₦airaland Forum

The Progessors in the house, pls how do you send money to Naija when you want to send money back? Pls don't tell me western Union!!! Are there Any trusted names that have good rates?

Good people, it's been quite hectic so I've not been here so often. From the End of September I might be able to register GRE for some intending candidates At discounted rates. Just 2 or 3 only.
My guy @gunther6 is keeping it real here. I thought I could as well help out. Kudos brother!!

gunther6:
Labor day , let me just grab popcorn make I come read comments here, I can see Darefadi is still strutting her stuff only Jah can reward you.

Big Ups to Darefadi! Still holding the forte. Labor Day is a great relief but a brother has quizzes Tuesday morning. I've missed this thread tho. How have you been bro?

chigozieduru:
Update/Follow-up:
I came here in Part 9 (screenshot attached) about my issue. I just want to say thank you to everyone who contributed from walspring, slimmy2005, landuseact, aadeyi, mevisbleek and others who gave their advice. It's been a while, I think it was earlier in June and I apologize for taking time to update y'all who might be concerned.

Fast forward, no I did not go into escorting. I got a last minute acceptance to a paid summer internship in California doing research and I was advised by another friend on F-1 from Jamaica to reach out to the director of the Honors Program in my school (note: I am in the Honors already). I explained my situation to her and few weeks later I got an email that the Honors Program will cover some of the back bill majority of it!

From the stipend I was paid from my biomedical research internship this summer I got to pay off the remaining back bill for Spring 2016 and registered for Fall. I am sorry for my long epistle and my advice to any nairalanders/Nigerians here schooling in the U.S is that never cover your mouth when in situations. Nobody is an island, reach out to people, don't suffer in silence, and build relationship with different students you meet in class/professors or whoever.

Also, don't be friends with Nigerians alone. Seek advice and although you'll get bad advice like the one who told me to escort... You'll eventually come across someone who will lead you to your solution :-) x

This is heartwarming news and i am glad you decided to heed positive advice. your experience will sure guide other ladies who come on this thread with similar issues. be sure to come around when your schedule permits to help others who may need advice from time to time. God bless you and see you at the top!!!

sureb0y:
Just passing by. I'm slowly getting over the culture shock, life has been beautiful. yesterday marked a week since I got to my school. I'll do a brief review of my stay so far. Can't believe I've only been in America for a week, it's like I left Nigeria decades ago. This is not me badmouthing or bashing my country but Nigeria sucks big time. From the leaders to the common citizens, darn... you people are rotten from top to bottom. Forget corruption now, I'm talking about the general behaviour of a person. People are so nice where I live, I can't even start to explain. It's like a general, unwritten rule here that YOU MUST BE KIND TO OTHERS. I'm loving it and trust me, it's new to me. May God forgive me, whenever someone does something nice to me here, I secretly think they're just pretending but I'm slowly getting to know it's just their nature. 2 ladies offered to chauffeur me around yesterday (for free and it lasted about 4 hours), one gave me $100 cos my stupid bank card stopped working, the other paid for my walmart shopping: $150. They even took me to lunch and paid over $25 for the food after they had helped me set up my apartment! They were so nice!

School starts today, I expect it to be the only downside of my stay here hehe. I don't like school so I don't expect it to be fun. Right across my window, on the other side of the road is a branch of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. I'll go there next week and see what they have to offer. I learnt those church people can epp person with some ogbonge package (read between the lines, don't dull). To all the efikos in the building, I'll have something for you tomorrow when my lectures start.

My accent has been a barrier so far. I speak well but I'm torn between trying to speak like them (hoping it would help them understand me better) and speaking with my Lagos boy accent (this is really convenient for me but harder for them to understand what I'm talking about). I'm confident this is going to fix itself with time, I'm not bothered one bit. Understanding them is no biggie for me. I grab all they say 100% and I've not told anyone to "come again" for over 5 days. I'm even helping you people out here, telling them nice things about Nigeria and Nigerians. Saying we listen more than we speak, don't talk while eating, raise kids to be respectful, help the elderly, etc.

On girls... *sigh* This is my favourite part. If there's any guy here who doesn't know how to talk to/woo/toast girls. LOL... don't worry, you're going to be blown away here. In Lagos, I couldn't start a conversation with a girl to save my life. Twitter, FB, BBM, Whatsapp... I was a guru. I knew the right things to write in a chat to get a girl to like me beyond words but when it comes to talking to a stranger face to face and trying to get her to at least part away with her atm card pin phone number, omo... it's been a disaster so far. It only worked for me like 5 times out of 50 attempts. I used to think my game was weak, now I know it's the nonsense girls in Lagos. Stupid girls who think being rude shows class. I'll talk more about girls later.

