seashells963

I need advice about what to write in a letter declining an offer. I visited the school and everyone was extremely nice. The advisor of the program organized my whole visit. He found a grad student for me to stay with, took care of my meals, made two full days of meetings with the students and faculty, set up a tour of the campus and town for me and even got me a ticket to attend a show with a current student. He also took care of securing me a strong funding package that I learned from my visit few receive. My visit was awesome, but the program doesn't fit for me. Mostly, it's the cost of housing and not enough research opportunities. I feel bad so much effort was put into my visit and I want to write a nice letter declining the offer. What should I say or include to express my appreciation, but nicely decline?

I have been accepted to several programs. I was notified by all by email and they stated the funding I would receive. I have been waiting two weeks to receive some kind of packet with an acceptance letter and information about the universities, but have received nothing. Are we supposed to receive official packets or do they only send those out after we accept the offer? I don't feel comfortable making a decision until I see everything on paper. What is your experience? Have you received offers by mail?