Does living alone result in better grades?

[318038]

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Hey guys, I was just thinking about my current living situation and was wondering how many of you guys live alone or with roommates? I live with two other med students and I personally feel that it is far easier to become distracted and goof around when you do have roommates.

For medical school, do you think it's a better idea to live alone or live with friends/classmates? Thanks 🙂

 

[TexasPhysician]

Depends on your roommate. I picked a VERY studious roommate to live with, and I couldn't be happier. Even while relaxing and watching tv he would quiz me when tests were getting close. I had to actively try to keep us from studying sometimes. My grades definitely were helped by having a roommate.

Had I roomed with some of the more social classmates, I can definitely see an opposite effect. Find out who studies the most and room with them. 🙂

 

[VoiceofReason]

with respect to getting more **** done, you can't go wrong with living alone.

 

[hurdlepup]

pick someone who studies incessantly to live with. that will shame you into getting stuff done.🙂

on the other hand... they are probably a slob and you will have to dodge dirty dishes and walk through inches of detritus on the floor because all they do is study.

...get a maid, then?👍

 

[MilkmanAl]

I live with two of my classmates, and it's awesome. It'd be too easy to become isolated and lonely living by yourself.

 

[AlexMorph]

Living by yourself leads to a very strong and developed brachioradialis

 

[njbmd]

I never had a problem going to the library (or an empty classroom) when I wanted to study alone. Living with roommates had no effect on "my" ability to study when I needed to study. If the house was too noisy, I put on some earphones, listened to my favorite music and got the job done.

I saved money having some roommates which was the best.

 

[deleted191570]

Depends on your roommate. I picked a VERY studious roommate to live with, and I couldn't be happier. Even while relaxing and watching tv he would quiz me when tests were getting close. I had to actively try to keep us from studying sometimes. My grades definitely were helped by having a roommate.

Wow, that would drive me crazy! Although it probably would help my grades...

pick someone who studies incessantly to live with. that will shame you into getting stuff done.🙂

on the other hand... they are probably a slob and you will have to dodge dirty dishes and walk through inches of detritus on the floor because all they do is study.

IMO, I think the opposite-- if he/she is disciplined enough to be studying all the time, I'd think that person would be more apt to carry that ethic into other areas, such as cleaning up, chores, etc.

 

[J ROD]

Living by yourself leads to a very strong and developed brachioradialis

Left or right dependent of course....😀

unless we have some amphibious folks around here....😉

 

[leviathan]

Left or right dependent of course....😀

unless we have some amphibious folks around here....😉

I didn't realize hand preference changed while underwater? 😉

 

[silverhorse84]

I live with two of my classmates, and it's awesome. It'd be too easy to become isolated and lonely living by yourself.

This. For me, I'd actually study less if I lived alone. I live with one roommate now, and it's best for me. He doesn't distract me (too often anyway), but I don't get lonely and depressed 😉

 

[sunset823]

with respect to getting more **** done, you can't go wrong with living alone.

Depends on your roommate. I picked a VERY studious roommate to live with, and I couldn't be happier. Even while relaxing and watching tv he would quiz me when tests were getting close. I had to actively try to keep us from studying sometimes. My grades definitely were helped by having a roommate.

Had I roomed with some of the more social classmates, I can definitely see an opposite effect. Find out who studies the most and room with them. 🙂

I've pretty much always either lived with my parents or lived alone, only had a roommate one year in undergrad and that was by far my worst year academically (don't blame my roommate, who I'm still good friends with (but she was an english major who didn't help me through ochem much, haha) but I personally like being alone, I can be a slob, like I am now during finals, and nobody can complain but me). However, I have found that I can drift off and waste time (like, um, being on SDN, or watching a movie on Netflix) when there's nobody trying to push me to study. So I guess, in order:

1) Try to live with someone studious who motivates you to study and is a good study partner
2) Live alone, but maybe study in groups at the library or something
3) Live with lazy social people who'll have loud parties and cram the week before the test 🙂

 

[Zona Pellucida]

I didn't realize hand preference changed while underwater? 😉

 

[chiz2kul]

pick someone who studies incessantly to live with. that will shame you into getting stuff done.🙂

So true 👍

Depends on your roommate. I picked a VERY studious roommate to live with, and I couldn't be happier. Even while relaxing and watching tv he would quiz me when tests were getting close. I had to actively try to keep us from studying sometimes. My grades definitely were helped by having a roommate.

