General Interview Travel/Accomodations Questions

[imforlife]

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I have some pretty basic questions about travel/accommodations. So I know some programs pay for housing, how common is that? I'm sure that I will be flying to pretty much all of the the interviews I get. I wasn't planning on renting a car and I'm pretty sure I would get lost if I tried to drive myself around those cities, plus I really hate driving.

Do pretty much all the programs have some kind of affiliated housing/hotel and a program where another medical student/resident will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel and then to the interview the next day?

Another stupid question...If you are flying out the same day as your interview and check out of your hotel that morning and then go to the interview,do the schools usually have somewhere for you to leave your luggage so that you don't have to lug it around all during your interview day?

 

[Winged Scapula]

Its highly variable. If there is a general rule, it seems the more competitive the specialty and program, the less likely they are to provide hotel accomodations. You should allow yourself some funds for programs that don't provide hotel.

As for getting lost, I have a good sense of direction but you can usually rent GPS units. Depends on where you are interviewing - some places might be remote from the hospital, as might the hotel, so having a car is much cheaper than taking cabs.

When you check out you can either leave your luggage with the bellhop and come back to the hotel to get it, or take it to the interview with you...many programs are used to applicants bringing luggage along. Of course, if you havd a rental care, just leave it in the trunk,