J1 San Francisco 2014

finnci · 13-11-2013 9:46pm #1

Noticed quite a few city specific J1 threads opening up around, seeing as I am thinking of venturing to the West Coast of San Francisco thought I'd start one

Basically I've never been on a J1 before.

My biggest concerns lie around accommodation do people have any tips or explanations over how it generally works out on a J1, I am going with 3 maybe 4 friends but we always hear of people staying in groups of 10+.. are we going to be stuck paying massive prices if theres only 3/4 of us?

I hear Berkeley is a good area to stay, any further information?

Also when applying for the J1, where is best to do it through?

PurpleCurtain · 15-11-2013 3:10am

I am thinking about hittin up san fran this summer aswell. I'd also be interested to hear of people's j1 experiences there.

I've been on a j1 this summer ('13). Chicago was where i spent the summer and had an amazing time. So to answer some of your general j1 questions..

Accomodation can be hit and miss. Many people don't find accomodation until they reach america. They stay in a hostel for the first few days while searching for somewhere. Most people use craigslist if searching online.

Staying in larger groups is really common on j1, mainly to cut the cost of rent. From my experience most people would be stayin in a place with at least 8 people. Say there is a two bedroom apartment for two grand a month (fair estimate). Between 4 of you guys thats $500/month each while splitting it with a larger group can bring that down. Every year there's the relevant facebook group you can join to find general information on the best areas or to find people to share accom with. Also a deposit on the accom will most likely be needed at the start so you'll need a few hundred dollars for that which you'll hopefully get back at the end.

The company I booked through was go4less. I would recommend them. Others I knew went with USIT. USIT were alot stricter with deadlines about job/ travel updates. (If you failed to contact/ update, you would get emails threatening to remove you from the programme). I don't think prices vary that much between them. Around €1000 is standard enough for the programme fees, visa and flights.

finnci · 24-11-2013 9:41pm

Thanks for the info!

Ive been doing a bit of digging around for information.

Looks like i'm heading to the bay area!..craigslist seems to be the way to go for accommodation and areas like Berkeley seem to be cheapest to rent with cheap(ish) transport to and from the city available!

I've begun the booking process and they are (naturally) being very unclear about quite a few of the expenses involved

Mairead14 · 29-11-2013 4:18pm

Hey

So me and a friend! (21 and 23) are heading over to San Fran for the summer! Leaving probably end of July to do a bit of travelling around the rest of America! My uncle and cousins live in San Bruno and we will stay with them for a few nights until we get sorted but after that we don't mind sharing to reduce the rent a bit. I think we will have a job in a Irish pub/restaurant hopefully but the only thing is its a good hour on trains/buses from Berkley so that's the only thing that's turning me away from living that far out..and also my uncle said that the Bart stops at a certain time and if your working in a pub and you have to get taxi's back out to Berkley especially a girl on your own it would be very exensive and dangerous so that's why im kinda leaning towards the city.. But then the City is very expensive! So now up in a rut!
So if anyone is interested in sharing a house with one Roscommon girl and a Kerry GIRL get on to me it would be brill! <mod snip> Pm. Were not that bad! :P Would make it cheaper all around!

JACKtipp1 · 30-11-2013 11:40am

Hey lads im 21 and in my third year in UCC looking at going on a j1 for the summer. Couple of my friends are on to me about booking at the minute, thing is I dont drink and I was wondering is there any people in the same boat who are thinking of heading over would be interested in trying to sort something out,

pm me anyway let me know what ye think

cheers

ucd student · 01-12-2013 10:38pm

Hey, myself and 3 friends are planning on heading to San Fran this Summer, we are thinking of staying in the Berkeley area as its where accom seems more reasonably priced.. big problem for us is getting jobs,, anyone know if they are hard to get during late May/early June? We could gets jobs in construction through a cousin but I believe jobs involving construction are no longer allowed for j1ers.. anyone know if they are strict on that?

finnci · 02-12-2013 8:42pm

Mairead14 wrote: »

Hey
I think we will have a job in a Irish pub/restaurant hopefully but the only thing is its a good hour on trains/buses from Berkley so that's the only thing that's turning me away from living that far out..and also my uncle said that the Bart stops at a certain time and if your working in a pub and you have to get taxi's back out to Berkley

Reckon I'd like bar work too actually! Any idea if there's many bars / restaurants around the Berkely area that would be likely to hire during the summer?

