confident and don't panic in your interview. Even if there's a chance of application hold and/or rejection, you cannot take any action in front of the Consulate officer. Just ask for specific instructions and leave the Consulate. Following process happens online/ via courier.
• You can contact the International Office of your chosen University and/or your chosen academic/research advisor for any help/questions regarding VISA process. If there's an unexpected delay in your VISA and you need certain urgent documents (e.g. invitation letter) or postpone your entry in the U.S., they will let you know.
• Be specific in your responses to Interview questions by the Consulate Officer. Explain your research area in layman terms (if asked).

Here are some definite questions asked in the interview:

Which university are you going to attend?

What will you specialize in for your degree? What will be your major?

Which college/university did you attend (before the BS/MS/PhD degree program you intend to pursue in U.S.)?

Who is your current employer? What do you do?

How do you plan to fund the entire duration of your education?

Who is your sponsor and what is his/her occupation and annual income?

What will be/is your research (for MS-thesis/PhD program)? 

Probably, they ask even these:

How many universities have you applied to?

How many admits/rejects did you get?

Why did you chose the specific university?

Can you not continue your education in your home country?

Why are you planning to continue your education?

How will this study program relate to your past work/study?

Do you know any professors in the university? What are their names?

Have you been to USA before?

What city is your school located in?

Why do you want to pursue your degree in U.S. and not in Canada, U.K. or Australia?

How will you manage the cultural and educational differences in U.S?

How long will be your stay in U.S.?

Are you returning to India after education? What are your plans post-graduation?

What are your GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores?

What was your previous GPA?

After receiving the VISA:

• Make sure that all your personal information entered is accurate.
• You may enter U.S. within 30 days prior to the beginning of course, as printed on I-20.

Unfortunately,

• If your VISA is rejected at one consulate, you are allowed to apply again after 3 working days at same or different consulate.
• If your VISA is put on hold for security reasons, you are given a sheet provided with instructions to follow, in order to do your background check. There are cases when you might have wait for longer than 30 days, anxious for an update on your application status. But eventually you will get the email update, so don't make any prior flight arrangements/commitments until you get the VISA stamped in the passport and in your hands, Depending on your hold status, the duration of student status might be reduced (F-1 for US VISA usually 5 years under normal conditions reduced to 4 years for security reasons). It doesn't mean that you might not be able to stay and study in the States beyond 4 years, since your I-20 decides your student stay.
• You can go for VISA renewal before current VISA expires, if you are continuing the studies in U.S. The application process same as the fresh VISA application with some exceptions. In case of student continuing in the same University, he/she doesn't have to pay the SEVIS fee again; show the first-time payment receipt during interview. Also, there's an Interview waiver option where you can submit documents in the Embassy/Visa Application Center (VAC) and wait for your status update. Follow the official website for detailed information. But if you don't want to take the risk of going through the application process again for VISA renewal (2nd time), you cannot exit and reenter U.S. on expired VISA until you are graduated (when I-20 status terminates).

ref : www.uncp.edu

AIRLINE TICKET BOOKING:

Book the flight schedule such that :

• There should be minimum 2-4 hours layover for each change of terminal (depending on the city of the airport -- e.g. London airport is the busiest in Europe and it needs longer time to switch between terminals and check-in), since you need to take 2-3 flights to reach your place of destination.
• You reach at your place of destination during daytime, since it is newer place for international students and you shouldn't risk searching your place of stay after sunset. Sunsets happen around 8-9 pm in summers.

CHECK LIST :

Following comprehensive list is suggested with reference to an Indian student coming to US for higher studies. Each individual will have different preferences. There are many student associations/groups where the previous students/U.S. residents post online (University social organizations - suggested places/Craiglist/Facebook etc) about selling/giving-free stuff. I would say to personally go and check the quality yourself before committing to buy something.

Most airlines would allow 2 checked bags (23 kg each) + 1 cabin bag (8 kg) + hand luggage/backpack. I personally prefer the airlines that allow 3 checked bags (23 kg each) + 1 cabin bag (8 kg) + hand luggage/backpack. Check TSA guidelines before packing stuff.

