What are you doing before classes start?

[ZeeMore21]

I am very tempted not to work all summer...I don't know if that is smart though. But I rather just take a language course, travel to Europe and throughout the US, and spend time on a hobby. It is so easy to get burned out while doing graduate work, so I really do intend on taking it easy during the summer....it might be the only time I can!

[awvish]

I don't know if that's even enough time to pack my clothes...

How many clothes do you have?!

Just kidding--that sounds like a real crunch. Best of luck.

I'm going to come home (been living in another country for the last 18 months) in July! Woo-hoo! I'll invite my closest friends to have a week-long workparty on my mom's organic garden-farm/bed and breakfast. After that, I'll visit the friends who couldn't make it, go to a wedding (does it make anyone else nervous that so many people our age are getting married? Ack, we're grown-ups!), and then go get settled in whatever area I'm going to go to school. When classes/teaching responsibilities start, I don't want to be trying to figure out where the closest place is to get groceries.

Edited February 20, 2011 by awvish

[LJK]

Anyone thinking about buying a home? In my city, rent is marginally less than mortgage. With six years ahead, we are thinking about buying a place. Even if we lose a bit of money down the road when we sell, it would still be less financial loss than paying rent for all six years... Thoughts?

I'm thinking about this also. I am considering/being considered by two schools and if I decide to go for one of those locations it would just be silly not to buy. My brother has some money socked away and always wished he could get involved in real estate but moves too much for work, maybe I will approach him to co-own the house (he puts more money in up front, I live there and oversee the house while slowly putting in an equal amount is what I'm thinking of proposing). My thought is that I would see about moving out at the beginning of the summer and getting something temporary for a month or two, get the house and move in before school starts. It helps that this particular location is full of foreclosures on houses that are sometimes less than 10 years old and likely won't need much maintenance. I would acquire a roommate or two and have the whole mortgage and at least part of the taxes paid that way. 5 years from now I would expect the house to be worth considerably more since the prices are so rock bottom right now. But, it is a huge commitment. I should probably go back to focusing on choosing my program rather than looking at the real estate deals at one of the locations

[nhyn]

I'm thinking about this also. I am considering/being considered by two schools and if I decide to go for one of those locations it would just be silly not to buy. [...] rather than looking at the real estate deals at one of the locations

that sounds like a good plan good luck!

I never thought about it before (since I'm not a citizen and never thought about residing in the US permanently), but now that I'm engaged, and my fiance has a stable, good job, I'm thinking about buying also. The thing is, although I won't be paying student loans, he is, and he doesn't want to buy anything while he's still in debt (in fear of losing his job suddenly). We're hoping he can pay off his loans soon, though, so maybe...Thinking about having to pay at least another year for rent does hurt o_O Sigh...

[rd1244]

IF I get in, I will continue working (full time lab tech) until about a month before school starts, drive out and find a place, and then take it easy for a few weeks.

[amandacarol1215]

I will continue working as a nanny, hopefully moving in with the family for a couple of months and then will most likely move around the end of July so I can get settled!

[Salsero22]

I will be taking a week trip to the Yucatán to visit some Maya ruins and spend some time in Mérida. I'm also taking another trip, but not sure where yet. Trying to get traveling in!