2014-2015 University of Iowa (Carver) Application Thread

[markyb03]

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And @markyb03, I have been searching in this area on craigslist for 3 or 4 bedroom places because of the whole distance thing, but the options are so limited. Are there other places to search? I also looked on the student housing page, but those were more for someone looking for a single room. Thanks!

I would look on Craigslist and check out the apartment companies in the area. Unfortunately there isn't a website which conglomerates all the listings like some bigger cities have. Also if you are coming this weekend, I would just drive around the area you want to live in and look for any signs in front and just give them a call the old fashioned way

 

[sahmoc]

I would look on Craigslist and check out the apartment companies in the area. Unfortunately there isn't a website which conglomerates all the listings like some bigger cities have. Also if you are coming this weekend, I would just drive around the area you want to live in and look for any signs in front and just give them a call the old fashioned way

That was included in our weekend plans haha. Glad I'm not the only one who drives around looking like a creep. Do you think waiting until mid-May or June to commit to something would be detrimental?

 

[markyb03]

That was included in our weekend plans haha. Glad I'm not the only one who drives around looking like a creep. Do you think waiting until mid-May or June to commit to something would be detrimental?

The timing of leases in Iowa city is definitely earlier than what I've experienced in other cities. When I moved here I think I signed mid April for an Aug 1 place. You should still be able to find plenty of options but it isn't like most places come on the market 2-1.5 months before move in. They are anywhere from 7 mo to 1 month out. So no I don't think it will be detrimental but imo earlier will give you more options.

 

[sahmoc]

The timing of leases in Iowa city is definitely earlier than what I've experienced in other cities. When I moved here I think I signed mid April for an Aug 1 place. You should still be able to find plenty of options but it isn't like most places come on the market 2-1.5 months before move in. They are anywhere from 7 mo to 1 month out. So no I don't think it will be detrimental but imo earlier will give you more options.

Thanks for the insight! So much to think about in the next few weeks!

 

[AspiringERMD]

My partner and I can't wait to meet you all tonight!

 

[AspiringERMD]

I was unable to uncover anything overly damning about Iowa this weekend (and I tried), so I just emailed to give up my other acceptance and stick with you lot! 😀

 

[sahmoc]

I was unable to uncover anything overly damning about Iowa this weekend (and I tried), so I just emailed to give up my other acceptance and stick with you lot! 😀

Doing the same this week!!

 

[JVav]

I have a question for someone who is familiar with the IC area/the bus system. So, I am looking at an apartment on Harlocke, and am wondering if you guys know anyone who lives there and how their commute to class is? There is an bus route that goes on Benton that I could jump onto and be at the hospital in ~10 minutes. But how long is the walk from the very south side of UIHC (Melrose Ave) to MERF? Just trying to figure out if this is a manageable daily experience or not.

 

[Retnuh07]

I have a question for someone who is familiar with the IC area/the bus system. So, I am looking at an apartment on Harlocke, and am wondering if you guys know anyone who lives there and how their commute to class is? There is an bus route that goes on Benton that I could jump onto and be at the hospital in ~10 minutes. But how long is the walk from the very south side of UIHC (Melrose Ave) to MERF? Just trying to figure out if this is a manageable daily experience or not.

I can't personally tell you about this specific commute; however, I know the Melrose stop is a very popular drop-off for grad students that have classes on the west campus. As for the walk from Melrose to MERF, I'd say 8-10 minutes--definitely manageable! And during bad weather, you'll be able to walk to MERF through the hospital and connecting buildings. It may take 5 minutes longer, but it's a trade off. Hope this helps.

 

[JVav]

I can't personally tell you about this specific commute; however, I know the Melrose stop is a very popular drop-off for grad students that have classes on the west campus. As for the walk from Melrose to MERF, I'd say 8-10 minutes--definitely manageable! And during bad weather, you'll be able to walk to MERF through the hospital and connecting buildings. It may take 5 minutes longer, but it's a trade off. Hope this helps.

It helps, but I am still so conflicted. A 15-20 minute commute doesn't sound like the best, but I am not sure I will be able to find a closer apartment at around the same price.

 

[NonTradJp]

It helps, but I am still so conflicted. A 15-20 minute commute doesn't sound like the best, but I am not sure I will be able to find a closer apartment at around the same price.

What's the price? I heard that a number of med students rent for about 325$ a bedroom about 10 minutes walk from campus as a single. If you are a single, maybe you can get in touch with a student ambassador and they might get you connected to students who know more about it.

