How many hours you spend depends in part on the expectations of your advisor, but it also depends on the efficiency and productivity of the student. Research time should be considered at least a full-time job if you expect to complete your graduate work in a reasonable amount of time. Rotations help you get to know faculty before you make a decision about what lab to work in. While it gives you the time to experience the research in the lab, it also gives you a chance to see how you work with others in the lab, including the advisor. Based on information we've gathered from our undergraduates going on to graduate school elsewhere, our stipend level is right in the ballpark with what other schools are offering Ph.D. students.
Current levels are more than adequate to support a student in graduate school.
Read more about housing below. In addition to a stipend, Ph.D. students receive a tuition waiver and health insurance during the academic year. She is happy to answer any questions you have about support. While the standard of living in Eugene is probably typical of many college towns, we have had a huge increase in rental properties in the past five years. As a result, rental properties are relatively easy to find and the competition among rental property managers is great.