There are several concerns an incoming Bowling Green student may have. We have put together a list of some frequently asked questions that might serve to help an incoming international student adjust to life at BGSU. Note that this information is provided as a guide only and you should always contact the appropriate authorities when necessary.

Questions:

1. How can I obtain a driver’s license?
2. What are some ways to have fun in Bowling Green?
3. What kind of utilities do I need/are available?
4. Where can I stay during the summer?

Answers:

1. How can I obtain a driver’s license?
   If driving is of interest to an international student, the BMV (Bureau of motor vehicles) is where you can start for your driving needs.
   1. You firstly start by getting a temporary license which can also be very useful as your I.D if you moving around with your passport, which is safer too. To get a full license at  the BMV you’ll expect to have passed:
   2. Written Test: Usually best study the digest of Ohio motor vehicle laws book first before you schedule a road test visit. the written test hours are Tues- Fri 8 to 11:30am and 12:30 to 4:30pm. Sat 8 to 11:30 and 12:30 to 1:45. You can schedule driving test at www.ohiodrivingtest.com, week of a holiday, call for test hour.
   3. Vision Test: your sight is checked for road worthiness.
   4. Practical Test: your personal car is required, you are accompanied by a road test instructor. But of course it does not necessarily have to be your car
   Note: Price is $20 for the temporary driving license

2. What are some ways to have fun in Bowling Green?
   As a new student in BG there are many places one would want to have fun. BG has a lot of fun places to go, these include:
   1. Bars and Clubs: for the party or club scene type of people there is are several bars and clubs in downtown Bowling Green. They vary in the type of music they play, drinks they serve, and their regular crowd. Several have live entertainment and special guests from time to time.The majority of clubs and bars can be found along Wooster and Main St.
   2. Places to Eat: there are several grills, pizza and sandwich shops in Bowling Green. Many of them have special nights with low prices. For example many spots “wing nights”, on a certain day of the week where you can get wings as low as 30 cents a piece! There are also some popular American fast-food franchises around town like Wendy’s, McDonalds, Subway, Burger King, etc. Dining in the campus meal halls is handled by University Dining Services and more information can found on their website.
   3. Parks: there are places like city park where you can chill, take some friends, or meet new ones too. More information about at the website of Bowling Green Parks & Recreation
3. What kind of utilities do I need/are available?
   Depending on where you plan on living and what amenities you deem necessary the amount of money you spend on utilities each month can vary greatly. Some apartment complexes include the cost of these utilities in the rent, other leave payment up to the tenant (you). Most utilities offer several billing options the most common of which are: online pay, telephone payment, payment by cheque, or automatic monthly bank account withdrawal. Following is a general overview of Bowling Green’s utilities:
   1. Electricity: Usually paid by the tenant to the Munipal Electric Division, the sole provider of electricity in Bowling Green. Additional information and how to contact the Electric Division is available here.
   2. Water & Sewage: Similar to Electricity, water treatment and distribution is also handled by the City of Bowling Green. Often landlords will pay this fee to the city for the tenant. Additional information found here.
   3. Garbage Removal: Again this service is handled by the city and is often paid for by the landlord.
   4. Television (Cable, Satellite & Digital): Several major television channels are available in Bowling Green without the need for subscription. Those interested in additional channels can sign with Time Warner Cable. They generally offer two types of service that are of interest to students: basic cable which includes 60-70 channels for a flat monthly rate, or digital cable which has variable pricing depending on premium packages and pay-per-view usage. Digital cable requires a special subscriber box for each television that is provided by the cable company for an additional monthly rate.Although generally uncommon among students satalite service is also available from DirectTV although you should check with your landlord to see if they permit the mounting of a dish on your apartment.While siginficantly more expensive, satalite and digital cable both offer a much broader channel selection as well as more high-definition content.
   5. Internet Service: It is not uncommon for landlords to offer their tenants free wired or wireless internet. For apartments without free internet, cable internet is available from the cable provider: Time Warner Cable. (link)
   6. Telephone Service (Landline & Mobile): The majority of off campus students go without a landline and rely on their cellular line. Throughout the country there are 4 major cellphone providers. Two of which are CDMA: Sprint & Verizon, and two others which use a more globally recognized GSM standard: T-Mobile & ATT which allow the use of SIM cards. These companies generally have users sign a contract and will require an American guarantor of payment. If one is not available, most companies offer a pay as you go type service plan.There are often smaller providers which are often cheaper but lack some features the larger companies provide such as free nationwide calling and roaming.
4. Where can I stay during the summer?
   Students normally list their vacant apartments on blackboard. A discussion board listing postings from students can be found by Clicking on the community tab on Blackboard and then the “off campus housing “button on the right hand corner. Once there click on the “Need Room or a Roommate” link.

   Summer housing can also be found by going to one of the real estate’s websites:

   John Newlove Realestate
   Greenrbiar Rentals
   Newlove Rentals
   Copper Beech
   The Enclave