Had I roomed with some of the more social classmates, I can definitely see an opposite effect. Find out who studies the most and room with them. 🙂

👍

I saved money having some roommates which was the best.

👍

I live with two of my classmates, and it's awesome. It'd be too easy to become isolated and lonely living by yourself.

👍

 

[45408]

I studied at school, so it didn't matter what happened at home. I'd much much much rather live with someone, especially since it takes your living expenses and divides them in half.

 

[Tiger26]

I think I really benefited from living with two other med students in my class--we all had our own study schedules, but it was nice to be able to clarify any points/concepts I didn't know, quiz each other, or be able to trade copies of old tests.

 

[Deferoxamine]

LIVE ALONE. And get a dog instead.

 

[moto_za]

Living alone in med school results in me (possibly you) becoming depressed.

 

[45408]

LIVE ALONE. And get a dog instead.

As long as the dog has someone to let him out when you're on call for 30 hours.

 

[Narmerguy]

Living alone in med school results in me (possibly you) becoming depressed.

Yeah. That can't be healthy for most people 🙁

 

[SirGecko]

As long as the dog has someone to let him out when you're on call for 30 hours.

Not to mention how depressed the dog will get living alone for all that time. You'd need to get the dog a dog. I'd love to have a dog but there is no way I can until I am past residency or have someone else to help shoulder the responsibility.

Anyone who seriously is considering getting a dog as a single medical student living alone better have some family members willing to take the dog in two years when you start clinical rotations.

Cats on the other hand can live days by themselves at home. No where near as cool as dogs but much more self sufficient. If you are really going to live alone get a cat.

 

[unsung]

I like living alone for the most part, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's working fine for me right now (MSI). I had had roomies all my life previous to this year, so I was really over the whole dorm/group living experience.

I have a cat, so I'm not lonely 😀 People are more trouble than they're worth. That's just because I'm very... eccentric? lol Meaning that when it's early in the morning or I just don't feel like talking at ALL, I'd like to be able to relax at home and not talk. W/ any roomie, you always have to make loads of small talk. It's nice to be able to be home & have the place totally to myself to do as I like.

BUT. The one thing where it would actually be nice to have a roomie is actually the studying situation, I would say. If your roomie is also a med student, it's just inevitable you guys will end up studying together from time to time. Especially those nights before the test. It'd be nice to have someone to clarify some concepts w/ or quiz each other or whatever, from time to time. So, it is actually a bit of a trade-off. Ultimately though, I've come to realize this is largely a solo endeavor. People are nice to study with sometimes, but it still really ultimately all you.

 

[shreypete]

duplicate

 

[shreypete]

Not to mention how depressed the dog will get living alone for all that time. You'd need to get the dog a dog. I'd love to have a dog but there is no way I can until I am past residency or have someone else to help shoulder the responsibility.

Anyone who seriously is considering getting a dog as a single medical student living alone better have some family members willing to take the dog in two years when you start clinical rotations.

Cats on the other hand can live days by themselves at home. No where near as cool as dogs but much more self sufficient. If you are really going to live alone get a cat.

Well, depends on what kind of a dog you get. Get a pomeranian, that little vicious creature is way too independent (as long as you give it tons of toys to play with.) On the down side, it can be hard to discipline.

 

[DoctaJMa]

Well, depends on what kind of a dog you get. Get a pomeranian, that little vicious creature is way too independent (as long as you give it tons of toys to play with.) On the down side, it can be hard to discipline.

👍 I love my poms (post is def true)...although the rents currently have them

 

[sunset823]

I like living alone for the most part, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's working fine for me right now (MSI).
I have a cat, so I'm not lonely 😀 People are more trouble than they're worth. That's just because I'm very... eccentric? lol Meaning that when it's early in the morning or I just don't feel like talking at ALL, I'd like to be able to relax at home and not talk. W/ any roomie, you always have to make loads of small talk. It's nice to be able to be home & have the place totally to myself to do as I like.

