University of Minnesota

[Lascaux3]

Anybody else attending? Also, I did my undergrad in New York, but am a native Minneapolitan so if you've got any questions, ask away!

Edited March 2, 2010 by Lascaux3

[titaniasummer]

Anybody else attending? Also, I did my undergrad in New York, but am a native Minneapolitan so if you've got any questions, ask away!

Hello,

Nice to meet you! What will you be studying? I think I will be attending Minnesota starting Fall 2010, for a PhD in Asian Languages and Literatures. I'm originally from Bombay, India but I'm currently doing my second masters in London. I'm really apprehensive about the weather in Minneapolis but would love to know more about the city, particularly things to see/do and what sort of housing budget I can look at.

[Str2T]

Hello,

Nice to meet you! What will you be studying? I think I will be attending Minnesota starting Fall 2010, for a PhD in Asian Languages and Literatures. I'm originally from Bombay, India but I'm currently doing my second masters in London. I'm really apprehensive about the weather in Minneapolis but would love to know more about the city, particularly things to see/do and what sort of housing budget I can look at.

As a southern Minnesotan native--from the town that was actually supposed to be the state capital--I can tell you that you'll get used to the weather. We oscillate between -20 degrees and 100+ degrees with 99% humidity, but during the spring and fall the temp is right around 40-70 degrees for a solid 6 weeks or more. You'll pretty much experience the gambit, so make sure you have weather-appropriate clothes for each season and have a handle on transportation. That's probably the key to tolerating the weather. Public transportation isn't so great in Minneapolis/St. Paul, but it isn't impossible. I'd recommend getting a cheap (4-wheel drive if possible) car and living in the 'burbs. Housing prices are much more decent out there (except Edina and Minnetonka). Most apartments in the 'burbs are 8 to 10 miles from Minneapolis and the parking is doable. Minneapolis/St. Paul has a great variety of cultural/social experiences (despite being predominantly white). Definitely try Azia Restaurant and Hell's Kitchen's peanut butter (not associated with tv show).

[Lascaux3]

Hi there,

I'll be starting the Phd anthropology program (focus in archaeology) this falll.

I wouldn't worry too much about the weather. Invest in some good outerwear and you'll be fine. It almost never get as cold as -20 and when it is that cold it tends to be very dry which makes things more manageable.

Unfortunately as Str2T said public transportation isn't that great, especially compared to a city with a metro system like London. I'm probably going to try and live off the bus line close to campus and go without a car my first year. Granted, my parents still live in the burbs so if I need a vehicle I can borrow one easily.

My favorite part of the city if probably Uptown. It's full of restaurants, bars, etc and has a great atmosphere. I'm probably going to try and find an apartment in the area since it also happens to be near the lakes which are great in the warmer months. Rent is going to be much lower then what you're paying in London. I'm guessing you can easily find a place for $700 or less a month depending on what you're looking for.

[WilliamHowardTaft]

AS a Minnesota native, I would strongly recommend NOT living in the suburbs. Minneapolis is affordable, safe, and way more convenient.

[darthzaphod]

Hi all! I'll be starting at Minnesota Fall 2010 doing my PhD in English Lit (Medieval/Renaissance British). I'm coming from Nebraska, so I'm *sort of* ready for the weather, but I've heard horror stories, and after this winter...ugh. I just don't know if I can handle any more cold and snow.

I'd love advice on living in the city with a small dog. I have to find a dog-friendly apartment, preferably with a park nearby. I'm really excited to live in Minneapolis; I have a lot of friends that live there, and I've heard it's a wonderful city! And all this business about having city-wide WiFi for 20 bucks a month?! NICE!!

-Katie

[hereandnow]

I finally decided to attend UMN in the Fall. I will be in the PhD program in Health Services Research. I am moving from Hawaii and I know it is a big change. I'd like to meet entering grad students here, if possible. At least know some peeps before I get there. How is everyone else looking for housing? I am not sure if I want to do the roommie thingie or just get a studio/ small 1BR. What is everyone planning on doing about housing?

[jeopardy_23@hotmail.com]

Hi

I am a female Fulbright scholar from Pakistan and will be attending the U of M in the fall of 2010.My program is masters in Oral biology.I will be working at the Moos tower of health sciences.The winters as i have heard are horrible,but I am looking forward to enjoy my time.I am searching for an apartment close to my building.I would like to interact with the newbies heading to minneapolis,and the natives to guide us for surviving the winters:)

best,

[cookies<3]

I'll be attending the UMN next fall. I'll be in a PhD for statistics. I've been in MN a couple of times before and can't wait to go back. Would be nice to know a couple of people beforehand.

[javagdss]

I will be attending University of Minnesota/Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs for my Master of Urban and Regional Planning. Anyone else moving from really far away? I'm coming from California and have never lived anywhere cold in my life. Cheers!

[shail]

Student from India... never lived in a cold place as well .. will be joining the biomedical engineering PhD program at the University of Minnesota this fall. Looking forward to meeting you all.

Edited April 17, 2010 by shail

[neilkd]

I'm be attending UMN in the electrical engineering phd program in the fall. I'm from Michigan, so I'm used to the cold! I'm excited to live in a new city, but it would be cool to know some people there before I head out.

