Housing Information for
International Students
Disclaimer:
This information is offered as a courtesy only. Individuals participating in this opportunity offered
through Pasadena City College are responsible for their own housing and payments. Pasadena City
College does not endorse any listed person or entity nor make any representations or warranties
concerning any housing nor bears any liability or responsibility for any act or omission on the part of
any other third person.
Table of content
Topic
Page
Cover page
1
Table of content
2
Welcome to Pasadena City College
Intro to Pasadena City Housing options Housing resources
3
Finding the right location
Analyze a U.S. address City map
Resources for location research
4
What you need to know
Vocabulary
Things to remember Common problems
5
How to get from LAX to PCC
Transportation Direction Plan your route
6
Extra tips and advice
Housing check-list. Before you get on the plane. Some cultural tips
Temporary Housing
7
Bonus guides
Craigslist & Uloop User Guide Transportation Guide
To-go Housing Guide for print out
Welcome
to Pasadena City College!Living abroad is exciting, and the city of Pasadena has a lot of attractions to offer international students. From the world famous Tournament of Roses Parade to the world-class Rose Bowl stadium, which also holds one of the biggest July 4 firework shows in Southern California.
Pasadena is an urban city west of the San Gabriel Valley and 10 miles northeast of Los Ange-les. The weather is typically sunny, hot and dry. Average temperature fluctuates between low 60s in the winter and high 90s in the summer. Rain often occurs in winter and fall. It’s a good idea to always have a light jacket as the weather can change suddenly throughout the day.
For more info on Pasadena, visit:
http://www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/
Student Housing options:
Studios have a living/sleeping area, a bathroom and a cooking area. Junior 1 bedroom apartments are larger with a semi-private bedroom or a den. Bachelor studio/unit are small studios with a kitchenette: a mini fridge, a microwave, no oven. Average price for a studio is $700-1200. Back units are converted stu-dios/apartments located in the back of the house’s property.
Apartments have bedrooms, bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen. Apartment homes/luxury
apart-ments have extra storage space and washer/dryer hook-up or in-unit. Average price for an 1br
apart-ment is $1100-1500, and $1300-1800 for a 2 br apartapart-ment.
Houses have bedrooms, bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a dining room and a garage. The landlord may rent out the whole house or only bedrooms. Average price for a house is $2300-4000.
Homestays/Host Families rent you a room in their home and includes you in family meals as well as activities. Placement in host families can be done either through self-advertising, institution’s listing or homestay programs/companies. Homestay program application fees typically cost $300-500 and the av-erage rent is $800/month.
Like most community colleges in the U.S. Pasadena City College does not offer any dormitories or boarding. However the ISC is happy to assist you with many housing options available in the area. If you have any ques-tions, please email iso@pasadena.edu
Resources:
Bulletin boards around campus, AND Associate Students Housing Information Board (CC 105) www.craigslist.com, www.uloop.com, www.chineseinla.com, www.radiokorea.com
What you need to know:
Vocabulary:
Landlord: the person who owns and/or rents you the property.
Tenant: you, the person who stays and uses the property.
Rent: what you pay to live in a property.
Lease: your agreement with the landlord. If you rent from the renter, it’s called a sublease.
Deposit: upfront payment that you get back when you move out unless you damage the property.
Penalty fees: what you pay if you do not follow the rules on the lease.
Credit history: when you own credit cards and borrow money in the U.S, you have a credit history.
Social Security Number: a number ID given to U.S. citizen, residents and temporary workers.
Normal wear & tear: what things look like after being used, but not damaged. You will pay a fee and/or
lose your deposit if any rented property/item is damaged beyond normal wear & tear. So take pictures of everything before you move in!
Common problems:
Ask you for money before meeting you.
Currently away from home and cannot meet you face to face. Want you to pay over the phone, send it by mail, email, or wire. Get upset because you ask for an ID or a signed receipt.
Do not call you back.
