would you rather live in..

ashnoelle

Burlington, VT or Portland, ME? and why?

I will collect these answers and decide where to go to grad school accordingly.

Right now, I'm leaning toward Portland, ME becaues from what I can tell I think I would like the vibe. And the cost of living is a little cheaper.

CD+AL

Having never personally visited either one, I have a close friend that lived in Burlington, VT (actually worked at UVM), and love, love, loved it.

yourfaceyourface

vermont. anyone i know who goes/lives there loves it and says it's the best place on earth.

emily0829

Burlington, VT.

No reason. I've just heard great things about VT.

Roxpup

Iv'e been to both and I like each for their own reasons, I really like how close to the ocean Portland offers... but I really enjoy Burlington also, and they have Lake Champlain very close (I am always happiest closest to water).  There will likely be more to do in Portland and I really like the vibe there, but the people there seemed rude when I visited (though that was years ago and just my sense).  In Burlington, there's a ton of college students but we NEVER were bored there (and I visited OFTEN).  A lot of stuff within walking distance of each other, and when I went to grad school in Burlington, VT for a few classes (it was a once a month program, for the whole weekend), I really enjoy the earthy crunchy vibe it offers.  It's nice there, overall, I'd choose Burlington.  Good luck with your decision!!

ashnoelle

Roxpup:

Iv'e been to both and I like each for their own reasons, I really like how close to the ocean Portland offers... but I really enjoy Burlington also, and they have Lake Champlain very close (I am always happiest closest to water).  There will likely be more to do in Portland and I really like the vibe there, but the people there seemed rude when I visited (though that was years ago and just my sense).  In Burlington, there's a ton of college students but we NEVER were bored there (and I visited OFTEN).  A lot of stuff within walking distance of each other, and when I went to grad school in Burlington, VT for a few classes (it was a once a month program, for the whole weekend), I really enjoy the earthy crunchy vibe it offers.  It's nice there, overall, I'd choose Burlington.  Good luck with your decision!!

You went to UVM? What program? I've been accepted for CDAE (community development and applied economics)

KelsoXOXO

Off subject but my DD wore that same kitty costume on Halloween!!

 

Roxpup

ashnoelle:

Roxpup:

Iv'e been to both and I like each for their own reasons, I really like how close to the ocean Portland offers... but I really enjoy Burlington also, and they have Lake Champlain very close (I am always happiest closest to water).  There will likely be more to do in Portland and I really like the vibe there, but the people there seemed rude when I visited (though that was years ago and just my sense).  In Burlington, there's a ton of college students but we NEVER were bored there (and I visited OFTEN).  A lot of stuff within walking distance of each other, and when I went to grad school in Burlington, VT for a few classes (it was a once a month program, for the whole weekend), I really enjoy the earthy crunchy vibe it offers.  It's nice there, overall, I'd choose Burlington.  Good luck with your decision!!

You went to UVM? What program? I've been accepted for CDAE (community development and applied economics)

I went to SNHU (Child and Adolescent Counseling) which had a site in Burlington, VT at the time, there were a few courses there that I wanted to take, I knew someone going to UVM at the time, so I bunked at her apartment for the weekends I had class.  I didn't finish my program, left after about a year.  I enrolled when I was 20 (graduated with my bachelor's at age 20, went right into the master's program), I think I should have waited a little while longer to see exactly where I wanted to go in life, and explored other school options (part of the reason I wanted to go to the Burlington division of the program was because there were people in my program who didn't take me seriously because of my age).

UVM is an incredible school!  Which school in Portland are you looking at?

ashnoelle

KelsoXOXO:

Off subject but my DD wore that same kitty costume on Halloween!!

 

Kelso, that is friggin adorable. I loved the costume on So.

teamsweet

Are the programs equivalent otherwise?  I'd live wherever your stipend is highest relative to the col.

ashnoelle

Roxpup:

ashnoelle:

Roxpup:

Iv'e been to both and I like each for their own reasons, I really like how close to the ocean Portland offers... but I really enjoy Burlington also, and they have Lake Champlain very close (I am always happiest closest to water).  There will likely be more to do in Portland and I really like the vibe there, but the people there seemed rude when I visited (though that was years ago and just my sense).  In Burlington, there's a ton of college students but we NEVER were bored there (and I visited OFTEN).  A lot of stuff within walking distance of each other, and when I went to grad school in Burlington, VT for a few classes (it was a once a month program, for the whole weekend), I really enjoy the earthy crunchy vibe it offers.  It's nice there, overall, I'd choose Burlington.  Good luck with your decision!!