SUMMER14 · 04-12-2013 6:34pm

Hey there, I'm going on a J1 to San Fran this year on my own, so I would be interested in sharing accommodation to keep the cost down etc. I'm going for sure so if you're looking to get numbers to share, I'd be up for it. I'll be flying out last week of May. The earlier you go, the better chance of getting a job, or so i've heard. Oh & i'm 23

If you're interested in sorting something out, sure pm me here <mod snip>

Cheers

SUMMER14 · 04-12-2013 6:43pm

Hey there, I'm going on a J1 to San Fran this year on my own, so I would be interested in sharing accommodation to keep the cost down etc. I'm going for sure so if you're looking to get numbers to share, I'd be up for it. I'll be flying out last week of May. The earlier you go, the better chance of getting a job, or so i've heard. Oh & i'm 23

If anyone knows of good places to live and area's for jobs, it would be greatly appreciated.
If you're interested in joining me on my travels, the more the merrier. !!

If you're interested in sorting something out before we all head off, sure pm me <mod snip>

Cheers

Mysteriouschic · 04-12-2013 7:21pm

I might be going to San Francisco also alone, I'm still undecided about the place for the moment, won't be booking for another few weeks. I'll be 21 at the time, thinking of going in May as well.

Mysteriouschic · 05-12-2013 6:29pm

I might be heading to San Francisco still undecided it looks really good there, going alone if I go there, I'll be 21 at the time.

jobrien19 · 07-12-2013 5:46pm

what's up man! myself and my girlfriend are heading to San Francisco this summer on a J1 and were looking to share accomodation with other irish people. what areas were you looking at? get back to me if your be interested in sharing accomodation to keep costs down

jobrien19 · 08-12-2013 1:10am

heading to San Francisco as well last week of nat looking to share accomodation in Berkeley if anyways up for sharing with a 20 year old lad

Mairead14 · 10-12-2013 6:21pm

finnci wrote: »

Reckon I'd like bar work too actually! Any idea if there's many bars / restaurants around the Berkely area that would be likely to hire during the summer?

Hey finnci I don't know is there many pubs in Berkley that do hire, you would prob have to be out there very early or either contact them before you go! My family just knows the owners of this one but then its so far from Berkley but have to do its a job sure!!

la_mcgarr · 10-12-2013 11:11pm

Hey

Looking to head on a j1 in the summer, not too sure on where to go yet but have family in San Fran so it's looking a good destination, plus I could have a job set up in an Irish bar. Just looking on this to hopefully find people that would be interested in house sharing or that, preferably close to the city, it's where most of the jobs are.
Anyway, i'm 22, going on my own seen as none of my friends are brave enough to go and would love to work for 2-3 months first, hire a car and drive across America..Do a bit of travelling anyway.. No point going if you're not gonna enjoy yourself!

Kinda want to book the j1 soon So if anyone is interested in sharing & travelling get in touch with me on this via pm <mod-snip>

kerry4sam · 10-12-2013 11:21pm

@ Everyone in here:

I've snipped some posts for people disclosing personal details on-thread. Please use the PM facility available.

Thanks,
kerry4sam

kcleary · 11-12-2013 1:37pm

Hey everyone

Myself and three of my friends are going to San Fran this summer, just wondering does anyone know if you have to have to live in Berkley? Is living in San Fran itself way too pricey?

Obrieski · 18-12-2013 12:34am

Just finished the application form for the J1 Visa there! Heading to San Fran myself with one other lad from college and there's a few more possibly going to come too!
First time doing it so really looking forward to it and hoping it's all they're cracked up to be!

gavo32 · 30-12-2013 10:59pm

Hey there!

Myself and my friend are going on a J1 this year. Probably booking flights in the next week or 2. Probably thinking of Berkley in San Fran. Would be interested in sharing with other Irish people, we are both male & 23. Pm if interested

finnci · 01-01-2014 11:22pm

kcleary wrote: »

Hey everyone

Myself and three of my friends are going to San Fran this summer, just wondering does anyone know if you have to have to live in Berkley? Is living in San Fran itself way too pricey?

