Shopping List (before starting Medical school).

[45408]

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Yes it is smart. You don't need to pay them back untill you are out of medschool (0% APR). If you do the math its better than buying, say, a honda civic and paying through their creditors. Oh and its not like I wanted to add on a Dinan supercharger, suspension, wheel & tire, and break package 🙂
Just the base model.

but it's NOT smart to buy a BMW with that kind of price tag on your student loans. 🙄 I've got a nice, reliable car with tons of luxury features for just under $10K. There's no reason to drop thirty G's just because you *can*.

 

[45408]

As for me, hopefully I'll get into my top choice school, in which case the fiancee and I would both sell our cars (efficient public transportation ftw). As for purchases, I'll need a TV, a bedroom set, a dining set, a couch or two, a desk, maybe a desktop computer (we've both got laptops, but they're aging), and a few miscellaneous. Good thing she has a job that makes good money! Hopefully we get all the necessities off our registry....

I'd like an mp3 player, because I don't like studying in silence, and while I bring my laptop with me to study now, I can't have that huge distraction sitting next to me when I've got med school classes to study for.

 

[nrddct]

If you have to get a bmw 3, get the 88-91 years, best 3 series bmw ever produced! I have two, one with 240k miles and is running as strong as ever and is super reliable.

Whats the distinction between a expensive stethoscope and a cheap one? Does it just make it easier to hear irregular rythms?

The most important item on my list is a good bed. It'll be my only source of comfort especially during my first two years. Anyone try the IKEA foam mattresses? How are they working out for you?

 

[GujjuNo1]

I see a lot of you buying desktops. Why is that? Shouldn't a laptop be sufficient (am I missing something here?)

 

[cubs08]

I see a lot of you buying desktops. Why is that? Shouldn't a laptop be sufficient (am I missing something here?)

i bought a really nice laptop four years ago before undergrad and it still runs pretty well - albeit on a replaced hard drive - i just figure with a new desktop it will be more reliable, store everything on my portable laptop and as a bonus act as my tivo, itunes station, tv, etc

 

[Mizuno]

Yes it is smart. You don't need to pay them back untill you are out of medschool (0% APR). If you do the math its better than buying, say, a honda civic and paying through their creditors. Oh and its not like I wanted to add on a Dinan supercharger, suspension, wheel & tire, and break package 🙂
Just the base model.

buying a car and building up your credit is a great idea...
with the credit i built up during college, i was able to buy myself a nice pre-owned car (buying new is a waste of money) which will serve me well during med school, after which, i will buy a nicer one...

 

[medicalbound]

I'm going to Sams with a flatbed and a forklift to buy 4 pallets of ramen noodles. One for each year of medical school. I've gotta feed my girls and my man cub.

Look kids! mmmmm...noodle soup.

 

[nrddct]

My list, it will probably include:
Lasik (seriously)

It'll thin out your cornea, DONT DO IT! I find it ironic that docs who perform lasiks wear glasses themselves. There's got to be something to this. Besides, your gonna be hitting the books for the first two years, so your gonna ruin your eyes again anyway.

 

[C.P. Jones]

It'll thin out your cornea, DONT DO IT! I find it ironic that docs who perform lasiks wear glasses themselves. There's got to be something to this. Besides, your gonna be hitting the books for the first two years, so your gonna ruin your eyes again anyway.

ummmmm.....that's the point of Lasik

 

[Adcadet]

It'll thin out your cornea, DONT DO IT! I find it ironic that docs who perform lasiks wear glasses themselves. There's got to be something to this. Besides, your gonna be hitting the books for the first two years, so your gonna ruin your eyes again anyway.

Eye strain does not impair your vision. The eyes don't wear out. This is a common myth that is just not true.

 

[Dr.Erin2B]

The one thing that I want that I will not be able to live without is a big ol' fancy high back executive desk chair. If I'm going to be sitting in it 90% of the time that I'm not in bed or class, I want it to be comfortable!

 

[pagemmapants]

If heading to colder climes: a Burberry trenchcoat
If heading to warmer climes: liposuction.

Just kidding.

But really? Probably a pile of furniture, a new lappytop (even the new hard drive on my old VAIO isn't enough to stop the graphics card from being paaaaaaainfully out of date. WoW just doesn't work well on the 833 controller), an economy-sized bottle of excedrin migraine, possibly a condo . . . nothing too out of the ordinary. I'd love Lasik too but my eyes are still deteriorating (at -6.50 for contacts in both eyes so far)!

Too poor to really get too extravagent with the purchases.

 

[unfrozencaveman]

The one thing that I want that I will not be able to live without is a big ol' fancy high back executive desk chair. If I'm going to be sitting in it 90% of the time that I'm not in bed or class, I want it to be comfortable!

