SoCalNoob

I've gotten admission to my top choice and while there's a stipend, it'll definitely be a bit of a struggle since I'm financially independent of my parents (we're poor, basically). To make it worse, it's a typical PhD stipend on an LA cost of living budget, so I'm definitely gonna have to stretch out that cash like crazy. Thankfully I got a job out of college, and I've been saving, so I have enough to move to LA and get a cheap place. This is a bit of a jumble of information, but here it is: -Be VERY realistic and honest with yourself on how much you can afford. I had lofty dreams of getting my own apartment, but I have a max $1000 budget on rent, which includes utilities, so I'm gonna have to suck it up and live with a roommate. Especially for that initial move, if you're not from the area, make the best of your situation until you've relocated and your finances are stable again, then revisit if that's an option. -Penny pinch as much as you can to save up for the move/change, especially during the first month, where the stipend will most likely be late because, life. That, and putting down a deposit, first (and maybe even last) month's rent, maybe more if your credit is bad, plus utilities and recurring expenses need to be considered, so 100% have that in your budget. I usually go for the worst case scenario when figuring out how much I need for something, just so I'm prepared -Reach out to your programs for help, especially if you're from a marginalized community, talk to the financial aid office or office for diversity to see about potential fellowships/assistantships you could be eligible for, or whether they offer reimbursement if you're moving from somewhere really far (which is rare, but it doesn't hurt to ask!) -To reiterate what @feralgrad mentioned, make sure you understand your stipend package, what it covers, how the money is disbursed, if you need to do TAships or not as part of your stipend, etc. Not only could that significantly impact your decision or ability to accept an offer, but you also know up front what opportunities you can maximize with certain things paid for -INCLUDE TAXES IN YOUR MONTHLY EXPENSES!!! Because you are receiving a stipend, you will be exempt from social security and medicare tax. HOWEVER, a stipend is still considered taxable income, so you will owe the IRS money, BUT it's not deducted upfront, so essentially your stipend isn't taxed...yet. That means that for every paycheck, you need to figure out how much tax is owed and set that money aside to pay when your taxes are due. There's a bunch of websites where you can calculate an approximate amount. You don't want to be in a situation where come April, you owe the government thousands of dollars in tax, and no way to pay it. Probs open a savings account for it, and automate the deposits, that way you won't miss money you didn't know you had -Excel is your friend. Or whichever app you can use to trace your money. It's always a good idea to pre-allocate money to non-negotiables, like rent, utilities, groceries, etc. Eat in more than you go out, look for things to do for free, if your campus has an undergrad campus, they're probably having free food at events (take advantage). Don't live beyond your means for the sake of "living it up". Learn to cook basic stuff, and plan your meals before going to the grocery store, so you don't buy more food than you'll need (that'll end up going bad). Non-perishables are often cheaper in bulk. Save money and cut costs where you can.

hi all. I've been admitted to a PhD program and I'm getting an ok stipend, but relative to the city I'm moving to I'll barely be making it by. Do cost of living scholarships even exist? Are there things that I can apply for to subsidize cost of living? FYI I'm on a student visa

I think it's a good idea, especially if you mention something you spoke about during your interview. It helps them remember you better, and who knows, someone may give you insight on how the interview went. I emailed all the professors I interviewed with and 3/4 wrote back with positive things to say, so it doesn't hurt. Plus it's just courteous

Salutations, fellow Trojans! Officially accepted admission today ?

haha, it was -20F when I got the news that I'm going to Cali! It's a sign

that's a little coercive, me thinks? IDK, I'd talk to a seasoned professor in your school, if you know someone whose insight you trust, because you 100% should have the time to make an informed decision, especially if the program's deadline is not til April. It's a little unfair that they're making it sound like a 'now or never' deal

Just got my first acceptance, and it's my top choice (USC), stoked about going to Cali! I have an interview weekend this week at Thomas Jefferson for a similar program, was a little too late to back out, unfortunately. Who else applied to biomedical sciences? Where are you waiting to hear back from?

accepted to USC (Cali) Biomedical sciences PhD program! STOKED! Never would've guessed I'd end up in Cali tbh, not mad one bit ?