Watch out for fair weather flies right after a hard rain...they fly right through your screens by the millions soooooo turn off the lights if you don't have ac....if you have ac shut all doors and windows. The mosquitoes in the Bottom can be very bad...I lived in Hell's Gate and there were NO mosquitoes. The centipeds have a very mean bite, so be careful. Otherwise just a million geckos running around the Island. Its a great place, I know you will enjoy it. 5. If possible bring a dehumidifier; you would not believe the mold growth on clothes, books, etc. Just a note DO NOT SIGN A LEASE. If your landlord wants a lease signed chances are the place is too expensive (and they know it) or a dump (and they have problems keeping tenants) Too many students get screwed because they hastily sign a lease because some (other students, faculty, faculty spouses***, locals) say that is the way things are done here. This is not the case in 85% of the rentals. If the landlord is unwavering about a lease, try a four month lease (a semester). If they don't like that, look somewhere else because there is a reason they want a year lease signed.Book Ahead by Mr. Emran (no login) Hello: Please, please, please book ahead with Winair. They are a notorious airline that will not cooperate with you if you don't have an advance reservation. Often times even when you make a reservation on-line through Yahoo Travel or even call them in St. Maarten to book, they will not reserve the seat. They will put you on a "stand-by" situation which is basically worthless. The flights only hold about 10 people and at the beginning and end of every semester, there are about 250+ people who have to go through this tiny airline. With only 5 flights daily, you can see how there would be overbooking. I recommend calling the Saba Tourist Bureau in Florida and purchasing a PAPER ticket. They will charge you an extra fee, but they will mail it to your house and you will have a RESERVATION CODE. They can not cancel your reservation once this has taken place. This is the only method I recommend for someone who is using this airline for the 1st time. On your subsequent visits, you will figure out what to do on your own, I am sure. I have seen dozens of students get messed up by this airline and their luggage misplaced and they can arrive late for classes. Don't get into that situation. Just book ahead and pay a little more and you will have peace of mind. Go to my website below and you will find the links you need. E-mail me with any questions. I hope this helps.