POLL: Would you stay at home w/family while going to dental school?

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Stay at home with family while going to dental school?

  • Yes

    Votes: 62 48.8%

  • No

    Votes: 65 51.2%
  • Total voters
    127
Smurf12

Smurf12

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I'm really fortunate to have family living real close to two of the dental schools that I've applied to.

So far the pros and cons are:
Pros
1. Little to none on living costs (For me at least)
2. Could start paying off interest
3. Food prepares itself, Laundry takes care of itself (May or may not apply to some)
4. Less bills to worry about
5. More time to focus on school work
Cons
1. Driving to school for about 17-25 minutes(one way)
2. Family might potentially bother you(But in my case my family is a bit more understanding, so I'm not too worried about this.)
3. Social life might take a hit

Also, how would this compare to say, living within walking distance from the dental school. All I can gather up is that you can spend more time in the labs.

I know it's kind of early for this, but I'm just curious about your opinions on this. So go ahead and post your thoughts!

Thanks!

Here a link to cost of dental school:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=941500
 
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If I were single, and if my family lived near a school, and if I got accepted to that school (lots of ifs, none of which apply to me), I'd totally do this. You'll save ~$15k per year in living expenses. Plus if, as you imply, your parents will take care of your laundry/cooking, that frees up a lot of your time to keep yourself healthy and caught up on school.
 
I would absolutely, without hesitation do this! Think of the money you'll save! I am pretty cheap though...
 
Smurf12 said:
I'm really fortunate to have family living real close to two of the dental schools that I've applied to.

So far the pros and cons are:
Pros
1. Little to none on living costs (For me at least)
2. Could start paying off interest
3. Food prepares itself, Laundry takes care of itself (May or may not apply to some)
4. Less bills to worry about
5. More time to focus on school work
Cons
1. Driving to school for about 17-25 minutes(one way)
2. Family might potentially bother you(But in my case my family is a bit more understanding, so I'm not too worried about this.)
3. Social life might take a hit

Also, how would this compare to say, living within walking distance from the dental school. All I can gather up is that you can spend more time in the labs.

I know it's kind of early for this, but I'm just curious about your opinions on this. So go ahead and post your thoughts!

Thanks!
Click to expand...
It's an easy choice. Stay at home. Save money. Live better.
 
1. Hometown doesn't have a 24/7 library.
2. Home is too distracting.
3. Home is too comfortable.
4. I'd rather eat according to my schedule, rather than my family's.
5. Driving to the nearest dental school would take about an hour there and an hour back.

Not very efficient for me.
 
You're insane if you don't stay home!
 
It seems like yes/no is almost equally matched. For those who voted no, I'd like to hear more reasons.

I understand that social life and comfort(for those who don't like being at home) may be a determining factor for y'all but is it really worth it. For me at least, tuition/fees and living expenses seems to cost almost the same. So I'd be cutting total costs close to half.
 
For your scenario/situation, I think the biggest con to me is the commute.

Traffic and finding parking can bring about unnecessary stress.

I live an hour from the nearest dental schools and that's on a good day. It can be upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours. So this will never be something I even have to waste time thinking about

At least should I get an interview invite, I don't have to spend money on plane tickets and hotel room. 🙂

Anyways, it can be done. It just takes dedication and prioritizing things. Just think, a student with a family and kids can't exactly run away and hide from spouse and kids.
 
I hear the first two years are hardest - and it's recommended to stay on campus..

However, the last two years, your schedule is a little more lenient, so it's possible to commute back and forth depending on when your appointments are scheduled.
 
Did you live at home during college? Because if not, your parents may not want you back! Sure, most parents want to help their kids avoid as much debt as possible, but there comes a point where everyone has to leave the nest and let the parents enjoy adulthood again.

If you do decide to stay at home (which would be totally OK), just make sure they will be comfortable/happy with it too. Personally, I don't think any parent should have to keep doing their kid's laundry, etc. well into his twenties. But that's just me.

Best of luck to you.
 
Staying at home.