Let you wait and do not apologize. Change the price at the last minute.
When this happens, walk away! If you’re not sure, contact your coaches or the iso@pasadena.edu
Things to remember:
Don’t give out your bank account number or important information over email or phone. Meet your landlord/roommate and see the place in person. Take a friend with you. Call 20 minutes ahead to confirm your visit/appointment.
Ask questions:
What is included in the rent? Are guests allowed?
Who else lives there or has a key?
Check everything: sink, toilet, hot water, lights, air conditioner/heater, etc. Take pictures of the room AND any damages.
5. Type/write down everything AND sign. Make a lease. Always.
You cannot change your mind after you sign.
6. Don’t give anyone your money without a signed lease, a key and a receipt.
7. Ask for help, smile and say thank you!
Ask your landlord to waive (not charge) the application fee. You don’t have a social security number or a credit history!
Best area: south of 210, west of Allen, and east of Fair Oaks, near Old Town
Zip-codes near PCC (91106): 91101, 91104, 91108, 91107, 91105
To explore the area: www.yelp.com, maps.google.com
Check if your new place is convenient:
www.walkscore.com
See other zip codes and cities near Pasadena:
www.zipmap.com
Check crime statistics at
http://www.crimemapping.com/map/ca/pasadena
How we write a U.S. address:
Line 1
(house number + street name)
1570 E. Colorado Blvd
Line 2
(apartment/suite/office number)
International Student Center D-204
Line 3
(City, State Zipcode)
Pasadena, CA 91106
Getting from the LAX Airport to PCC:
The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 40-45 miles away from Pasadena City College 1570
East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106.
Shuttle Service:
Shuttle to LAX
Super Shuttle
Primetime Shuttle
Average $20-40 fare for a shared drive. Reserve at least 4 days beforehand.
FlyAway Bus & Gold Line:
Direction:
1. Board FlyAway buses, located at every LAX terminal on the Arrival/Lower level under the green signs
indicating "FlyAway, Buses and Long-Distance Vans."
2. Arrive at Union Station, leave the bus and walk to the Gold Line, located at Tracks 1 and 2.
3. Board the Gold Line, North bound to Pasadena.
4. Arrive at Allen Avenue Station.
5. Board the PCC shuttle to Main Campus, OR Exit station and walk to Allen Avenue. Turn right onto Allen,
and then turn right onto Colorado.
Schedule & Fare: FlyAway Bus – $7
Operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
From 5 AM to 1 AM. Departs on the hour and half hour. From 1 AM to 5 AM. Departs on the hour.
Gold Line – $1.50
Operates from approximately 4 AM to 11 PM, 7 days a week.
PCC Shuttle – Free
Operates Monday to Thursday, 6:30 PM—10:45 PM. Friday 6:30 AM—5:45 PM. Departs every 15-30 minutes.
Plan your trip:
http://socaltransport.org
or
maps.google.com
*
Check out the Transportation Guide (Page 9)
for more tips on getting around Pasadena &
dis-counts on bus passes, shoes and bikes!
Don’t be shy about your English. Speak up! Speak louder! Double your volume!
Smile and laugh often. Americans are known for their positivity.
Get ready to share your story, try new things and meet new people. Go to events! Get out there!
Clean up after yourself. Be an independent, responsible and hard working young adult.
Focus on good things. You moved to another country to pursue your dreams. You are brave.
It’s okay to feel sad, homesick and frustrated. You might be experience culture shock:
1) Honeymoon: everything is new and exciting. Everything is great!
2) Crisis: life is too different. You don’t fit in. You miss home. You can’t follow in class.
3) Recovery: your English gets better. You like where you stay. You understand local customs.
4) Adjustment: you hang out with friends. You make new friends. You know how to get around. You
help others through the same crisis.You feel confident and look forward to your next year here.
Talk to someone. Talk to your friends, coaches, tutors and your success team. Get help!
