MS1 - Living Alone... Good or Bad Idea?

[nvshelat]

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Just thought I'd get some of your input. I'm attending NYCOM in the fall and I'm a pretty picky guy when it comes to living. Not that I'm anal retentive, but I've had bad experiences with all of my previous roomates, which leads me to think maybe I'm a bit more picky than the average Joe. For instance, I don't like dishes staying in the sink overnight, don't like food staying out, like the bathroom to be cleaned once every few weeks, etc. (I think that last one is pretty reasonable!!).

So I thought maybe it'd just be better living alone my first year. I'm not too worried about loneliness, but it would be nice living in an apt. complex where other students live. The problem is my price range - I'm looking to max out at 900/mo. for a 1BR/studio somewhere near NYCOM. It seems as though lots of students live in Glen Cove, but according to Craigslist, that place seems pretty expensive.

Anyway, in general, have any of you guys lived alone while in med school? Any comments would be appreciated 🙂

 

[OddNath]

Living alone is quite awesome. You get the best of both worlds-- you can keep your kitchen as clean as you desire, but you can always invite over friends if you feel lonely. Or go out to a coffeeshop to study if you can't concentrate in your apt (I'm like that), but still be able to come back and cook whatever you want.

I guess I'm spoiled here in Houston, but sheesh, $900/month seems like alot of money! If you can afford it, though, go for it, and perhaps in your first year of med school you'll meet someone who meets your criteria for a roommate (in case you won't be able to keep up those rent payments for more than a year).

 

[nvshelat]

I guess I'm spoiled here in Houston, but sheesh, $900/month seems like alot of money! If you can afford it, though, go for it, and perhaps in your first year of med school you'll meet someone who meets your criteria for a roommate (in case you won't be able to keep up those rent payments for more than a year).

Ya, at first I thought I would definately find something within 800-900 per month, but it looks like most are even more expensive than that! So I think as much as I want to live on my own, I'm going to have to get a roomate bc it's looking just way too expensive

 

[Dr Trek 1]

I have also wondered this as well. When I attend LECOM I can get a single bedroom apt. for very cheap, so I will probably do this. In college I never really enjoyed having a roomate or living in a suite. However, I am pretty OCD and like a lot of quiet/freedom to do whatever I want/study whenever I want. Unless you are a severe extravert, I think living alone is a good idea for med school especially.

 

[dr.z]

I would prefer to live alone. More freedom and privacy.

 

[doctorjoy]

I personally did like not having any roommates. When you leave the place is the way you left it. If the utilites, phone, etc... go off it is your fault and not because someone forgot pay their half. These are just a couple of reasons I am not big on rommates. I plan not to have a roommate to share expenses the first year because my family may come on weekends and certain holidays if they can. 🙂

 

[DOctorJay]

realize med school is still a competitive arena (although it shouldn't be) so it may be difficult living with people in your class. if you can find a friend to room with that would be better than a classmate unless you find someone who is absolutely non-competitive.

you may also consider living with an upperclassmen who would be helpful in guiding you without the stress of a classmate. you may be able to find someone in the class above you who can't stand their roommate and wants out so you would be a good find as a roommate.

-J

 

[nvshelat]

realize med school is still a competitive arena (although it shouldn't be) so it may be difficult living with people in your class. if you can find a friend to room with that would be better than a classmate unless you find someone who is absolutely non-competitive.

you may also consider living with an upperclassmen who would be helpful in guiding you without the stress of a classmate. you may be able to find someone in the class above you who can't stand their roommate and wants out so you would be a good find as a roommate.

-J

👍 Great post, thanks, these are things I didn't consider. I've done a more extensive search and I'm finding a couple more of apts. within my price range, but it's still pricy, so we'll see. If I can find something within my price range, I'm leaning towards living alone.

 

[gotgame83]

Yup same here. If I can afford it I will probably live alone although financially im not sure yet.

 

[Rael]

Living on your own is far better than having a roommate. We're not college kids anymore.
I lived on my own during med school. Paid about $1100/month for rent...no, I'm not rich - just took out loans...going to be a physician, will pay it off eventually. Seriously, won't make much of a difference in a few years when you start practicing.
I'm glad I lived on my own....can be as noisy or as quite as I want, stay up late or sleep early, make a mess or clean up when I feel like it, all the fridge space is mine, can sit around in my underwear if I want...have my girlfriend over and not have to worry about privacy...have my friends over whenever I want for as late as I want...have quite time to myself....the list goes on and on.
I personally just like having my own place...don't want a stranger..especially a fellow med student....I like to leave my work behind me when I go home...living with a med student would be like taking my work home with me.

