Student Host vs. Hotel

[SN12357]

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I'm interested in hearing people's opinions on staying with a student host vs. staying in a hotel for interviews.

I'm a nontrad and work full time, so while money is not trivial it isn't the overriding factor in my travel plans. I know that by staying in a hotel I'd be giving up the chance to talk more closely with students and get their (possibly unfiltered) opinions of the school. However, a hotel would make it easier for me to get work done, relax, and would be less risky in terms of a couple other factors. I have back/neck problems and sleeping on a random couch carries a very real risk of waking up not being able to turn my head or stand up straight.

What do y'all think? What were your experiences with student hosts like? Would I be missing too important an opportunity by staying in hotels?

 

[Barcu]

I did both, and I think both are fine.

The student gives you an opportunity to talk a bit more about the school, your concerns, ask questions, get interview tips, etc. It also gives you an opportunity to meet some more fellow students as well as see how some of the students in the area live (are you in a crappy but expensive apartment?).

On the other hand, staying in a hotel by yourself is awesome. It gives you your own time to relax and prep. If you are concerned about possible neck/back issues, this would alleviate some extra stress for sure. I don't think you miss much doing a hotel. If you wanted more opportunities to talk to students, you can reach out on SDN, to people who may know people at schools, and some schools will even give out info of students to contact.

 

[freakingoutabit]

If you want to avoid sleeping on a couch but would like to talk to someone who lives in the area, I highly recommend airbnb. You wouldn't be staying with a med student, obviously, but you could pick a seemingly cool person to stay with who could tell you about neighborhoods, things to do, etc. Also, airbnb is usually much more affordable than a hotel.

 

[def1]

Hotel is a way better option.

I roomed with a student host once, and while he was nice and gave me some good pointers, there was nothing too great about it.

Hotel makes your interview feel like a vacation

 

[yehhhboiii]

student host
fount of information and cheap

 

[Donald Juan]

If money isn't an issue, and you're too old to sleep on couches, then I think the answer is pretty obvious.

 

[Tots]

I'm interested in hearing people's opinions on staying with a student host vs. staying in a hotel for interviews.

I'm a nontrad and work full time, so while money is not trivial it isn't the overriding factor in my travel plans. I know that by staying in a hotel I'd be giving up the chance to talk more closely with students and get their (possibly unfiltered) opinions of the school. However, a hotel would make it easier for me to get work done, relax, and would be less risky in terms of a couple other factors. I have back/neck problems and sleeping on a random couch carries a very real risk of waking up not being able to turn my head or stand up straight.

What do y'all think? What were your experiences with student hosts like? Would I be missing too important an opportunity by staying in hotels?

Given your situation I would probably stay at a hotel if the money is not too big of an issue. I did both and I loved staying with hosts to get a "feel" for the school but honestly it was hard to truly relax and get a good nights sleep when staying in a strangers apartment(sometimes on a couch, but more than once I did have a bed which was unexpected but awesome). I don't think you really miss out on anything other than the chance to chat with a current student or two, which you can usually do on the interview day or via email, etc. Sometimes schools have socials the night before interviews which you can usually attend even if you are not staying with a host.

 

[dreamschool18]

If you stay with a host, do you bring your own pillow/blanket? Not exactly sure how it works...

 

[tantacles]

I'm interested in hearing people's opinions on staying with a student host vs. staying in a hotel for interviews.

I'm a nontrad and work full time, so while money is not trivial it isn't the overriding factor in my travel plans. I know that by staying in a hotel I'd be giving up the chance to talk more closely with students and get their (possibly unfiltered) opinions of the school. However, a hotel would make it easier for me to get work done, relax, and would be less risky in terms of a couple other factors. I have back/neck problems and sleeping on a random couch carries a very real risk of waking up not being able to turn my head or stand up straight.

What do y'all think? What were your experiences with student hosts like? Would I be missing too important an opportunity by staying in hotels?

The students can fill you in on some important buzz words the admissions committee wants to see, so I would suggest staying with a student. My best interview experiences were staying with student hosts, and I suggest it 100%.

 

[airplanes]

Meh staying with a student host is hit or miss. Mine was busy studying for an exam and couldn't be bothered so I felt bad asking him anything. I also had to take a 45 min cab ride to his place which cost me $100 as he lived in the suburbs.

I'd take the comfort and convenience of a hotel.

 

[Barcu]

If you stay with a host, do you bring your own pillow/blanket? Not exactly sure how it works...

You usually don't need to bring anything special. We had a formal hosting program at our school where you as the host had to provide a place to sleep, bedding, and a towel. Pretty much everyone should have an iron as well (or at least can get access to one) because our clothes need to look nice too.

 

[Chillbo Baggins]

I've decided to go with hotels when needed, just because I like to get ready for these types of situations super early and have plenty of relax time, which I don't think would always be feasible with a student host.

 

[SN12357]

Thanks for all the responses! I think I'm going to go with hotels when possible, but I can see why people would choose student hosts.