Moving to St Louis: a perspective of WashU postdocs
- Let’s start with a little background, when did you move to St Louis, and from where?
The panelists have diverse backgrounds, but the same reason for moving to St. Louis, that is academic pursuit as a postdoc. For this chapter of B&B the panel includes postdocs Chris Letson (moved to St Louis from Tampa, Florida about a year ago), Vaishali Mulchandani (moved to St Louis from India about six months ago), Lori Forster (moved to St Louis from Georgia over two years ago), Gardenia Payne Deliz (moved to St Louis from Cuba about a year ago), Zoushuang (Shawna) Li (moved to St Louis from China about six months ago) and Pratik Barge (moved to St Louis from Louisiana about four months ago).
Overall, the experiences of move varied, but there was a common thread of adaptation and growth.
- How did you decide to move to St Louis? What made you choose this beautiful city?
The panelists primarily moved to St. Louis for academic and professional reasons, specifically to pursue post-doctoral research. Their decisions were largely influenced by the following factors:
- Lab and PI: The quality of research, the reputation of the PI, and the fit with the lab’s research interests were major factors.
- Departmental Environment: A supportive and collaborative departmental environment was also considered important.
- Financial Considerations: Some panelists, particularly those with prior homeownership, considered the cost of living and housing affordability in St. Louis.
- Personal Connections: A few panelists had personal connections, such as friends or family, who were already in the area.
- Geographic Preferences: While not a primary factor for most, some panelists avoided the high cost of living on the East and West Coasts.
Overall, the panelists’ decisions were primarily driven by academic and professional opportunities, rather than personal preferences.
- Once you decided to move to STL, how did you choose the neighborhood to be in and how was your experience with apartment hunting here?
The panelists had varied experiences in finding housing in St. Louis, often relying on a mix of online resources, personal recommendations, and local knowledge.
Key points:
- Limited Pre-Arrival Knowledge: Many panelists had limited knowledge of St. Louis before moving, making it challenging to find housing remotely.
- Reliance on Personal Networks: Friends, lab mates, and PIs played a crucial role in providing recommendations on suitable neighborhoods and housing options.
- Online Resources: Online platforms like Zillow and Reddit (r/StLouis) were used to gather information but were often limited in their effectiveness.
- University Housing: Core apartments and Quadrangle Properties were popular choices for many, especially international postdocs. However, their website may not always be up-to-date, and apartments can fill up quickly. New postdocs are thus advised to reach them over phone and make decision about the apartment quickly.
- Neighborhood Preferences: Popular neighborhoods included Central West End, Maplewood, University city, in general, areas close to WashU campuses.
- Challenges for International Students: International students faced additional challenges, such as language barriers and cultural differences, which made finding housing more difficult. But country-specific groups on WhatsApp and WeChat helped tremendously in the process.
Overall, the panelists emphasized the importance of having a strong support network and being proactive in the housing search process.
- How did you figure out your commute within the city? To move from home to work, gym, hobbies etc.
The panelists’ experiences with commuting in St. Louis varied based on their living situations, personal preferences, and access to transportation.
Key Points:
- Public Transportation:
- MetroLink: A reliable option for longer commutes, especially to WashU
- Buses: Can be less reliable and frequent, particularly outside of peak hours.
- University shuttles: Using TripShot and protective services to find transport in the neighboring areas
- Walking and Biking: Feasible for short distances, especially around both campuses
- Car Ownership:
- Convenience: Owning a car provides flexibility and ease of travel, especially for those living in suburban areas.
- Cost: Consider the costs of purchasing, insuring, and maintaining a car, as well as parking fees.
- Winter Driving: Winter weather conditions can make driving more challenging.
- Tips for Commuting:
- Plan Ahead: Use apps like Transit, TripShot to plan routes and check schedules.
- Be Aware of Surroundings: Be mindful of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone at night.
- Consider Safety in Numbers: Traveling with others can be safer.
- Utilize Campus Resources: Take advantage of campus shuttles and other transportation options.
Overall, the decision of whether to rely on public transportation or own a car depends on individual circumstances and preferences. Many people, especially those living near campus or in walkable neighborhoods, can rely on public transportation. However, owning a car can provide greater flexibility and convenience, particularly for those who need to travel frequently or live in suburban areas.
- Once you had your basics figured out in St Louis, how did you build a community around you? How did you take on the daunting task of making friends as postdoc?
The panelists shared their experiences in building social connections in St. Louis, highlighting the challenges and strategies they employed:
Common Challenges:
- Academic Focus: Initial focus on research and academic responsibilities.
