u/Conscious_Meal_9078

I’m an F1 PhD student and I’ve finished my coursework, so I’m fully in the research phase now. My work is entirely computational, I genuinely don’t need to be physically on campus to make progress. The catch is that my husband lives and works in another state, and I’d really like to spend extended time there during the semester, not just over summer breaks.

Here’s where it gets complicated:

• F1 visa status — I’m still fully enrolled and my university is my primary institution, but I’m not sure if spending significant time in another state during an active semester causes any issues. Does physical location actually matter for F1 compliance?
• Grant requirements — My funding has hint of being on campus. How strictly is this interpreted during the research phase when there’s no coursework involved?

Has anyone navigated this as an international student during their research/dissertation phase? Did you formally request a remote arrangement or just play it by ear? Would love to hear what actually worked for people.

Is finding a roommate supposed to be this hard?
I've been trying to find a female roommate for my 2BR near the Delmar Loop and honestly it's been a whole journey. I really thought the hard part of grad school was gonna be the actual research lol. Nobody told me I'd also have to run a whole recruitment campaign just to fill a bedroom.

I've posted in every Facebook group, WhatsApp group, you name it. I've messaged people who posted like months ago hoping they're still looking. At this point I'm genuinely considering making a flyer for it.

The place is nice though, close to the Loop, rent is reasonable ($730), it's quiet, and I swear I'm a normal person who does her dishes and doesn't blast music at 2 AM. I'm vegetarian so worst case your apartment smells like Indian food which honestly I'd count as a perk lol.

If you or literally anyone you know is looking for a room near the Loop, PLEASE hit me up.

2 bed/2 bath on Eastgate Ave, University City — $780/mo + utilities (12 month lease). Quadrangle Housing. Bus #5 & Delmar Loop shuttle opposite to the building, walking distance to United Provisions.

Looking for a grad student. DM me!