3.
How long does it take to complete MS?
For computer science students it takes approx 2 yrs.
For Other Engg. branches it depends on the thesis.
For MPH min 4 sems.(also depends on the time taken to give the USMLE Steps)
4.
What are the specializations available at NIU?
Courses are described in detail in the corresponding web sites.
5.
How many Indian students come to NIU each year?
Approx. 50-60 Indians come to NIU every year.
6.
Do they live off campus?
Not really. Most of the Indian students stay together in an apartments complex, which are not too far away from the campus. It takes 10 mins by bus to reach the campus. By walk it takes 20 mins on an avg.
7.
How many students live together?
It depends on the number of bedrooms. But it still varies. Cost of 2 bed room apt is $635.00 and that of a 3 bed room apt is $735.00 at present.
8.
Is it easy to find an apartment as soon as I come there?
As soon as you land in Dekalb, temporarily accommodation will be provided by the ISA, until you find a permanent housing for yourself.
9.
Do they cook for themselves?
Yes
10.
Is there any Indian store for Indian Groceries?
There is an Indian Restaurant and grocery store on Campus. The store provides us with the minimum stuff like rice, flour, and pulses and masalas. For the other stuff you will have to go to Chicago or Naperville.
11.
Do we get Indian vegetables there?
Yes, but not all. The American Groceries store (Wal-Mart) does sell some common vegetables. For any other vegetable you will have to go to Chicago.
12.
Is it necessary to own a car there?
No.
13.
How much would a car cost me?
People usually buy second hand cars price varing from $1200 – $3000. People do own cars. It is not expensive to maintain them.
14.
Is it compulsory to own a cell phone?
Not really. But you can still go for it. Because most of them go in for a landline at first, that’s as soon as they get an apartment. Then they go for a cell phone. Cell Phone is not expensive. It depends on the plan they take. Sim card cannot be used in these cell phones.
15.
Do we have to buy a computer?
There are sufficient labs available in the university. Each department has its own computer lab. In spite of this people buy a desktop for the apartment. You can get a desktop for approx 500$. Ofcourse it again depends on the system configuration. If there is a good deal, you can also go for a laptop. Its cost varies from $700-$1200.
16.
Are there any on campus jobs available?
Yes.
17.
Will I be able to pay my fee if I work on campus?
No! It meets just your living expenses.
18.
Are there two different Majors like "computer science" and "computers and information sciences" ?
No. There is only one Major i.e. "Computer science". In the i20, the department's name (Major) is mentioned as "Computer and Information sciences" but the department's website mentions it as "Computer science".
19.
Is it easy to get a Research Assistantship/ Teaching Assistantship/ Graduate Assistantship?
It is not really easy to get one. But, Yes you can definitely try to search for them once you land here. Not only in your department but you can try for an assistantship in other departments too.
20.
Will I get an Assistantship for my score?
It is really hard to look at your GRE/TOEFL/Undergrad and guess if you would get an Assistantship. It all depends on the requirement of the department.
21.
How do I come to Dekalb, if I am coming for the first time?
All the students are requested to fill the database in the groups mentioned above. Preferably go for the same date for flights ( if possible). The ISA comes to pick you up from the airport generally in a car/truck. This is not compulsory. You can also use your own means of transport if you wished to.
22.
Which travel agent do I go to?
There a number of travel agents available in India. They all vary with just hundreds of rupees. You can go in groups to the travel agents just in case you wanted to get some concessions and also wish to travel together so that its easy for the pick ups.
23.
What are the books required? Do we get them in India?
Yes. Computer Science students:
| Computer Networks |
Tanenbaum 4th Edition |
| Java |
Dietel and Dietel |
| |
Complete Reference(in case you need it) |
| Dot Net(C#) |
Dietel and Dietel |
| |
Complete Reference(in case you need it) |
| Unix in a NutShell |
Black book |
| Database System Concepts |
Elmasri , Navathe |
24.
How much money should I get while coming ?
I understand you are taking a loan from the bank. If you are a computer science student your fee will be lil more than expected. (lil more than whats given in I20). so get 2000$ for living expenses. if possible (500$more) just in case you dont find a job as soon as you land here(worst case). and you dont have to pay your Health insurance seperately ... what you pay as fee includes(tuition fee+ technology fee + health insurance) and some other fee... The cheques or DDs should be in the name of / order of "Northern Illinois University".
In case you get an asstship. or a tution waiver...the univ takes care of only the tuition fee and you will pay other fee (indurance + tech fee+..other fee) for yourself. and do get cash too. get some cash of around 500$. get couple of 100$ notes, 4 - 50$ notes and other 100 - 2*20$ + 4*10$ + 3*5$ + 5* 1$.. and lil more in cash(in small amounts like 1$, 5$) if you think you will need... coz it takes some time till you open an account in the local bank of the city(affliated to university). opening an account is part of orientation prog.
DONT FORGET to leave few blank papers signed by you at the bottom of loan contract with your bank... just in case your parents will need those to use while applying for loan for next semester.. or any other purpose.
apply for your degree certificate and come.. that will reduce ur parents duty to certain extent
25.
What are things to be brought with us from India?
1. Utensils:
Pressure cooker - 5 or 7 ltrs.(But decide between yourselves, who are going to stay together, so that only one can get cooker and others can get other utensils or else there will be 5 cookers in one apt, which are waste. )
Spoons and spatulas as required.(fry, curry, serving, holed)
Glasses and plates(microwaveable)
Containers for stuff. Small medium and large.
2. Clothes:
Indian dresses – quite a few( ISA events) - optional
Jeans - 6 to 7
T-shirts – 10 - 15 (u will wash them only once in 10 days)
Formals - 5 - 6 pairs (u need them for interviews, internship fairs,....)
blazer - need for internship fairs or job interviews - optional (you can buy after coming here)
winter wear:
In winter the temperatures at NIU will range from -5 celsius to -25 celsius.
Thermal wear - 1 or 2 pairs (optional)
Leather Jacket - 1
monkey cap - 1
Ordinary jackets and gloves are cheap here, you can buy them here.
3. Foot wear
Shoes - sports - 1 or 2 pairs - for daily use.
formal - 1 pair - used only during interviews or job fairs
sandals - 1 or 2 pairs
Dont stuff ur luggage with all clothes and stuff... just get suff for 8-9 months after that u will get bored and u will shop further... (guys have a lot of variety available in US ). ya do get stuff that are branded Indian(maggi, closeup...parachute,...and some other stuff like that) actually get lots of them they are really expensive here( do ckeck the expiration dates on them).
Get groceries like pulses, mirchi powder.. No need of rice, it is available here in the indian store. and some lil things like ajuwain(vaamu) which are rare here... other stuff you can as you wish.
