Helpful Information - International Student Guide - Admissions - Antioch University New England

Section 5 - Helpful Information

Transportation

The transportation system in the United States is quite different from that in most other countries. Our rail and bus systems are not as extensive as those of many other countries. Most Americans own cars, which are the most common form of transportation. However, it is quite possible to live in Keene without owning a car. For many students, especially those who live on or near campus, the most common means of transport is the bicycle.

Bicycles

Bicycling is popular as a sport and as a means of transportation in the U.S. Therefore, many of the bicycles for sale here are very elaborate ten-speed racing models and rugged “all-terrain” bicycles. If you are using your bicycle for transportation only, you may not need such an expensive model. Used bicycles are advertised in all the Keene newspapers. It is important to lock your bicycle securely whenever you leave it. We recommend a U shaped lock. These locks are sold at Sears in Keene. You should lock your bicycle into a bicycle rack, not to light poles, trees, or posts. Before riding a bicycle off campus, spend some time observing bicycle traffic patters. Those patterns might not be the same as the ones you are accustomed to. Please be aware that cars do not usually yield to bicyclists. Always wear a helmet.

Taxicabs

There is a taxicab company in Keene, Ideal Taxi (603.352.1656). You are charged according to the distance that you ride. It is customary to pay an additional 15% of the fare as a tip.

Keene Transportation System

Though you have to adhere to its schedule, not your own, you can get to most of the places you need to go by using Keene’s public transportation system. City Express buses only accept exact change or transfers. You can ask the driver for a transfer when you enter the bus. The transfer allows you to continue to ride on a second bus for free. The cost for a one way ride is $1.00; pre-paid 10 rides are $7.50; and an unlimited monthly pass is $18.00. Bus schedules are available in the Admissions Office. You can also call The City Express and ask for route and schedule information. Information is also available online.

Cars

Owning a car is expensive and can be very troublesome due to the high cost for repairs. Other expenses include license plates, registration, insurance and fuel. Any licensed driver who is at least 25 years of age may rent a car for the day, weekend, week or month. Prices vary so you should call a number of agencies and ask about their charges.

New Hampshire State Driver’s License

You may legally drive in New Hampshire if you have a current International Driver’s License and your home country Driver’s License in your possession while you drive. It is advisable, however, to obtain a New Hampshire license even if your International License is still valid. To get a New Hampshire license, you must go to the Motor Vehicles Division Office located at the office listed below. For more information contact the Admissions Office.

Motor Vehicle Division: 10 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305, 603.271.2371

It is also advisable to visit the New Hampshire Driver’s License site as they have extensive information about the process of obtaining an instate driver’s license.
For non-U.S. citizens temporarily residing in New Hampshire, please visit the New Hampshire state Web site for further motor vehicle and licensing information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can an international student drive with an International Driver License?
The student may drive with the International Driver License as long as the International License is valid and the foreign license is valid. The international license is basically a translation of the foreign license and should be accompanied by the foreign license at all times. Students should be aware of the renewal dates of the International license and the foreign license in the home country.

How long can an international student drive with a foreign license?
A student may drive with a foreign license as long as the foreign license is valid and the student is temporarily residing in the U.S. The foreign license should always be accompanied by the English translation. The translation may be the International License itself or it may be a translation done by a certified instructor in the foreign language.

If the student has an International Driver License, can they automatically get a New Hampshire State Driver license?
No, they cannot. In order to obtain a New Hampshire State Driver License a student must go though the permit process. This involves taking a written test, a five-hour safety course, an eye test and a road test.

Is it true that an international student has to hand over his foreign license to the Department of Motor Vehicles, if he or she applies for a New Hampshire State License?
Yes, the foreign license is surrendered after passing the New Hampshire road test.

Does the student have to get a New Hampshire State License if they have an International Driver license?
No. A person must obtain a New Hampshire State license upon becoming a resident of New Hampshire State.

Shopping In Keene

When you go shopping in the U.S., you may find it is quite different from shopping at home. You will find a large selection of new goods and tremendous variation in price. The merchandise is generally available in a “self-serve” manner and clerks may not be readily available to assist you. Knowledgeable clerks are generally found only in more expensive specialty shops. In self-serve shops, you take items to a checkout counter where you pay for them. Many stores provide baskets or carts to hold the items that shoppers want. Never put a piece of merchandise in a pocket, purse, or backpack before paying for it. If you do, it may appear that you do not intend to pay for it. This may result in a charge of “shoplifting” which is a very serious offense. Many stores have video cameras to watch for shoplifters. Shoppers are advised to compare prices for the same item at different stores, as prices will frequently vary. In retail stores, the prices displayed are firm and generally not negotiable. Be aware that the sales tax on an item is not included in the displayed price but is added by the store clerk at checkout. To save money when shopping at the local grocery stores, you should get a Shopper’s Club or Bonus Card. Applications for cards can be filled out at the supermarket. You can also save money on some products by using coupons, which can be found in the newspaper.

Grocery Shopping

An important part of staying healthy is eating a nutritious and balanced diet. Finding the right foods in a new country may be difficult. You can buy most of your groceries, paper products, cleaning supplies, and toiletries at the supermarket. They have fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, canned, boxed, and frozen foods. Foods from your country may or may not be available in the supermarket, but they may be available from one of the specialty food stores in the area.

Supermarkets

Hannaford: West street shopping center, Keene 357.2832
Shaw’s: 360 Winchester, Keene 357.6037
Blueberry Fields: 48 Emerald, Keene 357.5207 (organic, health food)

Consumer Goods

Target: 603.354.2151
Wal-Mart: 603.357.7200
Sears: 603.338.5000

Regional Financial Institutions

Bank of New Hampshire: 603.352.2502
Connecticut River Bank: 603.357.1619
Granite Bank: 603.352.1600
Service Credit Union: 603.352.0475
Savings Bank of Walpole: 603.352.1822
Fleet Bank: 603.357.8100
Citizens Bank: 603.352.5050

Utilities

Gas: NH Gas. 603.352.1230 or Keene Gas: 603.352.41340
Electric: Public Service of NH. 1.800.662.7764
Telephone: Verizon. 1.800.585.4466
Cable Television: Time Warner Cable. 603.352.6421

Health Care

Cheshire Medical Center: 603.354.5400

For more detailed information about Keene and its surroundings, visit the Keene Chamber of Commerce.

English Classes

Please contact the following for more information on English lessons/Tutors:

for online English lessons
for more formal English lessons
send an email for free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes given by Keene Community Education

The Admissions Office has a list of ESL tutors in the area. Once you have been accepted to Antioch New England, you can look in the International Students conference on FirstClass, the campus messaging system.