Miscellaneous Information - Living in the U.S.

Electrical system in the U.S.

The electrical system in the United States uses 110 volts, 60 hertz (cycles). If you are planning to bring small appliances (like a hair dryer) from home, you will probably need a transformer and plug adapter. We advise you to buy things like hair dryers, etc. when you get here; they are reasonably priced and more practical than using an adapter.

Basic Weights and Measures in the U.S.

1 inch = 2.5 centimeters
12 inches = 1 foot
1 foot = 30 centimeters
3 feet = 1 yard
1 yard = 0.9 meters
1 mile = 1.6 kilometers
1 ounce (oz) = 28 grams
16 ounces = 1 pound
1 pound = 0.45 kilograms
1 pint = 0.47 liters
2 pints = 1 quart
4 quarts = 1 gallon (3.8 liters)

Gasoline is sold in gallons.
Most beverages are sold in 12 oz, 16 oz, ½ gallons, and 1 gallon increments.
Coins are in increments of 1 cent (penny), 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter), and 50 cents (fifty-cent piece).

Mail

PSU has a Campus Mail Service, located in the HUB. You will be assigned a mail box (“HUB suite”) and this is where you will receive your mail. There is also a U.S. Post Office on Main Street in Plymouth. They provide only mail-related services, no banking or telephone. U.S. Post Office terms include “express” mail, “priority” mail, “certified or registered” mail, and “insured” mail. The post office staff can answer any questions you have about how best to mail a package or letter.

Telephone

The U.S. does not have a national telephone company. There are many telephone companies that provide services in the Plymouth area, and the level of cell phone service or coverage changes frequently. Therefore, please talk with your roommates, friends, and PSU staff about what service is currently providing the best coverage! International phone cards can be purchased at most local stores and gas stations. U.S. telephone numbers are ten digits long (area code, then the number). To call internationally, dial 011-country code-telephone number. Dialing 911 is for emergencies and can be dialed from anywhere in the U.S. Only dial “911” in the event of a true emergency.

The American Version of English

Just like any language, American English is full of its own slang, idioms, and phrases. A simple search on the internet can provide you with tips on English conversation, grammar, TOEFL vocabulary, slang, and more.

Commonly used college/university terms include:

MAJOR: primary field of study
MINOR: secondary field of study
BA: Bachelor of Arts degree
BS: Bachelor of Science degree
MS: Masters of Science degree (higher degree level than bachelor)
MBA: Masters of Business Administration
CAGS: Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study
DORM: on-campus residence hall
RD: Residence Hall Director
CA: Community Advisor
ADD/DROP: to add or withdraw from a c lass
CUT/SKIP: to be absent from class purposely
MID-TERM: exam in the middle of the semester/term
FINAL: last exam of semester/term
Academic Advisor: a faculty member assigned to each student to help and assist in forming the student’s academic plans.