Match-itis must be hitting me at full-force now (T-5!), and I'm just realizing that I don't know when orientation starts. I'm sure there is some variation, but do most places start on July 1st, or a week or two before? Just curious.... Thanks, and best luck for the Match!!! 🙂
It all depends. I had friends start orientation June 9 last year, and their first day of work was like June 22. That was the earliest. Most people started their orientation in the last 2 weeks of June, with an end of June or July 1st start date. My orientation was 2 days, June 27th and 30th, and I started July 1st. Problem was, I had to do most of my stuff on my own (ACLS, BLS, etc) that they usually cover during orientation. Call your program (when you know which one it is) and just ask, they usually know by now.
I know, my problem too! I don't finish my current master's program until June 15th, then have to do trans-atlantic moving, and figure SO's move out too (his job is also up in the air with July start). My top 3 choices are in cities I love, but have never lived in before and don't have family there--so looking for housing, etc will also have to take place then. Didn't think when orientation starts should be a factor in the match process, but now I wish I had asked that question in interviews.
Related question: how long before start of orientation would you move to the city to settle in?
Thanks, everyone!
I relocated from NY to Chicago, and it was a tough call. My lease started June 1st, and my orientation was June 27th. I wanted to move with enough time to get settled and orientated to my new "home" before starting, but at the same time, I wanted to spend as much time with family and friends before I moved away. I ended up staying pretty late because I decided to attend a wedding on the 21st, and leaving the next day. Was I still unpacking during my 1st rotation, sure? But then again, I've only been home 3 times since then, and not since Christmas, so it was good for me to maximize time with the ones I care about.
On the other hand, if I wasn't living near home, and was moving here, I would have been here at midnight on June 1st, and would have just enjoyed this city the entire month. It's tough to live in a place with lots to do and A) You're so busy, you might get 2 opportunities a month to enjoy it and B) It's so cold 4 months out of the year, your level of motivation to do so is very low.
In the end, I would say give yourself at least a week before you start, so you can have time to unpack, unwind, and orient yourself to the place. And take as much personal time as possible, as you will find it limited next year.
