BU Class of 2012

[DoctorTurkleton]

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First 1200$ for room an board per month is more than enough to live in Boston....with a roommate. My boyfriend and I are living together and rent + utilities costs us 750$ a month. This leaves me 450$ for other stuff. So even though it seems like very little you will probably be fine. Granted I do not know if you have a family or not to support but for one person its more than enough.🙂

P.S. Our 750$ also includes parking. Though I do not think that most students will have a car.

Where in Boston do you live? Cause it sounds like you have a great deal.

I live in the south end and pay $850/mo plus about $100 in utilities, which is a good deal. Most people around the south end pay about $1,000/mo. or more and that is with at least one roommate. LShapley has the costs about right, which you can also obtain from: http://www.bumc.bu.edu/Dept/Content.aspx?DepartmentID=375&PageID=12184
---> click on Housing Resource Guides ---> click Boston Neighborhoods

From my experiences and from the many people I know here, expect to pay somewhere in the middle to upper end of those numbers unless you are very lucky. Plus, to get a place here you normally have to pay up front first month, last month, and a security deposit of one month. So basically, that's three months up front which is about $2,400 - $3,000 just to move in.

Also, don't forget that $1200 is room AND BOARD. I generally spend at least $300/mo on groceries. With rent and utilities, that puts me just over budget. The budget for next year is http://www.bumc.bu.edu/Dept/Content.aspx?DepartmentID=160&PageID=13107
and would mean I would tap in to the personal allotment just to cover basic living expenses. Add in any entertainment spending or anything else and I hope you either find a great inexpensive place or have family helping you pay for school.

Personally, I would not bring a car. Maybe I just had bad luck, but after living here for a year I got rid of mine. Parking near BMC my car got many scratches on it from people who are not very skilled at parallel parking. Also I was rear ended while stopped at a stop light TWICE by taxi drivers and side swiped out of nowhere by an overly aggressive driver. However, you may need a car for third and fourth years, because many students I know have clerkships outside of Boston (some as far away as RI or Maine). By the way I have a very clean record and never claimed those accidents since I don't have a really nice car and my auto insurance ran about $2,500/yr (which would also hurt your budget).

Anyway, you will all be studying most of the time and not have much time to spend a lot of money. So as long as you have other financial resources or are very spendthrift with your budget, it will work. Best of luck!

 

[abik86]

I am living next to the BU main campus, I guess I didn't consider the BOARD part. But I think that for rent and utilities we have a great deal.

 

[DoctorPhud]

From my experiences and from the many people I know here, expect to pay somewhere in the middle to upper end of those numbers unless you are very lucky. Plus, to get a place here you normally have to pay up front first month, last month, and a security deposit of one month. So basically, that's three months up front which is about $2,400 - $3,000 just to move in.

This ^^^

Upfront last month and deposit absolutely kill you as a tenant in Boston.

Also, don't forget that $1200 is room AND BOARD. I generally spend at least $300/mo on groceries. With rent and utilities, that puts me just over budget. The budget for next year is http://www.bumc.bu.edu/Dept/Content.aspx?DepartmentID=160&PageID=13107
and would mean I would tap in to the personal allotment just to cover basic living expenses. Add in any entertainment spending or anything else and I hope you either find a great inexpensive place or have family helping you pay for school.

Throw in internet and phone bills, along with a T pass, and the price climbs still further.

Personally, I would not bring a car. Maybe I just had bad luck, but after living here for a year I got rid of mine. Parking near BMC my car got many scratches on it from people who are not very skilled at parallel parking. Also I was rear ended while stopped at a stop light TWICE by taxi drivers and side swiped out of nowhere by an overly aggressive driver. However, you may need a car for third and fourth years, because many students I know have clerkships outside of Boston (some as far away as RI or Maine). By the way I have a very clean record and never claimed those accidents since I don't have a really nice car and my auto insurance ran about $2,500/yr (which would also hurt your budget).

Yeah... You'll need a car for 3 & 4. Boston insurance is incredibly expensive (my wife and I are paying ~$4,000 together this year. Expect your car to get the bumpers slowly destroyed if you park on the street; it happens. Rear-end collisions happen all the time, as well. It's just the way Boston is, I'm afraid.