Wow. This a very boring, but excellent idea. Another thing to add to the list...

 

[nrddct]

I'm just saying there are negative consequences to getting lasik. Sure you can fix for your vision but theres also chances for complications, not everyones corneas are the same. Some are thinner, larger, or thicker which will determine the types of results one obtains from the surgery. What about when we age and our eye lense is less elastic so we can't see closeup, being nearsighted will help to correct this. You also get permanent nerve damage from cutting open the cornea and about six months having dry eyes, (not something I want to deal with once I start med school where studying is crucial). Heres the nerve damage article.http://www.iovs.org/cgi/content/abstract/45/11/3991
Lasiks is still relatively new so long term complications are not known.

 

[45408]

I see a lot of you buying desktops. Why is that? Shouldn't a laptop be sufficient (am I missing something here?)

A good desktop can really be a sweet set-up. You can get many kinds of A/V inputs/output ports that a laptop would never have (allows for TV capture, 8mm/VHS --> DVD conversion, etc), a NICE video card, much cheaper RAM, much larger screen (or two screens), faster chip, larger hard drives (laptop HDDs are pretty much maxed out) with the capacity to add more), DVD copying abilities (one DVD-ROM and one burner means you can copy disks easily), multiple IEEE1394/USB2 ports, nicer keyboard + mouse, nice speakers, etc. Plus, they're much cheaper. I could buy a monster of a computer for $1500, which is what my laptop cost when I got it.

So, not for academic reasons, but lots of other reasons.

 

[geekOCD]

I see a lot of you buying desktops. Why is that? Shouldn't a laptop be sufficient (am I missing something here?)

Not only can you get a much better desktop for the same price, but what really bugs me about laptops is not being able to upgrade them with the same ease and low cost. Generally laptops require proprietary parts *and* servicing. Plus they're definitely more prone to being damaged or stolen. I can't afford to spend that much money only to have it be obsolete/broken in a few years and necessitate buying a totally new computer.

So...desktops for me. Actually my solution is to take my tower *with* me (yes, I'm that dorky/hardcore). My case is made of light aluminum and has a small size and came with a carrying strap. I take it as carry-on baggage on airplanes when I go home for winter break. I get a lot of stares, but it's worth being able to waste time however I want once I'm home (i.e. games). 🙂

 

[hannahx]

I'm just saying there are negative consequences to getting lasik. Sure you can fix for your vision but theres also chances for complications, not everyones corneas are the same. Some are thinner, larger, or thicker which will determine the types of results one obtains from the surgery. What about when we age and our eye lense is less elastic so we can't see closeup, being nearsighted will help to correct this. You also get permanent nerve damage from cutting open the cornea and about six months having dry eyes, (not something I want to deal with once I start med school where studying is crucial). Heres the nerve damage article.http://www.iovs.org/cgi/content/abstract/45/11/3991
Lasiks is still relatively new so long term complications are not known.

DUH. So don't tell me what I should or shouldn't do with my corneas. You can choose to not get lasik, and keep me out of it.

LOL

Obviously there are risks to ANY medical procedure.. So are you gunning to become an ophthalmologist or what??

There is a reason why there are many people who wear glasses following surgery. If you think that any type of corrective eye surgery will fully 'heal' your vision to a 20/20 or better than you're mistaken. Often times, depending on the distortion of your vision it only corrects it partially. Not rendering you with perfect vision, but allows you to function safely in your own home (not driving around town I hope) without corrective lenses should the occasion ever arise.

 

[GujjuNo1]

Eye strain does not impair your vision. The eyes don't wear out. This is a common myth that is just not true.

I've been thinking about Lasik for few years now...but i have been holding out on it cause of school. I plan to get it after I graduate medical school.

Addition to my list.....various types of coffee and tea packs. (...i always love buying different types of coffee wherever I go).

 

[hardy]

Anyone thinking of buying a laptop should wait till they start school. Every school recommends a specific laptop and many even require a specific laptop. I am hoping my school does not require, because I love my existing laptop.

If a school has a problem with my laptop I will immediately withdraw. Nobody touches my laptop. 😡

 

[BooMed]

So...desktops for me. Actually my solution is to take my tower *with* me (yes, I'm that dorky/hardcore). My case is made of light aluminum and has a small size and came with a carrying strap. I take it as carry-on baggage on airplanes when I go home for winter break. I get a lot of stares, but it's worth being able to waste time however I want once I'm home (i.e. games). 🙂

Ooh, I love nerds so much. 😍 My fiance would carry his around too if i let him. But you're talking about taking it on trips and stuff, right, not actually to class?

