TU Essentials For PhD

Doctoral candidates usually have drastically different needs than their undergraduates. Here are some tips for making your doctoral study environment comfortable for you and your family.

Live, Work, Play

The top two nerve-racking issues for PhD students are where to live and how to get around. TU has brand new apartment housing dedicated for graduate students and students with families who are looking for a quiet place to live on campus. If you have pets or prefer a house, TU is close to nice neighborhoods with houses for rent within walking distance of campus. And there are several off-campus apartment finder services and real estate firms. 

The easiest way to get around is by car. But if you live on campus, everything you need is within walking distance. TU also offers free bike rental for all students, so check out that service with the TU Physical Plant. Tulsa has public transportation (buses), and there is a free trolley on weekends that makes a loop between downtown and several of the 'hot' entertainment districts.  Taxis are available for short trips around town. 

The Collins Fitness Center is an awesome workout facility. It has an indoor track, weights, machines, basketball/volleyball courts, group fitness room, and fully equipped locker rooms. The Mabee Gym is a separate facility with a swimming pool open to you and your family. Tennis courts and open fields for sports are available too.

International Students

Many TU graduate students are also international students, and therefore have special needs to consider. International students need to do some extra preparation work before starting their graduate program and build in extra time for taking the TOEFL, applying for student visas, obtaining a Social Security Number or driver's license.

TU has an excellent International Student Services office where specialists can help students not only with all of their paperwork, but also with adjusting to life in the United States.

And Tulsa is a very international city with ethnic restaurants and markets all over the city. Many students (like me) find these markets appealing if you’re having trouble adapting to US foods.