mea culpa

OK, thanks. Then I will live nearby campus in the first year, and move to a cheaper and safer place in the second year.. Does anybody know about the job opportunities in LA. Will an engineering PhD help me find a nice job in LA?

It's interesting that i have noticed you are going to California. Actually I am between going to USC-LA and VT-Blacksburg. What would be your opinion about in which place to pursue a PhD, since you are going from one to (kind of) the other one?

what about entertainment? I guess the nearest city is far far away, I couldn't even find a movie theater in Blacksburg! Is it because I don't know where to look or Blacsburg's so small/ boring?

Just accepted to a PhD at VT. But I am an international and know nothing about the place. How is Blacksburg to pursue a PhD? How about the weather there? If I won't have a car, where can I find cheap and safe housing? Anything about post-graduate job opportunities? Thanks...

Well, to be more specific, I may ask a few questions like where should I try to hire an apartment if I won't have a car? Or is having a car "must have" there? And will an Industrial Engineering PhD make me competitive in the job market noting that I am an International student? They have offered me $19,200 for two semesters, so I guess I will have about $17,000 after taxes. Am I right about the taxes? Will this money support a life noting that I am not a bar/ night club person at all which may be a little pricey there?

I am just admitted to an engineering PhD, at USC. I am an international and completely a stranger to the area. I wonder if I can make it with with my 9 months net budget of about $17,000? What if I go with my boyfriend, and with assuming that he cannot find any jobs for quite a while? Expecting some quick answers, since the deadline is somewhat soon, Thanks in advance..

emilyu, thank you very much for your post!

About the cost of living; Me and my husband are going to College Station. He is offered $23k for 10 months for his PhD, exclucing insurance and taxes. Will this money make it, assuming I would not find any jobs there?