Illinois CVM c/o 2023 Hopefuls

[SkiOtter]

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Commuting during vet school- is it possible? I live exactly one hour from the vet school. The drive is interstate almost all the way. I have made the drive for a couple semesters while fulfilling pre reqs. My husband and I really don't want to sell our house and move because we haven't owned it that long. Also, we have 2.5 acres and 5 dogs, with a really nice setup for them. It would be really difficult for us to relocate. I also lived in Champaign/Urbana for four years during undergrad and really don't want to live up there again haha.

I think during clinics end of 3rd/4th year you’re required to be closer to the school, but someone else can confirm that.
It potentially would be possible to commute an hour each way until clinics 3rd year, but you also would have to think about having to be here 8-4 some days and whether you would be willing to do that drive and spend that long in the car each day and have to make the decision for yourself whether you’d be willing to give up that much extra time of sleep and study time.
It also would be harder for wet labs in the evening (where you may be there until 8-8:30 at night) and coming in extra time to study anatomy (if you wanted) on the weekends. Those are just other things to consider.

 

[battie]

Does Illinois offer a lot of opportunities to travel aboard during the summer months? This is something I’m super interested and have found info from other schools but not so much Illinois. Do any current students have any insight? Thanks for being so helpful too, I’m learning so much!

You're free to do whatever you want from May to August of your 1st and 2nd summer. My vet med bestie spent her summer last year at Utrecht with the BI summer research program. Do you have a more specific question, I guess? I'm not really sure what you're looking for.

Do you know how much the apartments at The Place @117 go for by chance? I was looking online and I couldn't find any prices listed.

I lived in building 8 by the pool and hated every minute of it. At the time, I didn't feel like they enforced their own rules for noise and I was paying ~450 a month in a 4 bed/4 bath. I moved as soon as I could. However, I am in the minority and a ton of people in my class live there and love it.

Commuting during vet school- is it possible? I live exactly one hour from the vet school. The drive is interstate almost all the way. I have made the drive for a couple semesters while fulfilling pre reqs. My husband and I really don't want to sell our house and move because we haven't owned it that long. Also, we have 2.5 acres and 5 dogs, with a really nice setup for them. It would be really difficult for us to relocate. I also lived in Champaign/Urbana for four years during undergrad and really don't want to live up there again haha.

There is a girl in my class who lives an hour from here. She makes it work right now. But for 4th year on call, you have to be within 15 minutes. I'm not sure how she's going to make that work.

 

[pp9]

Commuting during vet school- is it possible? I live exactly one hour from the vet school. The drive is interstate almost all the way. I have made the drive for a couple semesters while fulfilling pre reqs. My husband and I really don't want to sell our house and move because we haven't owned it that long. Also, we have 2.5 acres and 5 dogs, with a really nice setup for them. It would be really difficult for us to relocate. I also lived in Champaign/Urbana for four years during undergrad and really don't want to live up there again haha.

You have to be at the school within 30 minutes tops (some clinicians will say 20...15 minutes is a new one I have never heard) if you're on call during clinics. (also fyi for @batsenecal @SkiOtter ). Either way, an hour is too far. Also, keep in mind that come third year, you'll have junior surgery and will need to be at school no later than 530/6ish on those Tuesdays. Come fourth year, I've had so many patients on Internal Medicine and Surgery that I've gotten to school as early as 5am to make sure my SOAP is done in time before rounds (all while not getting home until 10pm or later the night before, and I live 5minutes away from school). Some rotations require you to come in 7 days a week just as early as any normal weekday. You will be trying to drive home at 3, 4, 5am on ER overnights when you're so tired that you don't even remember your name. You will be required to come in during the night/weekends for patient treatments on certain services as well (and junior surgery). Ignoring the fact that you can't make it to campus in a timely manner, I can't imagine being more than 10-20min away during clinics. You have no idea how valuable the 40ish minutes of sleep lost on your drive home are until you're on clinics.

FYI: There is no space for a student to crash within the hospital for the night and it's not actually allowed. You could always rent a room in an apartment with other students just during clinics if you're really trying to avoid moving.

long story short: you cannot actually be more than 30 minutes away during clinics.

