Questions about Student Hosts

[Leraine]

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I'm going to be staying with a student host for the first time. Is it the norm to pack your own blanket + pillow + blow drier? That seems like a lot to stuff into a luggage for just one night's stay, doesn't it?

She mentioned that she has an inflatable mattress. Should I bring my own sheets?

Also, is it common for people to change into their formal interview clothes after getting to the admissions office? I don't want to be trudging through snow (to get there, and during the campus tour) in my formal clothes.

Thanks in advance for your responses!

 

[halethsonofhama]

Also, is it common for people to change into their formal interview clothes after getting to the admissions office? I don't want to be trudging through snow (to get there, and during the campus tour) in my formal clothes.

I would imagine that changing at the school is not normal. Hopefully your student Host might let you borrow whatever snow gear she has to protect your clothes (a red duster would be sick). If you are really concerned about your interview clothes and would prefer to rock your pink snow-onesy, I would suggest changing in a building adjacent to the one you are to meet in. THe Adcom seeing you out of character would be bad news bears for you.

I've only been to california interviews and walking through the snow in my suit didn't give me any problems.

 

[mauberley]

Also, is it common for people to change into their formal interview clothes after getting to the admissions office? I don't want to be trudging through snow (to get there, and during the campus tour) in my formal clothes.

Not in my experience. (Certainly I haven't seen that to be the case for job interviews.) And I would find it very unlikely that you'd be trudging through snow (uphill, four miles, both ways) that would have a serious impact on your clothes. People generally understand that when the weather's crappy, it may manifest on one's clothes. Try not to step in any sniper puddles and you'll be fine.

 

[BushidoBrown]

I've been to three homestays already, and they've always provide me with sheets, a pillow, a towel, and a comforter. I bring my own toiletries, including soap, toothpaste, and shampoo. Also, it is expected you arrive at the schools fully dressed; if you're worried about your shoes, I'd recommend bringing a pair of heels for your interviews and a pair of walking shoes in a bag (they will usually give you a place to store your stuff at the school).

Hope this helps and good luck on your interview👍

 

[venacontracta]

Also, is it common for people to change into their formal interview clothes after getting to the admissions office? I don't want to be trudging through snow (to get there, and during the campus tour) in my formal clothes.

Medical schools tend to be located on the same campus as hospitals, meaning they take snow and ice cleanup very seriously.

You're overthinking this. Put your interview clothes on at your student host's place or hotel and make your way to your interview... I've seen girls wear different shoes and last-minute change them before going in, but that's the only thing I'd be changing at the school itself. Unless you specifically make an effort to trip into a pile of snow you'll be fine. If there's really adverse weather conditions everyone else will be equally affected (and your interviewer will be understanding since he/she will have been rained, snowed, or sleeted on as he/she went to work).

Are you by any chance from somewhere with a warm climate and about to interview somewhere that gets more snow than you're used to?

 

[Leraine]

Unless you specifically make an effort to trip into a pile of snow you'll be fine.

Are you by any chance from somewhere with a warm climate and about to interview somewhere that gets more snow than you're used to?

That first sentence made me laugh.

I'm not from a warm climate (Yesterday I was up to my hips in snow while cleaning my car off) but I am interviewing at an area known for even worse winter weather. The interview is on Monday, and their forecast for today, Saturday AND Sunday is snow!

Thank you for all your responses everyone!

 

[mvenus929]

I stayed with several hosts and hosted several students myself; I was provided with everything I needed to sleep, just had to bring my own toiletries (hair dryer included).

However, we do have one student in our program who requests people bring their own sheets and whatnot. I think it's ridiculous, so I don't place people with her, but if you're unsure, just shoot a quick e-mail to the host and ask if you need to bring any linens with you.

And definitely do not change into interview attire at the school.

 

[StudyShy]

clothes. Try not to step in any sniper puddles and you'll be fine.

or sniper ice patches!

 

[nadaba]

That first sentence made me laugh.

I'm not from a warm climate (Yesterday I was up to my hips in snow while cleaning my car off) but I am interviewing at an area known for even worse winter weather.

How is this possible? Are you interviewing at the North Pole?

Good luck! 😀

 

[Spin]

or sniper ice patches!

aah! the perils of cold weather!

 

[mauberley]

or sniper ice patches!

Thinking about this makes my butt hurt. I can't decide if that's worse than suddenly having my foot and leg soaked in gross slush.

 

[MilkmanAl]

You are definitely thinking way too hard about this issue. Go stay with the host, have a good time, get dressed at his/her place, and do your interview thang. No big deal. Snow sucks, but everyone will have to contend with it.