Lex Shrapnel

Here's a list of things I think I might need in a computer, of any kind, for my physics graduate course: Word processor Spreadsheet Presentation slides Notes organizer Programming: Simulations, Analysis, Modeling etc Everything Internet I've always used linux for all my needs in the past, but I believe grad-school demands might be different than what I've listed. Do I need to get Windows or Mac to push through? One major issue might be compatibility - either between two files or two computers. I have noticed this one from the very beginning of my application process. Every University related documents were designed around non-Linux products. Adobe Reader was required to fill out some pdf forms, some instruction manuals were in Microsoft Word doc extension - some minor things like that. These are, of course, manageable in Linux as long I find the right software. I am also considering buying a laptop - an ultrabook, perhaps. Would you recommend this over a tablet or a desktop PC? I probably would sell this one after my course is complete, since I cannot take it home afterwards. Also, please include in your reply, names of Linux distros, Windows/Mac versions that would fit my needs. Right now, newegg seems like a good place to look.

Thank you for the encouraging replies, everything went well. Just a couple of very basic questions were asked, the answers to ALL of which were either yes or no. It only took about 30 seconds max!

Thank you, everything went well for me too. Just a couple of very basic questions were asked, the answers to ALL of which were either yes or no. It only took about 30 seconds max!

Brilliant suggestion. Thank you. Will the real-estate agents charge me a huge sum?

OK... so this is embarrassing, when I said "I don't have a car", what I actually meant was - you know - hypothetically, intuitively, enigmatically...umm... I don't know how to drive.... Yeaaaahp.

The university is within walking distance from this locality, and necessary facilities are available near by.

How could I go and see these places, if I don't have a car!? The place is a suburb, with no public transportation or cabs. Looking at 4-5 places a day would mean me walking left and right all day long. I'm honestly scared ... and hotel bills, well that's going to be another problem if I overstay. I must do this within a week or so.

Oh boy! Looks like I am in a lot of trouble. For one, I am still in my home country, and I only have less than 3 weeks left to travel. I must be looking for hotels rather than rentals right now, ha?

I am currently in a struggle to find an off-campus property to rent. It is my first time doing this and I am not certain about the procedure. Just looking at pics listed in Zillow and that's pretty much it. Did you sign the lease before traveling or after? How can I get a place from day 1 of arrival? Will I have to stay in a hotel for the first couple of days? Please share your experience in this area. I am moving to Ohio, btw, and don't forget to leave your recommendations for websites and listings.

Brilliant! That's a relief actually. I am going in for the interview this Monday (8th Dec). Even though I am well aware of the department faculty, research and future plans, there is a possibility that my answers might sound a bit robotic. Is there a thing called "over-preparing"? Oh, and by the way, have you guys ever got the question "Why spring instead of fall"? In my case the answer would be something like "the admits that I got during last fall were not up to my expectations." (<-- boring answer??)

Thank you for the reply. If I may ask one more question - would it be a bad idea to say "Yes, I will return to my home country, but I will be joining x university in Canada for my phd soon after" if they asks "What do you plan to do after this? Will you return to your home country?"

I do have a couple more doubts regarding the future-plans section.

I am a prospective grad-student for MS in Physics. I applied to a top Canadian University that had very good research along with the ones in the US. So there are about eight schools that I've applied to including the Canadian one. If I say this to my F1 visa interviewer, would it raise any suspicion? I didn't get an admission to this University, but I got 4 from US universities. How should I address the question "Why did you apply to Canada?" There is only a few days left for my interview. I am worried about the uncertainty in these matters. I have good grades and test scores and a stable financial background, yet the outcome might vary!

@Takeru Thank you for the detailed description, and I must say, this system sounds a lot better. I am very impressed!

Any idea why they chose to do an MS first?