by Laura
This week I’ll be finding out more about the process of becoming a North Carolina resident. Essentially, you need to prove that you have connections with the local community beyond the life of a student and a desire for reduced tuition. Which … should be super easy. Since I moved here specifically for school just two months ago. And my husband and I are unemployed. However, I’m hoping that they will see this blog as a clear commitment to the Triangle area, and, may I just take this opportunity to say how wonderful this place is? I would never, ever leave this corner of heaven behind.
I really do like it here, but in case repeating that a bunch of times and integrating “y’all” into my vocabulary fails to do the trick, here are a few strategies I’ve been weighing:
- Buy property. To … ultimately save money? I hear this always works, especially lately.
- Play the diversity card. I am genuinely 1/4 Hispanic, and could potentially be Jewish by association. Plus, I’m part of a select group – only 1/6 of the students at UNC are from another state. Now that’s what I call special.
- Revive the newspaper industry thus providing my husband with a job. Which also seems like a no-brainer.
- Become famous. But not infamous. It’s a fine line I’ve had to walk many times before.
- Run for some super-minor public office. Can anyone actually tell me what an alderman does?
- Take active steps to be a part of the neighborhood, such as enrolling my dog in the nearby elementary school. (She does have some learning to do. Is this such a bad idea?)
- Fill out the application form to the best of my ability, complete with convincing essay and lots of asking nicely. Not as much fun as 1-6, but I’ll consider it.
Keep your fingers crossed as I work towards becoming a proud North Carolinian!
Laura
Harold
I remember my days as an out-of-state UGA student and the conversation of how to become a “resident.” I would like to suggest you obtain a NC license, register to vote and volunteer in your community. Have fun being from “the South.”