My very first post on after-grad saw me cribbing about my boring and hollow life and here I am, again writing about the same life but wondering how half a year can change it so drastically and turn it totally upside down…
Weekdays here start with me and my roomies getting up late for the morning class and then queuing up for the bathroom (4 girls share one bathroom, so you can imagine the war-like situation at our place in the mornings. By the way, did anyone say girls don’t swear?) Me and Akshata, one of my roomies, belong to the same class so we run to the bus stop together with a bag clenched in one hand, a jacket in another and anything even remotely edible (toasts lying in the open, rotting apples or day before yesterday’s leftover rotis included) in our mouths. Giving the much-needed wonderful start to a Monday, the bus just zips pass us before we reach the stop, which implies walking to college and entering a one-hour class about 20 minutes late. As soon as the class is done, I run for my on-campus job at a place called Baby Does where I stock, make coffee and cashier (Each on different days, obviously. Just checking, some people can be so dense.) Stocking involves filling up the coolers in the shop with bottles of cold drinks and it needs me to pick up heavy cartons of bottles for 8 long hours. Best part of the job is that get to work out without even noticing it. A few more months to go and all you ‘builder’ guys, I am soon gonna give you a run for your money 
. Coffee making is easy except for the part when I heat the milk and it spills all over before I know it. Thank all the gods for giving me a kind and patient supervisor. Last thing I do is to register or cashier, which is easy too. It is just sometimes that I charge the customers 3.97$ for a packet of hot chocolate that costs 0.97$ or swipe someone’s credit card twice by mistake. C’mon gimme a break, don’t we all make mistakes?
Regarding food, vegetables here are very very expensive, especially if they are organic.
4 tomatoes here cost around 2.5$ and a cabbage weighing around 1.5 kilos would cost another 2-3$, which is an astronomical figure as compared to India. We usually are not in a position to afford such expensive vegetables and hence, end up buy frozen vegetables which are comparatively cheaper. The worst (or best, in a way) part is the fast food is cheap, so it is easy to get addicted to unhealthy lifestyle, but it keeps you going during exams and busy days when you don’t have the time and energy to cook food. The meal comprising of more than 2 home made items (papads and pickles not included) is called a ‘feast’ and the pictures are immediately uploaded on orkut for everyone to see and envy.
Let me not miss out on the main purpose of me being here, study. Studying here is very much unlike India. Here we have open book tests and there is no focus on how long your answers are. More often than not, we are awarded 20 points for a one line answer.
The focus is more on getting the concepts right rather than what we call ‘ratta’.
Assignments and homeworks are submitted online giving you ample scope to cheat and copy, which I did initially too (thanks to way we wrote our assignments back in engineering college) but eventually came to realize that it is, in fact our loss in doing so, as we are actually missing out on the abundance of knowledge that the course has to offer.
Coming back to The Life, weekdays fly by and weekends creep in one after the other before I know it. Weekends generally are spent catching up on precious sleep, sorting crucial matters with roomies (crucial matters like why weren’t the utensils washed, why does your boyfriend call at oscene hours of the night, why aren’t the garbage bags taken care of, who lost the key to the mailbox, why does your alarm ring all night etc.), shopping for groceries, orkutting/chatting or going out for lunches or dinners. And there I am again, before I know it, Sunday has slid past and Moody Monday stares at me in the face…calling for another chaotic week…
…but there is some strange kind of fun in this life too..this is the first time I am paying my own rent, taking decisions on my own, learning to manage time effectively, taking responsibility for myself and meeting many different kinds of people of totally different cultures..basically learning how different life can be at the other part of the world..making this experience the one to cherish and retain in a corner of my heart to treasure forever!
P.S. One of those memorable experiences was out trip to Royal Gorge, where the world’s highest suspension bridge rests. It was a valley encompassed by gigantic mountains with a pristine river running through it. We also visited a place called Garden Of The Gods, which is rightly called so. You have to be there to believe it’s beauty…here is a glimpse of my life here in Boulder..
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Hi, I really like ur lingo!
u use in ur blogs! good work
Azhar
March 26th, 2008
I graduated in 2007. I am working for a product based,MNC.I am confused as to go for Masters or not.