- Language Barriers: For international students, language can be a significant obstacle.
- Cultural Differences: Adjusting to a new culture can be challenging, especially for those from very different backgrounds.
Strategies for Social Integration:
- Leveraging Lab Connections: Building relationships with lab mates can be a good starting point.
- Joining Social Groups and Clubs: Participating in clubs, postdoc society (WUPS), or other social groups can help meet people with similar interests.
- Volunteer Work: Volunteering can be a rewarding way to meet people and give back to the community.
- Language Classes: Taking language classes can improve language skills and provide opportunities to meet people from diverse backgrounds.
- OPA-Sponsored Events: Attending OPA-sponsored events, such as social gatherings or workshops, can help connect with other postdocs.
- Online Communities: Utilizing online platforms and social media to connect with others who share similar interests.
Overall, the panelists emphasized the importance of being proactive and seeking out opportunities to connect with others. By joining WUPS, volunteering, attending social events, and simply striking up conversations with colleagues, it is possible to build a strong social network in St. Louis.
- How do you spend your free time in this city? What in your opinion are the coolest places in STL?
The panelists highlighted several popular spots and activities in St. Louis:
Outdoor Activities:
- Botanical Gardens: A serene and beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature.
- Forest Park: A large urban park with a variety of attractions, including the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the Missouri History Museum.
- Tower Grove Park: A smaller park with beautiful gardens, a pond, and various recreational facilities.
- Hiking Trails: Numerous hiking trails in and around the city.
Indoor Activities:
- Museums: The St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the Science Center offer a variety of exhibits and educational programs.
- Libraries: The St. Louis Public Library offers a vast collection of books, movies, music and even organizes a book club.
- Coffee Shops and Breweries: St. Louis has a thriving coffee and craft beer scene.
Overall, St. Louis offers a diverse range of activities for people of all interests. Whether you enjoy the outdoors, culture, or simply relaxing, there’s something for everyone in this city.
- How did WashU, your lab or PI help you while you were moving? For example, by giving suggestions, network building, relocation support etc.
The panelists’ experiences with relocation support from within WashU varied:
Positive Experiences:
- Lab Mate Support: Several panelists received valuable advice and guidance from lab mates, particularly those who had recently moved to St. Louis.
- Relocation Stipends: Some panelists received financial support to cover moving expenses, such as rent deposits or transportation costs.
- Letter of Support: In certain cases, the department provided letters of support to assist with housing applications, especially for international students.
Key Takeaways:
- Proactive Communication: It’s important to communicate with your PI and department about your relocation needs and any specific challenges you may face.
- Leverage Your Network: Building relationships with lab mates and other colleagues can provide valuable support and advice.
- Be Persistent: Don’t hesitate to ask for help, even if it seems daunting. It’s always worth a try.
By understanding the experiences of others and being proactive in seeking support, new arrivals to WashU can navigate the relocation process more smoothly.
- Now that you have been here for a few months, what advice would you give about St Louis to an incoming postdoc?
Based on the panelists’ experiences, here are some key pieces of advice for incoming postdocs at WashU:
Before Arriving:
- Research: While online resources can be helpful, it’s important to be mindful of potential biases and negative stereotypes.
- Leverage Your Network: Connect with current lab members or other researchers at WashU to gain insights into the city and university.
- Plan Your Arrival: Consider the best time to arrive, considering factors like weather and university events.
After Arriving:
- Embrace the WashU Community: Participate in university or OPA events, join WUPS, and connect with other postdocs.
- Explore St. Louis: Take advantage of the city’s diverse cultural offerings, parks, and outdoor activities.
- Utilize University Resources: Take advantage of resources like the library, fitness centers, and language courses.
- Be Proactive: Don’t hesitate to ask for help or advice from lab mates, faculty, or other support services.
- Network: Build relationships with other researchers, both within and outside of your lab.
- Be Patient: Adjusting to a new city and a new job takes time.
Specific Tips:
- Housing: Consider factors like location, safety, and cost when choosing housing.
- Transportation: Explore public transportation options or consider purchasing a car, depending on your needs and preferences.
- Language: If English is not your first language, consider taking language classes (through WashU tuition benefit or ESL program offered by government).
- Cultural Adjustment: Be open to new experiences and embrace cultural differences.
By following these tips, incoming postdocs can make a smooth transition to St. Louis and enjoy their time at WashU.
(Written with the help of the Gemini AI tool, organized by Dr. Sumedha Agashe)