Getting to San Francisco California was a big investment when I got there the first time and even now. However, they are some applications and services I use to get the best deal approximately when it comes to plane tickets. Normally I choose the airline with least number of stops and the airline has had a good reputation.
Screenshot skyscanner.com British airways or Emirates
<aside> 💡 Check out skyscanner.com or https://www.kayak.com/flights
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Now you got your ticket but where will you stay let's look at that next.
Tenderloin area. There's a certain street not sure which one that I didn't feel safe while I was there.
They are several sites where you can get a good deal the normal first guess would be airbnb. Before I get to the most recommended places. I have not confirmed this but I was advised not to go to certain neighborhoods and since you can actually get somewhere to stay there just avoid or ask someone before heading there. They are more places but this was the most common place people told me to avoid. Look at the map above. I've marked it.
Let's get to the places I've actually stayed in San Francisco and Millbrae. I came for part 1 of fast.ai in fall 2018 and in Spring 2019. I lived there for approximately 3 months each. I spend approximately $1001 - $2079.53 for the whole period on accomodation only.
It's in San Francisco, along Folstrom Street. It cost $2079.53 for 3 months give or take, mostly because this was the only option since I was out of time and I really wanted to get a place as soon as possible: it is a good place to get some work done anytime and the owner gave the residents access to a coworking space nearby and guess what a walking distance to USF and the building where we had classes in PG&E HQ. The listing mentioned is accurate as shown on airbnb. My review is under the name Nyabuti. Feel free to mention me if you are interested in going there to Jonathan or Philip; I'll try to get you a deal to lower the cost.
As it states, it's in Millbrae and it cost me $878 for 3 months approximately. It's a bit far from San Francisco but it's in the best location due to it's proximity to the Bart, the Cal train station and the airport + Trader Joe's. It has a lot of restaurants and a grocery store whose items were affordable at least compared to those in San Francisco.
The owner of the Hackhome is a really cool guy and considering how I bargained to reduce the price to be less by $1000 dollars or was it $800? this is because I assured him that I'm coming with company. Otherwise, also mention me if you are intending to stay there, Vic can give you a discounted price especially if you are willing to stay a bit longer. Again in the reviews search for Nyabuti M. I give a longer review and pointed out what to expect.
Other interesting places to look into
During my search I cancelled out some places. Especially in the listings in coliving but since they are all under the same person Vic, I recommend all of them. Just check out all of them and which one you find the best. Here are others: [a4.1 Conferences, Bootcamps, Interns Welcome!](a4.1 Conferences, Bootcamps, Interns Welcome!) and Tiny Linen Shared w Host during 10am - 4pm.
Other websites you could look for accommodation include:
booking.com I mostly use this in case I haven't found somewhere to stay and I need to specify where I'll be staying for VISA applications. The good thing is that you can cancel without being charged.
Get a clipper card for transportation with the bus, train and the muni. It's a really convenient if you have one and there's a time in month where they are discounts. I haven't figured out when but check their website.
Flixbus if you're moving far there's a time we used this bus to go from San Francisco to San Jose with a friend and I think you get to somewhere like Los Angeles with it. The prices are low too.
During the interview for the VISA from the US embassy try to answer all their questions even if you don't know the answer just answer their questions. If you fail to do so it will lead to more questions that may predispose you to not getting the VISA.