Yes the commute can be 35-45 minutes long, but consider some factors:
1) You don't need to prepare dinner. Food will always be there waiting (at least for me that is). How long will it take you to prepare food if you lived in apartment 5-10 minutes away from campus? It can take a good half hour or so depending on what you make. So you're not really saving time by not commuting. Also consider the amount of time you will have to devote to clean and maintain your apartment.
2) Obviously, you save $$$ by not paying rent any buying furniture or deal with other nuances of being a tenant.
3) I can concentrate a lot better at home. It's quiet and more comfortable (though this is not the case for every individual).

Yes it can be a nice feeling to sleep late and campus is only a few minutes away, but from an economic perspective it's a silly decision.
 
I would stay home and just offer to pay rent. Make sure your parents are okay with your +1 coming back with you in case you meet someone / are dating someone currently. Try to do your own laundry and cooking/takeout when you can.

I feel like if you pull your own weight your family won't even notice you there - you'll be so busy with school!
 
Its definitely time to start doing your own laundry and being responsible for your own food regardless if your family is willing to do them for you. Show some personal pride.
 
Definitely not living at home! I live about 30 min from my state school.
 
You are an idiot if you don't stay at home. Commuting to school will get you ready for work life. If you don't have to worry about grocery shopping and all that other BS, you will be able to focus on school.
 
Svande8952 said:
You are an idiot if you don't stay at home. Commuting to school will get you ready for work life. If you don't have to worry about grocery shopping and all that other BS, you will be able to focus on school.
Click to expand...

wow, I thought this thread would be more in favor of not staying at home. Staying at home just sounds lame, I want my own place, my own independence. Home is too comfortable and with too many distractions.
 
honestly, you should do what's best for you!
if money is not an issue- why not just find a place to live?
if money is an issue... i think you can get by with commuting!
either way- the situation will be different for everyone so just make a list of your pros & cons and weigh out your decision. i'm sure whatever decision you choose will be a smart decision.
 
Stay at home ftw! It is cheaper, and if you need more of a studious environment, just hit up the library. If I were to commute (1hr+) to get to school, then I'd be too lazy to make multiple trips back and forth. Once I make it to the lib, I am staying there until I get things done. Forces me to be productive! Yeah, your social life is gonna take a blow, but to me the financial difference is worth it. This all changes if I have a serious significant other though... Haha
 
Svande,

I think I'm already prepared for work life. It's not that I'm lazy or can't handle the commute, it's the fact that I don't want my social life to suffer. Plus, my parents have offered me to get me the apartment, so why wouldn't I? I'll pay them back eventually....pay for them to have a nice vacation of something down the road.
 
sacapuntas said:
Its definitely time to start doing your own laundry and being responsible for your own food regardless if your family is willing to do them for you. Show some personal pride.
Click to expand...
Your "personal pride" can wait four more years.
 
DoeAdeer said:
Your "personal pride" can wait four more years.
Click to expand...

I am an adult and will handle myself as such. I will not let someone else treat me like a child. Living with your parents is fine, acting as their child is not.
 
Nope. I promised my parents I would never be in a situation where I would need to move back home.
 
sacapuntas said:
I am an adult and will handle myself as such. I will not let someone else treat me like a child. Living with your parents is fine, acting as their child is not.
Click to expand...
Your probationary status speaks otherwise.
 
DoeAdeer said:
Your probationary status speaks otherwise.
Click to expand...
:laugh:

Once in a while DoeAdeer spits out a good one, this one literally made my lol. But I have to agree with sacapuntas, 'Food prepares itself, Laundry takes care of itself' sounds pretty childish. If you're going to live somewhere for free, at least have the courtesy to help out.
 
(In the voice of Dwight Schrute) Question: What if I've been living at home and for the past 2 years been paying about 30K per year to family? Then can I have family do my laundry and prepare food?

Seriously though, go for it. The closest dental schools to me are about an hour. If I get in there, I'll probably commute from home my last year or two (when its mostly clinical work and fixed hours). First few years it might be more beneficial to stay on campus and get to know your class, profs etc. I don't think the social scene is all that important or meaningful when you're going to have little time to spare during Clinic!

