Artist1

Thanks for the info! I'm going to have to rely on the bus and walking/biking since I have no car. I couldn't tell if there is a nearby bus at Maplewood Gardens. I wouldn't mind walking a couple blocks or so, but need a direct bus line to campus. I haven't seen anything bad posted about it but they are posting a lot on Craigslist. It's within my budget (under $700 with utilities included). I just need a relatively quiet place to live away from undergrads (and also not a place with tons of loud children running around). It looks like Maplewood Gardens is listed in the Dewitt area instead of Westcott. I've been asking around about safe neighborhoods and was told not to go north Westcott....but noone has said anything about the Dewitt area where Maplewood Gardens is located. It's so hard to tell with just a few pictures online and a few reviews. In terms of location... looking for something close with a direct bus service, safe neighborhood....would be nice to be near grocery store if possible, or near a bus line that goes to one. I don't care about being near bars or restaurants. I'm pretty much going to be working in my studio on campus, doing my TA and then at home doing writing/researching and sleeping. If I want to go out for a weekend, I'll head to NYC to see my friends.

What about the Maplewood Gardens apartments in the Dewitt/Wescott area? It looks nice with a pool and balconies. I haven't seen many bad reviews.. Also, Nob Hill Apartments? Do this have nearby bus lines to SU (free student bus route)?

I made the decision! Syracuse University - Tuition Scholarship + TA + Stipend large private sky-lit studio... yay!

What are your pros and cons for each? I had to choose between SMFA/Tufts and Syracuse. I decided to go with Syracuse because of the great facilities, the tuition scholarship, TA plus stipend, the visiting artist program, distinguished faculty, the cost of living, a smaller personalized program, good reputation, and it is within hours of NYC and Canada. SMFA/Tufts just couldn't offer all of that. SMFA/Tufts has tiny studios in poor condition and don't offer any TA your first year. The cost of living and transportation is horrible. I was a little hung-up on the name of the school, thinking that if I had "Tufts" on my resume it would be better. But that's not true. Syracuse has a great reputation and many of alumni have gone on to show in NYC and receive prestigious grants and residencies. The town seems kinda crappy and small but it is very close to NYC and Canada...and Boston. Think about the pros and cons of each school. I don't know much about MICA and I'm not a photographer (painting/drawing/installation). Think about WHY you want to go to grad school and what's most important to achieve your goals. For me - it was to *develop my my work* (and yes to teach but not a main goal). I chose Syracuse because I knew I could create my work there in the nice large studios and great facilities. I knew that I could afford to live in a decent one bedroom apartment without struggling to buy food and shampoo. I wouldn't be stressed out and have to work 2 to 3 jobs just to pay for a crappy apartment like in Boston. I know at Syracuse I can live comfortably and work comfortably....and be challenged to create new work. I also can stay with my friends in NYC for free to network and go to openings. I can eventually exhibit my work in NYC, Canada, Boston, etc since it is so nearby. And no one is going to give a damn about what school's name is on your resume 10 years from now. It doesn't matter if you are self-taught, went to MICA, SMFA, Syracuse or even Yale. It's going to come down to the quality of your work. If you go to a top tier school and you come out with bad work, that name doesn't mean anything. Certain doors can be opened with Yale on your resume for teaching. And even then, if your work is weak, it won't matter. MICA doesn't hold enough weight to make a huge difference in terms of name for the rest of your life. Now the program? I don't know. Maybe it's a great program and they have the best facilities you need. I've never visited. You should go somewhere that you can create what you need to create, somewhere you can achieve your goals... that's what's important...whether MICA or Syr. So, that's how I made my choice. Hope that helps.

