NorthernStar

Congrats, LogicBomb! May I ask how did you find out?

Yup, neighbours. See me waving now? Also U of T, dept of Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations. I'm the one who stands outside and smokes, even when it's minus 25! ha, I also visit the Ossie and Bloor area all the time, but not for Long and McQuade! I'm supposed to work now - have one more paper - but I just can't seen to focus. A few more days of this wait, and I'll consider developing a drinking problem.

Lukewarm coffee here, plus endless cigarettes. And I'm also in Toronto, High Park area. <waving her neighbour> My eyes are on the mailslot, heart fluttering. (then again, what are the chances of getting it today if it was mailed out only yesterday?)

I have been watching the mail slot all morning. When a brown envelope was pushed in I rushed to pick it up... only to discover it's just a new credit card. Imagine my disappointment. Good luck everyone, keep us updated, and may the madness be over soon!

I was hopinh against hope, but nothing happened.

You're not the only one - still working on two papers, not making the deadline and keep procrastinating. Who said that you get work ethics in grad school?

originally, the SSHRC results were due in April. Last year there was a mega delay, this year, thus far, it seems like another delay, perhaps not as great.

Here's a possible explanation for delays: On tonight's newscast (CTV), there was a segment about the urgent need to replace and upgrade government's computers system. Apparently, their equipment is so outdated (and as we could all see, REALLY old 80s computers) that collapses and other mishaps can cost people their tax refunds, IEs or pensions. They did not mention SSHRC specifically, but I bet SSHRC is using or tied to that same antiquated system...

what a surprise... I wouldn't be shocked if they keep pushing it even further into May. That's what happened last year. The suspense is killing me!

Congrats! Hawaii definitely takes the cake here!

It's 2 out of 3 for me. Yesterday I got the OGS, today got into a conference.... now I really want to hear about my SSHRC!

yay, I won an OGS! I'm out of the perpetual losers circle! (keeping my fingers crossed for SSHRC)

I'm also waiting for OGS and one conference. Plus, I need to write my research papers (and start reading for comps), so that will give me something to do in the meantime.

These guys are sticklers. They won't give out individual results by any other means but snail mail. I guess we now know some actually suffered the ramifications of Y2K and never made it to the 21st century.

it will feel like forever if we post here every day (and I'm saying it as someone who checked out this thread 4 times a day)!

Most of the circle of grads I'm friends with in RL are also my FB friends. So are a couple of my profs and other scholars. I just won't friend my undergrads.

I say - two more weeks!

Don't worry. No one I know ended up alone. You get to meet people in different (and often unexpected) circumstances, so it's not something you can really plan. It will happen. Almost three years ago, when I started grad school, I was afraid I'd end up friendless, especially because everyone else would be so much younger than me. Well, first day of orientation, and I was seated near a vivacious, pretty redhead. We started chatting and I voiced my fear about the age gap, to which she replied: "I'm 30 and proud of it." I decided right there and then I totally heart her. And we're still good friends. Once courses actually started, a small group of grad students formed - we had a few courses in common, similar interests and the same advisor. Almost three years later, and we still hang out even outside the classroom, throw birthday parties for one another, go out for drinks and so on. I can't imagine my (grad) life without them.

As a U of T student and as someone whose friend is getting her MA is IS here (and not overly thrilled about the program), I would advise you to go to McGill - reputable university + funding. It's a winner. Congratualtions on your acceptances and good luck!

I chain smoke.

Walk from Bloor to College: about 8 mins. Walk from Spadina to Bay (on College): 10-15 mins The Annex is the area that is around (not just "above") Bloor from Spadina to, say, Duffrin. Many students live in the Annex, and just walk to bike to school. Biking is big here. Whenver it's too cold to walk, you might consider the TTC. The Subway is fast and usually efficient (the College streetcar - a little less). You definitely don't have to insist on the Annex. I live west of the Annex, and it's still 15 mins subway ride. How long will it take you to walk to Sid Smith or Robarts (the main library) from the Annex? depending on where you are. If you're around Spadina and Bloor - 15 and 10 respectively. If you're around Ossington - 25-30 mins. Queen's Park and Wellsley is on the other side of Campus, so add about 10 mins if you're coming from the west. Apartments for rent here nornally don't come furnished. They would have a fridge, oven and stove tops, so you'll have to purchse furniture. Some places are all inclusive (hydro and heating), some aren't, so always check with landlords / rental companies when you go see a place.

Discrimination is still alive and kicking in Ontario, legal or not. Bigots always find ways to exclude. The two women I mentioned before - were at U of T, btw. Doesn't mean there are no agists here as well, but there are also people who are fair and will not judge you based on gender, age or ethnicity. I don't know the dept of Philosophy here, but I say don't give up hope because of one pig. You sound keen on grad school for the thrill of learning and no one should be denied that.

Never checked out that building. Is the 850 all inclusive (hydro / heating)? is there a laundry room in the building? what do other people say about this place? Yes, basements will probably be cheaper, but my hesitation about them (and it's my own little hang up) is that the acoustice normally sucks. You really can hear people walking (stomping, rather) over your head, and often you can hear conversations (which got me thinking about what they can from below). Also, many private landlords forbid bringing pets or smoking, which might become and issue.

20 mins is great. Remember that what looks like 20 mins in theory is often longer. We often joke about how in rush hour (or at least in YOUR hour of rush), there's often a stoppage of trains due to "personal injury on track level", as the anouncer says, which is code for "somebody chose to commit suicide exactly when you're about to be late to class"! I think anywhere on the Bloor line (don't get too far into Etobicoke though) and Danforth (don't go beyond Pape or so) would be fine. You can either get off at Spadina or at St. George. If most of your university activity are around Queen's Park, then you can consider the Spadina line, but not too far north, because having lived on that line (never again!), I can say it's a nightmare in the morning and afternoon hours, which people crammed inside like sardines. If you're interested in grad house, you'd better make your enquiries soon, because they will be running out of rooms.

Right now you'll see lease dates for the spring. In a couple of moths you'll start seeing more for Aug / Sep. What type of place are you looking for - basement? apartment / house with roomates? just for yourself? The first two are usually advertised sorta short term, just before a roomate or a basement tenant is leaving, so you'll see more posting much later in the summer. As for the latter, check out apartmen buildings in the area (if you're not physically in TO, then at viewit.ca and similar website) to get a feel for the building, the neighbourhood, amenities etc. Of course, ads and photos can be misleading. I've seen a couple of places that I liked - Around St. George station, several (mui expensive but well maintained) buildings in Prince Arthur street (or maybe it's avenue). On Spadina, near Spadina subway station, the famous 666 building - expensive, kinds noisy, but man, the location! (less than five mins to the library!) Spadina and Bloor, strategically located cluster of buildings on Walmer road, mixed reviews, ok rental, across the street from just about everything you need. Then there are buildings further west - like Bloor and Ossington (will take you about 20-25 mins to walk to St. George, or 5 mins on the subway). There are also low rises on Bathurst a couple of blocks north of Bloor - beautiful units! If you go east of St. George, you get to the Yorkville area, which is VERY pricey and IMO not worth it.