Unsung, you and I are two peas from the same pod - and apparently that's a really small pod, from what everyone else has been saying. I personally find it more depressing to live with other people than on my own. Maybe it's my INTJ self. I'm also pretty eccentric.

I hate cats. I love dogs and would love to have one, but no time to take care of them, especially since I like bigger dogs, not a fan of toys. I am planning on getting a dog at some point in my blissful solitary existence, but probably not until after residency.

I'd like to add, living on your own doesn't make you a social outcast. You can still have fun with people, and do group studying. I started group studying in the spring, and that made my grades in one class (physio) shoot up. In the end, having a roommate doesn't affect your study habits that much, so it's just a matter of personal taste.

 

[AyCaramba]

I'd like to add, living on your own doesn't make you a social outcast. You can still have fun with people, and do group studying. I started group studying in the spring, and that made my grades in one class (physio) shoot up. In the end, having a roommate doesn't affect your study habits that much, so it's just a matter of personal taste.

agreed. I want to have my own place to go back to but that doesn't mean I plan on isolating myself

 

[shreypete]

I like living alone for the most part, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's working fine for me right now (MSI). I had had roomies all my life previous to this year, so I was really over the whole dorm/group living experience.

I have a cat, so I'm not lonely 😀 People are more trouble than they're worth. That's just because I'm very... eccentric? lol Meaning that when it's early in the morning or I just don't feel like talking at ALL, I'd like to be able to relax at home and not talk. W/ any roomie, you always have to make loads of small talk. It's nice to be able to be home & have the place totally to myself to do as I like.

BUT. The one thing where it would actually be nice to have a roomie is actually the studying situation, I would say. If your roomie is also a med student, it's just inevitable you guys will end up studying together from time to time. Especially those nights before the test. It'd be nice to have someone to clarify some concepts w/ or quiz each other or whatever, from time to time. So, it is actually a bit of a trade-off. Ultimately though, I've come to realize this is largely a solo endeavor. People are nice to study with sometimes, but it still really ultimately all you.

I know this is random but do you happen to be an Aquarius? I'm a lot like this...I also feel like having a roomie can be a great burden at times. But my roommate is cool. He doesn't bother me too much. The only part that sucks is that we're in the same group at school, so it's a bit boring but that's the reason why we hardly interact when we're home.

I love to live alone and I don't think I would ever get lonely, except during exam time (and that's when I need family more than friends or anything.) I think I'm a bit eccentric too...I don't really care for having too many friends...not now at least. Give me an apartment, and a laptop and I'll never get lonely.

 

[KnuxNole]

I like living alone, and I don't regret it. Although it does get lonely, I can always talk to friends back home via AIM, or hang out with friends on the weekends, so it's not too bad. Roomates are meh to me...I can't stand small talk, and prefer just to be chill and quiet usually. I like personal space too, so I guess if they are in their rooms usually it might be a bit more tolerable. Besides, I like to play music, stay up late, and walk around shirtless with boxers...so having a roomie might be awkward 😛

 

[shreypete]

I like living alone, and I don't regret it. Although it does get lonely, I can always talk to friends back home via AIM, or hang out with friends on the weekends, so it's not too bad. Roomates are meh to me...I can't stand small talk, and prefer just to be chill and quiet usually. I like personal space too, so I guess if they are in their rooms usually it might be a bit more tolerable. Besides, I like to play music, stay up late, and walk around shirtless with boxers...so having a roomie might be awkward 😛

👍

 

[MossPoh]

People keep saying they get lonely living alone. Do you never leave your apartment? I've noticed I can never really tell how good a roommate is. When you are alone, you don't have to worry about money for utilities or them paying the internet bill on time or any of that crap. You also know that you're the one to blame for stuff.

I like living alone because I study at school so much it is nice to come home to a quiet place without people....and if I bring a girl over I don't have to worry about obnoxious roommates.

 

[MilkmanAl]

I study at my house, so no, I wouldn't leave very often and would probably only see other people when I made plans or went to work out. I also don't have to worry about obnoxious roommates, so that's a bit of a wash.

 

[singinfifi]

People keep saying they get lonely living alone. Do you never leave your apartment? I've noticed I can never really tell how good a roommate is. When you are alone, you don't have to worry about money for utilities or them paying the internet bill on time or any of that crap. You also know that you're the one to blame for stuff.

