Thoughts on living alone during M1?

[Rainbows&Waterfalls]

I am happy to say that I will be starting medical school in August! As I start considering housing options, I want to hear some opinions on the -- living alone vs. living with roommates -- dilemma.

Reasons why I prefer living alone:
> Had disrespectful roommates in the past, don't want to deal with it again
> Prefer studying from home & don't want any additional distractions
> Have a significant other that will likely visit me 1-2 times per month
> Enjoy hosting friends / going out once in awhile and don't want any grief

Reasons why I am hesitant to live alone:
> Missed opportunity to meet people / make close friends
> Higher cost


Basically, I don't want any additional stress (either way) during M1. I would consider myself pretty outgoing, I certainly have a lot of friends, but am looking for some stronger friendships with females (I will need more bridesmaids someday!). I am willing to pay more for a private space but again, do not want to miss out on anything.

So... any advice?

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[tiramisucheese]

It really comes down to personal preference and finances, IMO. It's crucial for me to live alone. I've learned that I don't do well living with other people. You'll probably be fine meeting people as long as you're not a total hermit.

 

[bananafish94]

If you have the means I think it's a good idea. Bad roommates can add a considerable amount of stress to your life and you want to minimize external stressors as much as possible. Of course, good roommates can be a wonderful thing, but it's a gamble.

 

[mistafab]

People differ on this a great deal.

I, for one, must either live alone or with a significant other. I find roomates to be insufferable no matter how good of friends we are.

I have heard others be the exact opposite - they feel weird alone and dont like being by themselves. I’d say that if you are in either camp, then go with your gut. The extra money req’d for living alone would be no issue for someone like me who prefers to live alone. The extra “focus/control” from living alone would not be worth it to a super social type.

 

[Lannister]

I'll put in a good word for having a roommate. It's nice to come home at the end of the day and have someone to talk to. It's especially nice for someone like me, who studies almost exclusively at home. Without a roommate, I could easily go a whole day or two without talking to another human being, which imo is a pretty isolating feeling. I live with another medical student, but she was starting M3 when I was starting M1, which I think worked out really well for me. She's awesome when she's home, and a lot of the time she's at the hospital/away on interviews, so I get a decent amount of time where I'm basically living alone.

Edit: and I should add, I totally get how much it sucks to have a bad roommate. I have a bad roommate story that probably no one here could top haha. But having a good roommate is so great.

 

[narla_hotep]

A lot of people do live alone in med school, but let me second what someone else said earlier about renting a 1 bedroom in a complex that's popular with students from your school (ask around with the current M1's to see where most people live). That way you can see people around the hallway or parking garage and say hi, and it will be easier to hang out with classmates when you want to. Or get a roommate if you'd prefer - personally I do like having someone around to talk to and keep me accountable about cleaning the apartment. Just make sure you talk to the roommate a decent amount beforehand to see if your lifestyles are compatible. I ended up being really lucky with my roommate this year - she's quiet but still friendly, doesn't have people over or throw parties, and a very neat person who always cleans up after herself. So random roommates you find on facebook do sometimes turn out okay

 

[JJBinks69]

Live alone. Having a roommate is massively overrated in my opinion.

 

[dr.grenouille]

I'll put in a good word for having a roommate. It's nice to come home at the end of the day and have someone to talk to. It's especially nice for someone like me, who studies almost exclusively at home. Without a roommate, I could easily go a whole day or two without talking to another human being, which imo is a pretty isolating feeling. I live with another medical student, but she was starting M3 when I was starting M1, which I think worked out really well for me. She's awesome when she's home, and a lot of the time she's at the hospital/away on interviews, so I get a decent amount of time where I'm basically living alone.

Edit: and I should add, I totally get how much it sucks to have a bad roommate. I have a bad roommate story that probably no one here could top haha. But having a good roommate is so great.

Let’s hear it!

 

[Jasmine2022]

I have decided to live alone during my upcoming M1. The idea of sharing costs and having a buddy close by is tempting, but I thrive in stressful situations when I have a place to call my own, without having to consider someone else's living needs/wants. I will likely have study groups and occasional get-togethers at my place (I like to cook, so I'm sure it won't be difficult to bribe folks to come hang out and enjoy a free, home-cooked meal), but the additional costs are definitely worth it, in my opinion.