 

[JVav]

What's the price? I heard that a number of med students rent for about 325$ a bedroom about 10 minutes walk from campus as a single. If you are a single, maybe you can get in touch with a student ambassador and they might get you connected to students who know more about it.

Mine is $430/month (includes everything). I'll check out the student ambassadors. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[NonTradJp]

Does anyone have wife and or kids while living near the University? What is your monthly housing expense?

 

[pakipride]

Hi! I am in a bit of a dilemma and was wondering if pre-M1s like myself or current medical students shed some light on that. What would be an average price that one should spend on rent per month. The last few posts have put me thinking regarding this. The current lease that I signed, it comes up to being 600 + utilties (per month per person). When I read people were spending 350-400 per month it freaked me out. I will be honest, the place where I potentially will be paying 600 + utilities is finer living and it is very spacious, so the price is worth the apartment. But my question is, is it worth living there as a medical student? Should I go ahead and continue with my lease or should I look for something cheaper? Since the lease hasn't officially started, it will not be a problem to either back out or find a subletter for myself. Thank you so much to all those who respond.

 

[ShabbaRanks]

Hi! I am in a bit of a dilemma and was wondering if pre-M1s like myself or current medical students shed some light on that. What would be an average price that one should spend on rent per month. The last few posts have put me thinking regarding this. The current lease that I signed, it comes up to being 600 + utilties (per month per person). When I read people were spending 350-400 per month it freaked me out. I will be honest, the place where I potentially will be paying 600 + utilities is finer living and it is very spacious, so the price is worth the apartment. But my question is, is it worth living there as a medical student? Should I go ahead and continue with my lease or should I look for something cheaper? Since the lease hasn't officially started, it will not be a problem to either back out or find a subletter for myself. Thank you so much to all those who respond.

I am paying 600/month for my apartment as well. 500-600 a month is extremely common for Iowa city living. I would keep the place you currently have.

 

[JVav]

Hi! I am in a bit of a dilemma and was wondering if pre-M1s like myself or current medical students shed some light on that. What would be an average price that one should spend on rent per month. The last few posts have put me thinking regarding this. The current lease that I signed, it comes up to being 600 + utilties (per month per person). When I read people were spending 350-400 per month it freaked me out. I will be honest, the place where I potentially will be paying 600 + utilities is finer living and it is very spacious, so the price is worth the apartment. But my question is, is it worth living there as a medical student? Should I go ahead and continue with my lease or should I look for something cheaper? Since the lease hasn't officially started, it will not be a problem to either back out or find a subletter for myself. Thank you so much to all those who respond.

If you don't mind me asking, how long of a commute do you expect to/from MERF?

 

[milk1993]

I am paying 600/month for my apartment as well. 500-600 a month is extremely common for Iowa city living. I would keep the place you currently have.

Agreed. I doubt that there are many people that pay 300-400 for rent in Iowa City.

My rent for next year is somewhere between 500-600 and about a 10 min walk to the MERF. My current house is on the east side of campus and around that amount too. I've found that the closer you live to ped mall, the more expensive your rent will be.

 

[pakipride]

I am paying 600/month for my apartment as well. 500-600 a month is extremely common for Iowa city living. I would keep the place you currently have.

If you don't mind me asking, where are you living?

 

[pakipride]

Agreed. I doubt that there are many people that pay 300-400 for rent in Iowa City.

My rent for next year is somewhere between 500-600 and about a 10 min walk to the MERF. My current house is on the east side of campus and around that amount too. I've found that the closer you live to ped mall, the more expensive your rent will be.

Comments #812 and 813 are what freaked me out lol. I am not a big fan of the east side of Iowa City (downtown/ped mall) - I currently live there. But when medical school starts, I am planning on moving to the west side (Coralville). Thank you @ShabbaRanks and @milk1993 for your responses. It gives me hope. When I first started college here I was an international student and that just piled up loans on my head like there's no tomorrow. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't spending more than it was necessary.

 

[pakipride]

If you don't mind me asking, how long of a commute do you expect to/from MERF?

It's about a 5-7 min bus ride. I will be living right behind WellsFargo on the Coralville Strip (2nd street) and the bus will drop me off right in front of MERF.

 

[JVav]

It's about a 5-7 min bus ride. I will be living right behind WellsFargo on the Coralville Strip (2nd street) and the bus will drop me off right in front of MERF.

That isn't a bad commute at all. My mind is so confused.