Are there enuff oportunities there,after completion of MS?
Or should I try for H1B after gaining experiance?
What do you think is a better option?kindly suggest
Azhar
March 26th, 2008
@ Azhar
The opportunities are plenty but if you get them or not depends on many factors, luck being a part of them. It also largely depends on what your profile is, where you apply and how you perform. It is really difficult to say if MS will be a better option than continuing the job at MNC. It is really a personal choice.
Manjiri Keskar
March 27th, 2008
Thanks 4 the amazingly quick response!I agree with ur last line of personal choice.
In ur blog COLORADO DREAMS,u have mentioned, “there is ‘absolutely’ no funding at CU Boulder”.That means around $49k (for 2 yrs)
you/ur parents have to pay?
How are u managing that?
Azhar
March 27th, 2008
Hi Manjiri…
Previousely I too had the same uncertainty like our frnd azhar.But After fighting with it,I decided to go for MS in Computer Science in fall 09.Ofcourse I haven’t given ant exams till now.I am giving GRE in October 28th 08,becoz I am working and need time to prepare that too I am not good at English vocabulary and ascent.Am I too late for fall 09?One more thing I dont have any certificates of Extra curricular activities and haven’t submitted any papers.Will my work exp cover up these? plz help me this is my major woory!!!!!
Madhu
March 27th, 2008
By the By in which University u r in.and Assess my English too?
Madhu
March 27th, 2008
@Madhu
You are late for Fall for most of the universities.
You work experience will surely help you. You are good at framing sentences but I would suggest you start working on your vocabulary and spellings as soon as possible.
By the way, I study at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Manjiri Keskar
March 27th, 2008
@ Azhar
Yes, it means around 50k$ for the entire course. My parents are funding me right now for my first semester but eventually I may have to look for a loan or save up some money by working on-campus or working extra hours in summer. Those are the only feasible options to pay such huge fees here.
Manjiri Keskar
March 27th, 2008
okie.
What I have come 2 know thru some research is, that GOOD universities donot provide funding,whereas not so GOOD univ’s provide funding.
** GOOD here means those univ’s which have exellent campus placement records.
Are there univ’s that provide funding and are “GOOD” ?
Does work exp have any advangtage in that case?
Azhar
March 27th, 2008
@ Madhu
When did u graduate?
Azhar
March 27th, 2008
@Azhar
I am 2007 Passed out.right now in Bangalore.What abt u?
Madhu
March 27th, 2008
well, u hav almost painted a picture of how d going gets in US……
its true by all accounts, though first time boarders might feel down with the away-frm-home syndrome……
and yes, i wud suggest a correction in one of d advices given out above by you: “….depends on many factors, luck being a part of them….”
‘luck’ is not just a part of them, it outweighs them all..!!!!
plain luck sometimes works phenomenally…..its very instrumental sometimes gettin u dat one dream admission…
gud job…..
keep us posted n enjoy d american dream while it lasts
Rishabh
March 27th, 2008
healthy food stuff can b a problem- most say so…..
but as i’ve known, a burger, pastas, pizza etc can come very cheap, though…..
its typically 90cents to 1$, rite ?
i wud really like ta know wat does d staple diet of an average american comprise of ?
Rishabh
March 27th, 2008
@Madhu
I 2 graduated in 2007.
I am in HYD
Azhar
March 27th, 2008
@Azhar
u can reach me at ybmadhu@gmail.com.
Madhu
March 27th, 2008
@Manjiri
Yes,I need to improve my English skills(Spellings n vocabulary) as u suggested.
kindly suggest the alternative(may be looking for beginig 2010)? also suggest the better time to take GRE n TOEFL to look for Fall 2009, becoz my frnd(he not yet applied)is planning to take GRE n TOEFL in this November.Can I suggest him August-08?
Madhu
March 28th, 2008
@Rishabh
Not that cheap..it comes for about 2-3$, which is still much cheaper than healthy food.
Staple diet of an average American would be fries, bottled beverages, cereal, every kind of meat and a major proportion of bread.
