Is it common to decline a Recruitment Day invitation?

[thesiswillbegreat]

Hi everyone!

I have a question about campus visiting. I have been admitted to a school, which I’m pretty sure that I will attend. The department sent me a Recruitment Day invitation. Although I am interested in its schedule and it is certainly beneficial to know more about how everything goes in the department, the thing is that I live in Asia, so I doubt whether it is worthwhile spending 12 hours flying across the Pacific Ocean and another 12 hours back just for a day’s visit. 

Thus I feel inclined to decline the invitation, but I wonder whether distance alone is an acceptable reason not to attend the event? Would it be considered improper or arrogant?

Thanks for helping me out!

[bumbleblu]

This is the same reason I'm declining my invitations -- even though it would obviously be helpful to visit before making a decision, I am not interested in dealing with international travel for just a couple days. I think it is totally reasonable to decline the invitation, especially if it would only be for a single day; in fact, I don't think anyone in the department is expecting that you would be able to attend. If they haven't yet, you could contact some current grad students to try and get a feel for the department/university/city. 

I would just be sure to tell them you appreciate the invitation, but that unfortunately it isn't feasible for you to visit. 

[thesiswillbegreat]

1 hour ago, bumbleblu said:

This is the same reason I'm declining my invitations -- even though it would obviously be helpful to visit before making a decision, I am not interested in dealing with international travel for just a couple days. I think it is totally reasonable to decline the invitation, especially if it would only be for a single day; in fact, I don't think anyone in the department is expecting that you would be able to attend. If they haven't yet, you could contact some current grad students to try and get a feel for the department/university/city. 

I would just be sure to tell them you appreciate the invitation, but that unfortunately it isn't feasible for you to visit. 

Thanks a lot! That’s very helpful. Maybe I shall just try to talk to some grad students instead.

[light10491]

Well you can stay for a few days. Explore the city beforehand, do the visit day, explore some more or a neighboring city. Then go home. Usually they provide you some funding or you can ask.