Unaffiliated hotels for short-term housing:
Saga Motor Hotel: www.sagamotorhotel.com. $75-101. Across from PCC, 5 min walk. Discount for PCC
students! Call (800) 793-7242, talk to Lori or Melodee.
Howard Johnson Inn: www.hojo.com. $95-130. Across from PCC, 5 min walk.
Vagabond Inn Executive Pasadena: www.vagabondinn.com. $80-100. 10 min walk to PCC. Travelodge Pasadena Central: www.travelodge.com. $65-85. 15 min walk to PCC.
Airbnb.com. Short term accommodation from locals. $50-$200.
Remember to check in at our International Students Center (D-204) upon your arrival.
Extra tips and advice:
Before you get on the plane:
Go to see your doctor and the dentist for a check-up. Get all the work done, especially on your teeth.
Have about $100 cash on you in $20,$5 and $1 bills for taxi, food, drink, etc.
Also bring Traveler’s Checks in various amounts, and/or a credit card. Remember to tell your bank!
Pack a light sweater/jacket for changing weather, a pair of good walking shoes and a nice set of clothes for spe-cial occasions. Also, some toiletries for 1-2 weeks.
Bring an extra set of your glasses & contacts.
Bring your prescription medicine and some for the common cold, headache, soreness, etc.
Bring your swimsuit! Housing Check List:
__ Original passport AND copy of passport __ Original I-20 AND copy of I-20
__ Another form of picture ID (to open a bank account) __ About $2500 to cover 2 month rent + deposit.
__ Copy of your financial statement __ Local banking account
__ Reference letter from a friend, relative, teacher, etc. __ A co-signer in the U.S.
Craigslist: a free online market for everyone.
Uloop: a free online market designed for college students.
Craigslist and Uloop are 2 examples of online marketplace for rental. More than 80% of landlords and apart-ment managers use these (especially Craigslist) to look for tenants. You can also look for furniture, bikes, books, even jobs on them. Use them safely and wisely will give you more options and save money:
1. Be specific. Give details. Posts that do not have a lot of info are not serious or reliable.
2. Be honest. Tell the truth about yourself and your habit. If you’re messy, don’t say you’re super neat!
3. Be patient. It takes time to find a good deal. Give yourself time. Make at least 5 calls.
4. Be on time. Prove you’re a responsible and serious tenant.
5. Be cautious. Don’t give your bank account number or important information over email or phone.
6. Be proactive. Landlords look for tenants by browsing their ads. If you need help writing your ads, email
iso@pasadena.edu or stop by D-204, Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm.
Craigslist and Uloop User Guide
International Student Center
Example of a good housing ads: Hello,
My name is Will, I’m 19 years old and I’ll be attending PCC this Fall. I’m looking for a room in a safe neighborhood, about 1-2 miles from school for $500-700/month. I prefer private room, but can share if the rent is cheaper. I’m a clean, quiet and serious student. I play a lot of video games on my com-puter, but I use my headphones. I might go out during the weekend, but not so much during the week. I’m allergic to cats, so no cats, but dogs are fine. If possible, I’d like to not live in household with too many kids. I’m looking to move in mid July. If you are interested, please respond to this ads.
Welcome to Pasadena City College!
There are many options to get to PCC campus and explore the surrounding areas. You can:
Walk: All you need is a good pair of shoes. Show your student ID card for discounts at:
15% off at Aerosoles: 340 E. Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, CA 91101 10% off at Run With Us: 235 N. Lake Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101
Bike: Check out the City of Pasadena’s bicycling guide for routes and rules of the road.
Check Craigslist, flea markets and bulletin boards around campus for used bikes. Get $220 discount on a folding bike at Incycle: 175 S. Fair Oaks Avenue Pasadena, CA
91105. PCC will also offer students $80 extra rebate. Some bike shops near PCC: Open Road Bike Shop. 60 N. Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
Pasadena Cyclery. 1670 E. Walnut St Pasadena, CA 91106.
