PoissonGamma

Ya guys thanks so much for the additional info. This is incredibly helpful.

I'm also waiting for mine. I called the office a couple weeks ago to ask about it and they said they were a few weeks behind, by now should be coming soon. Apparently there's a big snail mail package that they send with a lot of info that needs to be filled out? When is everyone planning to move up there? I had been thinking the weekend before the 20th, but possibly earlier to do some traveling before school starts.

Interesting, good to know. Sadly I don't believe they are tax-free. You should plan on the FICA tax rates, which I think are near 15% combined (check wikipedia, I'm too lazy) plus federal and state income taxes. Federal will be pretty low because there ain't much stipend, but the state is probably a flat rate (again, wikipedia, sorry). I'm counting on actually receiving roughly 75% of the stated amount, though could be more like 70.

I've never been a TA before but I've given training lectures to newhires and interns at my company who have met me with plenty of blank stares. I've found that one way to deal with them is to say "raise your hand if this makes sense" because it forces some action on their part if they're ok. Not that it's fool proof, but it can help sometimes. That may not help deal with a bad day, but it came to mind. I'm nervous and somewhat excited about teaching for the first time this fall. Good luck.

Sorry to harp on this, but can anybody shed light on why exactly on-campus housing is so bad? All the listings I've seen so far for 1 bedroom appartments are priced between 5-600 with no utilities included, which amounts to something well above 700 with all utilities. On campus comes to 600 with everything included, so I keep coming back to that option but the sentiment here is overwhelming, so just looking for some additional color. Thanks everybody.

Ya I believe I read that it is mandatory. Could just be for my program though.

I'm going to end either August 3rd or 10th, but haven't decided yet. The motivation right now is the good relationships I have with all the people at work and to a lesser extent the money. I can totally see how people would struggle with it though. Even with a job I enjoy, good coworkers and decent pay (been out of college a while now), the motivation still takes a hit when you get in.

Interesting. I will have to check out some more off-campus places. Unfortunately I won't be able to visit before actually moving there so will definitely be making a decision on a wing and a prayer. If anybody sees good spots, feel free to post them :-)

Do you think you could get cheaper stuff down the road? I saw a few ads for apts in the 500 range but they did not include heat or cable/internet, which I think will run about 100 each over the course of the year. In New England the heat bills in the winter for a 1br apt can hit 300/month.

Hey all. I just got into the stats phd program and will be attending in the fall. Does anybody know much about the on-campus housing options they have? Is it a bad idea to live in one of those? It looks like 600 for an unfurnished 1BR in one of those, which looks like a good deal considering it includes all utilities and cable/internet. What have other people's experiences been? The stipend is thin of course so every penny counts.