Manjiri Keskar
March 29th, 2008
@ Madhu
Finish your applications by Nov-Dec ‘08 for the Fall ‘09 term. So give the GRE around June-July to have a lot of time in hand. August would also be a good time to give the GRE. Again I would stress on the fact that earlier you apply, the better are your chances of getting an admit.
Manjiri Keskar
March 29th, 2008
gud update…..
keep us posted with any other critical info……..
Rishabh
March 29th, 2008
@Manjiri,
U didnt answer my question about “GOOD” universities…..
Azhar
March 31st, 2008
by the way, wat do these on-campus jobs pay generally ?
in costlier areas like denver-boulder i hope it is upwards of $10 an hour …?
Rishabh
April 1st, 2008
Hi Manjiri. Please delete the line “More often than not, we are awarded 20 points for a one line answer.” otherwise everyone will start coming to Boulder! [:D]
Amol
April 2nd, 2008
@ Rishabh
The pay for on-campus jobs ranges from $ 7.25/hr to $25/hr. Most of the jobs are basic jobs which can be done by anyone. Some jobs require software coding knowledge and the higher paying ones require work experience. There are also some Teaching assistantships which give $15 -$18/hr.
Amol
April 2nd, 2008
@ Azhar
If a college is good or not cannot be solely determined by funding scenario. There are many other things that have to be taken in consideration. Although, it is true that a college that provides good placement scenario will charge the students more as a ‘commission’ of giving them great jobs. If a college is GOOD or not can be determined by the courses it offers and it’s prospects in the long run. Best way to know if a university is good or not is to ask the seniors if they are satisfied with that university or not.
Manjiri Keskar
April 3rd, 2008
@ Amol
I hope not! We have enough competition already. And thanks for saving my efforts!
Manjiri Keskar
April 3rd, 2008
dats nice ….atleast its substantial enuf to cover all expenses + a share of ur fees
Rishabh
April 4th, 2008
@ Rishabh
That is wishful thinking. I am earning 7.25$ per hour right now and work for roughly 10 hours per week. It doesn’t even take care of my rent, let alone covering up fees.
Manjiri Keskar
April 4th, 2008
Eventually most of the ppl become smart enough to get better on-campus jobs and even land up teaching assistantships in some cases. Remember that as a student, you wont have much savings anyways even if you get a 20hr/week job unless you are a TA or something. Grades and GPA should be your priority above everything else.
Amol
April 7th, 2008
hello manjiri your posting really rocks.keep up the good work about your experiences
vijay
April 7th, 2008
Hi Majiri.
This is Shyamal Kulkarni. I want some of your help.
I am 2007 passout, Electronics & Telecommunications Engineer. About to give GRE in the month of july for spring 2009. Since you are form the same background you could explain the following points in a muchbetter way.
Is it advisable to apply for spring considering the fact that by giving GRE in july i could miss out some universities?
How are the job oppertunities for our branch after MS? And what is the placement procedure in US, like here in India the companies visits respective colleges for recruitment.
does the same thing happens there after MS?
Also wanted to ask, can i apply soon after GRE i.e. in july itself or one has to wait till the score card arrive by post at your place?
pls reply to my queries. I am in complete dilemma.
Shyamal Kulkarni
April 12th, 2008
@ Shayamal
You can apply in Spring as there are very few universities that do not accept scores in Spring.
Job opportunities are good, but depends on your grades and your luck, too. Companies do come for career fairs but they all encourage students to apply online. Then eventually they set up interviews and then the process in same as that in India.
You can apply as soon as possible. Your scorecards will anyways be have to sent to the universities.
Manjiri Keskar
April 13th, 2008
@ Shayamal
There might be on-campus placement at some universities but this might not be the case for every university. For example, at Colorado Boulder, there is no on-campus placement but companies come for career fairs and presentations. They collect resumes from interested applicants. They might ask you to apply online or give you interview call based on the resume u submitted to them at the university. This varies from company to company. The type of company a student gets placed into and the kind of offer he/she gets depends on several factors like the university you are in, your department, your university/department’s relations with the industry, the state of the economy, your grades, your interests and last but not the least .. your attitude.
Amol
April 18th, 2008
Thanks a lot both of you!