Public transportation:
Get an I-TAP card for $30/semester to use of all LA Metro services, both buses and rail lines, and bus lines operated by Foothill Transit. You need:
Your LancerID card
A copy of your current class schedule
Go to Student Business Services (B-203) next to Campus Police.
Plan your trip here!
PCC also has a shuttle service between CEC, Allen Station, and the PCC Main Campus.
Car (you must be 18 or older):
1) Visit the DMV Website to get an appointment and the Driver’s Handbook. 2) The nearest DMV to PCC locates at: 49 S. Rosemead Blvd Pasadena, CA 91107 3) Pass the mandate written and driving test to receive your California Driver License. 4) Rent, lease, or buy a car.
5) Parking:
If you want to park on the street between 2am-6am in Pasadena and South Pasadena, you must purchase a resident parking permit.
If you want to park on campus, you must purchase a daily parking permit in the park-ing lots or a semester parking permit.
Always check and follow parking signs.
Questions?
Come to the 411 Transportation Trolley in the Quad, west of C Building.
Call (626) 585-7791
Visit ISC office at D-204. We’re open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm.
Contact iso@pasadena.edu
Transportation Guide for International Student
To-go Housing Guide for International Student
Housing Check List:
__ Original passport AND copy of passport __ Original I-20 AND copy of I-20
__ Another form of picture ID
__ About $2500 to cover 2 month rent + deposit. __ Copy of your financial statement
__ Local banking account
__ Reference letter from a friend, relative, teacher, etc. __ A co-signer in the U.S.
Common problems:
Ask you for money before meeting you.
Cannot meet you face to face.
Want you to pay over the phone, by mail, email, or wire.
Get upset because you ask for an ID or a signed receipt.
Do not call you back.
Let you wait and do not apologize.
Change the price at the last minute.
When this happens, walk away! If you’re still not sure, contact your coaches or iso@pasadena.edu
Resources:
To check distance/bus line: maps.google.com & socal-transport.org
To check local amenities: walkscore.com & yelp.com
Bulletin boards & AS Housing Information Board (CC 105).
www.craigslist.com, www.uloop.com, www.chineseinla.com, www.radiokorea.com
For short stays:
Saga Motor Hotel. $75-101. Across from PCC. Discount!
Howard Johnson Inn. $95-130. Across from PCC.
www.vagabondinn.com $80-100. 10 min walk to PCC.
www.travelodge.com $65-85. 15 min walk to PCC.
Airbnb.com $50-200.
Zipcodes:
1-5 km (1-3 m): 91106. 91101, 91104, 91108 (San Marino), 91107, 91105
≥ 5 km ( ≥ 3 m): 91030 (S. Pasadena), 91775 + 91776 (San Gabriel), 91101 + 91103 (Altadena), 91006 + 91007 (Arcadia), 91801 (Alhambra)
Vocabulary:
Landlord: the person who owns and/or rents you the property
Tenant: you, the person who stays and uses the property
Rent: what you pay to live in a property
Lease: your agreement with the landlord
Deposit: the money you pay if you damage the property when you leave. You can get it back when you move out.
Penalty fees: what you pay if you do not follow the lease Things to remember:
Don’t give out your bank account number or important infor-mation over email or phone.
Meet your landlord/roommate and see the place in person. Take a friend with you.
Call 20 minutes ahead to confirm your visit/appointment.
Ask questions:
What is included in the rent?
Are guests allowed?
Who else lives there or has a key?
Check everything: sink, toilet, hot water, lights, air conditioner/heater, etc.
Take pictures of the room AND any damages. 5. Type/write down everything AND sign.
You cannot change your mind after you sign. 6. Don’t give anyone your money without a signed lease, a key in your hand and a receipt.
7. Ask for help, smile and say thank you! International Student Center
Tip: you don’t have a social secu-rity number or a credit history. Ask to waive the application fee!