Hey, from what ive heard it is quite a bit more pricey, but you could be lucky!

http://www.padmapper.com/# is handy for checking out stuff like this

Rimurray · 03-01-2014 6:31pm

Mairead14 wrote: »

Hey
So me and a friend! (21 and 23) are heading over to San Fran for the summer! Leaving probably end of July to do a bit of travelling around the rest of America! My uncle and cousins live in San Bruno and we will stay with them for a few nights until we get sorted but after that we don't mind sharing to reduce the rent a bit. I think we will have a job in a Irish pub/restaurant hopefully but the only thing is its a good hour on trains/buses from Berkley so that's the only thing that's turning me away from living that far out..and also my uncle said that the Bart stops at a certain time and if your working in a pub and you have to get taxi's back out to Berkley especially a girl on your own it would be very exensive and dangerous so that's why im kinda leaning towards the city.. But then the City is very expensive! So now up in a rut!
So if anyone is interested in sharing a house with one Roscommon girl and a Kerry GIRL get on to me it would be brill! <mod snip> Pm. Were not that bad! :P Would make it cheaper all around!

Hi!
I'm a 22 year old female hoping to head to San Fran too, possibly have a friend with me but at the mo I'm solo! Your post got my attention as I don't want to live in
Berkeley either, my sis lived in San Fran last summer and said the same things, and they can close the bridge a lot for different reasons which can leave u stuck in Berkeley! Have ye booked? When are ye going etc? Any help appreciated, pretty scared about the prospect of going on my own! PS I'm from mayo

Rimurray · 03-01-2014 6:39pm

Hey

So I'm hoping to go on a J1 this summer and defo thinking SF as my sister was there last summer and will prob be able get me work.... May or May not have a friend with me but as it stands now I'm solo, so would be nice to be able meet other Irish out there too, as I dunno what do about accommodation!! Defo not living in Berkeley as it's an hour train ride out from the main part of the city and the trains stop at certain times so of you're working in a bar etc you'll have to get taxis home on your own at night and for a girl that's not ideal blah blah blah... Also if they close the bridge for any reason you're kinda stuck in Berkeley!

any one any info/help?! Prospect of going on my own is quite scary but I'm a final year student so it's my last chance!

Rimurray · 03-01-2014 6:50pm

la_mcgarr wrote: »

Hey
Looking to head on a j1 in the summer, not too sure on where to go yet but have family in San Fran so it's looking a good destination, plus I could have a job set up in an Irish bar. Just looking on this to hopefully find people that would be interested in house sharing or that, preferably close to the city, it's where most of the jobs are.
Anyway, i'm 22, going on my own seen as none of my friends are brave enough to go and would love to work for 2-3 months first, hire a car and drive across America..Do a bit of travelling anyway.. No point going if you're not gonna enjoy yourself!

Kinda want to book the j1 soon So if anyone is interested in sharing & travelling get in touch with me on this via pm <mod-snip>

Hey, in the exact same situation as you, have you made any plans like booked anything etc?! Prospect of going in my own quite scary!

CNolan11 · 08-01-2014 2:51pm

Hey! Myself and a few friends heading over to San Fran for the Summer as well, everything sorted but Berkeley is too far from The Olympic Club where we will be working so we're looking for somewhere on the actual island itself.
Been told around SF State is our best shout, does anyone know what the story is with accomm there??
Gonna be a serious Summer!

s78exton · 19-01-2014 2:56am

Going out to San Fran around early June for about 10 weeks or so (maybe longer) with 2 friends.. Wouldn't really fancy paying the expensive accommodation and would want to share, we're all good guys and will provide craic haha. PM me if anyone is looking a few people to share with!

sawdoubters · 19-01-2014 3:09am

to work in a bar you need to be 21,bar jobs are hard to get as its tips

you need to have worked in bars before,you could get a job as bar back
washing glasses the bartender shares tips,i think the might give you 20 percent

you have to know how to install a keg you work until about 3 in the morning

its hard to get a place in sf to live,you could get some work painting,outside Kelly moore paints on divisadero you can look it up on maps

theres also an irish pastoral center that might help out,lots jobs in computing,if you play gaa they will get you a job in construction,they play on treasure island

but you will get dumped if your injured,theres no insurance ,buy insurance because a hospital vist will cost an arm and a leg,and the people that run gaa will not help you out,

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/roo/

WoollyRedHat · 21-01-2014 4:05am

What are some of the good frat houses? And does anyone have any contact details for them?

