rabley

I was an undergrad here, then came back in a different field for graduate school. This is my fourth and last year of coursework in the Communication Arts program. I've always loved this city. I love the balance between small town and city feel. There are plenty of cultural events available for me, and the city is drivable without being overwhelming. It's more liberal than anywhere I've ever lived, and is especially friendly toward LGBT people (IMO). You end up with a mix of preppy business people and people who still think it's the 1960s (especially on the east side near Williamson Street!). It works for me. The apartment prices I've seen listed are pretty accurate. I paid $775 total, including heat, utilities and parking, for a one bedroom within 15-minute walking distance of campus. My friend paid $550 for a large studio with separate kitchen, about 3 blocks farther away. Now we're sharing a huge 3-bedroom that's going for $1000 total. It's 1.5 miles from campus, so I can walk if I feel like it, but usually take the bus. To me, the bus system is very convenient, especially since it's free to students. The only bad side is they don't run very late on weekends. I only use my car for grocery shopping and the laundromat, and the occasional Target run. It's expensive to park anywhere near campus, and street parking off-campus is a *huge* pain in the winter. I highly recommend finding an apartment with off-street parking. I see people bicycling all winter, even through the snow, so I guess that's possible. I will say that you want to sign a lease ASAP. Most are signed in February or March. I found my apartment in May and was a bit surprised at how nice it was, actually. It's just the way this city works. I've been a T.A. my entire time here, and have lived on that stipend plus a part-time job at a campus computer lab (8 hours/week) and summer jobs without getting additional loans. It's not a rich life by any means, but comfortable for me. I'm used to getting by on that kind of money. The computer lab job is the best you'll find, by the way - I spend most of my time reading for seminars or surfing the Internet. In the end, if you're coming from a big city and expecting the same, you will be disappointed. It all depends on what you're looking for. I'd be more concerned about your department and where it's headed. Mine changed drastically in my time here - very different place 4 years later.