 

[researchlover]

Hi Y'all,

First congratulations for those who were accepted to Carver College of Medicine. I am a 2nd year medical student at CCOM and this place is pretty awesome.

I am also the president of the AKK Medical Fraternity. If you are looking for a place to live next year, AKK is a great place to live. We are no longer a functioning "frat house" - we now house co-ed professional students in the health sciences. Single occupancy rooms are available, with common areas shared (kitchen, game room, living room, study spaces, bathrooms, and a small library). At the house, we also have karaoke nights, board game nights, potlucks, and billards night [we have our own billards table].

Parking, laundry facilities, a fully-stocked kitchen with dishes, pots/pans (no need to bring kitchen supplies), personal cupboard/fridge/freezer space are all included in the room & board charge of $350 per month (all utility costs included).

We are located just a short 10-15 minute walk away from The Carver College of Medicine, UIHC, and the VA. Many student bike, and we have our own bike shed.

Academic year leases run from August 15, 2015 - May 15, 2016. There are also vacancies for summer months.

We are looking for responsible applicants who would enjoy living in a community atmosphere! Email us if interested at: [email protected]. Our website is http://www.alphakappakappa.org/ Feel free to direct message me if you have any questions.

 

[markyb03]

I have a question for someone who is familiar with the IC area/the bus system. So, I am looking at an apartment on Harlocke, and am wondering if you guys know anyone who lives there and how their commute to class is? There is an bus route that goes on Benton that I could jump onto and be at the hospital in ~10 minutes. But how long is the walk from the very south side of UIHC (Melrose Ave) to MERF? Just trying to figure out if this is a manageable daily experience or not.

I live in University Heights so I am very familiar with this commute. The walk through the hospital starting from the far south end is not really that much further than walking outside, so that is my normal route especially in the colder months. I'd say 10-12 minutes depending on walking speed. If it is nice outside I will walk/bike outside which honestly is not always faster but boy is it good for the soul - as a med student you spend so much time studying especially when it comes time for Step 1 that you cherish all the outside time you can get. If you are living on Harlocke, the bike ride in the late spring, summer, and fall is very nice IMO. Just make sure you have a decent bike, a lock, and a helmet please! It annoys me so much when I see my classmates/future doctors not partaking in preventative medicine. #endrant

I am paying 600/month for my apartment as well. 500-600 a month is extremely common for Iowa city living. I would keep the place you currently have.

That sounds like a fine amount to spend if you are comfortable with it. Going to med school in NYC, DC, Boston etc, you would be paying MUCH more than that. Personally, I value having a nice home considering I spend so much time there studying. If you are just as happy not having newer/nicer construction, I would say absolutely save the money and live somewhere different. Also location=money, but I believe this has already been talked about. For reference, very near University Heights area (5 min walk to UIHC) and a renovated home, it is 1500-1700 range for a 2 br house. I also know there are nice 2 br condos in the area for 1000-1400 range. I personally know many med students in my class that live in condos/apartments at about this range.

I'll try to give a quick breakdown based on what I know of people from my class: University Heights and Coralville are most common. Heights has the proximity but is more expensive. Coralville is cheaper but you have to take a bus which are pretty reliable. Right by the med school + dental school (N of Newton on Wolf, Lincoln, etc) there is some housing that is the closest to the med school by far, but there aren't that many options and even fewer that have been renovated. If a commute doesn't scare you and you want to live like a king on a med school budget then North Liberty is for you, but you'll probably have to pay for a parking spot to rent near campus. Some med students and some residents I know live in the peninsula area which has very new construction but the commute has always scared me away. The East side - if you want to continue your undergrad experience but at the #1 party school in the country (2013) then the east side is for you. Lastly, like my classmate researchlover mentioned, AKK has affordable housing close to med school along with Phi Rho. These are both great options and you get a chance to interact with your classmates a lot. Phi Rho also has meals prepared for you included in the rent, which are quite tasty I can say.

