Considering Indiana for Grad School (Bloomington, Upland: 2009, rent, luxury)

[kaseyg]

Hello, currently I am finishing up my senior year for my undergrad degree. I am looking to go to grad school starting in Fall of 2009 and am considering IU-Bloomington. Unfortunately, I cannot visit the location of the schools that I am looking at because I am in NJ and do not have the time nor funds to go all over the country. I was hoping that maybe I could get some input on the area. I want it all, the good, the bad, the ugly. Anything and everything that you think would be important to know before moving into the area. I am not really worried about kid at this point since I am only 21 and am not even considering children for many many years if at all. I appreciate all of the help!

Thanks!

[rrah]

It's a beautiful and safe place to live. I've lived here as an undergrad and grad student. Moved back several years ago with H and children so have also experienced it as an adult. Very few complaints--perhaps the biggest for me is the relative lack of shopping. (I was spoiled in suburban Chicago with several malls, etc in easy driving distance and most national chains nearby.) Compared to NJ rent will seem cheap although it's on the high side for IN. If you have more specific questions I could probably do a better job of answering for you.

[domergurl]

I went to graduate school at IUB ... I loved it. The campus is fantastic. I loved Bloomington. I'm glad I was there as a grad rather than an undergrad.

[kaseyg]

Thank you for your input - every little bit helps

[Uplander]

Not to be too harsh, but the ambiance of the area should only be of marginal importance in choosing a graduate school. Bloomington is a fairly small city in the midwest. It may or may not be your idea of a great place. How is the IU program ranked in your field? Can you do better? As you narrow your search I would suggest you do take the time and spend the resources to visit the final few, a visit may reveal a lot that you don't learn elsewhere. Ask other graduate students about the interactions between faculty, do they have time for grad students or just research, is the faculty member you might work with nearing retirement and maybe less available to serve as a reference in your early career?

I like Bloomington, it suits me just fine, I feel safe in the campus area, your milage may vary.

[kaseyg]

Uplander, I agree that the area should be of small importance - and it is. But the programs that I am looking at amongst the schools of choice that I have are pretty much on par with each other. I don't want to go to school and be completely miserable because of where I am. I know the types of areas where I thrive - I wouldn't be of of much use if I t wanted to be somewhere else. The schools that I am looking at I have given very careful thought and I have looked at their faculty, their program as a whole, and the resources they have available.

As for the resources - it's not that easy for me to go to 6-10 locations to visit areas and schools. I would love to be able to. However, that is no easy task and unfortunately I do not have that kind of luxury to accomplish that right now.

[sweetana3]

If "you know the types of areas where you thrive", why dont you give us more of what you need or want or have to have so we can tell you if you are likely to find it.

It is hard to get that kind of detail when you just ask a very general question.

Some need a good social atmosphere, some need a lot of physical activity (hiking, biking, facilities), some want a walkable area with everything close, etc. What are you looking for so you can compare various places?

[domergurl]

If you don't mind my being nosey ... what are you going to be studying???

[claremarie]

Unless you plan to work in the same community in which you attend grad school, you should choose the program that offers you the best funding and which has the best placement record in your field. It's not like college, where the atmosphere and experience are part of the package. It's like a job -- you will or should be spending the vast majority of your time in class and working on your thesis or dissertation. You should get input from the faculty members at your current school who advise on graduate applications, and don't worry about the weather or the cultural amenities.

[gimme it]

Originally Posted by claremarie

Unless you plan to work in the same community in which you attend grad school, you should choose the program that offers you the best funding and which has the best placement record in your field. It's not like college, where the atmosphere and experience are part of the package. It's like a job -- you will or should be spending the vast majority of your time in class and working on your thesis or dissertation. You should get input from the faculty members at your current school who advise on graduate applications, and don't worry about the weather or the cultural amenities.

Of course he or she should worry about the weather and culture. As someone who went to grad school, I remember that the education was a big part of my life, but there was still time to do other things. I doubt this person will be in the library 24/7, therefore it's important that they like the surrounding area. To the original poster, we have visited Bloomington several times now, and we love this town, and the general area. We are currently living in NYC, and we have been to many college towns. Bloomington is our favorite. Good luck.