For housing, I ended up signing a lease for the GrandMarc at Seven Corners apartments... It's pretty expensive, but the place seemed super nice and everything's included, so there's no stress about bills or anything. They also match you with a roommate(s), which I was unsure about at first, but I figure it'll be a nice way to meet some people in a new city. I'm living in a 4 bedroom which is by far the most economical option, but I will have my own bedroom and bathroom and everything. There's another place (the district?) that follows the same model, and I think the prices are a little bit cheaper. It's also somewhat closer to campus.

Does anyone know about parking? The place I'm living offers parking for a fee, but it's pretty expensive... I'd rather park somewhere not easily accessible and pay less.

When are you all moving to Minnesota?

[jeopardy_23@hotmail.com]

Are you all done with finding places to live?

I am still searching for a roommate.If any female is interested to share an apartment close to east bank campus,please let me know.I havent yet finalized any deal but will figure out something with a roommate.Please PM me if you're interested

best

[kdilks]

I'm be attending UMN in the electrical engineering phd program in the fall. I'm from Michigan, so I'm used to the cold! I'm excited to live in a new city, but it would be cool to know some people there before I head out.

For housing, I ended up signing a lease for the GrandMarc at Seven Corners apartments... It's pretty expensive, but the place seemed super nice and everything's included, so there's no stress about bills or anything. They also match you with a roommate(s), which I was unsure about at first, but I figure it'll be a nice way to meet some people in a new city. I'm living in a 4 bedroom which is by far the most economical option, but I will have my own bedroom and bathroom and everything. There's another place (the district?) that follows the same model, and I think the prices are a little bit cheaper. It's also somewhat closer to campus.

Does anyone know about parking? The place I'm living offers parking for a fee, but it's pretty expensive... I'd rather park somewhere not easily accessible and pay less.

When are you all moving to Minnesota?

Grew up in Michigan, went to school in Michigan, or both? I'm in my first year at Minnesota, but I went to undergrad at Michigan and grew up just outside Ann Arbor.

GrandMarc seems like a pretty awesome location. Tons of stuff in your immediate vicinity (especially Town Hall Brewery...mmmm...), even more stuff on the edge of West Bank if you go down Cedar/Riverside, or even if you go across 35W towards downtown. Pretty close to the bus stop for the campus connectors and #16 (both of which stop right by the EECS building, and the #16 can take you to downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul). The District is closer to the Stadium Village commercial area. I'd imagine the two places have distinctly different feels. If you go away from campus in the direction of the District, it's all student housing/residential neighborhoods. If you go away from campus in the direction of GrandMarc, then you're getting into downtown.

I don't think you'd be able to find anything cheap for parking that's remotely convenient, given that you're kind of boxed in by campus/downtown/the river.

[cookies<3]

I got a room in a house shared with some grad students. It's not that close to campus (like 15 mins bus/30 mins walk) but hopefully I'll be able to live with that. I think I'll get there in July, so I can spend sometime during the summer to walk around and get to know the city.

[neilkd]

Grew up in Michigan, went to school in Michigan, or both? I'm in my first year at Minnesota, but I went to undergrad at Michigan and grew up just outside Ann Arbor.

GrandMarc seems like a pretty awesome location. Tons of stuff in your immediate vicinity (especially Town Hall Brewery...mmmm...), even more stuff on the edge of West Bank if you go down Cedar/Riverside, or even if you go across 35W towards downtown. Pretty close to the bus stop for the campus connectors and #16 (both of which stop right by the EECS building, and the #16 can take you to downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul). The District is closer to the Stadium Village commercial area. I'd imagine the two places have distinctly different feels. If you go away from campus in the direction of the District, it's all student housing/residential neighborhoods. If you go away from campus in the direction of GrandMarc, then you're getting into downtown.

I don't think you'd be able to find anything cheap for parking that's remotely convenient, given that you're kind of boxed in by campus/downtown/the river.

Both - I grew up mostly in the Farmington/Metro Detroit area, and I'm finishing my undergrad at Michigan now - my last final is tomorrow! Exciting, but sad...

That's great, thanks for the information. The girl giving me the tour said the bar below the building has amazing fishbowls, haha. And there's a chipotle right there too, what more could you need? The district seemed nice too, but I didn't tour it so I didn't want to sign - although, they only showed me a model room at GrandMarc. To be perfectly honest though, the size of the Desk provided was a pretty huge factor in my decision... lol

I guess I'll probably have to bite the bullet for parking :/, unless it's possible to get around without a car.

Edited April 26, 2010 by neilkd

[keylimekai]

AS a Minnesota native, I would strongly recommend NOT living in the suburbs. Minneapolis is affordable, safe, and way more convenient.

I second this, avoid the burbs at all costs

[umn_cs]

Hey everyone, I am from Goa, India and will be joining the U this Fall. Program: MS in Computer Science.

I am an avid moviegoer and am hoping there are some economical movie halls in Minneapolis!

Guys I too am looking for roommates to share accommodation with. If anyone is interested in sharing an apartment (not room) with an International student from India please do PM me. We could try and get to know each other. Looking to make a few friends before I join!

If anyone can give me some pointers as to what would be some other ways by which I can look for roommates (before I reach MSP) that'd be really awesome too. Thanks!