Anyway, you will all be studying most of the time and not have much time to spend a lot of money. So as long as you have other financial resources or are very spendthrift with your budget, it will work. Best of luck!

But do remember that you'll need some money to blow off steam from time to time 🙂

 

[DoctorPhud]

People were asking about e-mail accounts - my invitation to sign up for one (with access to their network) turned up in my designated inbox this morning.

Have fun all - see you at the Second Look.

 

[nontypicalazn]

Got my email account tonight. Now let's go trash facebook!!

If anyone has or wants to find a place near BU undergrad campus, please let me know!!

 

[AEIOU]

Hey nontypicalazn,
I'm also looking into options near main campus. I am indeed interested. Do you have the bu email address? Let me know.

Got my email account tonight. Now let's go trash facebook!!

If anyone has or wants to find a place near BU undergrad campus, please let me know!!

 

[HoorayForMed]

Hey nontypicalazn,
I'm also looking into options near main campus. I am indeed interested. Do you have the bu email address? Let me know.

I'm looking for places on Friday (meeting with realtor, etc) so I'll let people know if I find anything good when we are all at second look on Saturday?

 

[nontypicalazn]

Hooray, that sounds great. I will be there Saturday.

AEIOU, I do have a BU email addy, I'll pm you, but gmailing me is the best way to contact me.

 

[eagle34]

Hey guys,

I was just wondering if your boyfriend/girlfriend is coming to the social event at the pub after the open house...what do you think?

 

[Nebulus2012]

Hey guys,

I was just wondering if your boyfriend/girlfriend is coming to the social event at the pub after the open house...what do you think?

My parents and my girlfriend are all coming to the open house, but we will most likely be skipping th social event to go out to a dinner on our own schedule. However, if I were planning on attending, I would definately bring my girlfriend. You guys are my future colleagues and friends, and I would want to include girlfriend in the picture as well.

Either way, I look forward to meeting you all!

 

[abik86]

Hey guys,

I was just wondering if your boyfriend/girlfriend is coming to the social event at the pub after the open house...what do you think?

If I stay for the social event I plan to bring my boyfriend... I think it is important for boyfriends/girlfriends to be involved in this. I mean their lives will be changed by Med School just as much as ours!

 

[nontypicalazn]

I was gonna bring my folks, but then I realized that they didn't speak English, so it'll be a whole day of 😕😕😕 for them.

oh, I just remembered to book a Chinatown bus 😀 $30 bucks round trip is too cool!

 

[aaj117]

I was gonna bring my folks, but then I realized that they didn't speak English, so it'll be a whole day of 😕😕😕 for them.

oh, I just remembered to book a Chinatown bus 😀 $30 bucks round trip is too cool!

where are you traveling from?
is anyone going from philly to boston? i'm driving up on friday and was wondering if anyone else was going that route and wanted to hop in the car to save $, split tolls.

 

[nontypicalazn]

I'm from the greener, but still stinky big apple. Why not just take the Greyhound, their e-service/ticket is reasonably priced.

 

[aaj117]

I'm from the greener, but still stinky big apple. Why not just take the Greyhound, their e-service/ticket is reasonably priced.

i get really really antsy on busses and trains. And last time i took a greyhound it took 5 hours longer than it was supposed to. I'm more comfortable in my car, and i get like 37 MPG so it's not too expensive even though gas is crazy. So, i just thought i'd offer anyone around here.

 

[Go Lance!]

I was gonna bring my folks, but then I realized that they didn't speak English, so it'll be a whole day of 😕😕😕 for them.

oh, I just remembered to book a Chinatown bus 😀 $30 bucks round trip is too cool!

Dude you should check out BoltBus. It is about $30 roundtrip NYC-Boston and has WiFi access. From what I have heard of the Chinatown buses it should be MUCH safer too!

 

[nontypicalazn]

Ooo, never heard of BoltBus. But I will definitely check it out. Well, Chinatown Bus is fairly safe. The North Carolina incident was a separate issue.

By the way, is BoltBus safe??