 

[catahoulas17]

long story short: you cannot actually be more than 30 minutes away during clinics.

Really appreciate the thought and detail you put into your answer. I will probably have to rent something up there down the road, then.

 

[AnimalLover<3]

Has anyone received the official letter in the mail yet?

 

[Chihuahualove22]

Has anyone received the official letter in the mail yet?

Nooo, was just about to ask this.

 

[gabililis]

Nooo, was just about to ask this.

Ok good! Because I was freaking out that it got lost

 

[thezekroman]

Ok good! Because I was freaking out that it got lost

Still waiting here as well, we should be getting them soon I think, but they said a couple of the interviews were delayed so that may be pushing the mail back a bit. Just a thought.

 

[Cobyology]

Received the acceptance letter today, I'm in Wisconsin.

 

[Strix]

I’m really confused, I just received an email saying that I am an alternate but I was originally accepted via email about a week and a half ago??

 

[battie]

I’m really confused, I just received an email saying that I am an alternate but I was originally accepted via email about a week and a half ago??

That's a call to ASA

 

[Strix]

That's a call to ASA

I emailed them right when I saw it, hopefully it’s just a mistake.

 

[Meow2124]

I’m really confused, I just received an email saying that I am an alternate but I was originally accepted via email about a week and a half ago??

I also got that email. Except I was already listed as an alternate so not sure exactly what happened. They made it sound like they accidentally sent the wrong physical letter to my house but I still haven’t received anything.

 

[PandaEnthusiast]

My Mom just texted me that they got my letter back at home!

 

[dogtorhopeful]

I emailed them right when I saw it, hopefully it’s just a mistake.

Have you gotten a response? I was emailed a week and a half ago saying I was an alternate, but I just got an acceptance letter. I called but was told to call back tomorrow.

 

[Strix]

Have you gotten a response? I was emailed a week and a half ago saying I was an alternate, but I just got an acceptance letter. I called but was told to call back tomorrow.

I did get a response, and the person said that I was accepted and sorry for the mistake. This is all pretty weird and I get that people make mistakes, but these seem like pretty big ones...

 

[sophiecat17]

Does anyone know someone who lives in the legends apts? I have some questions 🙂

 

[Bibesy]

Does anyone know someone who lives in the legends apts? I have some questions 🙂

I have a first year friend at the Legends! She’s not on SDN but she told me she’d love to answer your questions. I’ll dm you her facebook info and you can message her 🙂

 

[Bibesy]

Does anyone know someone who lives in the legends apts? I have some questions 🙂

It’s not letting me dm you for some reason so if you try to dm me maybe that will work?

 

[hedgiewedgie]

Just got my letter in the mail today! However, I'm declining my seat as I got into my first choice. I hope this helps someone out on the alternate list! Good luck everyone 🙂

 

[SkiOtter]

Does anyone know someone who lives in the legends apts? I have some questions 🙂

I don’t live in the legends, but I live in Windsor west which is by the same management company. Always quick to respond to maintenance requests and the people in the office are friendly. Only thing I’m not a huge fan of is they are very slow to salt the roads after plowing so there’s one curve on my way out the complex from my apartment that gets slippery and you’ll slide going <10 mph. I did tour at the legends when I was looking and it was also very nice and a few apartment buildings and the clubhouse are brand new.

 

[Reggie55]

Do we get a spring break or thanksgiving break? And how long is Christmas break?

 

[SkiOtter]

Yes 1 week, yes 1 week, and this year was 3 weeks.

 

[sophiecat17]

I don’t live in the legends, but I live in Windsor west which is by the same management company. Always quick to respond to maintenance requests and the people in the office are friendly. Only thing I’m not a huge fan of is they are very slow to salt the roads after plowing so there’s one curve on my way out the complex from my apartment that gets slippery and you’ll slide going <10 mph. I did tour at the legends when I was looking and it was also very nice and a few apartment buildings and the clubhouse are brand new.

awesome thanks! why did you choose windsor west over legends?

 

[SkiOtter]

awesome thanks! why did you choose windsor west over legends?

