The Refrigeration School, Inc. is located in Phoenix, Arizona, the fifth largest city in the United States. Students who will be living in Phoenix or commuting to the city to attend RSI will find their HVAC and refrigeration training to be richer and more complete if they get to know Phoenix well. Newcomers to the area can begin familiarizing themselves with the city through a visit to the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Web site, or the City of Phoenix Web site.

While studying at The Refrigeration School, Inc., you'll want a peaceful and convenient place to live. Rental rates in the city vary from 400 dollars to 800 dollars per month for studio, 1-BR, and 2-BR apartments. Some units include utilities; other landlords require their tenants to pay for gas, electricity, and water, separate from the rental price. Some students in college or technical school find that they can save money on rent by living with a roommate. A comprehensive selection of apartments can be found through this rental apartments Web site, and good bargains can be had via the Phoenix CraigsList apartments listings. Make sure your place is clean and in a safe neighborhood before signing any legally binding lease, and make sure you are in agreement with all of the rental terms.

You might already have a place to stay while studying at RSI. Or, you might consider buying a house if you really like the Phoenix area. That's not a bad plan, either - this city shows promising job growth and a strong economy. Always select a mortgage you can afford; in the current housing market, fixed-rate mortgages are safer long-term house payment strategies than adjustable-rate mortgages are.

Public transportation in Phoenix is spearheaded by the RPTA, or Regional Public Transportation Authority. Many buses run Monday through Sunday; however, some routes have limited service and don't run on Sundays, or run only on weekdays. RSI is convenient to several transit routes; we encourage you to check bus and shuttle schedules if you're getting around town by public transit. The RPTA schedules are posted on Valley Metro's Web site, as are schedule changes and transit news.

Many years in the making, the Phoenix light rail system will be completed by late 2008. When it's finished, be sure to catch a ride on Phoenix's state-of-the-art new metro!

The city of Phoenix is also close to several major highways and freeways, convenient if you drive or are looking to get out of town for the weekend. Many students do own automobiles, and choose to drive to and from campus. For longer trips out of town, book a flight from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which offers domestic and international airline service. For the best rates, make sure to schdule your fight in advance. Comprehensive transportation information for Phoenix can be found through the VisitPhoenix.com transportation site.

Want Middle Eastern food? How about Chinese or Italian cuisine? Scrumptious meals to suit all tastes can be found in Phoenix. The American Southwest is also king of hearty, down-home restaurant fare, and various Hispanic and Tex-Mex foods. About.com publishes a Phoenix dining guide, describing and rating various restaurants in Greater Phoenix. You can also find spots for bulk, organic, and vegetarian grocery shopping at outlets such as Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. Phoenix has several restaurants that serve vegetarian and vegan fare, too.

Scottsdale Fashion Square and Biltmore Fashion Park offer top-of-the-line clothing and accessories. For Refrigeration School, Inc. students on a budget, the Metrocenter Mall is home to beloved retail national chains, and unusual accessories shops. The Arizona Mills Mall is close to RSI, has a huge selection of shops, and is very popular with Phoenix residents. There are also plenty of discount, big-box retailers and drugstore chains where RSI students can purchase everyday and household necessities. A comprehensive listing of shopping destinations in and around Phoenix is featured on the Visit Phoenix Web site.

After class, some RSI students want to kick back and enjoy drinking and dancing. The bars and pubs in this city cater to all beer and liquor tastes for the over-21 crowd, from single-malt scotches, to sophisticated martinis to specialty porters and ales.

Students who enjoy clubbing or live music will find fun in Phoenix, too. Many bars and clubs hold themed or specialty dance nights, including '80s Night and hip-hop or breakbeat dancing. Dress codes can vary from leather jackets and spikes to sport coats and chinos. Other clubs feature live music or deejaying for small to modest cover charges.

Students enrolled at RSI to complete their heating and cooling certifications are encouraged to seek out the nightlife they enjoy most by visiting the AZCentral.com entertainment and nightlife listings. And of course, if you're under 21 or don't drink, there are tons of coffee shops and other non-alcoholic venues for you to check out.

Tap into your wild side at Castles N' Coasters, an amusement park that features arcade games, crazy rides, fun for kids, and water rides that make a splash. Other outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy the Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, an official state park with 323 acres of botanical gardens. Serious nature enthusiasts will get a kick out of the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area, a collection of parks and parklets in the Phoenix area. The landscapes and the trails are beautiful for hiking, picnics, or play. If you're a golfer, Phoenix has nicely landscaped courses for you to get your game on. If you haven't got the skill for 18-hole golf, try mini golf at one of the courses in the area!

Phoenix has four professional sports teams, the Arizona Cardinals, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Phoenix Suns, and the Phoenix Coyotes -- so whether football, baseball, basketball, or hockey is your sport, you can enjoy professional games. Baseball spring training is also held in Phoenix: Watch the Chicago Cubs or Oakland Athletics, among other teams, gear up for baseball season here.

In February, Phoenix will host the Super Bowl at the University of Phoenix Stadium. More details about the February 3rd game are listed on the 2008 Super Bowl site.

If you want to expand your social circle beyond your Refrigeration School, Inc. classmates, make some friends from Arizona State University, which is just 10 minutes from the RSI campus. College towns are packed with things to do and people to meet, so you might find an ASU pub or restaurant you really enjoy, and meet some friends you'll never forget.