P.S. Laundry and food responsibilities can be discussed once you make your decision. If your family is genuinely super supportive go ahead and make use of that support. If you want to take this opportunity to become truly self-sufficient do that. I have taken 2 years off already and am in my 3rd year off. I've been working full time and taking care of all my things despite living at "home". Its a rewarding feeling to know your'e completely independent even though you are sharing your living space with others.
 
Personally, I'll maintain living at home as a last resort, especially during the first two years. The convenience factor of being on campus and away from the comforts and relaxed nature of home is worth it for me. Also, at this age, going through the daily grind of life independent of a doting/loving (call it what you will) family allows for much more personal development and maturing, imho.
 
I'm surprised everyone is so against this haha. I do see the benefit of living within walking / train or bus commute distance though.
 
I agree that living at home can have its perks. BUT, I would not live at home for 3 reasons...

1.) Assuming you are the average age of matriculation (24-25), you will still be living at home at 29? I don't think I could handle that.

2.) If you ever plan on dating while in dental school... trying to explain the "parent's house living situation" is difficult. That excuse becomes weird at 19 let alone 27.

3.) Living on your own allows you to manage your life better. NOT just laundry and cooking, but studying, managing your money, and personal relationships.

Don't let your life be stinted. I love my family and everything... but, I think they too, want to see me mature and handle life on my own.
 
#1 destressing activity is spending time with friends
#2 destressing activity is spending time with lady friends

Since dental school is stressful, I'd like to spend time with friends from the school in what free time I have. Furthermore, I don't want to walk of shame in my parents house. To each his own though...
 
Okay 24 hours has elapsed and the result still show a 50/50 battle between the two sides. This thread is not intended to be about me. I want opinions so that those who will face this decision will have answers when the time comes. And yes we can use the search box, but present day opinions are always the best.

To healthysmile, no I did not live at home during college.

sacapuntas said:
Its definitely time to start doing your own laundry and being responsible for your own food regardless if your family is willing to do them for you. Show some personal pride.
Click to expand...

Who ever said my parents were going to take care of my laundry. My momma would make sure Mr. Extension Cord pay a good visit to my tushie if I ever made her do this. To be honest, I was quite hesitant of even putting down "Laundry takes care of itself," but for a better lack of description it had to be there after searching through SDN on this topic.

Side note: Yes I do know how to cook (thanks to my late grandmother), and I have cooked for three other roommates for the past two years. I never do the dishes though. Nothing beats a healthy and hearty Korean home style meal. I even witness one of my roommate lose 15lbs recently, congrats to them. Cooking however, does take over an hour for me.

To all guys out there learn how to cook. Trust me on this it does great wonders, and women melt over guys that can cook. First hand account😉

DoeAdeer said:
Your probationary status speaks otherwise.
Click to expand...

Ouch! I'm sorry to say, sacapuntas, but you set yourself up for this one. Talk about getting schooled. Props to you DoeAdeer👍

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I definitely want to specialize. There are way too many dentists where I live(It's too the point that almost every other block has one). I understand that dental school will be filled with brilliant minds, gunners, etc. For some, the distraction like doing cooking, laundry, maintenance, and the uncertainty of unpredictable events could deem distracting. I recall one hilarious post on the room/shared of Craigslist where one busy medical student who was looking for someone to live with them free of rent as long as they stayed domesticated. lol

Just punch in the Zip Code to the schools you've applied to on wwwDOTapartmentratingsDOTcom and see for yourself.

I would also like to hear from fellow dental students on this topic as well.

Thanks!
 
When I go to dental school, I plan to live back at home. By then, I'll have lived on my own for 5 years and I won't mind living with my mom again! She won't either to prevent empty nest syndrome for a while longer since my little sister will be leaving for college by that time! I don't think I could afford living on my own at that time anyways. Dental school is already expensive, and I don't want to have to work on top of the demanding schedule I'll have! - of course I'll be cooking and such for myself 😉 -
 
Smurf12 said:
Who ever said my parents were going to take care of my laundry. My momma would make sure Mr. Extension Cord pay a good visit to my tushie if I ever made her do this. To be honest, I was quite hesitant of even putting down "Laundry takes care of itself," but for a better lack of description it had to be there after searching through SDN on this topic.
Click to expand...

