Physics Graduate Student Orientation
Frequently Asked Questions
Fall 2009


Arrival Logistics
> When do I have to arrive?
> What are my housing options?
> How do I get a VISA?
> When do I receive my first paycheck?
> How do I get an e-mail account?
> Where do I get an MIT ID card?

General Exams
> When do I have to take the General Exams?
> How can I get copies of the General Exam?
> What happens if I fail Part I of the General Exam?

Course/Registration Information
> When do I register for classes?
> How do I receive an academic advisor?
> My research supervisor wants me to come early (i.e., June). What do I do?

Research Information
> How do I get into a research group?
> I was nominated by a specific division in the admissions process. Do I have to join a research group within that Division? What if I want to switch areas?
> How do I get an office?

When do I have to arrive?
The first activity for first year Physics graduate students is on Thursday, August 27. Part I of the General Exam is offered at 9:30 AM on Monday, August 31. Since this is required of all incoming students, you should plan to be here before that date. If your housing plans are not solidified, you might consider arriving at least two weeks prior to August 31 so that you are settled for Orientation Week.

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What are my housing options?
Please reference the Practical Planning Guide and/or Housing for information regarding on-campus and off-campus options. Please note that housing is tight in the Cambridge and Boston areas. The sooner you are able to obtain housing, the better your choices. If you are interested in finding a roommate who is a Physics Graduate Student, please e-mail the Academic Programs Office and we will advertise to all incoming students.

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How do I get a VISA?
Detailed information regarding VISA requirements can be found at the International Students Office. Occasionally, students will be requested to obtain a letter of support from the Department. In that case, students should contact the Academic Programs Office.

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When do I receive my first paycheck?
All Fellowship, RA, and TA recipients will receive checks once a month throughout the term. Checks are distributed at the end of the month, so the first payment will be dispursed at the end of September. Students in need of payment in advance of that time should contact MIT's Student Financial Services.

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How do I get an e-mail account?
To get an MIT email address you need to register for an Athena User Account. MIT Information Systems will issue personalized account registration vouchers for each new student. The voucher provides information and instructions to allow you to set up your account from any computer with internet access. The vouchers will be sent to the Academic Programs for distribution at Orientation. If you desire your account earlier, please contact the Academic Programs Office.

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Where do I get an MIT ID card?
Upon your arrival to MIT, you will be guided by the Academic Programs staff (4-315) on where to obtain your MIT Identification Card.

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When do I have to take the General Exams?
In order diagnose any weaknesses in background preparation, all incoming first year students must take Part I of the General Exams during Orientation. This year, the exam is scheduled for Monday, August 31, 2009 from 9:30-2:30. A continental breakfast will be offered to first year students at 8:30 am in the Physics Grad Lounge, 8-314 prior to the exam. Part II of the General Exams is offered on Friday, September 4th from 9:30 - 2:30. This part is optional for first year students.

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How can I get copies of the General Exam?
Copies of previous General Exams are available in PDF format online. If you are in the Cambridge area, additional exams are available in the Physics Reading Room, 4-332.

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What happens if I fail Part I of the General Exam?
The reason for requiring incoming students to take Part I of the General Exam is so that it can be used as a diagnostic tool. Students who fail Part I during Orientation week will meet with the Associate Department Head for Education to receive guidance regarding course work appropriate as preparation for future exam attempts, probably including seminar subject 8.398 Selected Topics in Graduate Physics.

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When do I register for classes?
Registration for the Fall term is on Tuesday, September 8th, 2009. Specific details about arranging appointments will be given to incoming students during Orientation Week.

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How do I receive an academic advisor?
Academic Advisors are assigned by the Division Heads prior to the start of the semester. Students will be notified of their advisor during Orientation Week.

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My research supervisor wants me to come early (i.e., June). What do I do?
If your supervisor arranges for you to begin research during the summer, you should visit Academic Programs, 4-315, upon your arrival. We will assist you with the necessary logistics such as obtaining an MIT ID, completing paperwork and registering for the summer. Please contact us prior to your arrival if you have any questions.

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How do I get into a research group?
All incoming students were nominated by at least one division. Those on Research Assistantships will begin research with those divisions immediately. Assignment to specific research groups varies between divisions.

Students with Fellowships and Teaching Assistantships have time to take courses without the obligation of conducting research within a specific group. These students have time to consider many options and find a group which provides the best match. This time should be used actively; students should not put off looking for a group until fellowship or TA funding is nearly exhausted.

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I was nominated by a specific division in the admissions process. Do I have to join a research group within that Division? What if I want to switch areas?
Students with Research Assistantships must begin research with the group/division who is providing funding. If students with RAs do not wish to conduct research, they can contact Prof. Tom Greytak about the possibility of a Teaching Assistantship. Initial contact should be made by June 2009.

Students with Fellowships and Teaching Assistantships are not bound by any particular division. They have time to search for funding opportunities throughout the department.

Students who are interested in switching to a different group/area should consult with Dr. Sean Robinson or Prof. Tom Greytak regarding the process and possibilities. Switching groups is supported by the department through one guaranteed semester of a Teaching Assistantship in each student's career. However, funding beyond that semester is contingent upon a match being found. Sean or Tom can provide additional information for those interested.

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How do I get an office?
Students with Research Assistantships will be assigned an office by the division and/or group that is providing the funding. Students with fellowships or Teaching Assistantships will be provided an office by the division which nominated them for their funding offer.

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