Disclaimer: this is all just my opinion but if you have anymore questions I'd love to help

Edit: Changed a number

 

[JVav]

I live in University Heights so I am very familiar with this commute. The walk through the hospital starting from the far south end is not really that much further than walking outside, so that is my normal route especially in the colder months. I'd say 10-12 minutes depending on walking speed. If it is nice outside I will walk/bike outside which honestly is not always faster but boy is it good for the soul - as a med student you spend so much time studying especially when it comes time for Step 1 that you cherish all the outside time you can get. If you are living on Harlocke, the bike ride in the late spring, summer, and fall is very nice IMO. Just make sure you have a decent bike, a lock, and a helmet please! It annoys me so much when I see my classmates/future doctors not partaking in preventative medicine. #endrant



That sounds like a fine amount to spend if you are comfortable with it. Going to med school in NYC, DC, Boston etc, you would be paying MUCH more than that. Personally, I value having a nice home considering I spend so much time there studying. If you are just as happy not having newer/nicer construction, I would say absolutely save the money and live somewhere different. Also location=money, but I believe this has already been talked about. For reference, very near University Heights area (5 min walk to UIHC) and a renovated home, it is 1500-1700 range for a 2 br house. I also know there are nice 2 br condos in the area for 1000-1400 range. I personally know many med students in my class that live in condos/apartments at about this range.

I'll try to give a quick breakdown based on what I know of people from my class: University Heights and Coralville are most common. Heights has the proximity but is more expensive. Coralville is cheaper but you have to take a bus which are pretty reliable. Right by the med school + dental school (N of Newton on Wolf, Lincoln, etc) there is some housing that is the closest to the med school by far, but there aren't that many options and even fewer that have been renovated. If a commute doesn't scare you and you want to live like a king on a med school budget then North Liberty is for you, but you'll probably have to pay for a parking spot to rent near campus. Some med students and some residents I know live in the peninsula area which has very new construction but the commute has always scared me away. The East side - if you want to continue your undergrad experience but at the #1 party school in the country (2013) then the east side is for you. Lastly, like my classmate researchlover mentioned, AKK has affordable housing close to med school along with Phi Rho. These are both great options and you get a chance to interact with your classmates a lot. Phi Rho also has meals prepared for you included in the rent, which are quite tasty I can say.

Disclaimer: this is all just my opinion but if you have anymore questions I'd love to help

Edit: Changed a number

Thanks for the response. I think I have come to the conclusion that I want to live at the Harlocke place. The saved money is probably worth the extra commute time/hassle. Another random question: how early do most students arrive before class starts? Is it a come 5 minutes before and stumble in or come early and prepare type of scenario?

 

[Kantanan]

Thanks for the response. I think I have come to the conclusion that I want to live at the Harlocke place. The saved money is probably worth the extra commute time/hassle. Another random question: how early do most students arrive before class starts? Is it a come 5 minutes before and stumble in or come early and prepare type of scenario?

Last minute stumble. Always a stumble.

 

[NonTradJp]

If I may have picked a place to live already and its a bad location in terms of bus/walking, is it hard to get a parking permit? I read something about a commuter permit. Thanks.

 

[AspiringERMD]

If I may have picked a place to live already and its a bad location in terms of bus/walking, is it hard to get a parking permit? I read something about a commuter permit. Thanks.

I was told by multiple people that parking on campus is so bad as to be not an option. 🙁

 

[Humbucker92]

If I may have picked a place to live already and its a bad location in terms of bus/walking, is it hard to get a parking permit? I read something about a commuter permit. Thanks.

http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/md/otherpolicies/

Under 3. parking it says that a commuter lot permit is $180 for a 9 month period. I don't know how hard it is to obtain one, however.

 

[yogini13]

Just out of curiosity, have folks on the WL been getting acceptance notices? I've noticed my number on the WL creeping up, but I'm not sure if it's because others on the WL are dropping out, or if admissions is actively moving people off of it once admitted folks give up a seat.

 

[unnumzaan]

Just out of curiosity, have folks on the WL been getting acceptance notices? I've noticed my number on the WL creeping up, but I'm not sure if it's because others on the WL are dropping out, or if admissions is actively moving people off of it once admitted folks give up a seat.

Are you IS or OOS? I can say with fair certainty that no one has been accepted off the OOS list yet.

 

[yogini13]

Are you IS or OOS? I can say with fair certainty that no one has been accepted off the OOS list yet.

IS

 

[markyb03]

Thanks for the response. I think I have come to the conclusion that I want to live at the Harlocke place. The saved money is probably worth the extra commute time/hassle. Another random question: how early do most students arrive before class starts? Is it a come 5 minutes before and stumble in or come early and prepare type of scenario?

Don't need to come early at all.

 

[JVav]

Don't need to come early at all.

Conversely, how trashy would it be to arrive 5 minutes late? I ask because the bus routes either make me 20 minutes early or 5 minutes late. I am not a big fan of wasting my morning, but I am not the kind of guy who likes to be late either.