I like living alone because I study at school so much it is nice to come home to a quiet place without people....and if I bring a girl over I don't have to worry about obnoxious roommates.

Eh. I live alone, I had planned on having roommates but I found FINDING them to be a hassle, so I just wound up with my house to myself. I love it. I really thought I'd hate being alone, but like people have said, if you go out and see people the "lonely" isn't really a big thing.

It's nice because I have total flexibility, I can study whereever/whenever I want. That was always my biggest problem with roommates. I LOVED my college roommate, one of my best friends to this day but we quickly found (after freshman year together) that we couldn't live together, despite having the same major. Why? I studied at night, with the TV on in the background and She'd come home and want to watch television/DO STUFF (the nerve, right?) after her classes in the early afternoon/late morning when I was trying to sleep.

This may not be an issue for you if you are not nocturnal like I am.

Pets help with the lonely too. It was weird (at least it was for me, always having had my parents or a roommate) to live in a house (3 bedroom, 2 bath) all by myself. Being slightly paranoid, some nights were a little...nerve wracking. I then proceeded to find a stray dog, adopt him and now I'm ANYTHING but lonely when I'm at home. Plus I feel safe 🙂 It's also nice not to have to have anyone's permission to have people stay over (Parents/friends from college that visit/etc).

I really like some of my classmates, they are some great people. Some of them study WAY more then I do and some WAY less. I think I'd drive myself nuts living with someone that had a different approach to school then me. I'd always be wondering if I was doing enough, or too much, or the wrong way or......(you get the idea). If you do decide to move in with a classmate, make sure they have a similar work ethic/approach to studying that you do.

Good luck with your decision! 🙂

 

[Bluemooncarter]

Eh. I live alone, I had planned on having roommates but I found FINDING them to be a hassle, so I just wound up with my house to myself. I love it. I really thought I'd hate being alone, but like people have said, if you go out and see people the "lonely" isn't really a big thing.

It's nice because I have total flexibility, I can study whereever/whenever I want. That was always my biggest problem with roommates. I LOVED my college roommate, one of my best friends to this day but we quickly found (after freshman year together) that we couldn't live together, despite having the same major. Why? I studied at night, with the TV on in the background and She'd come home and want to watch television/DO STUFF (the nerve, right?) after her classes in the early afternoon/late morning when I was trying to sleep.

This may not be an issue for you if you are not nocturnal like I am.

Pets help with the lonely too. It was weird (at least it was for me, always having had my parents or a roommate) to live in a house (3 bedroom, 2 bath) all by myself. Being slightly paranoid, some nights were a little...nerve wracking. I then proceeded to find a stray dog, adopt him and now I'm ANYTHING but lonely when I'm at home. Plus I feel safe 🙂 It's also nice not to have to have anyone's permission to have people stay over (Parents/friends from college that visit/etc).

I really like some of my classmates, they are some great people. Some of them study WAY more then I do and some WAY less. I think I'd drive myself nuts living with someone that had a different approach to school then me. I'd always be wondering if I was doing enough, or too much, or the wrong way or......(you get the idea). If you do decide to move in with a classmate, make sure they have a similar work ethic/approach to studying that you do.

Good luck with your decision! 🙂

I am a soon-to-be M1, and I really wanted to get a dog because I am gonna live alone, but everybody told me it was a bad idea. Isn't it difficult to take care of a dog when you're so busy? 🙂

 

[unsung]

Unsung, you and I are two peas from the same pod - and apparently that's a really small pod, from what everyone else has been saying. I personally find it more depressing to live with other people than on my own. Maybe it's my INTJ self. I'm also pretty eccentric.

I hate cats. I love dogs and would love to have one, but no time to take care of them, especially since I like bigger dogs, not a fan of toys. I am planning on getting a dog at some point in my blissful solitary existence, but probably not until after residency.

I'd like to add, living on your own doesn't make you a social outcast. You can still have fun with people, and do group studying. I started group studying in the spring, and that made my grades in one class (physio) shoot up. In the end, having a roommate doesn't affect your study habits that much, so it's just a matter of personal taste.

