Ambigiousbuthopeful

This has to be the sweetest thread ever aw-feeling overload!

You are going to be at the East Bank campus? I wonder how much of the difference that make when choosing neighbourhoods. I'm going to be on the West Bank and I'm not going to be driving as well. What's the state fair about? Another thing to keep in mind is the distance from one's place to a bus stop. We are not going to want to trudge across several blocks in the middle of winter! You are really lucky to have the option to fly in and out to figure out housing before your final move. I'm worried about have to make this major decision with only the internet at my disposal. @Maggi, check your messages for some interesting information

I'm right now obsessing about finding a roommate. Ideally I would want to want to share a place with private rooms. I think it would bring down living expenses considerably and it would be nice to have some company! If you guys have any suggestions about finding a roommate or know anyone looking for one OR are looking for a roommates yourselves let me know! I hear those are the right neighbourhoods to look at. I'm planning to get there around the 18th of August. @Zaibus - Great news! You must be relieved about having finally arrived at a decision. I've heard Seward is really nice. Personally, I would really want to live as close to the West Bank as possible since I won't be driving. Given that most grad students would want to, as you say, sleep peacefully on week nights, Dinkytown is a place we should steer clear off. (Besides, I dont think I could bring myself to stay at a place called Dinkytown ) Has anyone started looking at craigslist? Hope to see you all later this year!

Well, thanks..I checked with current students at my department and POI and it seems to pretty standard, so i'm not going to worry about it right now.

I think it is good idea to let him or her know once you formally accept the offer. At least that's what I did.

Is it common for grad-students in the humanities/social sciences to be offered 4 years of guaranteed funding (as opposed to a 5 year package) simply because they enter the programme with a Masters?

oh, very helpful!! I realised that finding a flatmate from the other side of the world is going to be more tricky than finding a place to live. Sigh. has anyone considered university housing? It seems as if there is some housing for grad student though a bit pricey. What do people think?

Thanks for that. I would want to steer clear off the undergrad areas but also live close to the campus. I'm from a tropical country too so I'm glad to hear that you've adjusted to it well!

okay thanks! Well, I will be at West Bank so I wonder if that will further the commute. What do you think a realistic rent budget is? I've started checking craigslist .. things are a bit slow at the moment but will keep an eye on it. Hopefully I'll find a mailing list for incoming students looking for housing.

I know, leaving books behind is going to be very hard. I'm going to have to be ruthless when choosing what I take. I can't even bring bedspreads from home since bed sizes in the US are so different! Looks like I'm going to purchase everything anew over there. Anyway - I'll stop whining now on a different note - a desk light should be useful. and maybe a printer - depending on your course.

Great suggestions... thanks everyone! ( A dog! that would be fantastic. One can only dream though :-/ ) This old thread is useful too threw up some more ideas: Corkboards, external hard drives, a good chair (since sitting in it is basically all we are going to do), a sleeping bag (don't know why but sounds useful!) stationary, a convenient bag for everyday use. Hmmm...what else...

Hello! I also heard of gradcafe recently - well after I submitted all my applications. Which is a pity because I think it would have been extremely helpful, clarified many questions I had and probably would have influenced some important decisions. Not that it matters now .. worked out well in the end and I'm extremely excited about the U of Minnesota. What's your advice on housing ? What's a realising rent budget? ( And my standard question for everyone from there - how do you get through the nasty winters?! )

How long is the commute exactly?

I have started thinking about what I need to pack or buy for grad-school. Admittedly it is a bit early to think about this but as I'm moving countries do indulge me! Apart from clothes, books and a laptop, I'm blanking out. What do I need to plan/budget for? I'm sure there are a hundred everyday things (and a few luxuries!) I'm forgetting, so help me out. What are five important things (however mundane) you would carry or purchase on arrival to make life easier/ more interesting? What wouldn't you do without? Of course, this would vary person to person, but it would be nice to hear some opinions Thanks!

I received an offer from my top choice but rejections from all the other schools I applied to. I really can't complain, but I would be lying if I said it doesn't sting. I think the best thing to do is rationalise it and not take it personally. Every time I wonder what exactly the problem was (did I choose the schools with poor fit? Was it my unflattering gre score?) I force myself not to dwell on it because ultimately there are a hundred different variables and some you have no control over. As far as your situation goes, I have heard of students who faced with a similar situation get in touch with faculty outside their institutions for advice, informal input and so on. Developing alternative sources of intellectual support may be a good idea and I think faculty usually are responsive/ helpful when approached by students working in their field. Talking about your work in this way might even have a positive effect on motivational levels!

It really does sound great for so many reasons! I've heard so many good things about life in the Twin cities - sounds like the perfect balance and like it offers something for everyone. @ Zabius Sounds like there is an offer in the pipeline - good luck!

The cities section has a long thread on housing. Lots of information! I was a bit worried about this but having talked to a lot of people it seems manageable. Departments also help incoming students figure out housing.

Ad.com of dev.soc Cornell are meeting for the last time today and will inform candidates immediately after.

Anyone else decided on Minnesota or on the verge of a making a decision? I thought we could start a fresh thread for this season to share thoughts, questions, information and concerns etc

From what everyone is saying, for grad students Seward, Uptown, Longfellow and Northeast are the places to look at. (Uptown does sound a little expensive) I think I will start my search around april...thanks all!

I am in exactly the same situation with respect to Minnesota and the other schools I applied to!

Does anyone have an idea of when the DevSoc-Cornell results are expected to be out?

It is a major sub field of Geography but unlike physical geography focuses on the interface between human settlements, power structures, culture, communities and the environment. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_geography And yes, it is quite cool

Tell me a little bit about Uptown. Nice place to live? reasonable rent? How far is it from the university? Thanks :-)

Great, thanks. That's good to know, because I've just made a conclusive decision. Anyone have anything more to add?