candyman92486

Hey ediaz,

You are coming all the way to Easton, Pennsylvania from Quito, Ecuador? THAT IS AWESOME! Congratulations on being accepted...I hope you are looking forward to arriving on campus in the fall.

In response to your questions...

1. I honestly have no idea what a Lafayette Mengel Loan is. I looked around the website, through all the financial aid literature I could get my hands on, and even asked a few employees in the admissions office...I'll have to get back to you on that one!

2. International students reside in each and every residence hall on campus in equal amounts...no one residence hall is for international students, nor do such students gravitate to one facility.

3. The residence halls at Lafayette are really VERY nice. They are quite comfortable and are more than liveable. Please see some of my previous posts in this thread ("I'll Answer Your Lafayette Questions!") for more specific information on each living option for first-year students such as yourself. Just to answer your specific inquiry, be aware that the bathroom situation is slightly differing depending on the residence hall...some are communal and some are private. They are all cleaned and disinfected every weekday by a custodial staff in the building. All rooms have mattresses. All rooms have wooden furniture, which includes a desk, desk chair, desk hutch, bookcase, set of drawers, bed frame, and clothing wardrobe, so do not worry about having to bring any big pieces of furniture!

4. You definitely DO NOT need a bicycle, unless you plan on riding it around the city of Easton for exercise (better yet, go to the athletic complex and work out on the elliptical machines!) The campus is compact, and in addition, why take the chance that it could get stolen?

5. We are within a one hour and thirty minute bus ride from the Easton bus stop to New York City. The cost is $32 round-trip, so it is very easy to gather some friends and take a trip into NYC/Philadelphia for one day on the weekend if you don't have too much work. Check out the sites, eat some good food, and waste the day away!

6. International students go through the exact same process when the time comes to determine financial aid packages (grants, loans, work-study). Statistically, international students usually get very respectable financial aid packages because many of them come from less fortunate backgrounds. Many international students I know do not have to pay a dime for tuition, which is great!

7. If you have a work-study as part of your financial aid package, as do many international students, you will be able to get a job FOR SURE! You could work in the library restocking the shelves, checking out books, etc. You could work in Computer Services if you are tech-savvy. Maybe you would like to become a tour guide for the Admissions Office? How about being the night manager at Gilbert's Cafe? Receptionist at the athletic center? There are so many different positions on campus for all interests, and getting a job is NEVER a problem for anyone who is looking. I recommend you work a job that seems cool to you...do a little research when you get to campus because I am sure I don't know half of the jobs we offer to students!

I have the greatest respect for you as an international student...I could NEVER go to school in a foreign country because I do not think I would be able to adjust. However, I am sure you will do just fine.

If you think of any other questions, I'd be more than happy to respond.

Later,

J