robertdeniro

From my limited-but-still-worth-sharing experience, finding a room in an established house is a lot easier and cheaper than finding an empty apartment and then filling it will furniture and roommates. Everyone has different preferences, though. If anyone is looking for a just a room, I've had pretty good luck with the "Rooms/shared" section of Craigslist and then typing "grad" or "graduate" in the search field.

Another thing--if you see work in archives/special collections/humanities research center, or what not in your future, a dual degree might just be that thing that puts you ahead of the crowd of other applicants. I have seen a ton of upper-level job postings that are looking for a MLIS or MSIS, but would prefer it to be coupled with a second masters in a related discipline (aka history, art history, american studies, etc.). Just saying!

I found myself having the same debate between a straight archives (or information studies) program and a dual degree. I can't give you any hard facts or advice from experience, but I will say, this application season I seriously considered the Archives/History Dual Degree program at Simmons. I had a couple of conversations with the heads of both departments and they were really wonderful. I immediately felt comfortable with them and it really sounded like my research interests, etc. would have been supported there. An interview (or two) is required as a part of the application, because they try to make sure incoming students are really right for the program. It is also a pretty small, intimate program; a lot of individual attention is given to each student (so they described in the interviews). It sounds like you are more interested in archives as opposed to library science? I haven't done too much research on the latter.. in any event, Simmons is very strong in archives--it is actually "number one" in Archives and Preservation according to the 2013 US News & World Report--and I believe, it is strong in Library Science as well. The history program, however, is relatively small. It worked for me because I study (studied as an undergrad) cultural/intellectual history and focus mainly on American and French. But if you are studying Medieval or Classical, they program might not be broad or established enough for you. I absolutely see the value in complementing the history degree with the professional degree of ARM, or vice versa. If you want to study digital technologies, I would definitely take a look at Michigan or Texas, as they place a strong emphasis on technology--although, so many of the library science or information studies programs are seriously strong with emerging technologies these days. Another thing to consider is many programs actually encourage you to take your electives from other departments, so you could supplement a straight MLIS or MSIS with history coursework, or get position as a research assistant with the history department. I'm pretty sure UNC has an Archives/Public History program and I know Maryland offers an Archives/History dual degree. One thing to keep in mind is that usually you must be admitted to both departments independent of one another Also, I missed the deadline for Maryland this past year because the while the MLIS deadline was something like February 01, the dual degree program deadline coincided with the history deadline, which was December 01. It's not always so clear on the websites, but maybe you're more observant than I am! ANYWAY, hopefully you find some of this useful, and I haven't just ranted. Sorry for the inconsistent grammar!

Well, that's good news about FAFSA. Money is definitely a major consideration, but I was doing the math yesterday, and UT is actually looking like one of the cheaper schools (at least in my case). Tuition is incremental, so for a 9-credit semester, it's *only* something like $8,000. I am not really expecting any funding other than federal. I'm actually from Connecticut, just working in Portland right now. I love it here, and agree it's a bummer there are no programs around here (although UW is a good one). I hear Austin has a similar vibe.

Yeah, I have the same preferences (a-c), but I'm looking at rooms in houses/apartments with roommates. I totally understand wanting to live along, but if you want to get the price down, you might want to consider roommates? On the other hand, MrWestCampus that spade20k mentioned looks pretty promising; I spotted some places in Hyde Park and North Campus that were on the cheaper side ($450-650) and a lot of them were 1 bedroom/1 bath houses.

I agree looking_to_sea, this thread has been super helpful. Still prowling the internet... rent is looking like $550-$625. Steeper than I would have liked.

Have you heard anything about funding yet, Grizbert?

Hey erew, Judging by the response listings from previous years, it looks like they could be sending out admissions and/or funding decisions as late as March. I received acceptance a couple of weeks ago, but no word on funding yet. In Fall 2013 topic someone mentioned funding offers were due to go out in early April. Sigh, it's never-ending. Hope you hear back soon, and with good news!

Does anyone know of a site or forum that connects people/students looking for places to rent? The UT graduate school website has some listings through the Provost Office, but everything is kind of pricey. Craigslist is a little frustrating to sift through. If anyone is looking for roommates/knows of places to rent, hit me up! I am looking to move mid-August.

Hey everyone, I am trying to find a place to rent in Austin. I just started looking, but I am overwhelmed already! I don't know a single soul in the area. The magnificent internet has provided a lot of details on good neighborhoods to check out--apparently North Campus is ideal for graduate students. I've also read good things about Hyde Park, but overall I am going into this blind. I want to keep rent under $500, but really, I'd like to find something more like $350. I might have to rely on public transportation, too, but I hear Austin has a good bus/shuttle system. What are you all doing? Does anyone know of a website like Gradcafe that connects people looking to rent? Any advice is welcomed!!

Way to go, Gizbert!! I got an acceptance to UT yesterday and am sooo relieved. Austin is my top choice too, but I am waiting to hear about funding. Honestly though, I love so much about the program and the city... I'll probably run with it. If you don't mind, I might message you to see if you know of any places to rent/have advice on good places to live. Congratulations to everyone. Decision-making time, guys!

Anyone hear from UT Austin yet?? I'm going mad with anticipation!

grover3000: I'm sorry to hear about your UT decision, but congrats on UCLA! I am still waiting on notice from Austin... did you get an email notification?

I too am losing my mind! Still waiting to hear back from my top choice program... Somehow getting my transcripts to be delivered by the deadlines has been like pulling teeth.

Has anyone heard back from UT Austin School of Information? I am waiting to hear back my admissions decision for the Information Studies Masters program. The suspense is killing me!!!