Ann Arbor, MI vs. Berkeley, CA vs. Blacksburg, VA (Lynchburg: spring break, for sale)

[mturkol]

Hello everyone ! I hope starting my graduate studies in Fall 2009 as an international student in the field of Ship and Sea Constructions and I really need some help for guidance because it's like I am going to be getting into a totally new type of living in a foreign country.

After the declaration of admissions, I will choose among 3 universities, namely University of Michigan (@ Ann Arbor), University of California(@ Berkeley) and Virginia Tech(@ Blacksburg.) But I am clueless about which one would be the most suitable for me. Can anyone help me by providing some ideas on this matter and information about these places ? Here is some information about me so that you can say what is good or bad according to my properties and conditions :

Age: 23 year-old male.
Income: My tuition, student fees, compulsory charges for education and health insurance will be handled by a sponsor; I won't need to think about them. And I will have a monthly budget of $1235 to pay for my room&board, food, transportation, personal expenses, entertaintment etc.
Lifestyle: I have a social lifestyle. I am a scuba-diver and also a professional salsa and RnB hip hop dancer who regularly attends dance parties. I am pretty used to meeting new people (especially girls ) and getting social. So, as an engineering graduate student, I would like the place I will live in to provide me opportunities for a lively social life in a not-so expensive way. I don't smoke but I like drinking and nightlife(just for fun; not too much.) It seems like I will use public transportation instead of a car due to the strict budget I will have. UC Berkeley and University of Michigan have very expensive dorms, so; I can think about living with mates by renting.
From the Past : I grew up in a warm, shore city of Mediterrean where nearly 4 million people live in. It never snows here in my homeland, and the weather is pretty good even in the winter. We have sun nearly every day of the year except a few days in the winter. People are also open-minded,warm and easy to to communicate here in my city. I have enjoyed a cheap university life here.

Although the quality of the universities will be an important element in my consideration; financing myself and living a happy life during my graduate studies is also important in equal. I would be glad to hear any suggestions, ideas or information for they will be very helpful.

Thanks in advance.

[badger74]

Berkeley except for the cost of living which is high. Second Ann Arbor. Distant third VT. It's not in the same league as the others in any way.

[WillV]

Please, VT might be your best option. You will have an impossible time living off of $1,200 in Berkley...don't even consider it...trust me.

I can't say much about Ann Arbor. Looks to be a fantastic college community. If I had to guess, the cost of living is probably average...

Blacksburg is a dynamic college town (know from first hand experience), and VT has a large contingent of foreign students. Plus, you could live just fine on $1,200 a month...good luck.

[novaman]

In terms of affordability and friendliness....Blacksburg....but in terms of the other points you mentioned, including climate, nightlife, I'd say Berkley.

[LaughinWillow]

Maybe you could get a part-time job in Berkeley to supplement your budget? From my own research (I was going to go to grad school there at one point), it does seem like it would be impossible to live there on $1235.

[sassyaztec]

Originally Posted by badger74

Berkeley except for the cost of living which is high. Second Ann Arbor. Distant third VT. It's not in the same league as the others in any way.

I would have to second this. So. Cal native, lived in Indiana and now in VA.
So I haven't lived exactly where you are looking, but familiar with all three. Yes, cost of living is high in CA, but find roommates and live on the cheap. It will be worth it.

craigslist: SF bay area classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events for great rental listings. Good luck!

[VTech_Girl]

I would recommend you to choose Blacksburg for your budget. I was a grad student at VT for 7 years and I loved it.. and still miss it.Blacksburg is rural, only 30,000 people during school year, summer is quiet but I love it as a grad student. You have a lot of nature you can explore. Downtown nightlife isn't so good but not bad either because you have students everywhere (people your own age). I can't say much about Ann Arbor except it's cold. California.. i don't like it much.. too urbanized i would say.

[badger74]

VT just seems to be cursed right now.

Virginia Tech homicide suspect&#39s behavior recalled as bizarre | Lynchburg News Advance

[Sunbrite]

Don't know if you made up your mind yet, I grew up a couple of hours away from Ann Arbor, beautiful, nice college town, but out of the 3 I think Berkeley sounds like the best fit. Lived outside of San Francisco too, seems more of what you are looking for-Berkeley/Bay Area.

Never lived in Blacksburg, so couldn't tell you for sure but doesn't seem like that would be where you'd like based on the info you provided.

Good Luck.

[GoHokiesGo]

Berkeley sounds like it'd offer most of what you're looking for, but your budget would probably make it tough out there. Blacksburg would very easily match your budget since the cost of living is low. I don't know much about Michigan's campus and surrounding area.

Just a little more insight about blacksburg, since it's the only one I'm familiar with. The social scene consists of about a dozen or two bars and restaurants located just off campus, roughly 4-5 blocks long for most of them. The bars are fun, but they do get packed on weekends. I think bar scene, while limited, was still fun to hang out with and meet people. There's tons of outdoor activities in the area if you like hiking and stuff. The blue ridge mountains are beautiful, and the new river is fun as well.

Since you mentioned Scuba diving, the school does have a scuba club. I got my OW-cert with them and they're a really friendly group. The only local diving is at the new river (not exactly prime diving), and there are a few quarries within a few hours drive for weekends. I believe they usually plan one or two trips each year (spring break and maybe fall break) to a tropical area for some nice diving. Definitely worth getting to know them if you do go there though, I really enjoyed meeting them and doing my classes with them.

I have no idea about the lifestyle out in Berkeley or Michigan though, so I'm not sure how they compare. Feel free to ask any other VT questions though, I just graduated last year and loved the Blacksburg area.