<p>I will most likely end up attending a school that is located in a city I have never been to. I am thus wondering how important people think the school location is. Fortunately, throughtout my life, I have lived in cities where I felt very comfortable, and when I moved to new places, I already knew about them. So, this kind of thing was something I did not have to worry about very much.</p>
<p>Did the location affect your school choice? If so, why? Have you ever felt a little unhappy in graduate school because of the surrounding environment?</p>
<p>I would appreciate it if you could share your stories. </p>
<p>In making my choice of what schools to apply to, location definitely played a role. </p>
<p>For example, although Minnesota has an excellent chemical engineering program, I did not apply there because of the location. Living in a desert all my life also pushes me towards a coastal location such as cities in the Northeast and California. Not ever having a white Christmas also makes snow a welcome sight. I also prefer big cities with subway systems and easy travel. SO, if it comes down to Cornell in Ithaca or MIT near Boston, it's MIT hands down.</p>
<p>It actually matters a lot more to me now that I've been interviewing at places. While I am happy with the schools where I'm applying interviewing (they're great programs), it's made me realize I probably could have afforded to apply to a more select set of locations instead of choosing excellent programs with mediocre to good locations instead of top programs in the best locations. On the other hand, this means living expenses may be lower....</p>
<p>Definitely a big factor. I'm down to two somewhat equal schools from an academic and research point of view, so location is becoming one of the most important deciding factors for me.</p>
<p>Thanks for your opinions. I myself think the school location matters, at least to some extent.</p>
<p>How about the location versus research quality or interest match? Let's say, as apumic mentions, you have two options: one school with very good research quality but in a small, secluded town, and the other with mediocre research yet in a very nice location. How seriously would you consider attending the latter? What exact factors would you consider in making such a decision? Maybe future career opportunities (especially in academia), living expenses, etc. Anything else?</p>
<p>For a master's program, not so much. Sometimes it helps to attend a program where you plan to live and work after graduation. You will have access to a powerful alumni network.</p>
<p>For a doctoral program, it's very important. You will spend the next 4-7 years in a place that will be your home. You would want to be in an environment that is welcoming and attentive to your social, emotional and academic needs. I cannot stress this enough.</p>
<p>There's one school I refused to apply to because of location, but there were two schools in places I didn't want to end up that I had to add as safeties because of a lack of other academically acceptable options.</p>