New Haven's great for someone in their 20s, especially living in neighborhoods like East Rock, Wooster, and Westville. A lot of young people around and you'll be walking distance from a ton of bars, restaurants, music venues, etc. Sure, those neighborhoods have a lot of Yale students living in them, but it hardly has any elitist vibe. The downside is that, due to a lot of Yale students living in those neighborhoods, the rent can be surprisingly high compared to the suburbs. But honestly, if you're a single person in their 20s, you'll enjoy New Haven way more than the suburbs - just live with housemates to save on rent.

I'd second the Lunch specials at Sitar and House of Naan. You'll still get a variety of items for a relatively low price (nowhere near as much food as a full on buffet), but it'll taste a lot better than the Tandoor buffet line in my opinion.

Though I have this irrational fear of brain tumors just lingering in my head. Insurance doesn't cover expensive brain scans for irrational fears. So I'd totally do this study. In case there's something fucked up, I'd hope they'd let me know - though not sure if they're allowed.