Shyamal Kulkarni
April 21st, 2008
cant describe this student life in the US better than how you’ve written in ur blog…. n yea , its really fun in a weird sort of a way and a great experience too!!
Vipul
April 21st, 2008
u look very cute
hi
April 23rd, 2008
Hi Manjiri,
You have posted nice pictures.
You Look Cute.
Amaan
May 1st, 2008
Hi Manjiri,Pratik,Dhawal
you are doing an excellent job with your site.wish you best of luck in your careers
now…let me tell you about my case,which is complicated…
I am b.e.comp(mumbai) with 54.73%
should have cleared in may 2006 but got 6 kt’s & cleared in dec 2007.
From aug2007 to feb2008 i gave cat & cet but wasn’t able to get into a good mba college.
I have no work-ex and not proficient in computer languages(although that can be learnt,fact is I found engg really hard and wasn’t interested in engg as I did it only to please parents).
I was interested in a game design(i am interested in doing something creative like gaming or even films) course in canada and was selected although it is a 1-yr diploma and not a masters.
Is game design a good field to enter?what are the masters options for it?
Seeing my case above,how would you advise me to go about my career?Should i go for ms,mba or job?
Please help me,I am in desperate need of it…
singhh
May 19th, 2008
jus came across this post..good one .. reminds me of the year that passed!!
I specially liked the part of eating anything remotely edible..rotten apples and left over food!!
..
food pictures uploaded on orkut! :))))
in short .. I can “Copy - Paste”..most of the stuff u hav written..hmmm…copy - paste..once a mumbai univ student..alwayz a mumbai univ student!!
Neil
June 2nd, 2008
Hi Manjiri,
How r u….after a hectic project(of duration 3 months), I thought of reading ur latest articles…But I think u may have busy.
Keep posting the articles and keep Rocking!!!!:)…
Madhu
November 5th, 2008
In ur free time May be at week ends…
Madhu
November 5th, 2008
@Madhu
Suggest me some topics you would me to write on. I’m running out of them!
Manjiri
December 4th, 2008
what is the average salary of graduates doing M.S from university of colorado.I work for infy and get around $65000 per annum.will it be wise to pursue for M.s now considering that I have 3 yrs experience in infy.
sudip
January 10th, 2009
@Sudip
There is no fixed salary as such. The pay can range anywhere from 25-85$ per hour, depending on lots of things like current projects, company, your course and university, professor, experience etc. Weather it will be a wise idea or not is entirely your say.
Manjiri Keskar
January 25th, 2009
Thanks for your reply.
but still students after passing out must be getting offers from companies about the salary .
Actually I want to know what is the salary range per annum offered by companies to students doing M.S from universities like colorado.
I want to ask whether I would get more returns financially if I go for M.S in average universities.
sudip
January 25th, 2009
@Sudip
Like I said, it wildly varies so it is very difficult for me to give you a ballpark estimate. Coming to your question, would you get more returns or not, depends on a lot of other things. But with a better ranked university, you obviously have a better chance of landing up with a better job.
Manjiri Keskar
February 6th, 2009
Awesome blog Manjiri…
I am following this one since the prep of my GRE.
This blog has been very useful to me.
Right now, I also am in US, the way you wrote all things is superb!
Still I could say that there are few things which can’t be written anywhere, because nobody can describe them probably.
Nothing much to say from my side to you…
but for readers…one thing…
Do follow her and her friend’s suggestions and recommendations. They will surely be helpful.
Cheers..!
Jaydeep
February 21st, 2010
hey just wanted to ask that did u get a kt in ur entire engg.
i gt ma results 2day on net n m failing,dnt kno how many kts i have as results are yet to be displayed in college.i worked hard n exams wer not so bad……that i cudnt pass in any subject..
m v disappointed!
henna
March 25th, 2010
by d i m sem 2 currently n gt d results of sem1
henna
March 25th, 2010
Hey Henna,
Don’t worry about KTs… i myself had 2 kts in 3rd semester.. but i got a job in a FOrtune 5 company after I completed Engineerin… currently I am in USA and have got an internship in a Fortune 100 company…
these things dont matter in the long run
Have fun and enjoy ur 4 years of engineering… i wish i cud go back to those days
Subodh
April 7th, 2010