Mattkylesmith · 23-01-2014 2:17am

I'm also going solo so I'm up for sharing so if anyone is interested let me know

Reuben1210 · 27-01-2014 3:28pm

Hi,
I'm in final year, and thinking of heading there alone too. Up for sharing as the previous guy!

finnci · 27-01-2014 9:07pm

WoollyRedHat wrote: »

What are some of the good frat houses? And does anyone have any contact details for them?

I got this from an email sent by Berkeley University themselves in respect to housing during the summer months:

"Fraternities and Sororities: The "Greek" houses are usually not promoted through any listing service, but rather require your presence in Berkeley to inquire in person (quite literally, by knocking on the front door). Most of these houses are on Piedmont Avenue near campus or nearby side streets. Many students have acquired housing this way, but unfortunately it is difficult to arrange in advance. "

WoollyRedHat · 27-01-2014 10:44pm

finnci wrote: »

I got this from an email sent by Berkeley University themselves in respect to housing during the summer months:

"Fraternities and Sororities: The "Greek" houses are usually not promoted through any listing service, but rather require your presence in Berkeley to inquire in person (quite literally, by knocking on the front door). Most of these houses are on Piedmont Avenue near campus or nearby side streets. Many students have acquired housing this way, but unfortunately it is difficult to arrange in advance. "

Thanks for that. Could I ask what's the e-mail for the university, they provide accomadation themselves don't they?

Cathyokw · 28-01-2014 8:08pm

I am in the same situation as you. I'm trying to get information about frat houses in berkeley for the summer!! I was hoping to find out about prices etc. If you find anything out can you let me know on this? I'll do the same obviously!

SUMMER14 · 28-01-2014 11:31pm

Hey guys, in the same situation, having trouble trying to find accommodation online.
I think the best bet is to arrange a hostel where we might stay for the first week, get a few together, look for accommodation & keep the prices down!!
I think the majority of j1'ers head over end of May or the start of June.

What do yee all think?

SUMMER14 · 28-01-2014 11:32pm

Hey guys, in the same situation, having trouble trying to find accommodation online.
I think the best bet is to arrange a hostel where we might stay for the first week, get a few together, look for accommodation & keep the prices down!!
I think the majority of j1'ers head over end of May or the start of June.

What do yee all think?

Liam92 · 03-02-2014 2:42am

I could be possibly going to San Fran in the summer in a group of about 6 to 10 people. I can't get a J1 cos I'm finished college but I can get an ESTA travel visa, which means I can't work but I'm gonna save and not spend foolishly in SF.

Does anyone have any recommendations for areas that are within a J1 group's budget and that are safe? I preferably don't mind too much about distance from the city because of my work restrictions but for the others looking for work they obviously need somewhere convenient, as well as being not so financially burdensome.

J1Ruthierags · 04-02-2014 2:28am

I'm 21 going with one more 23. Were heading out end of may and will be interested in sharing accom with others in a niceish area close to the city that won't be too expensive hopefully. Were finishing college, would love to hit up with others with a similar mindset of a chillaxed and fun experience. Any advice on areas to rent etc?

Reuben1210 · 04-02-2014 5:27pm

J1Ruthierags wrote: »

I'm 21 going with one more 23. Were heading out end of may and will be interested in sharing accom with others in a niceish area close to the city that won't be too expensive hopefully. Were finishing college, would love to hit up with others with a similar mindset of a chillaxed and fun experience. Any advice on areas to rent etc?

Hey guys, I am also finishing college in May, and this is my last chance for j1....same as you guys....definitely up for sharing if you need people! PM me if ya want!

J1Ruthierags · 06-02-2014 3:39am

Hi

Im 22 and looking at living in the Berkely area too. Possibly one more fella 23 going to come too. I wont be flying out til the end of June though. Are ye looking at Berkely town or the frat houses on campus?

darylgeraghty · 12-02-2014 9:38pm

Hi, I'm heading out to san fran on 18th may on the j1. I'm hitting out on my own and would be interested in sharing accomodation with anyone to cut costs. Anyone interested send me a message on the old f.book.

KeaneyD · 13-02-2014 12:05pm

There are 3 of us heading over on the 4th of June, all up for having a laugh, all 21. Staying in Berkeley, looking to stay in a frat house and are looking to share with other J1ers who are also want to share as rent will be reduced greatly.