 

[gdbaby]

I've been thinking about Lasik for few years now...but i have been holding out on it cause of school. I plan to get it after I graduate medical school.

Addition to my list.....various types of coffee and tea packs. (...i always love buying different types of coffee wherever I go).

I got lasik in July 2005 and LOVE it. I don't care if I go blind tomorrow, it has been worth it. I was pretty much blind before the surgery (20/300) and now I am 20/15. I wake up every morning and I can SEE! I had awful astigmatism as well--all corrected. Whole surgery took 13 minutes.

 

[GujjuNo1]

If a school has a problem with my laptop I will immediately withdraw. Nobody touches my laptop. 😡

I feel the same about mine. It is a tine dell and it's awesome. What do you have? (I really hope I can keep mine because I have carpel tunnel and this small laptop is easy on my hands).

 

[pagemmapants]

I feel the same about mine. It is a tine dell and it's awesome. What do you have? (I really hope I can keep mine because I have carpel tunnel and this small laptop is easy on my hands).

🙁 You guys can count out both Duke and UNC that I know for sure. They both requre a certain model.

 

[medicalbound]

🙁 You guys can count out both Duke and UNC that I know for sure. They both requre a certain model.

So does Colorado. They require us to purchase or lease a standardized laptop and PDA.

 

[ShyRem]

I'd love to get my eyes 'fixed' but I hear your vision has to be stable for 3 years prior to the operation. My eyes tend to change every 6 months.

 

[kimmcauliffe]

I'm going to Sams with a flatbed and a forklift to buy 4 pallets of ramen noodles. One for each year of medical school. I've gotta feed my girls and my man cub.

Look kids! mmmmm...noodle soup.

FINALLY!! Someone acknowledges the Ramen thing. Don't forget the dry toast. 👍

 

[medicalbound]

FINALLY!! Someone acknowledges the Ramen thing. Don't forget the dry toast. 👍

And we must not forget the cheap blue box of mac and cheese lest we incite a coup in the ranks of children.

mmmm....Noodles with powdered cheese. 😍

 

[DrBowtie]

FINALLY!! Someone acknowledges the Ramen thing. Don't forget the dry toast. 👍

Anyone else eat ramen without the liquid? Just eat the flavored noodles?

 

[BooMed]

And we must not forget the cheap blue box of mac and cheese lest we incite a coup in the ranks of children.

mmmm....Noodles with powdered cheese. 😍

Eating that right now. 😍

 

[ShyRem]

Eeeeewwwwww. I have actually never had mac n' cheese from a box. I'm going for the order a whole cow or hog butchered by the farmer and put into my large chest freezer tactic. It's worked wonders for our budget.

 

[firebird69guy]

Cans and cans of SPAM
hot plate

 

[SoCuteMD]

If I were starting med school tomorrow (which I'm not, thank goodness I'm an MS 1.5) I would buy:

down comforter (good one...and even if I were in Hawaii...the down is so comfy!)
down pillows
iPod
Bose Sounddock (love it!)
Combination coffee/espresso maker
Bags and bags of "ready to bake" chicken breasts from Costco/Sam's/whatever so that I can get my protein even when I'm busy!

 

[hardy]

I feel the same about mine. It is a tine dell and it's awesome. What do you have? (I really hope I can keep mine because I have carpel tunnel and this small laptop is easy on my hands).

I have a 700m, too. Isn't it an awesome machine?

 

[GujjuNo1]

I have a 700m, too. Isn't it an awesome machine?

that's my baby!!

Addition to my shopping list....

cooking utensils (I have recently started cooking and DAMN i am goooood).

 

[UICpremed]

List of (I) must haves:

Need to replace my old POS kawasaki ninja, I am really looking at this. 2006 yamaha YZF-R6 If any riders are outthere, this is arguably the most advanced 600 in production:
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/8/0/home.aspx
-But it probably won't happen unless I get some serious $$$ TAing and tutoring this summer 🙁

and the usual, books, ect.

Fellow rider here 🙂 . 👍 thats my next bike too.

 

[Mr. Tee]

Anyone else eat ramen without the liquid? Just eat the flavored noodles?

I used to, but the kinds I ate were unflavored blocks of plain noodles.

But I don't eat ramen anymore. Trans fat + salt mine = no thx

 

[SomeGuy]

Why buy a Bose Sound Dock when you can get an iPod dock and a far better stereo system for a similar price?

Any audiophile immediately laughs at the mention of Bose. They're all marketing, don't you remember seeing those infomercials every 10 minutes?

To audiophiles, Bose is an overpriced alternative with comparatively mediocre sound.