Because I could get an apartment with a garage 🤣
I think the legends said that they were building some with garages that I could’ve moved into this coming year, but that would’ve required moving and I’m trying to avoid that until I graduate
It was a really tough decision deciding between the two though and it definitely took me the better part of a week
I like that I don’t have to brush my car off when it snows and that was worth the little bit extra a month to me, especially since I have a bad back.
I do like that the legends has fitness stuff in their clubhouse, where Windsor west doesn’t because the Y is across the street.

 

[Lovablepet]

Because I could get an apartment with a garage 🤣
I think the legends said that they were building some with garages that I could’ve moved into this coming year, but that would’ve required moving and I’m trying to avoid that until I graduate
It was a really tough decision deciding between the two though and it definitely took me the better part of a week
I like that I don’t have to brush my car off when it snows and that was worth the little bit extra a month to me, especially since I have a bad back.
I do like that the legends has fitness stuff in their clubhouse, where Windsor west doesn’t because the Y is across the street.

Can I ask if utilities are expensive at Windsor? Thanks

 

[ZeusDVM13]

Because I could get an apartment with a garage 🤣
I think the legends said that they were building some with garages that I could’ve moved into this coming year, but that would’ve required moving and I’m trying to avoid that until I graduate
It was a really tough decision deciding between the two though and it definitely took me the better part of a week
I like that I don’t have to brush my car off when it snows and that was worth the little bit extra a month to me, especially since I have a bad back.
I do like that the legends has fitness stuff in their clubhouse, where Windsor west doesn’t because the Y is across the street.

Do they have any townhome style units with private entry?

 

[dogtorhopeful]

Update: finally got in touch with ASA and they could not find my information


Background: received alternate status via email but got an acceptance letter in the mail.

 

[Bibesy]

To everyone who's experiencing issues and frustrations with ASA right now, I'm not sure why these things are happening and I'm so incredibly sorry to hear about all of this additional stress and confusion, but I just want to emphasize that I feel these complications are not representative of the school in general and I hope that they don't deter any of you lovely people from accepting a spot here, etc.

You all seem to be taking this in stride (you're all definitely handling it way better than I would have if I were in your position lol) and that's so fantastic. Keep being amazing everyone!

 

[Strix]

To everyone who's experiencing issues and frustrations with ASA right now, I'm not sure why these things are happening and I'm so incredibly sorry to hear about all of this additional stress and confusion, but I just want to emphasize that I feel these complications are not representative of the school in general and I hope that they don't deter any of you lovely people from accepting a spot here, etc.

You all seem to be taking this in stride (you're all definitely handling it way better than I would have if I were in your position lol) and that's so fantastic. Keep being amazing everyone!

I appreciate this, and I don't want to make a judgment on the school as a whole or anything like that of course. I just wish that they would send out some sort of formal apology to everybody or at least those affected and explain exactly what is going on.

 

[battie]

I just wish that they would send out some sort of formal apology to everybody or at least those affected and explain exactly what is going on.

I get that you would like to know what's going on, but also remember that the school may not know what's going on as well. They may be waiting to update everyone for when they have an actual update to give.

 

[saki1851]

I received an email saying I was an alternate but received in the mail a sheet of paper that said congrats and to send in a 500$ deposit...

 

[anthonymendoza132]

Wtf lol So we don’t even know if the people who got accepted really got accepted

 

[sophiecat17]

Wtf lol So we don’t even know if the people who got accepted really got accepted

well everyone receives a letter... so if they match its very unlikely you have an issue

 

[Meow2124]

I received an email saying I was an alternate but received in the mail a sheet of paper that said congrats and to send in a 500$ deposit...

I received the same thing. They emailed me again apologizing and that they would resend the alternate letter with the correct paperwork.

 

[ss20g]

I received the same thing. They emailed me again apologizing and that they would resend the alternate letter with the correct paperwork.

Same happened to me too.

 

[SkiOtter]

I’m sorry so many of you guys have gotten mixed up letters 🙁
I’d definitely give ASA a call and ask which is the correct letter to double check.

 

[Fooke]

Did other pple get their letters by mail? I haven't gotten anything since the acceptance email

Sent from my Moto E (4) Plus using SDN mobile app

 

[Fooke]

Has anyone else not gotten a letter by mail?. I'm lowkey freaking out

Sent from my Moto E (4) Plus using SDN mobile app

 

[Chihuahualove22]

Hello! For anyone who pay for their own utilities in Illinois do you mind giving me a break down of the average cost for water, electric, gas, and internet? You can message me if you want!

