shetanak13

The open house was informative, at least, but I wasn't impressed with it. It wasn't coordinated well. I was also disappointed about the funding. Sigh. If you're going out of the country, I'd focus on what work you're doing and who you're working with.

Did you get funding for UT Austin? UCLA's funding scenario is a bit uncertain. It doesn't seem they are able to guarantee all of their first years fellowships, and the subsequent years funding is up to the advisor. This is what I learned from their open house, which is a little troubling for myself. Anyway, I think it depends on what type of work environment or field you think you'd like to stay in. UCLA obviously has a great name and lots of companies nearby, but if your sights are set on TX maybe you should look more into what options you have there with a chemistry PhD.

Hello all, I am a student at UCSD and it is not THAT expensive to live in La Jolla... it just depends on the housing complexes in La Jolla you choose to live in. I am sharing a room and I pay $400 a month, which is not bad at all, and I think that is pretty do-able. 400-500 to share is the norm around here. If you move a little farther out of La Jolla, like Clairemont Mesa, it will be a bit cheaper. Maybe... Also, Mesa grad housing is not expensive either. I've talked to a few grad students and it's a pretty sweet deal. If you can live there, I would suggest you do. Good luck in your decisions!