Flood Zone

We live in a flood zone. Don't be afraid--just be prepared. One moment the sun is beaming down on you and the next you are walking through inches of water. I don't like it when my feet get soaked, but some people don't mind. These Hunter boots were $120 and resell for about $100.
I bought these because they are knee height, non-slip, and because I trust Hunter brand to last a lifetime.
Find a good, light, water-proof jacket that folds up easily. Many people here just wear a poncho, but I wanted something I could wear frequently, so I looked into brands like Columbia and North Face. (Columbia is cheaper but great quality.)

Sand Dollars

Guys and Girls--Nice things may get ruined, lost or taken. This is a beautiful island and a beautiful little town, but it is a high theft area. I was warned of this before my big move--so I bought this ~$20 wallet from Fossil. It repels water and it has a strong leather strap. Perfect for my wrist as I ride my bike around town. My cell fits inside and my keys attached to the zipper. High quality, clean, safe, and simple living.

Clean Hands -- Clean Feet

Try to find a home with tile or wood flooring. Carpeting gets moldy. I bought this awesome rug at ROSS for $6 so that I can kneel comfortably as I say my prayers...and also to wipe any remaining sand off my feet before bed.

Blankets to Bows to Belts

Many students here buy the hospital style blankets. As much as you want to bring your wonderful bedding--leave it at home. Bring your sheets and pillow cases if you must, but those items can be easily replaced, for cheap, at ROSS or Walmart. Many of the beds here are old and uncomfortable. Be prepared to buy a mattress pad, or buy a cheap one at home and have someone ship it to you.

Those hospital style blankets come wrapped in a large, long, pretty ribbon. I couldn't bring myself to throw it away, so I tied a big bow with a long loop, draped it over an old nail in my wall, and it is my new belt hanger. I stick my hair pins along the top to avoid losing them.

Bulk n' Bubbles

As soon as you get to the island-- stop by Costco or Walmart and buy in bulk. If you don't have a car--getting to Walmart and Costco can be quite a process and you could get stuck shopping at expensive local markets. No good.

When buying dish soap, laundry detergent, and hand soap, look for ultra concentrated items so that they last 3-10x longer.

Dish soap: Find an old soap container and fill it 75% water then fill the rest with soap. Shake gently to make sure it mixes. Voilà

Hand soap: Refill old container 70% water and top it off with antibacterial hand soap. I like Equate because it is cheap but smells good and it leaves my hands feeling clean.

Don't try to put the soap in first or it will bubble and foam like crazy as you try to add water.

Mad Hatter

When imagining myself studying on the beach, riding my bike to campus, eating at the local markets, etc--I, for what ever reason, always had a hat on my head. As fantasy would have it, I needed them and wanted them. I got these two hats for $5 each at ROSS. Both brands that can be found at Nordstrom and Macy's. Score.

Towels

Don't try to pack/bring your towels. Don't purchase your beach towels at the mall. Do not purchase your beach towels at the resorts. Do NOT purchase your beach towels at a grocery store or market. Purchase your beach towels at ROSS. These two jumbo towels were $10 ea. Super nice, big, comfy... and cheap.

Framed

Bring a photo or two from home and pick up $3 (Walmart) frames when you get here. This simple addition to my room made a world of difference.