 

[pp9]

Hello! For anyone who pay for their own utilities in Illinois do you mind giving me a break down of the average cost for water, electric, gas, and internet? You can message me if you want!

I live alone in a somewhat older 800 sqft apartment. my water runs around $35 a month consistently, electric/gas varies. My highest was like $110 or something when we had our coldest days a few weeks ago. My apartment provides internet so I can't really give you an idea there.

 

[Chihuahualove22]

I live alone in a somewhat older 800 sqft apartment. my water runs around $35 a month consistently, electric/gas varies. My highest was like $110 or something when we had our coldest days a few weeks ago. My apartment provides internet so I can't really give you an idea there.

Thank you that was exactly what I was looking for, internet is usually a fixed rate anyways.

 

[MyDogsAreBarking]

I live in a small 2 bedroom 1 bath side of a duplex. For the whole apt, it's usually $40 a month for water, and electric/gas varies but in the very coldest months is around $140 at the highest (I live in an old duplex, and the windows are definitely not energy efficient at all). Internet for me was $46 a month for the first year, and is now $67 a month with Xfinity. The jump sucked, but I think they do offer student pricing which I wasn't aware of and will check out. I think it's between the two prices I have paid. I do not have cable or landline with it, just internet.

 

[SkiOtter]

I live in a small 2 bedroom 1 bath side of a duplex. For the whole apt, it's usually $40 a month for water, and electric/gas varies but in the very coldest months is around $140 at the highest (I live in an old duplex, and the windows are definitely not energy efficient at all). Internet for me was $46 a month for the first year, and is now $67 a month with Xfinity. The jump sucked, but I think they do offer student pricing which I wasn't aware of and will check out. I think it's between the two prices I have paid. I do not have cable or landline with it, just internet.

Are you signed up for ecobilling and autopay? I just looked at my bill and I pay a lot less a month including their stupid technology rental because of some sort of “promo w/ self service discount” which google tells me is because I signed up for ecobilling and autopay. Not sure if my dad did something else when signing up (he set my internet service up for me so I didn’t have to figure that out).

 

[MyDogsAreBarking]

Are you signed up for ecobilling and autopay? I just looked at my bill and I pay a lot less a month including their stupid technology rental because of some sort of “promo w/ self service discount” which google tells me is because I signed up for ecobilling and autopay. Not sure if my dad did something else when signing up (he set my internet service up for me so I didn’t have to figure that out).

Yeah, we've been signed up for paperless billing since we got it. The Promo rate ended for us after 1 year.

 

[SkiOtter]

Yeah, we've been signed up for paperless billing since we got it. The Promo rate ended for us after 1 year.

Ah boo. See I haven’t had it for that long so I wasn’t sure how long the promo lasted.
I would definitely call xfinity tell them you want to cancel because usually they’ll connect you to customer retentions who usually will offer a lower rate if you tell them you want to cancel service because a different company is cheaper.

 

[ajs513]

Ah boo. See I haven’t had it for that long so I wasn’t sure how long the promo lasted.
I would definitely call xfinity tell them you want to cancel because usually they’ll connect you to customer retentions who usually will offer a lower rate if you tell them you want to cancel service because a different company is cheaper.

I just wanna say that I tried this before and the rep essentially was like “okay byyyyeeee.” Didn’t go as planned :/

 

[SkiOtter]

I just wanna say that I tried this before and the rep essentially was like “okay byyyyeeee.” Didn’t go as planned :/

Were you talking to customer retentions or just a regular customer service rep? The latter can do nothing for you.

 

[ajs513]

Were you talking to customer retentions or just a regular customer service rep? The latter can do nothing for you.

Actually I don’t know. Usually when you ask to cancel they’re supposed to transfer to retention, right? I just remember the woman saying she’d help me cancel my plan once I said I wanted to cancel.

 

[SkiOtter]

Actually I don’t know. Usually when you ask to cancel they’re supposed to transfer to retention, right? I just remember the woman saying she’d help me cancel my plan once I said I wanted to cancel.

Then you ask for customer retentions I guess