I'm trying to find an apartment that has heat included. I was told by a current grad student that the houses (that are converted into apts) have poor insulation, so the winter bills can get high. I'm used to living in a cold climate (negative temperatures and snow) but I do tend to crank the heat up (and air conditioning in summer). I can't stand being uncomfortable. I'd rather pay $700 a month and have the utilities included at a fixed amount then have a big surprise of a $250 bill tacked onto rent. I have to pay additional monthly $25 (it looks like for most apts) for my cat. And then internet will be $40-$50 (counting netflix - my splurge on entertainment since I don't really go out to movies or bars or anything). I'm not too worried about the debt issue. With federal loans, they are very flexible with consolidation and able to do deferment/forebearance when unemployed. I won't have to take out as much in loans as I would if I attended the other school I was accepted to. I actually do pretty well off my art. I've worked full time as an artist in my studio for several years now doing commissions and selling my work through galleries. I'm not sure how well I'd do locally with commissions in Syracuse but can still do so over the internet. I'm hoping my stipend is a decent amount. I'm sure it's difficult to find outside work with so many students taking over the area. I don't think I'll have to work outside of school though (besides my online store, etc). I'm having a hard time finding one bedrooms near the school (not in the undergrad area). I've done a bit of research and found out which neighborhoods or areas are less safe. I found a map that shows the free SU bus route... but all the nicer apartments that are one bedrooms are really far away and I don't see a direct bus line to SU. I'd prefer not to live in a converted house, but will do so if necessary. I just don't want roommates. I'm shocked that there are apartments in the $600 range that have pools, fitness rooms, etc. I wonder if they are in bad neighborhoods or there's something wrong with them? Or is it that Syracuse is just that inexpensive? My apartment right now is $1050 a month plus utilities for a two bedroom, regular apartment building but in nice neighborhood. And that's considered cheap. So when I see these pictures and descriptions online for 2 bedrooms at $650... I can't help but think there's some sort of catch.... roach problem? load neighbors? bad neighborhood? next to a freeway? I hate having to move to a city without seeing the apartment and getting a feel for the place. I was googling brokers for Syracuse but nothing came up.

Thanks for the info! I've been told so far that Westcott/Dewitt and Downtown are the best areas for grad students. I'm super quiet and just need a nice, clean space so I can study/research, eat dinner, watch a movie with my cat and sleep. My apartment will be my lil sanctuary away from campus. So I have to stay away from the undergrad students in the loud apartments. I chose Syracuse over SMFA/Tufts University this year due to the great facilities, cost of living, and comfortable studio space to work in. Also, I'm set with a TA + stipend. So I'll be working on campus as well. I guess I'd be fine with an area further in the Westcott or Downtown area if there is reliable public transportation. But how late do buses run to campus? How early do they start in the morning? Are most just a straight shot or will I need to do some transfers? I'm not used to a smaller city so I don't know how reliable it is to get around without a car. Are all buses in the city free if you are a student or just buses that go to SU? I've lived in bad neighborhoods near section 8 housing with a high crime rate, but I was familiar with the city. I'm just nervous about NOT knowing about the specific areas, etc. Within a block or two could start getting sketchy. So I'm just trying to gather all the right info to make my choice, especially that I can't visit to see the apartments. I've seen some apartments online that are South of campus, near a large cemetery. I haven't heard anything about students living in this area and if it is safe? The apartments are just beneath the cemetery on the map. Have you heard anything? Just curious.. I was looking at "Maple Gardens" in the Dewitt neighborhood online. It's in my price range and heat is included. Some have balconies. Looks pretty good from the description and photos. But I've had a hard time finding any ratings/reviews online. It's hard to tell from the reviews anyway because they sound like bitter tenants. You get mostly bad reviews on all apartments....from the color of the walls to the staff being rude, etc.