At all the school's where I've interviewed, there has been a plethora of events/activities/groups to help maintain a social life, so I'm not concerned about missed opportunities for making friends or building relationships. Considering social media and the numerous ways people can communicate, I rarely feel lonely, even if I haven't spoken to another human being in person in a few days.

Congrats, and good luck in your transition!

 

[RaspberrySlushy]

Just based on your own initial post, it sounds like you want to live alone.

I second what others have said about living in a building or a neighborhood that’s popular with students, and that all schools seem to have lots of social events and clubs and such so as long as you make an effort to stay connected, you’re golden.

 

[reaction mechanisms]

Sounds like living alone will be best for you. Congratulations on your acceptance.


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[TheBiologist]

own room >>>> shared room, even if different bedrooms imo

 

[seren1051]

On a related question, what's a likelihood of getting a decent studio with a reasonable rent in Manhattan? If it's slim then I'm doomed to roommates.

 

[Lannister]

Let’s hear it!

There were four of us, and we were pretty good friends before we moved in together. The year started with an argument over the thermostat, and ended with two moving out suddenly in the middle of the night with a police escort, one in a mental hospital, and one living in terror sleeping with a knife under her pillow.

 

[CyrilFiggis]

Personal preference.... and it seems that the majority of SDNers are live alone type people.

I'd be interested to know how many of the 'live alone' group study mostly at home/in their dorm? For me, I do all my studying on campus. Caveat is that I have a family and two cats at home and started med school after almost 10 years in the real world. So for me, when I leave the house I'm going to work, when I get home, I put away the books and Anki decks and focus on my life. While that may not be your cup of tea, it can mitigate any study stressors a roommate puts on you.

 

[nymd22]

I am happy to say that I will be starting medical school in August! As I start considering housing options, I want to hear some opinions on the -- living alone vs. living with roommates -- dilemma.

Reasons why I prefer living alone:
> Had disrespectful roommates in the past, don't want to deal with it again
> Prefer studying from home & don't want any additional distractions
> Have a significant other that will likely visit me 1-2 times per month
> Enjoy hosting friends / going out once in awhile and don't want any grief

Reasons why I am hesitant to live alone:
> Missed opportunity to meet people / make close friends
> Higher cost


Basically, I don't want any additional stress (either way) during M1. I would consider myself pretty outgoing, I certainly have a lot of friends, but am looking for some stronger friendships with females (I will need more bridesmaids someday!). I am willing to pay more for a private space but again, do not want to miss out on anything.

So... any advice?

If you have the means to live alone, by all means, you should do it. I haven't started medical school yet, but I currently have two roommates that I like as people, but the mess they leave in my apartment means that I feel uncomfortable having my friends over. I feel like I'm actually missing out on socialization by living with these people. If you have your own space you can still invite people over whenever you want!

 

[Jasmine2022]

Personal preference.... and it seems that the majority of SDNers are live alone type people.

I'd be interested to know how many of the 'live alone' group study mostly at home/in their dorm? For me, I do all my studying on campus. Caveat is that I have a family and two cats at home and started med school after almost 10 years in the real world. So for me, when I leave the house I'm going to work, when I get home, I put away the books and Anki decks and focus on my life. While that may not be your cup of tea, it can mitigate any study stressors a roommate puts on you.

Much of my study takes place away from home, but I still go for the solo living. I like the quiet and freedom to walk around naked

 

[buckoh24]

My partner and I are living together. I lived with disruptive roommates before and my horrible living situation made my grades suffer. Went to living alone and it was amazing. To keep the comradery, I think living in the same area as other med students in your class would be nice so you can hang out and study/chill/etc. So you make friends with your neighbors instead of hoping your roommate and you get along. IMO it could be less drama cuz if you dont get along, their friends (who may be classmates) may have a tainted image of you too. Just force yourself to go do stuff with people instead of chilling inside all the time in your off time and you should be good!

 

[Lannister]

Much of my study takes place away from home, but I still go for the solo living. I like the quiet and freedom to walk around naked

Eh, you can still walk around naked when you live with a roommate, just gotta be careful!

 

[21Rush12]

I can tell you that living alone does not mean you’ll be alone or isolated. At first it may be harder if you’re at a school with a lot of on campus housing, but if you make an effort to have social life and connect with your class you should do fine.