25SWT｜Traverse City Survival Guide 🍒💡

Since joining some regional group chats recently, I discovered that this year our small town Glen Arbor has six Chinese students—double compared to last year’s three! So far, I know there are at least eight of us around Traverse City. That inspired me to share some tips from my experience last year. Hopefully, this guide helps not just locals but anyone in a similar situation! 🙌 🚎 Transportation – BATA Link Not having a car in the U.S. can be super inconvenient 🚗💨, but luckily Traverse City has the BATA Link service—a bus you can book in advance that picks you up right at your doorstep! 🔍 Simply search “BATA Link,” reserve one day ahead, and confirm your pickup/drop-off location and time. 🏥 FREE HPV Vaccine 📍 Grand Traverse County Health Department Make an appointment by phone in advance. 📌 Usually, you can get the first two shots here. The third dose is due six months later. The doctor said it’s okay to get the same brand back in China. 👜 Shopping – Thrift Stores & More Traverse has awesome thrift shops—super affordable with items as low as $3-6! 🛍️😍 Perfect for your day off. 1️⃣ Thrift Shop Women’s Resource Center 2️⃣ Several near Cherryland Center 🏷️ Also check out T.J.Maxx and Burlington for discounted brand-name cosmetics, clothes, and bags. Sometimes the deals are amazing! 🥯 Walmart Must-Buys Most employers will take you here for supplies. My recommendations: 🍨 Häagen-Dazs – only about $4, way cheaper than in China! 🍰 New York Cheesecake – $4, rich and creamy, I’m obsessed 📸 Instant Film – half the price compared to China! Stock up here—big cities like New York surprisingly often run out. 🛒 You can order online via the Walmart app for doorstep delivery, but always double-check your order—half my items were missing every time! 😅 #SurvivalGuide #SWT #WorkAndTravelUSA #ExchangeProgram #CollegeLife #TraverseCity #Michigan #USA #Abroad