For the first trip to U.S., you need to carry the basic stuff from home until you get oriented to the new city. After arriving here, you can buy stuff at Amazon/Walmart/University bookstores/Kohls/Target. As per personal preferences, you can buy them during the first month of stay or wait until you can receive good deals during holidays (Labor Day, Thanksgiving/Black Friday, Christmas, New Year). Keep checking for good deals online and you can decide.

Some Universities' International Students Organizations also arrange for shuttle rides to/from IKEA, area-specific popular malls, Downtown events. You can register for such rides and go for shopping. During the first week of Orientation in Universities, some local families and the current students volunteer to help students for moving, shopping, local city highlights tour. You can stay in touch with such people for any questions/suggestions throughout your degree program and post-graduation too.

Important documents:

Keep original copies in hand luggage/backpack, not in cabin bag.

1. Original copies of I-20, VISA, Passport, SEVIS fee receipt, ID proofs, mark-sheets, scores of GRE and TOEFL/IELTS, certificates.
2. Photo copies of above documents.
3. Print of the flight ticket, one in each bag.
4. Immunization form, financial aid forms, admit letter (for specific university)

Electronics: (can buy here at Amazon/Best Buy/Newegg website/Walmart/University bookstores etc - optional; student or seasonal discounts applicable)

Keep the electronics in hand luggage or cabin bag.

1. Mobile phone (most probably can connect to Wi-Fi at airport or any  popular chain restaurant while traveling, no need to buy international calls package from home)
2. Headphones/ear phones
3. Pen drive
4. Hard drive
5. Laptop (optional, you can buy here also)
6. Tablet (optional, you can buy here also)
7. Indian pin to US pin converters - atleast 1, depending on number of devices carried from home.

Clothes: (can buy here at Walmart/Kohls/Target/Amazon etc - optional)

1. Shirts - 10
2. Jeans - 6-7
3. Traditional wear - 2
4. Formal shirts/pants - 4/2
5. Formal blazer - 1
6. Track pants - 3
7. Undergarments - 10 pairs
8. Sweater/jacket - 2
9. Cardigan/sweat shirt - 1
10. Capris/shorts/swim suits - 4
11. Winter wear (monkey cap, gloves, socks, thermal wear) - 1 each, (if not too costly) You can buy preferably here, since they are give good resistance to cold. Check the annual weather of the new city, so that you can make decisions accordingly.

Miscellaneous: (can buy here at Walmart/Kroger/Target/University bookstores etc - optional)

1. Spectacles/prescription glasses/sunglasses - 2
2. Handkerchiefs - 12
3. Scarf - 2
4. Wallet - 2
5. Blanket (light) - 1
6. Bed sheets, pillow covers - 2 (once you arrive here, you can buy a mattress/sleeping bag, comforter and pillows as per personal preferences.) 
7. Towels, napkins - 2
8. Umbrella - 1
9. Belts (formal and casual) - 4
10. Sport shoes/formal shoes/shoes (all-weather)/slippers - 2
11. Socks - 5 pairs
12. Mirror - 1
13. Scissors - 1
14. Sewing kit - 1

Personal hygiene products: (can buy here at Amazon/Walmart/Kroger/Target/University stores etc - optional)

1. Toothpaste - 1
2. Tooth brush - 3
3. Hair oil - 1 bottle
4. Cold cream - 1 (50 ml, you can buy larger bottles here)
5. Moisturizer - 1 (50 ml, you can buy larger bottles here)
6. Combs - 3
7. Ear buds - 2 boxes 
8. Shampoo - 5-6 sachets (you can buy bottles here)
9. Soaps and cases- 2 (you can buy liquid body wash and hand wash bottles here)
10. Sanitizer - 1 (50 ml, you can buy larger bottles here)
11. Face wash - 1 pack
12. Sanitary napkins - 2 packs
13. Lip balm - 2
14. Razors - 3
15. Nail-cutter - 1

Stationery: (can buy here at Walmart/Kroger/Target/University bookstores etc - optional) 