You went to UVM? What program? I've been accepted for CDAE (community development and applied economics)

I went to SNHU (Child and Adolescent Counseling) which had a site in Burlington, VT at the time, there were a few courses there that I wanted to take, I knew someone going to UVM at the time, so I bunked at her apartment for the weekends I had class.  I didn't finish my program, left after about a year.  I enrolled when I was 20 (graduated with my bachelor's at age 20, went right into the master's program), I think I should have waited a little while longer to see exactly where I wanted to go in life, and explored other school options (part of the reason I wanted to go to the Burlington division of the program was because there were people in my program who didn't take me seriously because of my age).

UVM is an incredible school!  Which school in Portland are you looking at?

I think I do like the program at UVM better. I'm just not sure if I'll be able to afford it. I'm also looking at USM- University of Southern Maine for a similar program.

And I think almost everyone should take a break between undergrad and grad programs. I graduated a year and a half ago, am in my first job related to my field, and I am still unsure if this is *the* program for me.

Roxpup

ashnoelle:

Roxpup:

ashnoelle:

Roxpup:

Iv'e been to both and I like each for their own reasons, I really like how close to the ocean Portland offers... but I really enjoy Burlington also, and they have Lake Champlain very close (I am always happiest closest to water).  There will likely be more to do in Portland and I really like the vibe there, but the people there seemed rude when I visited (though that was years ago and just my sense).  In Burlington, there's a ton of college students but we NEVER were bored there (and I visited OFTEN).  A lot of stuff within walking distance of each other, and when I went to grad school in Burlington, VT for a few classes (it was a once a month program, for the whole weekend), I really enjoy the earthy crunchy vibe it offers.  It's nice there, overall, I'd choose Burlington.  Good luck with your decision!!

You went to UVM? What program? I've been accepted for CDAE (community development and applied economics)

I went to SNHU (Child and Adolescent Counseling) which had a site in Burlington, VT at the time, there were a few courses there that I wanted to take, I knew someone going to UVM at the time, so I bunked at her apartment for the weekends I had class.  I didn't finish my program, left after about a year.  I enrolled when I was 20 (graduated with my bachelor's at age 20, went right into the master's program), I think I should have waited a little while longer to see exactly where I wanted to go in life, and explored other school options (part of the reason I wanted to go to the Burlington division of the program was because there were people in my program who didn't take me seriously because of my age).

UVM is an incredible school!  Which school in Portland are you looking at?

I think I do like the program at UVM better. I'm just not sure if I'll be able to afford it. I'm also looking at USM- University of Southern Maine for a similar program.

And I think almost everyone should take a break between undergrad and grad programs. I graduated a year and a half ago, am in my first job related to my field, and I am still unsure if this is *the* program for me.

UVM is rough on the wallet, that's for sure.  Are there any grants that you can apply for?

ashnoelle

teamsweet:

Are the programs equivalent otherwise?  I'd live wherever your stipend is highest relative to the col.

ets due to weird internets...

That's the real problem. I know I'll have an assistanship at USM and costs are lower (tuition marginally, but living is more substantial). But I like the program at UVM better.

superned

Well, I'd rather live in Portland.  Great foodie scene, a very up-and-coming arts scene, right on the water, affordable compared to larger cities, easy to get to both a big city (Boston) or out into the middle of nowhere (everywhere else in Maine).

But I would choose UVM over USM if you can.  This is coming from someone in grad school at USM (so I find at least some value in their education...even though I get it for free as an employee), but I'm sure the UVM program is better.

I really don't think you can make a "bad" choice if the programs work for you and you are comfortable living in a pretty liberal small city where it gets cold and snows during the winter.

prego760

Portland Maine. I love it there it is so beautiful. I love the Shipyard brewery, Ri Ras Irish Restaurnat and Pub. I love the art area and the historic buildings.

ETA: This is the Portland Headlight. One of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world.

Unknown

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WildcatPrincess

Portland ME because I grew up there and love it My family is still there and I'm constantly trying to get MH to move, but he is not interested.

Oh also the Maine Nest has a very active board full of moms. I've gone to one of their GTGs and they're very nice.

ashnoelle

I missed the deadline for scholarships/grants. I got accepted kinda late. I called and emailed about it and no one returned either form of communication. That's one thing in USM's favor- they communicate.