Syracuse has a great program and they only accept 3 people for the MFA Painting a year. Jerome Witkin teaches there, which is amazing. They have distinguished faculty and great visiting artist program. I feel the program is very personalized. They provide great studio space, private and sky-lit. The student work is great and IMO some of the best I've seen coming out of all the art programs across the country. Many alum have received prestigious grants after graduating. A lot of figurative work... my work really fits in this program. I don't know how I feel about being on a big campus with tons of undergrad, sports, etc. I guess I won't really be interacting with them on a daily basis, but they will be all over town. The city is so small which is hard for me. I don't need a huge city but it will be weird moving to a smaller town. I like SMFA/Tufts but am disappointed with the provided studio space and facilities. I didn't expect space like at Syracuse, but I guess something more organized and large enough to move around in. When I was there for the interview and tour, the other applicants didn't seem to mind the size of the studios..... I think a lot were coming from undergrad so they were used to smaller spaces like that. My studio wasn't even that small in my undergrad though. Also, there seemed to be a lot of photographers and performance artists in my touring group. Painting usually needs more space, and storage space! I feel that if they offered even a slightly larger organized studio space, then it might be worth the financial struggle. But I think, what am I going to struggle for? I'd struggle to work in a studio space that's too small and chaotic where I know I can't work peacefully and even move around. I'd struggle for the name SMFA/Tufts on my diploma. Not saying the program isn't good, but I think it comes down to the work. I think you are right, but I'm not 100% on my decision yet. I have this nervous feeling that I might be passing up a better opportunity for my art career....or maybe not. It comes down to the quality of my work and my drive...

ooo also, if I were to be picky... I wanted to know if there are any apartments with the older style tubs (claw foot)? Tons of them in the midwest. Super nice and relaxing Hardwood floors or mostly carpeted? I've looked on CL and a lot are carpeted. A lot of listings for duplexes and larger apartments... still looking for one bedroom...

Looks like I'm going to Syracuse for graduate MFA program. Turning down SMFA/Tufts University in Boston. I'm an artist and grad student. I don't care about the "night life" really. I'm not going to be going clubbin' or anything. Would be nice to be near some restaurants (sushi, chinese, italian, etc?) and coffee shops but not necessary. I do need to be somewhat near a grocery store. I'm pretty much going to spend all my time working in my art studio on campus and doing a TA on campus. Then, I'll be home sleeping or relaxing with my cat. Occasionally might go out to dinner, catch an art opening, whatever. I don't mind the weather. I've lived in the South with extreme humidity for half my life and the Midwest with extreme cold/snow for the other half. Syracuse may have a bit more snow than here but it's not as cold. So I can adjust. Plus, you go to the school for the quality of education, not the weather. You can always head to Cali for your spring break. Anyway... I haven't been able to visit and don't think I can before I move. So I need to find an apartment. One bedroom preferably. I guess around the $500 to $600 range. I need to be walking distance to campus (up to 25 minutes of walking is fine) and I have big snow boots! The closer the better because I do need to get over to my studio at different times of the night if necessary. So I need a safe area. I do NOT want to live around loud undergrad college students. I went to a private undergrad and am not used to be around loud University students. So... a clean building.. no bugs... no loud students, nearby the University and affordable. What neighborhood(s) do you suggest? Any specific apartment buildings/renters you recommend? How far is downtown from Syracuse University? How late do buses run? Anything else I need to know about the school, area, or the arts scene? I'm looking to move June/July ---ish. Thanks!

I'm wondering how much I'll need to live comfortably (not struggle to buy groceries, necessities) Going to Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts - graduate MFA program I have a scholarship that pays most of tuition, a TA position with stipend. I'll take out a Fed loan to cover the rest of tuition and a little extra for cushion. I don't know how much my stipend will be yet. Haven't placed me in specific TA position yet. I have some extra cash for moving and to start out with.... I was hoping that I won't need to get another job while in school. I'll need a couple thousand for art supplies for the year, rent, food etc. Looking into one bedrooms around $500 to $600 a month. I have a few other bills - medication (need insurance), cat food/vet visits, cell phone, etc. I'm hoping I get a decent stipend with my TA. I imagine it will be hard to get commissions in such a small city... or maybe easier? There aren't many galleries in the area... or at least when I looked around online.