I get mad whenever someone tries to post a transcript, hides some information for reasons best known to them and people launch attacks on the poster because of it. Listen, it's better to ignore this post if you have nothing to say about it cos I'm angry and I'll give you a very aggressive clapback if you try to say nonsense to me. Have you ever heard of privacy? Where were you when one NLer was digging someone's information up after a little misunderstanding, posting personal email addy, pictures, full names and saying loads of crap about the person, threatening to get him into trouble? To those posting their school names, house address, phone numbers, etc. good for you, some people aren't that free when it comes to sensitive information, you should respect their decision. There's always an immature kid somewhere who's going to fccukk you up with these info someday if you ever have a clash. You Nigerians need to chill, calm down, life is not so serious!!!

No matter how bad a poster is, there are kind ways of replying!!! You don't make them feel bad. I'll give an example. The last poster wrote "Name of School: Bla Bla", a mature answer would have been: "what's the name of the school?" or "I think the school you chose could have been a factor, do you mind telling me the name?". Kindness is not going to kill you! what if he applied to a low rank school and didn't want you people to laugh at him because of the nonsense attitude I'm complaining about? you complain that Nigerians aren't as helpful as the Indians, check yourself first! People are different I always tell you, everyone isn't on your level (whatever level you're on). If you can't help someone without robbing them of their confidence with your itk aggression and insults, simply ignore their post and move on. I have asked these whites the most stupid questions ever, they didn't insult me, they helped! The other day, someone was asking for tips cos of a 1.73 cgpa, some were laughing while some people tried to help. Do you know how hard some people try to succeed but end up not succeeding? No matter what someone's situation is, encourage them or just ignore if you can't! Ignoring a post is free, learn how to do it.

I'm not encouraging or discouraging "incomplete transcripts" as you call it, I'm only saying you should relax, be respectful and more understanding. Some people don't know half of what you know, don't make them feel bad about it. Simple

If you can't help, ignore the post.

Ma G!!!
its been busy here so i have not been able to come on to NL in 5 days and we already on Part 10
anyways, your post make sense die because that was exactly my experience, two guys picked me up on my first day in town and drove me around town for hours, got my AT&T line and other stuff. The day i wanted to shop, it was one guy in my program who picked me in his car and walked around the shop with me till i was done shopping. and on another day, one lady picked me up, took me to the mall and that day, GTbank ATM decided to fail. the lady paid my $56 grocery bill immediately with her card.
like you said, politeness is like an unwritten code. i should continue writing but my new British friend i met here is waiting for me at the mall.
will continue when i return.

It's took me just 1 week to exceed the $1000 limit that gtbank places on their MasterCard. The plan B I took (sterling Bank) has stopped working abroad. Called gtbank and they said I should wait till next month to withdraw money! Funny people! Person wey dey hungry go wait 1 month?
Who knows what UBA's Exchange rate is right now?

charlesadeoye:
Amazon gift cards needed asap...

How much do you want?

someonehelp:
Please anyone travelling through Royal Air Maroc to new york on the 23rd of august, and also having thoughts of how to survive the 17hrs stop over at Casablanca should pm. my thoughts are really making me mad.

Layover is nothing! Take a book, carry your laptop. Log on to free wifi and chat with folks on here. Watch a few movies, get to the cafe get some food and meet people.

masquellett:
I did mail the international office and here was the reply I got

"Hello, I am happy to hear your visa is approved.  Unfortunately, my office does not know of a roommate. However, please contact the Kean International Students Organization that we have on campus at https://www.facebook.com/keaninternational/.  They may know of a roommate.  A hotel may be another option although it can be costly.  You may also have to consider and live on campus. Make sure to complete the on-campus dorm application in case you cannot find an apartment at http://www.kean.edu/offices/rss/apply-housing.

Kind Regards,"

I have been working on the facebook international page but nothing is coming up, and also the oncampus dorm is a "no no" for me cos it will be more expensive. Still crowding craigslists tho! Thanks.

Like you've been advised, Hotels will put a dent in your finances, I stayed for just 2 nights when I arrived and that set me back $135. (Minus meals oh!) try apartments(dot)com or trulia(dot)com. I hurriedly used the 2 days to find an apartment and sign a lease, and those sites helped. You can filter the search criteria to show only apartments that match your budget

drhopeful:
Hello brethren,

Please I have a question for current and prospective PhD students. Do you contact potential supervisors/advisors before you make your applications?

