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Stop 05 · Living Guides

Living Guides

Utilities, banking, transit and a first grocery run — turning an address into somewhere you actually live.

✈ 7 min read
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Quick answer

Settling in mostly comes down to four errands: utilities and internet, a local bank account, a way to get around, and a first grocery run. Most of it is doable in your first week, and if you’re in furnished housing, Wi-Fi (and sometimes utilities) may already be handled.

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What you need to do

  • Set up electricity and gas with BGE 1–2 weeks before move-in — check first if it’s included
  • Set up water with Baltimore City DPW if it’s not included
  • Open a local bank account — bring your passport, student ID and proof of address
  • Get a transit pass if you’ll use MTA or the shuttle regularly
  • Do a first grocery run at Giant, Whole Foods, or the Baltimore Farmers Market
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Important information

  • Electricity & gas — BGE, roughly $50–150/month
  • Water — Baltimore City DPW, roughly $30–50/month
  • Internet — Xfinity or Verizon Fios, student plans from about $30/month
  • Trash & recycling — free weekly city pickup

Many furnished properties include Wi-Fi already — ask your provider before setting anything up twice.

Bank of America (Remington), PNC Bank and M&T Bank (near Charles Village) are all used to student accounts. You’ll typically need a passport, student ID, proof of address, and a visa or SSN/ITIN if you have one. Open your account before classes start if you can, and ask about student-specific accounts.

University shuttles, MTA buses/Light Rail/Metro, and the free Charm City Circulator all serve this area; a monthly transit pass runs about $74. Charles Village and Remington are walkable, and bike lanes plus Lime scooters cover the rest. The Getting Around section has the full breakdown, routes and fares.

  • Groceries — Giant, Whole Foods, the Baltimore Farmers Market
  • Home goods — Target, IKEA
  • Pharmacy — CVS, Walgreens

If your room is furnished, check what’s already there before buying duplicates.

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Useful links & documents

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Who can help

Ask CAMP-US directly

info@mycamp-us.com · WhatsApp +1 (240) 926-0074

Email us WhatsApp us
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Continue your journey

Next stop · 06

Support & Campus

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CAMP-US is an independent student housing provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Johns Hopkins University or any other university. Utility providers, banks and prices above change over time — confirm current rates and requirements directly with each provider.