Your thread was not obviously generalizations about everyone. When you say things like 'Laundry takes care of itself, Food takes care of itself' it can appear in no other way than your mom does your laundry etc.

Smurf12 said:
Side note: Yes I do know how to cook (thanks to my late grandmother), and I have cooked for three other roommates for the past two years. I never do the dishes though. Nothing beats a healthy and hearty Korean home style meal. I even witness one of my roommate lose 15lbs recently, congrats to them. Cooking however, does take over an hour for me.

To all guys out there learn how to cook. Trust me on this it does great wonders, and women melt over guys that can cook. First hand account😉
Click to expand...

A woman should expect a guy knows how to cook, it should not make her melt. However, you are right in the sense that cooking a fantastic meal can really set up a wonderful night.

Smurf12 said:
Ouch! I'm sorry to say, sacapuntas, but you set yourself up for this one. Talk about getting schooled. Props to you DoeAdeer👍
Click to expand...

Eh, moderate joke at best. I don't see a set up, I just see that he resorted to an ad hominem (of the most obvious content). It is also difficult to become to offended when the source of my probationary status involves offering a book to another member outside of the classified section. Not exactly soap opera stuff here.
 
Personally, I voted to live away from home for two reasons: 1.) because there are no dental schools in my state lol and 2.) because there would be less distractions and I wouldn't always feel pressured to take care of my grandparents who I live with (more time for studying). Honestly, I find it funny when people think they're being "independent" and living "on their own" when a lot of the time it's their parents who are paying for their rent.. That to me shows you're still pretty dependent on your parents for support. Remember, you have a huge debt to pay after dental school so choose what you prefer but also take into consideration what you think you can afford
 
even if you're from highland park you need to not live at home. time to grow up
 
If I were going to save a substantial amount of money and prevent myself from going further into debt than staying home is a no brainer. If I were to stay home while going to dental school my expenses would decrease be the thousands (in the double digits). That is worth all the pain, embarrassment, and childishness of living at home.

P.S. I don't even remember what I voted, but after reviewing this thread again I would say staying home in the long run is the smartest choice.
 
Hmm... Becoming independent should be the way to go....but I m past that level...married with family...so yes I will stay home 🙂
 
sacapuntas said:
A woman should expect a guy knows how to cook, it should not make her melt. However, you are right in the sense that cooking a fantastic meal can really set up a wonderful night.
Click to expand...

Don't be hatin' just cause you're hitched! JK:laugh:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As for the rest of y'all, please continue to post regarding the topic. Use it to your advantage. Thanks!

My work here is done, for now.....
 
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My mother doesn't understand how demanding professional schools are. My entire life, I've worked at whatever "family business" we happen to own at the time because 1) she isn't a highly educated immigrant and 2) owning a business in which most of the money comes home is one of very few ways to bring in the most money without investing too much time training in other fields.

My mom asked who will work for/with her when I'm in dental school because I won't be in town anymore. My reaction was: 😱. It saddens me to think she'll be alone, but I'm glad there isn't a dental school nearby so it will make it easier for me. I can't be putting in ~30 hrs/ week ON MY FEET like I do in undergrad right now.

So to answer your question: Nope, I will not be staying at home for dental school. There aren't any perks in it for me right now anyway - I do everything for myself and earn my place in it financially. I cannot wait to have everything be just about me once I'm in. It will give me a peace of mind.
 
Maybe it is just me but living at home again would drive me crazy. I love my parents and my money, but it would be equivalent to DDS/DMD High. I don't know about the situation but it seems like dental school is the beginning of your career so it would kind of take away from it by living at home and not having to deal with societal responsibilities. Am I coming off as anti-family a little bit? Haha
 
mbuchan7 said:
Maybe it is just me but living at home again would drive me crazy. I love my parents and my money, but it would be equivalent to DDS/DMD High. I don't know about the situation but it seems like dental school is the beginning of your career so it would kind of take away from it by living at home and not having to deal with societal responsibilities. Am I coming off as anti-family a little bit? Haha
Click to expand...

Not at all. I also think it's the beginning of your career, and it completely okay to focus on yourself to get it started on the right note if you feel like that's what it will take for you.
 
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