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MSE Graduate Student Council

The official graduate student organization for MSE

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Basic Needs

Average expenditures from graduate students in MSE:

The average graduate student in MSE spends spends $1,130 on rent, with 80% between 850-1400$ according to the MSE-GSC Climate Survey. Additionally, the average student spends $130 on utilities, $520 on food, and $90 on health (medical care, self care, wellness). On average graduate students spend $1,800 on these four categories.

Work-life balance

An average grad student spends about 50 hours per week on degree requirements (classes, research, teaching) during the semester.

Pay logistics

If you are on a GSI/GSR appointment, during the semester your maximum appointment is 50% while during the summer it is 100%. This means, that while your pay is set for the year, during the semester is you take in less per month than during the summer. Most GSR/GSI get paid $1,800-$2,200/month during the semester and substantially more during the summer. Please plan your rent and lifestyle accordingly.

Mental health resources

  • The College of Engineering has its own satellite counselor/psychologist:
    • https://engineering.berkeley.edu/student-services/advising-counseling
    • There are drop in hours (Tuesday 2-4pm, Wednesday 10-noon)
    • Or you can schedule an appointment with her as well
    • Bechtel 241
  • The Tang center offers 5 free psychologist sessions (and then 15$ a session after) if you are on SHIP (per academic year)
  • There are a bunch of group therapy session offered at the Tang center:
    • https://uhs.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/cps-group_flyer_spring_2018.pdf
    • Some are grad student only
    • Variety of topics
  • Additionally, the ASUC has also compiled a helpful list of resource:
    • https://asuc.org/wellness/

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