[Sri sasa]

HI..Im from Sri Lanka. Im hoping to join MTU in spring 2010. Can you please tell me how is the situation out there for a international studetn. I am aware about the weather. I want to know about hosing, food, part-time job and survival for a international student.My majour is Automobile engineering, I have past experince in the feild. so will I be able to find a part time job in the same feild. And finally, how is the crisis effecting Houghton. Thank you

[MTUCache]

It's been a few years since I was at Tech (graduated in '01), but I don't think the culture around there has changed too much.

Houghton (and the entire Upper Peninsular of Michigan, really) is a VERY rural area. Many of the things that come to mind when you think of a "university" don't hold true at MTU. It's a very small town. In fact, the student population at Tech (around 7000) pretty much matches that of the "rest" of Houghton/Hancock.

You almost assuredly are not going to be finding a job in the automotive industry, with Houghton being 500 miles away from Detroit. There are a couple of engineering companies around the area (who aren't likely to be hiring right now). But, on the bright side, Houghton is an extremely cheap place to live.

University housing is pretty adequate, depending on your situation. If you're an older student they do have some university apartments, but more likely you'll be living in one of the dozens of houses/apartments near campus. In my day rents were between $250-300/month per person. I can't imagine it being much higher now. Utilities are just as cheap, running probably less than $50-100/month average (somewhat higher in the winter with heating). If you're in a position to buy a house you could get an old place within walking distance of campus for around $60k.

Food on campus is typical dorm-food. Not good. Off campus you're free to do whatever, from bars to restaurants to groceries. If you were really stingy you could probably eat for less than $40/week, although if you're having fun it would be upwards of $100. There is a limited grocery store within walking distance of the campus, but most people tend to shop over on the other end of town (where the larger grocery and the Walmart are). If you don't have a car don't worry too much, there was never any lack of helpful friends around near campus who are willing to give you a lift once you get to know your fellow students.

Once you've paid your tuition you could easily get away with living on less than $10k per year. When I was living in the dorms I could get by on around $2500/year (not counting tuition and room costs).

So, if you were able to get a part-time job (either on-campus or off), you wouldn't have to make much more than minimum wage to cover your expenses once you've figured out how you're going to pay for your tuition, books, and a room.

As for the international flavor of the area... there really isn't one. Houghton and MTU are 95+% white. It's not a very diverse area. Those pockets of international students who are around tend to stick pretty close together. I hope this doesn't scare you off, because it is a great school, but cultural diversity is something they've struggled with there for some time. They do make a valiant effort (the University does anyway), but it's tough to attract that many minority students to such a remote place.

[Sri sasa]

Thank you for replying me. It was really helpful. However, Still I m having some issues. My parents are going to pay for my Tuition fees. But, I have to manage my living cost. I was planning to work part time, in a dinner or a gas station or what so ever. To tell you the truth I have no idea how is the community in that area. Will it be a problem for me since I am a Sri Lankan? And is it an area with violence or a peace full area? If you can please be kind enough to explain how the MTU is stands for Automobile degrees? The validations and recognition.Thank you.

[klizita]

Violence - There really isn't much violence to speak of in Houghton. It's a very peaceful place.Job - Although the town is mostly Finnish-American, the people are used to hiring international students from MTU. I don't see you having any problem getting a part time job such as the ones you suggested. There is a place in the town called Michigan Works, which is a building with people who will help you apply for jobs if you need help. They have applications for restraunts, gas stations, diners, and many other places of work. If you go there and talk to them, they may be able to help you. Also, if you contact MTU about finding a part time job, they may offer you one at an MTU building. They're pretty good about finding international students places to work, so that they can keep you at their university I don't see the fact that you're Sri Lankan being any problem at all.Automobile Degree - I don't know what to say on that part. I'm just a local of Houghton. All I can say is, MTU is an engineering school. Hopefully someone else can answer that question for you