1. Staple machine - 1 with pins - 2 boxes
2. Pencils - 2-3 with lead boxes
3. Pens - 3-4
4. Sharpeners - 2
5. Erasers - 6
6. Glue sticks - 3
7. Cello tape - 3
8. Markers - 2
9. Ruler - 1
10. Notebook - 1
11. Files/folders (plastic, cardboard) - 3-4
12. Assignment sheets - 1 packet of 50 sheets
13. Calculator (scientific) - 1
14. Key chains - 2

Utensils: (can buy here at Walmart/Kroger/Target/Amazon etc - optional)

Please buy utensils such that it will support both induction coil and gas. Hence, there wouldn't be any restriction for shifting anywhere. Also, some of the apartments provide Microwave oven in the kitchen; same is true for most of the public places, University buildings. You can buy microwavable and dishwasher-safe glass tiffin boxes and ceramic bowls, plates which are preferred as opposed to plastic ones.

1. Pressure cooker - 1 (Indian cooker preferably from home)
2. Pan - 1
3. SS spoons and forks - 6
4. SS containers, dishes - 2
5. Microwavable containers, dishes - 1 (preferably not plastic, try to buy alternate ones here) 
6. Cutting board - 1
7. Knife - 1
8. Peeler - 1
9. Bowl - 2
10. Plastic containers for storage - atleast 1 (you can buy glass jars here too)
11. SS glasses - 2
12. Bottles - 2 (1 thermos water bottle)
13. SS cups - 2
14. Spatula, ladles
15. Extra weights and gaskets for cookers
16. Tongs - 1
17. Rolling pin - 1
18. Tea strainer - 1
19. Pasta strainer - 1
20. Egg whisk - 1
21. Tiffin box - 2

Food items: (Depending on the area in U.S. you will live in, there might be varied number of specific country based stores for groceries etc. Check online before you pack the stuff)

1. Ready-to-eat noodles, biscuits - 1-2 packets
2. Ready-to-eat soups (powder) - 3 packets
3. Home-made sweets (dry) (might be allowed through check-in, not guaranteed)
4. Packaged dry snacks (might be allowed through check-in, not guaranteed)
5. Powdered dried spices (packaged) - chilli, asafoetida, turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, etc. (might be allowed through check-in, not guaranteed)
6. Tea, coffee - 2-3 packets 

Medicines: (University Health Insurance allows the students to visit doctors and pharmacy on University campus; alternatively, Walgreens/CVS Pharmacy etc)

Please carry the prescriptions and the bill receipts for following symptoms:

1. Cold-cough
2. Fever
3. Headache
4. Throat infection
5. Stomach ache
6. Acidity, vomiting
7. Allergy
8. Indigestion
9. Cuts, burns
10. Sprain
11. Body pain
12. Tooth ache

and other required stuff :

1. Band-aids
2. Anti-bacterial creams
3. Vaporizing rub
4. Inhaler
5. Soot (for eyes)

LIVING IN THE STATES:

Most of the students have queries about the expenses of living abroad. Please check online for the area you intend to live in. Personally go and visit the place preferably before committing and signing the lease. Connect with the campus organizations and student social groups before coming to US so that you can make plans together (regarding traveling/staying together or for recommendations of places).

From my experience, I would like to let you know the monthly expenses in:

Lawrence, Kansas, U.S. unfurnished apartment: 3 bed & 2 bath, total rent = around 900$ (water and trash included, all other utilities are paid equally by tenants)

Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. unfurnished apartment: studio, 1/2 bed & 1 bath, total rent = around 600-800$ (water, heat and trash included, all other utilities are paid equally by tenants)

Electricity: Total cost = 30-100$ (depending on seasonal usage)

Gas: Total cost = 40-50$ (in summer, fall, spring), 90-110$ (in winter)

Internet: 35-56$ (18-30 Mbps wireless connection)

Groceries: 40-100$ individually, biweekly

Here, property managements have the rent fixed while the utilities including water, trash, electricity, gas, internet might be fixed or flexible.

Welcome to any suggestions and/or questions!