 

[markyb03]

Conversely, how trashy would it be to arrive 5 minutes late? I ask because the bus routes either make me 20 minutes early or 5 minutes late. I am not a big fan of wasting my morning, but I am not the kind of guy who likes to be late either.

I'd say don't worry about it too much. There may be a couple profs who don't like it but the majority are understanding as long as you aren't distracting.

 

[ShabbaRanks]

Recently awarded a Dean's Scholarship as an IS student! It wasn't a ton of money, but it's nice to know they still have money to give out!

 

[BengaliBrat]

Recently awarded a Dean's Scholarship as an IS student! It wasn't a ton of money, but it's nice to know they still have money to give out!

 

[BengaliBrat]

Congratulations to you! Well done!

 

[markyb03]

Recently awarded a Dean's Scholarship as an IS student! It wasn't a ton of money, but it's nice to know they still have money to give out!

Congrats that is awesome! And I definitely agree every bit matters. For others reading, don't lose hope for scholarship money as many people with the biggest awards might be choose somewhere else. I personally know several people who got generous scholarships in May

 

[JVav]

Congrats that is awesome! And I definitely agree every bit matters. For others reading, don't lose hope for scholarship money as many people with the biggest awards might be choose somewhere else. I personally know several people who got generous scholarships in May

I lost hope when I saw my financial aid, haha.

 

[ShabbaRanks]

Congrats that is awesome! And I definitely agree every bit matters. For others reading, don't lose hope for scholarship money as many people with the biggest awards might be choose somewhere else. I personally know several people who got generous scholarships in May

Thank you!
Do you know any people that received a smaller scholarship and then later got it increased? I am hopeful that happens to me! Either way I am extremely grateful.

 

[markyb03]

Thank you!
Do you know any people that received a smaller scholarship and then later got it increased? I am hopeful that happens to me! Either way I am extremely grateful.

Not that I've heard of but my sample size isn't that big. People know generally who have scholarships because of the donor luncheon but people don't talk about how much.

 

[NonTradJp]

Not that I've heard of but my sample size isn't that big. People know generally who have scholarships because of the donor luncheon but people don't talk about how much.

Free lunch is awesome, especially from generous donors that are helping to pay for ones education.

 

[markyb03]

Free lunch is awesome, especially from generous donors that are helping to pay for ones education.

Ohhhhh just you wait! There are literally free lunches almost every day of the week from different interest groups. Most people's question when it comes to those meetings is not who is speaking but what food they are serving.

 

[NonTradJp]

Ohhhhh just you wait! There are literally free lunches almost every day of the week from different interest groups. Most people's question when it comes to those meetings is not who is speaking but what food they are serving.

That sounds awesome. I was wondering how much I would be spending on food too. Is it mostly sandwiches and pizza?

 

[Labrine]

That sounds awesome. I was wondering how much I would be spending on food too. Is it mostly sandwiches and pizza?

Don't forget to hit up the other grad schools for free food too! I'm finishing up a masters from across the street thats an MPH and they have tons of food all the time if you go to events. A lot of their speakers are widely respected in their fields and excellent speakers. Today I came out with a sandwich, 3 cupcakes, a pop, and chips. And these are molly's cupcakes (If you haven't been to the place in Iowa City yet you want to add it to the high priority list)!

 

[researchlover]

That sounds awesome. I was wondering how much I would be spending on food too. Is it mostly sandwiches and pizza?

It varies depending on the interest group and the time of the year [some clubs dole out the nice food early on and then go to the standard stuff]. Being part of a few interest groups, I know some interest groups have more funding than other groups. A list of places that food was served during lunch/dinner.

Premium food: Food from Thai Flavor; Oasis; Hy-Vee [sometime sandwiches or Chinese]; La regia taqueria / Chipotle
Standard food: Food from dominoes; papa johns; airliners [pizza quality is decent]; jimmy johns; etc.

 

[NonTradJp]

How do interest groups work? Is there an interest group week and you just attend all the booths or a listing you track down? And are there fees for each group? Can you start your own?

 

[ShabbaRanks]

I know I am way beyond the application deadline, but does anyone know if it is still possible to apply for the IMEI Summer courses? I recently became interested in them but am thinking its way to late to join.

 

[AspiringERMD]

I know I am way beyond the application deadline, but does anyone know if it is still possible to apply for the IMEI Summer courses? I recently became interested in them but am thinking its way to late to join.

Only way to find out is to contact them and ask.

 

[Hawk4223]

For anyone on the alternate list- I started at #26 and was accepted 5-1. Keep up hope!