small city vs. big city

SDN Members don't see this ad. (About Ads)

I just wanted to get some insight into those people who want to become pharmacist but also care about doing other activities on the side and socializing. I am doing interviews with UOP in Stockton which I heard there is nothing to do and also MCPHS in Boston which is of course an awsome city.
I really dont know what to do and if it's worth doing a 3 year program and cut out on all the fun in my life and get out early or rather spend more time and enjoy it.
I would be happy to get your opinion on that....

I personally went for a 4 year program so I can hopefully enjoy some of my time wherever I end up next fall. That and the fact that I might go nuts if I had school for 3 years solid

i live in a small town--helotes then college station texas. yeah there really isnt anything to do in either place but you make fun and you get to know people more and love it! i am moving to houston for pharmacy school next year--AHHHH! im scared.

I would personally choose a big city because there will be richer life experiences and professionally more job connections, internships, rotations, etc.
I interviewed at UOP last october and the campus did not impress me much. I can't say much about the town, but I heard social life is pretty limited.
Since you are going to interview at UOP, might as well drive around the city and talk to students about living in Stockton. Most importantly, do you see yourself spending couple of years in those places? (either Stockton or Boston)
Good luck!!

Originally Posted by Ariana

I just wanted to get some insight into those people who want to become pharmacist but also care about doing other activities on the side and socializing. I am doing interviews with UOP in Stockton which I heard there is nothing to do and also MCPHS in Boston which is of course an awsome city.
I really dont know what to do and if it's worth doing a 3 year program and cut out on all the fun in my life and get out early or rather spend more time and enjoy it.
I would be happy to get your opinion on that....

Firstly, are you more used to big cities or small towns?

Secondly, are you those kind of people that need a breather? Or in other words, do you enjoy summer vacation?

I personally cannot picture myself going to a small town nor doing a 3 year program. I like to take my life one bite at a time, at a slow slow pace, and with a variety of things that I can do outside school.

Originally Posted by eddavatar

I personally cannot picture myself going to a small town nor doing a 3 year program. I like to take my life one bite at a time, at a slow slow pace, and with a variety of things that I can do outside school.

Those were exactly my thoughts when I was thinking about what schools I wanted to apply to.

I guess it mainly depends on the person's personality. I love big cities and enjoy the night life and want fun in my life but the main reason i considered UOP was so I could get out of school early and make money sooner, but I feel like along the way I will miss so many other life opportunities which Boston may offer.

Ariana - I'd never criticize someone's need or desire to have an income, but there really is more to living than money (yeah..it really does make it easier, I know!!). IMO, if you have a significant need (ie - your family's stabiity depends upon your income, your SO is waiting for you to finish your education for his/hers or something else like this) then by all means - finish sooner. But...you are young (23, 25, 28...whatever) only ONCE! Try to think forward 30 years....would you have any regret over your lack of your income or your lack of an experience?

IMO - you really have to decide what kind of person you want to be right NOW. I ABSOLUTELY loved being young, single & living in SF when I went to school. After I married, pursued my career & had a family, I appreciated it even more because I would never have moved there later in my life. That was a unique & very special time of my life & one that could not have been done when I was 35 in the same way....Good luck & have fun!

Originally Posted by Ariana

I feel like along the way I will miss so many other life opportunities which Boston may offer.

I think that sums up right there what you should do. Pick a place where you will have fun. Starting a job one year later in a 30+ year career isn't much. Enjoying school will be far better than rushing through it.

I can't imagine squishing this experience into 3 years. It';s crazy enough over 4.

A big city has better opportunities. Unless you will get distracted and not study, I'd recommend that route.