And I effed up the quotes edit, so I just gave up on our long quote block there, Roxpup.

ashnoelle

superned:

Well, I'd rather live in Portland.  Great foodie scene, a very up-and-coming arts scene, right on the water, affordable compared to larger cities, easy to get to both a big city (Boston) or out into the middle of nowhere (everywhere else in Maine).

But I would choose UVM over USM if you can.  This is coming from someone in grad school at USM (so I find at least some value in their education...even though I get it for free as an employee), but I'm sure the UVM program is better.

I really don't think you can make a "bad" choice if the programs work for you and you are comfortable living in a pretty liberal small city where it gets cold and snows during the winter.

what program are you pursuing? And does USM just have a bad reputation or something? I know their retention rates for undgrads is terrible.

 I couldn't even find a college with the program I wanted in North Carolina at all, so I don't think either choice is bad. I'm just going to worry and agaonize over the choice anyway.

superned

ashnoelle:

superned:

Well, I'd rather live in Portland.  Great foodie scene, a very up-and-coming arts scene, right on the water, affordable compared to larger cities, easy to get to both a big city (Boston) or out into the middle of nowhere (everywhere else in Maine).

But I would choose UVM over USM if you can.  This is coming from someone in grad school at USM (so I find at least some value in their education...even though I get it for free as an employee), but I'm sure the UVM program is better.

I really don't think you can make a "bad" choice if the programs work for you and you are comfortable living in a pretty liberal small city where it gets cold and snows during the winter.

what program are you pursuing? And does USM just have a bad reputation or something? I know their retention rates for undgrads is terrible.

 I couldn't even find a college with the program I wanted in North Carolina at all, so I don't think either choice is bad. I'm just going to worry and agaonize over the choice anyway.

Public Policy and Management.  I don't think USM's reputation is bad, and I think my particular program has a fairly good reputation, but it's not as good as UVM.  And USM is going a major reorganization right now that is making significant changes to the structure of the school (read: it's making everyone unhappy for a myriad of reasons), so the overall atmosphere is just tense.  That's probably not uncommon for state-funded schools right now, I guess.

This is going to sound terrible, but I went to a pretty elite college for my undergrad, so I'm often shocked by what passes for graduate-level work here.  That's just my own (snobby) bias though.  And I really can't complain, since I don't pay tuition!

ashnoelle

superned:

ashnoelle:

superned:

Well, I'd rather live in Portland.  Great foodie scene, a very up-and-coming arts scene, right on the water, affordable compared to larger cities, easy to get to both a big city (Boston) or out into the middle of nowhere (everywhere else in Maine).

But I would choose UVM over USM if you can.  This is coming from someone in grad school at USM (so I find at least some value in their education...even though I get it for free as an employee), but I'm sure the UVM program is better.

I really don't think you can make a "bad" choice if the programs work for you and you are comfortable living in a pretty liberal small city where it gets cold and snows during the winter.

what program are you pursuing? And does USM just have a bad reputation or something? I know their retention rates for undgrads is terrible.

 I couldn't even find a college with the program I wanted in North Carolina at all, so I don't think either choice is bad. I'm just going to worry and agaonize over the choice anyway.

Public Policy and Management.  I don't think USM's reputation is bad, and I think my particular program has a fairly good reputation, but it's not as good as UVM.  And USM is going a major reorganization right now that is making significant changes to the structure of the school (read: it's making everyone unhappy for a myriad of reasons), so the overall atmosphere is just tense.  That's probably not uncommon for state-funded schools right now, I guess.

This is going to sound terrible, but I went to a pretty elite college for my undergrad, so I'm often shocked by what passes for graduate-level work here.  That's just my own (snobby) bias though.  And I really can't complain, since I don't pay tuition!

thanks. Some real food for thought.

cajungirl0717

I'm from south Louisiana. So personally, I would say  neither. They are just to far north for me! I would love to travel to Maine, so that would be my choice for you.

emiliemadison

Have you actually been to both? I'd choose Burlington, VT in a heartbeat. I've spent time in both. Burlington is awesome. Why? Church street, the Lake, the aquarium, proximity to larger cities and Canada for getting away, good schools, lots of activities around town, more liberal feel (which is a positive thing for me), and it's gorgeous