Sanchayi's campus life experience at University of Texas,Arlington

• My course curriculum is moderately challenging. Like It is a mix of theory and practical learning. Core subjects [mandate ones]focus on strong theoretical foundations like DSA, PROB & STATS, while assignments, projects, and emphasis on implementation, coding, and real-world problem solving.
• Positive: The curriculum is flexible, offers a variety of electives, and allows us to explore different areas of computer science. Projects and assignments help in building practical skills and understanding concepts deeply.
• Negative aspects: Some courses are challenging when taken together[in terms of satisfying the deadlines], and a few advanced electives are not offered every semester, which requires careful planning and consultation with a grad advisor.

• Firstly its location. Secondly its ranking in texas state university. Its affordibility and flexibility with course selection. Third: it has diverse student community and good support for international students. Additionally, the location in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex area provides access to internships, part-time work, and industry exposure.
• I applied to 5 universities: Arizona State University (ASU), CSU Fullerton, University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), and Stevens Institute of Technology.I Have got acceptance in all but my preference was CS . ASU [software engineering] ,CSU Fullerton – acceptance, UTA – Admitted, NJIT – Admitted.
• No, I did not receive any rejections
• I applied for the Fall 2024 intake. I opted for this intake because it provides better course availability and campus opportunities, and the alignment of the academic calendar with internship and on-campus job opportunities[i got two on-campus job within 3 months of arrival]. Fall intake also offers more flexibility in course selection and student involvement compared to other intakes.

• 1:30 on average. If the course is in high demand, then 1:50, depending on the number of sections that the professor is teaching. Subject electives and research-oriented classes are smaller. The teaching methodology is a mix of lectures, assignments, projects, and exams. Self-learning is still important; the coursework provides a solid idea for technical interviews and industry roles.  
• I have not personally seen faculty directly provide job referrals or placements through personal networks. However, professors are very approachable [via Teams, Outlook, or even in person]when it comes to discussing their research work, offering opportunities to volunteer or assist in research projects. I admire Dr Negin Firadouni [teaches core subject dsa/prob stats]for her clear teaching style, structured approach to complex topics, and genuine interest in student learning.

• UTA has one main campus, which is located in Arlington.
• UTA has many facilities such as a 6-floor Central Library with study rooms and research resources, MAC (Maverick Activities Centre) for sports and fitness, dining facilities, student centres, and a Health Centre providing medical services based on appointments.
• Indian Maverick society celebrates all the indian festivals and cultural activities. Major campus events include MavFest, Diwali and Holi celebration, Homecoming, and Cultural Nights.
   

• Totally depends on eligibility but 2 out of 10 people can secure a TA/GRA position. The pay is a monthly stipend based of $1k-1.2k including instate. Other oncampus job as dining, student assistant, technical assistant, grad student advisor, student ambassadors, parking , transportation and many more are available but u just need to be reallyy active while applying. 19 hrs max are allowed per week. Pay is generally 9-15$ per hour. If consistent with applying and get through the eligibility criteria, one can definitely secure an on-campus job.
• Most Indian students prefer on-campus jobs such as roles like student assistant  in the library, dining services, research assistant in labs, or as TA or resident assistant [RA]. Students usually earn between $10 and $ 15 per hour for on-campus jobs. Getting a part-time job can be moderately competitive, especially in the beginning of the semester. Students who apply early, have a simple tech+non-tech resume, and are flexible with their schedule of classes are more tend to find opportunities more easily. Apply through Handshake

• Based on my observation, around 10% of students secure full-time employment within 6 months. The average salary range is typically around $90k-120k per year, depending on the role, company, location, and prior internship or project experience. networking through LinkedIn, referrals can get you a job. Major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte, Infosys, Accenture, Visa

• Via seniors’ communication and online housing website. Whatsapp housing groups
• $375-$400[150$ deposit returns] monthly of a 2b2b.The main challenge was finding good roommates and securing an official on-campus lease, as on-campus housing works on a rolling basis and fills up quickly. Availability depends on how early you apply, so delays can limit options.[  I applied as soon as I got my acceptance letter].
• I would strongly recommend choosing on-campus housing, especially for new students. It includes most amenities like utilities, internet, shuttle access, electricity, water, fridge, Wi-Fi, and maintenance, which makes the transition easier and avoids hidden costs

• I gave ielts[band7.5] as well as GRE. Although GRE and ielts are not mandatory right now as far as i am aware of. Just a basic application with regular application fee[they do have application fee waiver, just ask for it via email] .
• As of the documents part they just need Bank Statement signed for them to send you latest i20 and sevis id once you get acceptance offer letter. You also need to have few vaccination done and upload the document of the same[if you are below age 20-22].
• Interview was not the part of the process- application, documents, offer letter, remaining onboarding docs

• Fees are charged semester-wise and are credit-based. Below I am providing a tentative fee breakdown for one sem
• Tuition fee is $11,044 approx per sem.

Books and Supplies:$500
Housing:$8k
Transportation:$2-3k
Monthly cost: $ 400 rent + $ 150- 200 groceries and extra expenses + $ 100 miscellaneous.
So overall my average monthly goes up to: $ 700- 800 basics.

Per credit cost for my course is:$4.5k. We gotta take up to 3 subjects [1subject=3 credits]==9 credits per semester.

• During my 3rd sem/second year of my master's in cs, I got Graduate Research Assistant at UTA libraries-- received In-state tuition fees. Otherwise, getting a scholarship as an international student is quite difficult. I had a 30-credit MS non-thesis course instead of 36.
• If you get instate you get 60% reimbursement of your fees.
• All those who received scholarships were either GTA/GRA. One can check their scholarship eligibility criteria and all the available scholarships based on the course, the major and the international criteria on:https://uta.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/CMXAdmin/Cmx_Content.aspx?cpId=1682