[Norman/Oklahoma City, OK]

I'm glad the 15 hours ended up being worth it, then, and maybe I'll see you there next fall.

So much of the grad school application process ends up being like a really cheesy love story marketed towards teenagers, really. OU is like the completely awesome girl who sits in the back of the room and wears glasses and paints, and you don't know how completely awesome she is and how great of a couple you would be because, you know, she wears glasses.

I understand the draw of a university named after dead industrial tycoons, though. If only OU were sponsored by, say, J. P. Morgan and Charles Schwab (Morgan-Schwab U)! Though both CMU and UPitt apparently invested their money with firms who are now being investigated for fraud (I believe CMU's endowment went to the purchase of collectible teddy bears for the wife of one of their investment managers?), so maybe just "OU" is a safer bet.

[Norman/Oklahoma City, OK]

I just (like two hours ago) got back from a 15-hour drive there from Florida, and it was worth every minute. I can't say enough good things about the city and OU. In fact, and I'm not kidding, I like it a LOT better than Florida. The people were amazing, too...kinda reminded me of Canada.

Seriously, 15 hours?! That's crazy! I once drove for 10 hours in one day and felt like the muscles in my back would explode.

And you're right, the people there do have that Canadian hospitality feel. Is OU your first choice?

[University of Minnesota Twin Cities]

I wish that I had been offered funding at UMN--I love the city (though it is pretty cold) and it's really amazingly affordable. And medianerd, I know what you mean about vegetarian options; some places, it's so difficult for me to find anything to eat, but not here. St. Paul wasn't as nice, though, or at least that was my impression.

[Pittsburgh, PA]

I visited UPitt last week, and I was just really unhappy with the vibe of the area. Even some of the places that people said were "nice" seemed a little run down, but I guess that's just because the recession is hitting this area particularly hard. I've lived in NYC, LA, Toronto, and a few other cities, and while I can definitely see Pittsburgh as having a "funky" vibe, there still wasn't a lot to do (that the students I was with knew about) or a lot open late compared to a more vibrant city, and for some reason, everyone who worked in the restaurants/bars I went into was pretty rude. Maybe I was just with a lame group of students/in a bad part of town? Anyway, I just can't see myself living in Pittsburgh for the next 5+ years.

[Norman/Oklahoma City, OK]

So I just got back from a visit here and I'm 75% sure I'm going to accept their offer. I really liked the town and the area, and everyone who I met was so friendly and helpful! I don't think they make people like that in the Northeast.

[Pittsburgh, PA]

for the people in pittsburgh or familiar with it: is getting a one-bedroom apartment in a decent area possible for under $600?

i should add that i don't necessarily care about being super close to campus (30 minute walk or bike ride is okay by me) but i do care about being in a neighborhood with a decent cafe, grocery stores/markets, interesting types of buildings/houses to live in, a sense of community. i'm from a major city that has lots of little neighborhoods and i'd like something similar.

If you are willing to have a roommate and a 2-bedroom apartment, you can probably pay under $600 each, but I don't think you can get a one-bedroom and pay utilities for under about $700 unless you want to give up your "nice neighborhood" requirement, or are willing to commute your 30 minutes by car (you can save a lot by living outside of Pittsburgh and driving in).