understatement700

I got a housing offer from One Miramar Street housing today and I think I'll take it. Seems nice enough and a great deal for the area and free parking. One concern I had, which isn't really specific to One Miramar, is what about next summer since most of us will probably be interning away from SD. It says we can sublease it but if we can't find anyone are we just stuck with paying for the summer even if we're not there?

Called today, they told me that I would hear probably by end of June or early July. Not sure why so late since I submitted my app I think sometime around Apr. 20. They seemed positive that there would be something eventually available although it's not 100% guaranteed but she seemed a bit less optimistic that I would get Rita Atkinson.

Oh yeah, that sounds like a good idea, otherwise it's craigslist and ikea!

Oh ok, yeah I don't think I signed up for another couple weeks after you, but hope to hear soon! Also, were there just no spots for Rita Atkinson for females only? Still holding out for that but I'll make due with whatever, still think its relatively cheap and relatively close. Mesa was my second choice and Coast my third, although I now know that Coast is pretty much not going to happen since they apparently have a super long waitlist, like years long.

Did they email to tell you or call? I still haven't heard anything..

Oregongal did you hear anything today from grad housing? It's under 60 days now but didn't hear anything today.

Personally, internship opportunities during the semesters were not that important to me when deciding on a school. I figured it could be somewhat of a plus but wasn't such a huge factor when considering all the other aspects of the program. I've done a bunch of internships in my day and don't necessarily feel like tacking on more and more during grad school. Of course I'll be doing one during the summer between 1st and 2nd year anyways. I have a good idea of what I want to do too but am always open. It also depends on the graduate school experience that you're interested in. One could argue that the academic experience and community environmentcould be better at schools where you don't work in the day and take classes at night. But having the chance to intern and network in DC during two years of grad school certainly could help you. No easy answer, it really depends on what you value most!

Yeah pre-furnished, new, good amenities and relatively cheap, and pretty good location in relation to the IRPS campus.

Signed up to move in Aug. 1, really hoping for Rita Atkinson, it seems about perfect!

Oh ok, is there any information about roommates? Or do you just move in and get assigned a random one and meet them then?

Awesome, congrats, when did you say your expected move in date is? Hope I get Rita-Atkinson too, that was my first choice.

Were you able to sign up for language classes too? I thought they told us sometime that we'd sign up for classes after orientation. I feel like since the first quarter/year is somewhat standard for everyone that there wouldn't be much of an issue. The only thing is language classes since some of them would be with undergrads depending on level and language.

I have a feeling these next few months are gunna drag slowly, excited to move to SD and start!

Anyone who applied for on-campus grad housing hear anything else? Also, there's not a facebook group or anything is there? There should be a way to connect with all of our classmates before the semester starts and possibly find roommates.

I think what Oregongirl said makes a lot of sense. I'd also say, this is all a very personal decision. Everyone can tell you about what they heard about this or that school etc etc but in the end you're the one who's done the research and it is YOU who is making the investment (in time and money). I'd really recommend looking into if alumni from your prospective program are doing work similar to what you want to do. Odds are if they are (even without their alumni connections) you'd have a better chance of getting there too one way or the other. If they really are dominating a certain sector so much more than a comparable school then it might make sense to pay a certain amount more for that school. I can see the pragmatism in that. Maybe some will disagree with me but I'm also gunna go out on a limb here and say that IR schools are not like law schools. The different IR programs have their niches and jobs generally pay about the same regardless.

Hmm Ok, guess I'll just have to wait for a few weeks. I wonder how getting on campus housing works if you are planning to live with people you have met before since everyone puts different preferences for the waitlist and then when something opens up they just call you.

Anyone know if IRPS has some kind of admitted (and accepting) student forum set up? Maybe after May 1? This would be particularly helpful for finding roommates etc.

Interesting...let me know how it goes. Are you going to wait until close to when the semester starts to get your new MacBook Air? I'm not sure what I'm going to get yet, but probably will go Apple.

Do you think you can buy it with the UCSD discount and not pay tax by having them ship it out of state?

I watched the replay of the morning session. I'd already sent in my deposit and everything so it didn't really sway me either way but I will say I'm very excited about the curriculum, research/ faculty in my field and just overall feel of IRPS. Although I might not be so thrilled while I'm actually doing all the quant work etc, I do feel like it's something that will be really helpful. I recognize quant skills are something I need to get better at. I also realized that I'll have to get a new laptop this summer (at the latest date possible ha!). I also submitted my grad housing preferences. I put 1) Rita Atkinson 2) Miramar 3) Coast. But apparently Coast has a really long wait list and the others are probably popular too so don't know if I should change my preferences around in order to ensure that I can get something by the time pre-term starts in August.

What about Village West or Single Grad? Any word on them? They are both furnished and seem to have a better location than One Miramar or Mesa.

What was your ranking for housing complexes? Any ideas on what is the best in terms of location/price/facilities?

Yup, I'm doing prep. Haven't put my name in for grad housing yet but planning on doing so shortly.

Just sent in my deposit, can't wait to start at IRPS in August!

OregonGal, congrats on making your decision! Still trying to figure some last things out but IR/PS is up at the top of my list! I'll let you if/when I officially confirm that I'll be attending.