Rooming with another graduate student

[ogopo]

I'm going to UW-Madison in the fall and I already have two good leads for roommates. I have even skyped with some potential roommates and have facebooked both sets. I know it seems early but apparently this is how it goes in Madison. I'm planning a visit in early April and I hope to sign some papers then.

It seems like people here are quite wary about using Craigslist. I think it should be fine as long as you cover your bases and don't send money before meeting people. I'm really happy I skyped, it gave me a good idea of the people I might live with.

Personally, I prefer to move into a place that already has grad students living there. That way I don't have to worry about furnishing the place all by myself and I'll have people to point me in the right direction as I'm getting to know my new city.

Good luck with your moves everyone!

[beanbagchairs]

...actually, if you're going to MIT or BU and would like a room for August (furnished! cheap! cat-friendly!)...we should talk

That sounds like a SWEET deal. I am about 95% sure of going to Boston. I still need to wait for decisions from other schools. I'll PM you if I choose to go to Boston and in need of a room. Hopefully your room is still available by then!

[Krypton]

Frankly, I believe that it can just add up to deciding positively. Many of the people posting here I already admire and feel like decent grads. Then, yeah, why not share a flat? In the end, you don't have to befriend each other for life, the point is to get a decent person to room-in with you. If you become friends - better deal. If not, at least you are on the safe side of getting a same mindset person as a rommie -we all post here because we are aware of our future as grads and professionals.

Yes, I think living with GradCafe people would be interesting for this reason. Probably run less of a risk than moving in with a random stranger, anyway!

[eklavya]

You might have similar situations in your new departments- and there may have been recent graduates, etc. who have left vacancies.

great idea. will definitely try this!