Edited:

their extra leg room and power outlet convinced me lol

 

[eagle34]

so how many of you guys are planning on going to the social event after the open house?

 

[abik86]

I don't know if any of you will know the answer to this....

My parents wanted to buy me a stethoscope for a graduation present... but I do not know if we need one first year. It wouldn't be a very expensive one, but should I tell them to wait?

Maybe a current student would know?

 

[Go Lance!]

I think that BoltBus should be safe, since it is operated by the same company which does the BU Shuttle. Plus the amenities look awesome. The Chinatown buses from Boston are on the news at least once per year for accidents, fires, etc., which is why they have the reputation for being unsafe!

Yes, I am planning on going to the social.

I was reading about the White Coat Ceremony from last year and it looks like the school gives us stethoscopes that are donated by alumni. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[jem86]

I think that BoltBus should be safe, since it is operated by the same company which does the BU Shuttle. Plus the amenities look awesome. The Chinatown buses from Boston are on the news at least once per year for accidents, fires, etc., which is why they have the reputation for being unsafe!

Yes, I am planning on going to the social.

I was reading about the White Coat Ceremony from last year and it looks like the school gives us stethoscopes that are donated by alumni. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

yup stethoscopes donated by alumni and some of the white coats have little pieces of paper with the names of alumni who donated.

weird question but whats the dress code for a second look day?

 

[abik86]

weird question but whats the dress code for a second look day?

One of the current students (MSI) said that it was business casual

 

[nontypicalazn]

At this point, you can wear whatever you want 😛 business casual or casual casual. You can come in your PJ nursing a hangover if you want 👍

 

[aaj117]

You can come in your PJ nursing a hangover if you want 👍

ahhh you stole my basic life plan!

 

[FrVerona]

I don't know if any of you will know the answer to this....

My parents wanted to buy me a stethoscope for a graduation present... but I do not know if we need one first year. It wouldn't be a very expensive one, but should I tell them to wait?

Maybe a current student would know?

Whoever commented later was right, stethoscopes were donated by alumni. You will definitely need it in 1st year. Our year (2011) got the Littmann Cardiology III which is pretty top of the line, which I'm sure you will get as well. I would suggest getting yours engraved (BUSM has a form you can fill out and they'll get it done for you), I think it's $15 extra or maybe cheaper than that. I was advised my year that without the engraving they'd be more prone to getting stolen or if you lost it, there'd be no way of telling whose was whose.

 

[eagle34]

So, what'd you guys think of the open house yesterday?

 

[abik86]

I thought it was nice... I had to leave early I have 3 finals this week.

Did you all go to the thing for students afterwards? How was it?

 

[Nebulus2012]

I enjoyed it! I did feel like they went into a bit too much detail regarding the curriculum reform and who worked on what, etc. But the student interactions were really great and I was psyched to show my parents/girlfriend where I'll be for the next 4 years of my life. Also...did anyone else think that the Taxi Voucher program sounds pretty sweet??

 

[abik86]

I actually went home and looked up the taxi voucher program b/c I thought it was really cool too!

It says that it is only valid between 1:30am and 4:30am and a similar time on weekends ... Its still great but at the same time unfortunate that this may be a preview into the hours we will keep. 😱

 

[nontypicalazn]

Open House was pretty cool. Some parts of it were long and soporific but mostly it was quite informative. The closing bit was pretty funny. People at my table were laughing quite a bit. 😀

I had more alcohol in the last 2 days than I had this whole year combined 😛

Hope to see you guys at Orientation!

 

[eagle34]

Open House was pretty cool. Some parts of it were long and soporific but mostly it was quite informative. The closing bit was pretty funny. People at my table were laughing quite a bit. 😀

I had more alcohol in the last 2 days than I had this whole year combined 😛

Hope to see you guys at Orientation!

did you go to the student sponsored thing? how was that?

 

[Nebulus2012]

did you go to the student sponsored thing? how was that?

I actually didn't end up going. I ducked out with my girlfriend/parents to go grab some dinner before they went home. I'm curious to hear how the event was though...what did you guys think?