Leaning toward Syracuse now. Studios are huge. Area looks beautiful. Just hours away from NYC. Program is great and small. Great scholarship + TA + stipend. Housing is cheaper. You can get a huge fancy condo with a balcony, fitness room, and swimming pool or rent a house for around $800 or less. Although, I'd stick with a regular one bedroom to save some cash for my trips to NYC (can stay with friends for free, take the train there). $500 - $600 for a nice bed one bedroom. Thinking about SMFA/Tufts.....I'd still have to work a full-time job, work-study to struggle and "get-by", live in a crappy little expensive apartment or with a huge group of loud students, work in a cramped studio without "real" walls. And commuting even to Tufts is a pain in the ass. I don't know if I'd find time to sleep....to create work.... good work. I've talked to my former mentors/professors, friends, family etc.... some of which have been to both schools for their MFAs. Most say to go to Syracuse... to go where I feel that I can create the work that I need to create. I still have a little more time to decide....but need to very soon. Btw. I've talked to some students that live in Boston and they said it would be best to get 1 - 3 brokers to help you find an apartment or other housing if you are out of state. They usually won't charge a fee or a small one (the landlord/company takes care of it). Have them take pictures, etc. I've been reading about the bed bug infestation.... another thing to research before moving. Decisions...decisions.. :/

Congrats to everyone. It must be a relief to have made the decision! I'm still trying to decide between SMFA/Tufts and Syracuse. I posted a topic thread on here but no one has responded. I'd appreciate any thoughts/opinions? I have to decide asap.

Curious what everyone's opinion on SMFA vs. Syracuse for MFA Painting? There are pros and cons of each, hard time deciding. SMFA/TUFTS Advantages - great program, only 2 years, take courses through Tufts - museum studies, curatorial, business etc, could work in the museum, more opportunities and networking advantages, more galleries and art venues to exhibit, great faculty, "prestige" Disadvantages - tiny studio (hard to work in), have to take out max loans for each year just to cover tuition, housing is super expensive $850 - $1100 for efficiency/studio (won't live with roommates), will have to work an outside job plus work study to "get by", a lot of public transportation to get around (long commute depending where you live and to get to Tufts), can't get a TA until 2nd year (and that isn't guaranteed) Syracuse Advantages -nice private sky-lit studio 300 sq feet, nice facilities throughout the University, great faculty, visiting artist program etc, tuition is less and wouldn't have to take out as much in loans (but taking out loans each year for three years will end up being a little more than loans for 2 years of SMFA), I'd get a TA with stipend immediately, housing is inexpensive $500 - $650 for small one bedroom in good neighborhood, comfortable living and won't have to "struggle to live and work", won't have to work an outside job unless I want to, storage for my artwork since my studio would be big enough, no major commuting with public transportation, is in New York and not too bad to travel to NYC Disadvantages small town, a bit isolated, less opportunities and networking, 3 year program (rather do 2 years), loans will still end up being a little more than SMFA since it is 3 years, not many galleries and venues (there is a museum downtown that I could possibly try to get a job at), will it be as competitive? will I feel as challenged in this environment? will it make a difference with an art career or teaching that I went to Syracuse instead of SMFA/Tufts? Will I be able to receive the same quality of education with classes related to museum studies, curatorial, business of running a gallery, etc? My goals MFA degree, take business classes, curatorial, museum studies courses while in school, develop my work (of course), work in a museum environment or with non profit gallery/organization while in school, T. A. while in school. Long term goal after MFA - work in my studio and exhibit in galleries/museums, open an art gallery, teach when necessary. So, I'd like some opinions on the programs at both schools and looking at advantages/disadvantages - what would you do?