It's not necessary but its advisable, they are the same people on the admissions committee reviewing applications. make a good impression and they will advocate for you to be accepted.

zt:
I arrived washington about 6hrs ago. I just got access to Internet. Transcript to follow soon.

Thank you all!!!

Welcome man! Enjoy your stay

Rheenah:
Morning people. Kai,, I have missed this place . Just a moment to say thank you to those who have helped me this far.. Especially @lagosismyhome @oludare and others... @lagosismyhome u must marry better husband! (Well if ur not married already ) The hustle is real. To others that have arrived @plauses @dickoflife .. God keep y'all

God be with you too! Hope you are doing okay

OluDare01:
See this bros o
Delta kinni
When I'm not pinkytoes

Bro go and book British Airways Ogbeni or don't you want to Enter the US more than 40 days before the start of your program?

LagosismyHome:
I would have thought Lagos to Washington Dulles would be expensive....... BWI (Baltimore, MD) maybe cheaper blc DC airports route are more expensive

Washington Dulles fares are cheaper, just did a price check now.

For the person who asked about getting to Charlotte NC, I think it may be very cheap for you if you get a flight to Washington Dulles, then pick a local flight from Dulles to Charlotte for less than $65.

Part 2 of the Travel Transcript
First I thank God for a safe trip, it's been God all the way.
So after spending about 12hours at Istanbul checking out all the different flavors of burgers they have, (tried chicken and chips too) and exploiting the WiFi wherever I found it, we boarded at 5:45. Went through normal checks, passport and I-20, (this time it was the big Airbus. The food was on point!) slept, woke up, watched a movie. After 10 long hours, we arrived Washington Dulles. I promptly filled the customs declaration form for all the Naija food I was carrying.
Then stood in line for CBP screening. Was quite busy today, spent like 1hr 30 mins on the queue.

I arrived and handed him my passport and I-20 first
CBP: hello, pls take off your cap
Plauses: sure!
CBP: ok that's you, are you a returning student?
Plauses: No, new student
CBP: okay, where are you going?
Plauses: West Virginia Uni
CBP: I see you're going for graduate studies, did you have your undergraduate here in the states?
Pls uses: No, Nigeria
CBP: so how did you get this admission?
Plauses: was a very competitive process, took standardized tests and applied, went through series of interviews to evaluate academic and professional prowess and they were quite impressed with my credentials because I was offered a full GA.
CBP: oh I see that's good congratulation. So this includes living expenses too?
Plauses: yes it does.
CBP : are you carrying any foodstuff?
Plauses: yes. Mostly dried foods
CBP: do you have any wet foods/liquids?
Plauses: No all dry foodstuff
CBP: how are you getting to Morgantown today?
Plauses: I booked a local flight to WV
CBP : okay great, welcome to America, here's your I-20

I left, went to claim my luggage and ran upstairs for my connecting flight boarding pass. They charged me $30 for each of my boxes because they said I am only allowed my Hand luggage and laptop bag. Every other checked bag would cost $30. So I paid $60. Would have paid more because my boxes were over 50pounds. But the guy asked me to just remove stuff and put inside my hand luggage that he wouldn't weigh that.
Concluded checking in, and the hunt for free wifi commenced,

Mekurexx:
The lounge in Ataturk is one of the best in the world! Enjoy man! Safe trip.....

Thanks brother, I'm having fun already, I forgot my phone on a bench earlier. Went to buy charger, came back and saw my phone on the same spot!!!
I was in shock!

zt:
Why not charge with the USB space onboard while you sit in the plane?

That won't last for the hours I'm staying at Istanbul.

OluDare01:
Plauses, no go fight pinkytoes for Washington o.

The guy/babe go don get another moniker
Just saying

Bro how did you read my mind? I'm tracking him/her with one number. I'll give you all the transcript of how the fight went down and who lost more teeth.

ratchy:
Charger only or with small touch light phone? Oh my ! bros abeg yarn me the kind connector wey them they use so i go prepare ahead..thanks for updating us

Come with this type of charger if you're flying through Istanbul

ratchy:
Charger only or with small touch light phone? Oh my ! bros abeg yarn me the kind connector wey them they use so i go prepare ahead..thanks for updating us

I go snap am show una in a bit. Connector only!!! I had the USB!

zt:
Somebody mentioned your name earlier asking if you ever got Wifi. Keep us abreast. Safetrip once again!!!