 

[nontypicalazn]

The event was just really a place for the incoming students to get to know potential classmates. It was pretty crowded actually. A bunch of us actually got a table and just had food and chichatted. Some 3rd year came by later on and we chatted a bit more. Food was alright, and free, but drinks aren't. Overall it was pretty cool, nothing particularly special.

 

[swim2006]

I'm going to be at BU in the fall. I just withdrew from my last school.

 

[Raul]

alright, hate to depress yall but in case anyone is interested in just how much it will cost to borrow the entire amount for an MD at BU, use this formula:

A=P(1+ (r/n))^(nt)
where A= Amount owed after time t; P=principal amount borrowed; r= rate (ie 10%=.10); n= number of times interest is compounded per year.

I have come to terms with it by now, but I just had to share my pain!

 

[Raul]

On another note...
Look, is anyone seriously looking for roomates for the 08-09 year? What are yall planning to do as far as housing? One bedroom, two, three, four, what?
Any input?

 

[Nebulus2012]

Hey Everyone,

I figured that since I live in Boston now, I'd give you all a heads up on a mailing that you'll be receiving soon (I just got it yesturday). It includes an advisor selection form, a professionalism/criminal background/etc form, and a white coat sizing form...all are due back at varying times during June and July. Also, there is a physical examination/immunization form that has to be completed and returned by July 1st. Time to book those check-ups....

 

[Raul]

Wow, now I feel like Sargent Buzz Kill with the whole formula thing....can I get a wittness?

 

[Go Lance!]

For me the cost is a dead issue. Yes it will be expensive but I have worked out another formula: I like BU+ I get to study medicine= I can't wait to start school and meet everyone in August!

 

[FrVerona]

So the MSI schedule for the next year came out:
http://www.bumc.bu.edu/www/busm/mec/pdf/BUSMI2008-09.pdf

FrVerona, is this schedule a lot different than what you have now? What do you think of this schedule in comparison to yours?

Sorry it took me so long to reply! As far as I've been told, the major differences are that you'll have your white coat at the beginning of Orientation. Our year, white coat was a month into classes, so everyone's family flew out and stayed for a few days right at the start of Anatomy at a time when it was ridiculously hard to spend anytime with them.

It looks like you're starting Anatomy a little earlier, so that will probably decompress the course a little. Notably, you'll be taking Biochem. in the Fall vs. in the Spring (which is what 2011 had). Histology is a notoriously difficult class compared to Histo courses at other med. schools, so I think not hitting you with that right at the beginning when you're also taking a very complex course like Anatomy will benefit you.

I think the best deal your class is getting is a decompressed Neuroscience course. Neuroscience for us was one month of pretty much hell. 🙂 Basically for the month of January, you take what should be a semester long course compressed into 4 weeks. The class did very well and had a great average, but we were all extraordinarily unhappy due to the sheer workload - the course content was very interesting. Our year gave a lot of feedback and thus for your year, you will be starting Neuro in Dec. and will take 1 midterm before break so that you won't have anything to study over the holidays. Then will come back in Jan. to finish the course and take the final. You guys are definitely the envy of our class. Additionally, the 2nd year will be pass fail (no honors option) which will be a new BUSM change going into effect for the 2008-2009 year.

It also looks like you guys won't have Immunology in the 1st year, which was a requirement for our class.

I'm sure there are a lot of changes that I missed, but basically the 2 major changes I see for your schedule (flipping Biochem. and Histo and decompressing Neuroscience) are definitely for the better and things that our class really pushed for. Enjoy your first year, you're going to learn a lot and it will be by in no time at all!

 

[Go Lance!]

It also looks like you guys won't have Immunology in the 1st year, which was a requirement for our class.

We actually will still have Immunology spring semester.

 

[eagle34]

Sorry it took me so long to reply! As far as I've been told, the major differences are that you'll have your white coat at the beginning of Orientation. Our year, white coat was a month into classes, so everyone's family flew out and stayed for a few days right at the start of Anatomy at a time when it was ridiculously hard to spend anytime with them.

It looks like you're starting Anatomy a little earlier, so that will probably decompress the course a little. Notably, you'll be taking Biochem. in the Fall vs. in the Spring (which is what 2011 had). Histology is a notoriously difficult class compared to Histo courses at other med. schools, so I think not hitting you with that right at the beginning when you're also taking a very complex course like Anatomy will benefit you.

