Originally Posted by
shloveg2
Since OP is likely to fly less than 25K each year but 20K will not be hard to achieve, flying either United or US and banking miles on OZ would be an alternative. Even if OP is not getting anything else than star alliance silver for the first year, s/he is going to be OZ Diamond (*A gold) the following year so that s/he will gain access to the rounge whenever flying...
Could someone clarify what OZ is? I'm already committed to the frequent flyer program at United
Originally Posted by silam
While this isn't directly related to routing, there is something you need to think about? If someone outside of CA will be paying for or more than 50.1% of tuition, room and board, etc etc, you won't qualify for in state tuition. The UC school system is pretty good about preventing people from coming in state to lower tuition if they themselves aren't bearing the full (or majority) of the burden.
My parents and a few of my relatives who graduated from Berkeley have been doing most of the heavy lifting for me. I'm aware I need to establish a bank account in California, a drivers license, and register to vote within a week or two after my arrival and that I need to relinquish all my ties to Virginia. I know I need to begin filing my taxes independently. If there are any relatively obscure tips anyone can provide, they would be greatly appreciated. All in all, I realize there's a good chance I won't ever establish residency for tuition purposes, and even if I do, it won't be until my third or fourth year.