The University of Houston

Date: Dec 31 1969
Major: Geography and Geosciences (This Major's Salary over time)
I am an international student doing PhD in Earth & Atmospheric Sciences. This is my third year here. Though there are a few good things about this university, those can be easily overlooked by the number of negative points. First of all, as a TA I am supported for only 9 months, there is no funding during the Summer. Though the department has few Summer TA positions, it is mostly reserved for the american students. It is much harder for an international student to find a job during the Summer compared to an american student.Now coming to the health insurance, it has been increased by 75% over the last three years. Yes, you read it right, 75% and there is no extra benefit for that. International students are bound to take that health insurance decided and imposed by the university authority. Now it doesn't end here. The cost for the parking permit has increased by 66% while they have closed some of the easily accessible parking lots, RIDICULOUS!!!! So, just to give an idea, as a PhD student I get paid \(15840 (in hand) per year. SRF:ELEMENTS:5xsrfHere is a list of yearly expenses-SRF:ELEMENTS:6xsrfRent \) 10200

Health insurance \(2096SRF:ELEMENTS:8xsrfCar insurance \) 960

Ph bill \(300SRF:ELEMENTS:10xsrfGas \) 1200

So, I am left with only $90 per month to do the rest of the things, or do not live a decent life at all. Should I feel lucky that at least I have a roof on my head?