Ha! We really are: I am INTP 😀 Although, not especially strong as P... probably about 50-50 w/ J. Definite introvert & definite intuitive, however.

I do think though, that's it's probably a matter of the right personalities. I rarely meet other INTJs or INTPs in general, and as a whole med students seem to tend toward more SJs. Too bad. I think I could deal with an introvert roomie who needs lots of space like myself. Presumably one day I'll marry someone & won't mind the roommate 😉.

 

[unsung]

I know this is random but do you happen to be an Aquarius? I'm a lot like this...I also feel like having a roomie can be a great burden at times. But my roommate is cool. He doesn't bother me too much. The only part that sucks is that we're in the same group at school, so it's a bit boring but that's the reason why we hardly interact when we're home.

I love to live alone and I don't think I would ever get lonely, except during exam time (and that's when I need family more than friends or anything.) I think I'm a bit eccentric too...I don't really care for having too many friends...not now at least. Give me an apartment, and a laptop and I'll never get lonely.

I'm a Libra. I dunno what that says about me. Yeah, my necessary items for taking w/ me to a deserted island would have to include a computer of some type, with internet connection. 😉

 

[singinfifi]

I am a soon-to-be M1, and I really wanted to get a dog because I am gonna live alone, but everybody told me it was a bad idea. Isn't it difficult to take care of a dog when you're so busy? 🙂

Well for one, he's a small dog (A chiweenie...yeah, you heard me "chiweenie" that'd be a dachshund + a Chihuahua for those interested). He's pretty content to just lay on me when I'm at home. I get him out to the dog park about once a week to run around like a maniac. He's also litter trained, so on days when I'm stuck at school 8-8 (which happens sometimes - not often, but it happens) he's good to go. He's really more like a cat that way.

Have you ever had a dog before? They can be A LOT of work. 1st year of medschool is probably not the best time to have a first dog. Plus you have to think of rotations. Yes, I CAN leave my dog for (in theory) 30 hours at a time, but should I? No. Absolutely not.

I have a unique situation in that my 3rd year rotations are actually right by where my parents live, so my dog is coming up with me and we're both staying with my folks. My mom is home all day so Hercules won't be lonely. Honestly, if I were gong anywhere else for 3rd year and wasn't going to have a roommate I don't know what I'd do. He may wind up staying with my parents 4th year (depending on where I want my electives) You also need to be prepared for the fact that if you set up rotations at sites other then your main hospital you have to find pet friendly housing, which can be a challenge. Also, doggie day care (...please, don't ask) Is expensive.

Residency is a different animal all together and I'm not sure how that is going to go yet. Especially since I don't know what residency I want (or what residency I *can* get). The option there (If I'm still living alone) is to hire a dog walker to come and hang out with herc for an hour a day, where I live those run about 300.00 a month or so (eep). So we'll see how that goes.


In my situation having a dog has been wonderful, but I'm REALLY not sure it'd work for everyone, I'm far more inclined to recommend a cat. You've also got to think a head and realize that yes, years 1 and 2 it's TOTALLY doable, years 3 and 4 are really very much up in the air and a dog is a long time commitment.

Everything just kinda fell into place with Herc, I mean, he was on the side of the highway in Miami and I couldn't find any no kill shelters to take him....I couldn't just LEAVE him there. I tried to give him away and got a call at 4:00 am saying "come get your hellspawn back, he won't stop crying" (he doesn't do that to me). I'm glad I have my little buddy, and I'll do whatever I need to to make it so I can keep him. Pets are great, just be aware that they present a whole set of challenges.

 

[MossPoh]

I study at my house, so no, I wouldn't leave very often and would probably only see other people when I made plans or went to work out. I also don't have to worry about obnoxious roommates, so that's a bit of a wash.

Yea, too many distractions for me at my place. I lack the discipline to stay out of my bed or away from the xbox too long. Also, since I have to be at school nearly every day for SOMETHING, I might as well study there. The way our building is organized, we have kitchenettes and so many private study areas. I don't even take my laptop home most of the time.

 

[OpalOnyx]

i think either way (alone, roommates) is fine as long as you know how to set your own boundaries, stay disciplined, and focus on your work. nobody can keep you from getting good grades except yourself.