 

[laboholic]

Im planning on living alone as well. I think it will be a good idea to have time to yourself and get away from the whole med school scene after being in class and studying ALL the time. Also, if you have a significant other, he/she can stay over and you wont have to worry about ticking off the rommie.

 

[Dr Trek 1]

Living on your own is far better than having a roommate. We're not college kids anymore.
I lived on my own during med school. Paid about $1100/month for rent...no, I'm not rich - just took out loans...going to be a physician, will pay it off eventually. Seriously, won't make much of a difference in a few years when you start practicing.
I'm glad I lived on my own....can be as noisy or as quite as I want, stay up late or sleep early, make a mess or clean up when I feel like it, all the fridge space is mine, can sit around in my underwear if I want...have my girlfriend over and not have to worry about privacy...have my friends over whenever I want for as late as I want...have quite time to myself....the list goes on and on.
I personally just like having my own place...don't want a stranger..especially a fellow med student....I like to leave my work behind me when I go home...living with a med student would be like taking my work home with me.

I agree 👍 $1100/month? Where did you go to school?

 

[Redneck]

I grew up with a large family, then they all moved out and I was practically an only child. It was nice but lonely as heck with just parents. College rolled around joined a frat and went through shock adjusting to a house full again. Moved out into an apartment and suffered withdrawals from the activity of the frat house. My final summary is this. Living alone sucks. I've discovered I'm a social creature and at the very least I need someone breathing in the room next to me. Bring on the roommates.

 

[Kazema]

I agree with your plan of living alone but in a building with other students. You can have company when you want it and be alone when you want to be alone. And all the mess in your apartment is your own mess.

Also, if you just randomly meet people and decide to be roommates before you really know them, you could end up regretting it if they don't turn out to be who you think they are. It could be better to spend one year alone, make friends, and THEN choose your roommates for 2nd year on.

Then again some people end up being best friends with the roommate they randomly chose at the beginning of the year. It's just a gamble is all.

 

[cardiotonic]

I grew up with a large family, then they all moved out and I was practically an only child. It was nice but lonely as heck with just parents. College rolled around joined a frat and went through shock adjusting to a house full again. Moved out into an apartment and suffered withdrawals from the activity of the frat house. My final summary is this. Living alone sucks. I've discovered I'm a social creature and at the very least I need someone breathing in the room next to me. Bring on the roommates.

I'm the same way. I tried living alone and hated it. Your apartment feels so dead (unless you have people over almost everyday, and that is probably not going to happen in med school). Nothing moves. Everything is always in the exact same place you left it. It's hard to express yourself...cuz who are you going to talk to...a plant? I couldn't stand it!

 

[Taus]

Living on your own is far better than having a roommate. We're not college kids anymore.
I lived on my own during med school. Paid about $1100/month for rent...no, I'm not rich - just took out loans...going to be a physician, will pay it off eventually. Seriously, won't make much of a difference in a few years when you start practicing.
I'm glad I lived on my own....can be as noisy or as quite as I want, stay up late or sleep early, make a mess or clean up when I feel like it, all the fridge space is mine, can sit around in my underwear if I want...have my girlfriend over and not have to worry about privacy...have my friends over whenever I want for as late as I want...have quite time to myself....the list goes on and on.
I personally just like having my own place...don't want a stranger..especially a fellow med student....I like to leave my work behind me when I go home...living with a med student would be like taking my work home with me.

these are my thoughts exactly....except the $1100....my $700 studio apt is plenty for me (though I realize location means a lot in rent differences)

I also think that if I didn't have a girlfriend who spends most weekend nights at my place that it could get kinda lonely.....but having friends over a lot and/or spending most of your time outside your apartment w/ other people kinda takes care of that...


Basically...to each/his her own...base this on your experiences w/ living alone and/or with roomates in college. I also think it may be a better idea only live w/ someone you know well (so either wait til 2nd year or go w/ an old friend).....you don't need any extra stress in your life during med school.