Applying for SULI Internships, have questions about the PPPL

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the SULI internship program at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), specifically focusing on housing assistance and stipend implications for interns. Participants share their insights and concerns regarding the nature of the housing stipend and the potential consequences of various living arrangements during the internship.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about whether the housing assistance from PPPL provides full accommodation or is merely a fixed amount to help find housing.
  • Another participant clarifies that the $650/week stipend is intended for housing and other expenses, but notes that housing availability may be limited due to COVID-19.
  • There is a warning from one participant about the potential consequences of living with a parent while receiving housing assistance, suggesting it could be viewed as fraudulent.
  • Another participant argues that the stipend is not specifically for housing, implying that it could be pocketed if living with a parent, but cautions about the implications of not declaring it as income.
  • A later reply reinforces the caution against trying to manipulate the stipend situation, emphasizing the importance of transparency.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the housing stipend and the legality of living arrangements. There is no consensus on whether it is acceptable to pocket the stipend while living with a parent, with some warning against it and others suggesting it may be permissible.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the stipulations on the PPPL website regarding the stipend and housing grants, but there are unresolved questions about the interpretation of these terms and their implications for interns' living situations.

okamihybrid
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Hello, I'm a sophomore applying to the SULI internship program with a strong interest in theoretical plasma and nuclear physics.

I'm particularly interested in the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) and have some concerns about housing assistance. I'd like to know if the assistance provided by PPPL means full accommodation or if it's a fixed amount to help find a place. My father works at my second-choice lab, and I'm considering living with him if housing assistance at PPPL is not ideal. Any insights from those who have gone through the program or interned at PPPL would be appreciated.
 
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Welcome to PF.

It looks like the $650/week stipend is meant to be for housing as well as other expenses:

https://www.pppl.gov/science-undergraduate-laboratory-internship-suli
Due to COVID-19, housing will be limited. On-site projects are approved on a case-by-cases basis and depends on approval.

As a part of the summer internship only, students are offered housing on the Princeton University campus (pre-pandemic).

Fall and spring term students are responsible for finding housing in the local community. All students receive a $650/week stipend; an additional housing grant is dependent on funding availability.
 
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I was going to cut and paste the same thing.

As an addition, if you think you can live with your father and pocket the housing stipend, think again. That plan has consequences that you will not like.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
I was going to cut and paste the same thing.

As an addition, if you think you can live with your father and pocket the housing stipend, think again. That plan has consequences that you will not like.
Now you got me curious, can you fill in some details?
 
If you get money for housing expenses that you do not actually incur, that's fraud. The government does not like that.

If one thinks "Oh, they'll never find out, so long s I do X", rest assured that the government has seen every trick in the book, and then some.

This is really best avoided.
 
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The plain text of the website sounds clear to me the 650/week is not a housing specific stipend, so it would be fine to pocket it and live with your parent.

"an additional housing grant is dependent on funding availability."

This additional housing grant probably could not be taken, though you possibly could pay your parents a fair market rent and use the grant on that.
 
I think @Vanadium 50 is right, better to not get cute especially if you're not declaring it as income on your tax return.
 

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