Cathyokw · 20-02-2014 1:31am

KeaneyD wrote: »

There are 3 of us heading over on the 4th of June, all up for having a laugh, all 21. Staying in Berkeley, looking to stay in a frat house and are looking to share with other J1ers who are also want to share as rent will be reduced greatly.

Hey there's 2 of us going over on the 2nd, we're also hoping to stay in a frat house! Looking for people to share with too

plecky93 · 24-02-2014 2:04am

Hey , Im in the same boat as a lot of the people here I was orginally heading out with 2 friends then they pulled out but I decided to go ahead with booking the J1 alone, Im heading to San Fran on the 1st of June and would be up for sharing accommodation with people!

finnci · 28-02-2014 12:26am

A lot of people seem up for sharing etc so thought id let yas know that for those of you on facebook there's a group called J1 "Banter Bible San Fran/Berkeley 2014".. the words banter bible might be a bit cringe but the people seem nice and it could be handy.. if you search and ask to join they'll accept you into it, if not pm me and ill send you an invite or something?

aLyons · 08-03-2014 9:34pm

@plecky93 Hey, i was in the exact same position as you last year. Two lads pulled out last year and still went out, I went bit wacky do and stayed in St. Louis MO. But ya heading out this year again, myself and another guy heading out on the 28th, with a few others heading out early in June. Where u looking at staying?

dara92cove · 10-03-2014 6:19pm

@aLyons @plecky93 Hey, I'm heading out alone too, but hopefully I'll have a job sorted for me before I go (my cousin was living in San Fran on a 12 month visa last year).. I hear Berkeley is the place to go for accommodation, so if yer up for it i'm looking for people to house share with...
I'm flying on the 5th of June, and I'm 21, (I'll be turning 22 over the summer)

That's for anyone else too who's looking for people to house share with

KeaneyD · 10-03-2014 8:58pm

Cathyokw wrote: »

Hey there's 2 of us going over on the 2nd, we're also hoping to stay in a frat house! Looking for people to share with too

We are now arriving on the 11th as college sprung a late test....we are still looking for cheap sharing accommodation

plecky93 · 10-03-2014 9:44pm

dara92cove wrote: »

@aLyons @plecky93 Hey, I'm heading out alone too, but hopefully I'll have a job sorted for me before I go (my cousin was living in San Fran on a 12 month visa last year).. I hear Berkeley is the place to go for accommodation, so if yer up for it i'm looking for people to house share with...
I'm flying on the 5th of June, and I'm 21, (I'll be turning 22 over the summer)

That's for anyone else too who's looking for people to house share with

@dara92cove I managed to find two more people who are heading out to San Fran on the 1st too so we'd definitely be looking for 2 or 3 more people to share a house/apartment with.

WhatNowHow · 10-03-2014 9:52pm

plecky93 wrote: »

@dara92cove I managed to find two more people who are heading out to San Fran on the 1st too so we'd definitely be looking for 2 or 3 more people to share a house/apartment with.

Myself and another girl both 20 are heading out the end of May and looking to share in berkely

Reuben1210 · 10-03-2014 10:16pm

plecky93 wrote: »

@dara92cove I managed to find two more people who are heading out to San Fran on the 1st too so we'd definitely be looking for 2 or 3 more people to share a house/apartment with.

Well, I am deffo up for this too, I am going alone as far as I know!

aLyons · 10-03-2014 11:36pm

dara92cove wrote: »

@aLyons @plecky93 Hey, I'm heading out alone too, but hopefully I'll have a job sorted for me before I go (my cousin was living in San Fran on a 12 month visa last year).. I hear Berkeley is the place to go for accommodation, so if yer up for it i'm looking for people to house share with...
I'm flying on the 5th of June, and I'm 21, (I'll be turning 22 over the summer)

That's for anyone else too who's looking for people to house share with

Ya were both 21 also and looking at Berkeley ourselves. we're heading out on the 28th so we be out a bit before u. We're looking for a few others to share accommodation with, so if anyone's up for it?
would like to have something set up before heading out, does anyone have any idea how to get in contact with anyone in Berkeley?

finnci · 10-03-2014 11:59pm

26th is when me and 2 others are flying, 1 more to follow a day or so later.. we'll want some of that sharing too!

J1 San Francisco 2014

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