As well, you're running into the planned obsolescence issue with a Sound Dock. If Apple changes the design of their docking connector, which they love to do, much of the allure of the Sound Dock is lost.

Don't even get me started on the headphones included with the iPod.

Edit:
Actually, just did a little research and "... the SoundDock does not have an auxiliary audio input jack to connect your computer, TV, or another portable player (or even the first- and second-generation iPod)." Which basically means, the Sound Dock is good for the most recent generation ipods only, have fun with what mind as well be a paperweight in a few years.

 

[SuzieQ3417]

I have a 700m, too. Isn't it an awesome machine?

I've got that same computer and I love it! I bought it over a year ago, and surprisingly it has still retained its value. Shocked me, since normally computers are obsolete after 6 months or so.

 

[SlippingSloth]

Anyone else eat ramen without the liquid? Just eat the flavored noodles?

Lol I thought I was the only one....looks like there are others 🙂

 

[Mr. Tee]

Why buy a Bose Sound Dock when you can get an iPod dock and a far better stereo system for a similar price?

Any audiophile immediately laughs at the mention of Bose. They're all marketing, don't you remember seeing those infomercials every 10 minutes?

haha, word 👍 that SoundDock sounds like ****...same with all of their home theater speakers.

are you an audiophile too? my earphones cost more than your ipod!

 

[McMD]

That's what I'm talking about..putting all med school needs on the registry. I'm getting married in May and we don't need much stuff, so everything I'll need for school will be going on the registry....

Beach Cruiser (I'll be going to school near the beach)
Ipod (don't have one yet, but the fiance does)
Plasma, wide screen, TV
New Coach purse to carry my laptop and books in (don't like backpacks)
Maybe some stuff for the dog, she'll need toys!!

 

[TimmyTheWonderD]

Anyone else eat ramen without the liquid? Just eat the flavored noodles?

I DO! I hate when it has water in it!

 

[IDforMe]

I've had my north face since freshman year in high school, they really last.

I went through 3 backpacks (mid price) before shelling out what I thought was an obscene amount of money for my northface... best purchase ever. It has gotten me through 2 years of heavy usage already with no real wear. I'm betting it will last through the next four years or more, too.

Rating: 👍 👍

 

[veenut]

I have a 700m, too. Isn't it an awesome machine?

got one, love it

 

[deleted77919]

Oh, no! Crotchrockets! J/K - It's all in how you ride, not what you ride!

I'm a Harley girl, myself. My husband has a Night Train and I have a Sportster.

I love my Suzuki SV650S. I'm a sucker for V-twin sportbikes, just love the extra torque and power down at 5k, rather than 15k rpm. I certainly don't hate on people who ride other bikes, just prefer V-twins myself . . . now if only I had the change for a Ducati 999R Xerox edition . . .

 

[IDforMe]

Anyone else eat ramen without the liquid? Just eat the flavored noodles?

I eat them half the time as soup, half as flavored noodles. Makes it easier to pretend you not eating the same thing too often. 😉

I don't eat them much anymore, because as Teerawit mentioned, they are not so good for you. As available cash decreases, ramen consumption will likely increase again, however.

 

[TX515]

Need to replace my old POS kawasaki ninja, I am really looking at this. 2006 yamaha YZF-R6 If any riders are outthere, this is arguably the most advanced 600 in production:
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/8/0/home.aspx

Eddie, go ahead and step up to the Suzuki 750. It is redesigned for 06 and has more power than the Yami 600. I bought the Honda CBR600RR (all black I might add) and a few months later I was already wanting the Yami 1000. The next bike I will buy though will be the Harley Fat Boy. No doubt about it. When though, that is not something on my shopping list for med school. Just a new laptop and the usual supplies, pens, pencils, paper, books, apartment, etc.

 

[mcat shmcat]

I just replaced my Hot Shot with a Recon. I thought the Hot Shot was too small, but the Recon is a great size. I'm not in med school yet, but my boyfriend who is a MSI has the Recon also, and no we didn't get the same backpacks on purpose!

Also, I have a Trek bike...it's fantastic.

 

[browniegirl86]

- TiVo
- Cat (the dog needs a companion and she loves cats)
- NorthFace parka of some kind . . . I'm from Texas and will need protection against the St. Louis winter
- School supplies

 

[lyn2006]

Also, I have a Trek bike...it's fantastic.

Although I don't know if it really counts as something I NEED for med school... I just ordered the Trek 2200! (http://texomacyclingcenter.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=3257)

I can't wait to get it and start riding!!! Plus, the best part is I ordered it through my school's cycling team so I got a 40% discount.

I guess I'm so excited about this purchase since the only things I actually need for med school are boring... new laptop, books/school supplies. blah.