Graduate school is a hefty commitment, requiring one to dedicate years to their preferred field of study. A decision as weighty as whether to attend grad school deserves considerable deliberation. Students are often encouraged to take time to determine which university and graduate program fits them and their goals as a scholar the best. That said, being willing to move out of state dramatically increases a student’s selection of possible Universities and programs. But, how would one even approach preparing to move to a new state for grad school? To help answer that question, The Station State College provides the following five tips for relocating in pursuit of academic achievement. If you’re looking for apartments near Penn State, contact us today to schedule a tour of our Penn State graduate housing!
Visit The School Beforehand
Before committing to moving across the country to attend a graduate program, you have to find the right university for you. Of course, the best way to determine this is by visiting a few campuses! After all, there’s only so much you can learn about a school from researching it online. Not to mention, visiting schools gives you the chance to explore cities you may soon be residing in as well. When visiting Universities, ask about resources they provide to grad students, interact with professors and students, and explore the campus. Also, be sure to tour any apartments near the university while you’re there!
Start Making Connections
One of the most intimidating factors of a long-distance move is the prospect of being far away from friends, family, and familiar surroundings. Accordingly, the sooner you can make connections with like-minded individuals, the sooner you’ll be able to feel at home in your new state. Fortunately, soon-to-be grad students have access to plenty of amicable individuals: their peers! Odds are, you’re not going to be the only scholar moving to a new state in pursuit of furthering your education. Social media can be a valuable resource for students looking to make connections before a big move. Check out your university’s group pages and reach out to others in your program. It’ll be pleasant to arrive on campus and already be familiar with a few people.
Budget Accordingly
Graduate school is an expensive yet worthwhile investment in one’s future. Therefore, leading up to the big move: save, save, and save some more. Try to keep living expenses down, pick up extra shifts at work, cut down on takeout meals, and cancel any subscriptions you no longer need. Saving money can be challenging, but try to buckle down before moving out-of-state. In the unfortunate event something should happen, it’ll be advantageous to have a decent amount of money saved up to cover an emergency. The last thing you want is to have to pick between buying textbooks or buying groceries.
Secure Housing Fit For A Scholar
Don’t wait until the last minute to secure accommodations for grad school, and don’t settle for housing that’s unbefitting of a diligent scholar. While life as a grad student is sure to be rewarding, it’s also going to be a lot of hard work. Here at The Station State College, we believe hardworking scholars deserve to live in student housing that is comfortable, convenient, and stress-free. To accomplish that goal, we provide residents of our grad student apartments in State College with exclusive access to a myriad of superb community amenities. Preparing for a big exam? Grab some peers and share notes in one of our community’s group study rooms. Need a quiet place with a stable internet connection to complete an online assignment? Stop by our computer lounge. Just looking to kick back, relax, and meet some new people? Come hang out in our resident lounge. Picking the right housing can make grad school that much more of an incredible experience.