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Welcome to the University of Utah!

Whether you are still deciding to join us or you've already been accepted, we hope we can answer any and all questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I live off that stipend?
• Usually. If you have a family, things might get a little tight. If you are single, it is definately adequate for living in the Salt Lake valley.
• Where's a good place to live?
• Many students choose to live near the University to have the option of walking or using public transportation. The university is surrounded by many available, affordable apartments.
• How much is housing?
• Typical rent for a one bedroom apartment is between $450 - $600 per month near the University; tack on another $200 for each addition bedroom. Student housing is available for graduate students at around $450 per month.
• How is public transporation?
• Salt Lake City has very good public transportation thanks in part to hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic games. Every University of Utah student is allowed free and unlimited use of Utah Transit Authority (UTA) public transportation system (bus, light rail, etc.) allowing many options in getting to campus without driving. The local light rail system, Trax, runs directly from downtown to the University several times per hour. Get your UTA pass at the Student Union building. Click here to visit UTA's website.
• What about parking?
• If public transportation is not an option, there is lots of parking on campus for around $150 per academic year. If you choose to park on campus, be ready to walk as most student parking lots are not in close proximity to the Physics department. However, since the physics building is on the edge of campus, there are residential streets and parks without parking restrictions about five to ten minutes walk away (just watch for signs designating parking restrictions).
• How is the coursework?
• During the first two years, a typical course load includes two or three classes and part time TA or RA responsibilities each semester. Courses generally meet for 3-4 hours per week and they usually require around 10-12 hours of homework per class each week. Courses taken during the first two years generally include but are not limited to: Mathematical Methods for Physicists, Classical Electrodynamics, Quantum Theory, Statistical Mechanics and Graduate Lab. See the Graduate Student Handbook (we recommend the unofficial one) for more details.
• Who do I talk to if I have more questions?
• There are many resources for getting answers to questions and the entire secretary staff at the Physics department are exceptionally helpful. Generally Jackie Hadley or Lynn Higgs are great people to talk to and if they can’t answer your question, they will tell who can.