Almost Postdoc

Anyone starting JHSPH 2011 get their email account set up already? I'm an incoming postdoc (which are classified as students) and I have an LID but can't get into the my.jhsph.edu system yet, can get into my.jhu.edu but not the sph one.

Thanks Eigen!

I second the recommendation of the SIBS program. I also recommend examining each SIBS site because some of the programs are more research based and others are classroom/hands-on focused. This could also provide you with at least one new rec that will be positive and you may also be favored at that institution for graduate admissions if they already know and like you. Also, it's better you get a shorter but flattering recommendation from a professor that taught you, than any recommendation that might be negative or veiled neutral. Be very selective about LORs because that can really make a difference in graduate admissions.

Hello everyone, Are there other forums that are populated more heavily with current graduate students, especially later stage graduate students, and postdocs? I haven't been able to find anything, and the gradcafe is fabulous but definitely geared towards prospective grad students. Sorry if this was inappropriate to post, just trying to find a "home" to ask all my questions. I'm looking forward to contributing to the gradcafe any wisdom I have as an outgoing grad student!

Thanks so much for the pointed rec and the anecdote. I had sorta narrowed my options (if I was going to live in Baltimore) to Charles Village and Mt. Vernon so it is nice to hear another vote for Mt. Vernon. The commuting story is especially good to have as I started leaning in that direction just out of sheer comforts sake (I know DC and I don't know Baltimore). It looked like a hassle (SPH shuttle, then ~50 minutes from Penn to Union Station, and then from Union Station to wherever I lived on the Metro) but there were some perks in living in DC again (jogging, museums, monuments, etc). If things don't run on time that is almost enough to completely cross it off my list! I found one building with security access, furnishings, and indoor amenities that looks fabulous and just happens to be in Mt. Vernon -- but sadly they only have 2 bedroom/2 baths and that is way too much space for me! Hoping to find another high rise type building like that with smaller units.

This thread is helpful! I am about to formally accept a postdoctoral position at Hopkins SPH and as a young slight female am concerned about where to live. I make smart choices, and have previously lived alone in DC for many years, several years ago, with no problems, but would love to revive this thread if anyone had more to add. I'm going to look into a building with keycards etc that one of the posters mentioned, that would make me feel very safe. I will be traveling a lot, no roommate, and thus my apartment will be empty for at least 1 week a month and I would not like it to get burglarized! Although, my first concern is of course for my safety as "stuff" can be replaced, and I'm not very flashy anyway.

I'm planning to formally accept a postdoctoral offer that puts me on the JHU medical campus (!!) in autumn 2011. I am gathering all advice about choosing the safest place to live (I plan to live alone and am a young woman). I'd like to live on the shuttle line, but I'm also considering living in DC and taking the MARC train (is this just going to be terrible?). I lived in DC several years ago, for several years, and know my way around DC/Arlington/etc but not MD at all. Interested in all advice, and am combing previous threads for tidbits. It would also be good to live somewhere with easy access to the Metro, as I'll be flying from DCA or IAD minimally twice a month (yikes). People talked about the crime in DC a lot, but I lived in Foggy Bottom, Dupot Circle, etc and had no problems, although I know those are not the most dangerous areas. However, I would go to less safe places like the 9:30 club by myself late at night (although still not the roughest areas) and was fine. So I am also wondering if the crime is significantly worse than the "good" parts of DC, in the "good" parts of Baltimore I hope you will recommend to me.