avraven

Hi! I'll also be starting my PhD in the US as an international student, but I've moved abroad before on my own so I might be able to help. Firstly, no one will think it's weird if you arrive with 3 giant suitcases, especially since you're an international student! You could consider taking the clothes you're likely to need in the first few months, and have the rest shipped over later? Since you're committing to a long time in another country you're likely to want quite a lot of things from home with you anyway. In terms of towels, etc. I'd recommend taking just a travel towel so you have immediate access to one, and buying more later since they're bulky. I'd take a coat as hand luggage to save space. Only take a few travel toiletries and buy the rest when you arrive - things like that really do take up space. Having said that, it really is normal to have a lot of luggage when you move, especially when you're moving abroad, so I wouldn't worry!

I'm currently doing an MPhil at Cambridge and have been accepted to PhDs in the US (as an international student). The Cambridge MPhils are generally excellent and I believe it has definitely contributed to my PhD acceptances, if only because it has helped me so much in terms of developing my interests and my ability to carry out research. Good luck with your decisions and congratulations! PM me if you have any questions about Cambridge

@jigglypuff Everyone in the German department is really lovely. I also didn't think I had any chance but apparently you never know! All your other programs sound excellent as well.

@jigglypuff I'm currently doing the MPhil in European Literature at Cambridge. It's a great program, good luck with all your applications!

I'm currently doing my master's in the UK and I've been accepted to PhD programs in the US. It probably helps that I go to a British university which is well-recognised internationally, so maybe bear that in mind. Otherwise it should be fine!

I've applied to Yale but haven't heard anything yet

Hello! I hope the interviews went well, where else have you applied?

Not sure if this helps much, but people will be hearing about interviews around now, or being rejected without interview. No one gets accepted without an interview (I'm a current Cambridge student, but don't necessarily take my word for it, they may make exceptions for all I know haha). Good luck!

Ah well done! Who is it for?

That's the risk of applying to top programs I guess.. Best of luck to you though! (At least German isn't insanely oversubscribed haha) I actually don't think I have a preferred program, I got very positive responses from faculty members when I approached them before applying so I'd be happy with any I think. I'm international so I don't have any actual experience of these universities/cities either. How about you? Good luck with them! Hopefully the wait isn't dragged out...

The best place to start is probably Henri Lefebvre on the production of space, and then there are lots of different directions from there. David Harvey for capitalism and space, Elizabeth Wilson for feminist space etc... I applied to Penn also, Northwestern, Cornell and Yale. Fully expected to be entirely rejected so very glad to have an early acceptance!

Thank you! Your ideas sound great, where have you applied?

Ah I'm sure you'll be getting a response very soon then! Good luck!

Hello! Nice to see someone else around!

Yeah I think it's still quite early for most places, but I did get an acceptance from Northwestern yesterday! I'm interested in spatial theories, the demonic, travel and movement in literature, amongst other things. How about you?