Parking near the University is difficult to find. We suggest that incoming graduate students find housing either within walking distance of the department or near a bus line. Graduate Student Life Part of the excellence of the graduate program at Minnesota is due to the graduate students themselves. Because Minnesota's reputation is international, the graduate student body is a healthy mix from many countries as well as from many states. This allows a stimulating interchange of perspectives on topics cultural and political, besides those scientific.
Extracurricular activities are available in proportion to interest.
The graduate students field teams in intramural sports ranging from basketball to soccer and can boast of championship softball teams. Also, many parties, outings, and celebrations arranged by groups within the department reflect the wide range of interests among the students. Ten awards are given to senior graduate students each year. TA Award -An award recognizing excellence in teaching is given each year to one or more Teaching Assistants that are nominated by their students. Peer Advising -This program was started in the Fall of 1989 to help entering graduate students become acclimated to graduate student life at the outset.