snorkles

It's difficult to live in the Bay without housemates for sure. You can find some decent spots in places just outside of Berkeley, like El Cerrito. I managed a bedroom in a private home for 600 a month on the north side of campus, but it was a rare situation and I didn't have kitchen or laundry access. I'd expect to pay northwards of 1k for a room to yourself or 1700+ for a studio. Depending on your standards of living (and your offer), it might be worth trying to make it work. After my weekend trip to Chicago last week, I can say that I am not at all stoked on the area surrounding campus or the city itself (too big for me). The Berkeley campus feels much more alive, as well. I suppose that may be due to the fact that I toured Chicago during Spring break. 
And my contribution to the thread: I committed to Chicago some weeks ago. I couldn't pass on the program itself.

It's difficult to live in the Bay without housemates for sure. You can find some decent spots in places just outside of Berkeley, like El Cerrito. I managed a bedroom in a private home for 600 a month on the north side of campus, but it was a rare situation and I didn't have kitchen or laundry access. I'd expect to pay northwards of 1k for a room to yourself or 1700+ for a studio. Depending on your standards of living (and your offer), it might be worth trying to make it work. After my weekend trip to Chicago last week, I can say that I am not at all stoked on the area surrounding campus or the city itself (too big for me). The Berkeley campus feels much more alive, as well. I suppose that may be due to the fact that I toured Chicago during Spring break. 
And my contribution to the thread: I committed to Chicago some weeks ago. I couldn't pass on the program itself.

I declined Brown. I committed to Chicago. I hope that gives someone on the waitlist good news!

I declined Brown. I committed to Chicago. I hope that gives someone on the waitlist good news!

I declined Brown. I committed to Chicago. I hope that gives someone on the waitlist good news!

I declined Brown. I committed to Chicago. I hope that gives someone on the waitlist good news!

I declined Brown. I committed to Chicago. I hope that gives someone on the waitlist good news!

I declined Brown. I committed to Chicago. I hope that gives someone on the waitlist good news!

I declined Brown. I committed to Chicago. I hope that gives someone on the waitlist good news!

I declined Brown. I committed to Chicago. I hope that gives someone on the waitlist good news!

I declined Brown. I committed to Chicago. I hope that gives someone on the waitlist good news!

I declined Brown. I committed to Chicago. I hope that gives someone on the waitlist good news!

I declined Brown. I committed to Chicago. I hope that gives someone on the waitlist good news!

I love that this was brought up. My trajectory to graduate studies has been relatively odd (first generation, returning student, etc). I made it a point in my WS, SOP, and interview to be as genuine as possible. Being accepted on those terms has eased some of my anxiety about the whole thing. 

I love that this was brought up. My trajectory to graduate studies has been relatively odd (first generation, returning student, etc). I made it a point in my WS, SOP, and interview to be as genuine as possible. Being accepted on those terms has eased some of my anxiety about the whole thing. 

I have turned down Indiana, Ohio State, and Chapel Hill. I hope that moves the waitlist (assuming one exists) for someone! 

I have turned down Indiana, Ohio State, and Chapel Hill. I hope that moves the waitlist (assuming one exists) for someone! 

I have turned down Indiana, Ohio State, and Chapel Hill. I hope that moves the waitlist (assuming one exists) for someone! 

In at Brown. Email to check portal. 

In at Brown. Email to check portal. 

In at Brown. Email to check portal. 

In at Brown. Email to check portal. 

In at Brown. Email to check portal. 

In at Brown. Email to check portal. 

In at Brown. Email to check portal.