Curious what everyone's opinion on SMFA vs. Syracuse for MFA Painting? There are pros and cons of each, hard time deciding. SMFA/TUFTS Advantages - great program, only 2 years, take courses through Tufts - museum studies, curatorial, business etc, could work in the museum, more opportunities and networking advantages, more galleries and art venues to exhibit, great faculty, "prestige" Disadvantages - tiny studio (hard to work in), have to take out max loans for each year just to cover tuition, housing is super expensive $850 - $1100 for efficiency/studio (won't live with roommates), will have to work an outside job plus work study to "get by", a lot of public transportation to get around (without car), can't get a TA until 2nd year (and that isn't guaranteed) Syracuse Advantages -nice private sky-lit studio 300 sq feet, nice facilities throughout the University, great faculty, visiting artist program etc, tuition is less and wouldn't have to take out as much in loans (but taking out loans each year for three years will end up being a little more than loans for 2 years of SMFA), I'd get a TA with stipend immediately, housing is inexpensive $500 - $650 for small one bedroom in good neighborhood, comfortable living and have to "struggle to live and work", won't have to work an outside job unless I want to, storage for my artwork since my studio would be big enough, no major commuting with public transportation, is in New York and not too bad to travel to NYC Disadvantages small town, a bit isolated, less opportunities and networking, 3 year program (rather do 2 years), loans will still end up being a little more than SMFA since it is 3 years, not many galleries and venues (there is a museum downtown that I could possibly try to get a job at), will it be as competitive? will I feel as challenged in this environment? will it make a difference with an art career or teaching that I went to Syracuse instead of SMFA/Tufts? Will I be able to receive the same quality of education with classes related to museum studies, curatorial, business of running a gallery, etc? My goals MFA degree, take business classes, curatorial, museum studies courses while in school, develop my work (of course), work in a museum environment or with non profit gallery/organization while in school, T. A. while in school. Long term goal after MFA - work in my studio and exhibit in galleries/museums, open an art gallery, teach when necessary. So, I'd like some opinions on the programs at both schools and looking at advantages/disadvantages - what would you do?

Looks like I'm going to grad school at SMFA & Tufts. I'll have my art studio at SMFA and will spend most of my time there.....and then attend classes at Tufts. I am moving from out of state and am not familiar with Boston. I have visited once, but didn't see much of the neighborhoods. So I'm looking for an apartment near SMFA. I absolutely will not live with roommates. So I'm looking for my own apartment (and I have a cat). I don't have a car or bike. 1. must be close to SMFA and/or good transportation 2. clean, no roaches, bed bugs, etc 3. safe 4. no frat houses, undergrads partying all night or loud ghetto buildings One issue is that I tend to work different hours in my studio...depending on the job I have - I might have to work during the night or come home in the middle of the night, etc. And I've read that the subway and buses don't run late. And some neighborhoods aren't safe to walk at night. I was thinking something like $800 (maybe a little more $850) with utilities included if possible. On a different thread in the arts section someone said Jamaica Plain would be good? I live in a pretty big city right now but I really hate public transportation. I do it because I have to... so I don't mind the time it takes to commute, I just don't like having to do several connections to go to a place. And I'll easily walk 30 - 40 minutes or more if needed (safe areas). I was very confused when I visited Boston and ended up taking cabs, which I know was super expensive. I just didn't have the time to figure out the public transportation in the little time I was there for the interview. And I just have a bad sense of direction anyway. I'm sure I can find someone once I get there to help me out and show me around so I don't feel so lost and confused. Can anyone suggest neighborhoods that would fit what I'm looking for nearby? (Oh to be able to do public transportation to Tufts from the apartment as well) What about bad credit? My credit is bad right now (I'm working on it) and I'm self employed so I usually show my bank statement as proof of deposits, etc. will this be okay, would I need a cosigner? How hard would it be to rent with bad credit and being a self employed artist? I can pay two months in advance plus deposit if necessary. Also, I'm curious what the talk about BED BUGS is all about? I haven't heard anyone say anything about it before and it terrifies me. I've lived in buildings with roaches and silverfish (EEECK!) but haven't had bed bugs. I don't even know what a bed bug looks like. How would I know if an apartment had bed bugs? I'm curious if most buildings have a shared laundry room or do most people have to go to a laundry mat? What are most bathrooms like for the range I'm looking for? Is it common that they only have shower stalls instead of an actual bathtub? are they smaller bathtubs or old style with clawfoot tubs? I'm curious because the city I live in - good or bad buildings tend to have the old style claw foot deep tubs (which are just nice to relax in, even when I lived in a super ghetto building I had one). Maybe a luxury at this point if I can find one in Boston....not the top priority but there's nothing more relaxing than a nice bubble bath after working all day. I might have to get an apartment before seeing it. I can't afford a hotel or renting a room for weeks while I find an apartment. So I'm a bit scared of getting something I haven't seen. sooooo...many questions. help?