I think the best deal your class is getting is a decompressed Neuroscience course. Neuroscience for us was one month of pretty much hell. 🙂 Basically for the month of January, you take what should be a semester long course compressed into 4 weeks. The class did very well and had a great average, but we were all extraordinarily unhappy due to the sheer workload - the course content was very interesting. Our year gave a lot of feedback and thus for your year, you will be starting Neuro in Dec. and will take 1 midterm before break so that you won't have anything to study over the holidays. Then will come back in Jan. to finish the course and take the final. You guys are definitely the envy of our class. Additionally, the 2nd year will be pass fail (no honors option) which will be a new BUSM change going into effect for the 2008-2009 year.

It also looks like you guys won't have Immunology in the 1st year, which was a requirement for our class.

I'm sure there are a lot of changes that I missed, but basically the 2 major changes I see for your schedule (flipping Biochem. and Histo and decompressing Neuroscience) are definitely for the better and things that our class really pushed for. Enjoy your first year, you're going to learn a lot and it will be by in no time at all!

The good thing here seems that administration really listens to the feedback from students!

 

[abik86]

I know it is kind of early but were any of you thinking of going to the Red Sox game on August 15th with ppl for our class?

 

[eagle34]

I know it is kind of early but were any of you thinking of going to the Red Sox game on August 15th with ppl for our class?

No doubt!

 

[ladude626]

Anybody tried the roommate matching program from the Office of Housing Resources website? I could log in with my BU account but I don't have access to it. Anybody else having the same problem?

Here's the site: http://www.bumc.bu.edu/Dept/Content.aspx?DepartmentID=375&PageID=6765

 

[jacohntx]

Hi there. I had the same problem w/ access when i tried yesterday. I emailed Dave Rini and he gave me a link to a different forum but sounded sad b/c it "doesn't get that much use". here it is anyhow, http://www.bu.edu/phpbin/forums/viewforum.php?f=278.

ANYbody out there looking around for roommate situations? Being in california until mid-july housing fair makes for a pretty difficult apt hunt. i'd like to think i'd know something about the area im living. is alston/brookline/south end pretty much the standard neighborhoods to look at?

 

[ladude626]

Hi there. I had the same problem w/ access when i tried yesterday. I emailed Dave Rini and he gave me a link to a different forum but sounded sad b/c it "doesn't get that much use". here it is anyhow, http://www.bu.edu/phpbin/forums/viewforum.php?f=278.

ANYbody out there looking around for roommate situations? Being in california until mid-july housing fair makes for a pretty difficult apt hunt. i'd like to think i'd know something about the area im living. is alston/brookline/south end pretty much the standard neighborhoods to look at?

Hey jacohntx I am currently looking for roommates as well. I'm looking for 2 roommates who are willing to move into a 3 bedroom apartment near BUMC. I'm currently interested in Parmelee Court which is within 5 minute walking distance. At $2200-$2250 for a 3 bedroom, I find the price to be reasonable:

http://www.bostonapartments.com/parmeleecourt.htm

I'm also from California and can't be Boston until early August to check out housings before hand.

 

[abik86]

If you all read some of the previous posts you may know... My boyfriend and I have signed a lease for a beautiful, large one bedroom apartment on BU main campus (walking distance from the shuttle....easy commute to BUSM). Unfortunately, my boyfriend is no longer going to school in Boston (he got into his first choice school after we signed the lease!!) We need to get out of the lease and the easiest way is it to have some one take it.

1 bedroom, large living room and kitchen.👍👍👍
2nd floor big windows, lots of light
Heat and hot water included👍👍
Apartment fee already payed
Rent is $1450 (split with a roommate it is a steal)


Please if you or someone you know can help me out!!!!!

 

[jacohntx]

Is anybody considering living in Jamaica Plain. I keep finding great and affordable listings there more than anyone else and the Orange Line appears to be very convenient for commute to mass ave.
Or, do y'all know why Not to look in JP?

 

[nontypicalazn]

Anyone going to the Housing Fair this coming week? Is it worth going?