Omo wifi search turned to Treasure Hunt oh. But Oluwa has shown me the way. Starbucks Wifi, for a $2.00 cup of Expresso

ratchy:
finally Wi-Fi don show face....I am following your transcript oooo. Be safe

Wifi was abundant, my batt was low and I kept looking for where to buy Charger, because I didn't have the connector for the Turkish Wall sockets. Cost me $16.80. I was furious.

Checking in at Nnamdi Azikiwe International wasn't so hard, got to the airport by 9pm. The bags were heavy so I needed a trolley. The person wey wear white for there tell me say na N400! i pay Shaa. Went past the scanners, go meet like 4 different uniformed people who just want to take a look at your passport. Then went to weigh my bags. Of course it was over! But it didn't cost me more than 3k. The check-in staff were courteous. Picked up my boarding pass and headed to customs to give them the forms. They come begin wind me for there say as their brother wey I be, I must drop something. I Shaa give them the last 1k wey dey my hand. Come waka go upstairs dey wait for boarding call.
So Aviation fuel wahala come follow, my flight was supposed to leave at 11:45, but they said there was no Aviation fuel in Abuja. And they cancelled our flight, and rebooked us on a smaller airplane that was to leave at 1:30pm. With an additional stopover at Niamey just to refuel. Long story short. I arrived Istanbul at 11am this morning. Waiting for my connection at 5pm

I'll be traveling this night, Flying Turkish Air. Will be logging in wherever I find WiFi to give you guys status updates.
Gods grace be with us all as we travel.

Abimmbolar:
Hi guys!! Am totally a jjc on this platform and am totally wondering why it took me so long to find this! I must say, having read through some of the post, my hopes are up again.I have some questions guys and I will really be grateful if you can put me through cos this American dream no be today oooo. My situation is, am a female mechanical engineering graduate with cgpa of 3.92 on a 5.0 scale,am considering studying industrial engineering /engineering management. schools I have in mind through my random search includes University of Wisconsin University of Texas Austin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Ohio state University. I plan to take the gre by Nov as am looking at fall 2017 admission. But here is the big problem, I literally do not have a means of financing my graduate studies, literally my parent can't afford it except maybe the travel fees and few stuffs so, am solely relying on some form on graduate assistantship or tuition waiver if possible. My question is, is it possible to fund graduate studies in the USA without a huge sum of money at the start, I mean is it possible not to be required to pay tuition fees at the beginning. Also, for my financial statements,my closest option is an uncle with a different surname to mine and also an uncle business financial statement. Does it matter, that I don't intend to use a close relative financial statements for this? Do I have a chance as regards my finances? Also, what minimum amount can guarantee me a safe travel . I would be glad if someone answers my questions... please

You have a good GPA, do well on your GRE and TOEFL and write a compelling Personal statement and you're well on your way to a full GA. A good place to look for "safe" schools is usnews.com. Use the subject-specific rankings to chose schools, be ready to browse through many of their webpages, and choose some in the first 10, a few others in the 20-30 rank and others in the 30-50 rank. That's how you spread your options.

Fortissimo:
Haha this man. I just sent her an email now. Will follow up around midday if she hasn't replied. You are leaving like mid August right? At least you still get time to hustle with Stanbic as well.

Gunther are you up to something?
Mr Fortissimo, fill me in on this, may be interested.

Walspring:


Best known to me..

He made some good sense there! I'd even go as high as #310

Walspring:
284 for Abuja

Bia where did you see 284? I'm on my way to Kubwa now! You must show me oh!

stunner1404:
I want to say a big thank you to Darefadi don't know her new user id and also plauses. Boat most eapecially a big THANK YOU TO GOD FOR IN ALL MY UNEIGHTEOUSNESS HE COUNTES ME WORTHY

Congratulations
All thanks be to God
you are welcome Man!!

slimmy2005:
No vex say I quote you o. Maybe she entered through Pueto Rico or Mexico. The truth side, maybe with her B1/B2 visa.

That shameful city bicycle is still ranting her innocence.

I've refrained from commenting on this character and her lies, Because I wanted this drama to blow over real quick.
I'm my mail communication, she said that her classes start on the 22nd of August. With that date, she couldn't even be in the states on a student visa by the 3rd of July.
So who else did she tell classes start in September?
Too many lies being exposed 1 after the other. I'm holding back from posting screenshots on her to avoid this forum boiling over.

dicapino:
Bro Gt bank...still works in the US?

I would like to know what I need to do to make mine work when get dere....thanks

Before you travel, walk into Gtbank and tell them you're traveling out and they should activate your card for use abroad