Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Apartments as a Medical Student

Last Updated on August 22, 2024 by Laura Turner

Finding the perfect apartment near your medical school will vastly improve your experience as a medical student. It’s not just about finding a place to live—it’s about creating an environment that supports your studies, fits your lifestyle, and helps you unwind after long hours. Here’s how:

Choose a Convenient Location

As a medical student, you won’t want to add a hefty commute on top of your hospital and school hours. As discussed in this SDN forums thread, almost all posters agreed that living within walking distance of your medical school was easily worth an extra $200 per month in rent.

Look for apartments near hospitals or clinics where you might have rotations or internships. Being nearby saves time and lets you dive deeper into your clinical experience. Libraries are another facility to keep in mind.  Whether you are studying for finals or your boards, you’ll need a study space that has zero interruptions. Live near the library for easy access to medical literature and quiet study spots that boost productivity. Additionally, the best off-campus apartment locations will be close to your lecture hall, labs, and resources like the student rec center.

Understanding By-the-Bedroom vs. Conventional Leasing

As a medical student, you have a choice to make whether you’d like to live in traditional student housing, with individual leasing, or live in conventional housing with a joint lease. SDN forums users are divided on whether living with a roommate or alone makes the most sense. Some users advocate for living alone due to the stresses of medical school: “I lived alone and I couldn’t imagine things any other way. Zero distractions. Could study when I wanted. Did not have to work around anyone’s schedule.” Others cite the cost savings and benefits of having another medical student as a roommate, who will understand what you going through, “I think that it’s very smart to live with someone from your medical school. 2 Beds, 2 Baths is the way to go. You have similar schedules, have someone to semi-network and have small-talk with.”

By-the-Bedroom Leasing: This option allows you to rent just your bedroom within a shared apartment. It’s perfect if you value your own space and want to manage your expenses independently. Living in student housing may prove to be a tad livelier.

The key is you are not liable if your roommate fails to pay rent, you will only be responsible for your portion of the monthly rent.

Conventional Leasing: Renting an entire apartment with roommates means shared responsibility for everything. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a collaborative living setup and want to split costs evenly. Conventional housing may offer a calmer community for studying. Signing a joint lease will, however, mean that you’re legally responsible for the whole rent of the unit, even though rent is split between roommates.

Budgeting Like You’re Getting an MBA

When living as a medical student, you may be incurring hundreds of thousands in debt, living off savings, or working with a limited allowance from family. This makes budgeting properly of the utmost importance. Unless finances are not of concern, your medical school apartment should allocate a conservative portion of your income or financial aid towards rent. Also be sure to factor in not just the listed rent price, but the total cost including utilities, internet, parking, and any other fees. Try looking for affordable apartments that may not have as up to date appliances or luxury amenities.

Besides rent, be sure to prioritize your spending on essentials like groceries and transportation. You are encouraged to track your finances with an Excel spreadsheet or app once a month to eliminate unnecessary expenses. Having a contingency fund of a couple thousand dollars for unexpected expenses can provide peace of mind. If you’re sharing costs with a roommate, discuss financial responsibilities upfront. Clear communication helps avoid any money-related headaches down the road. With a solid budget in place, you can focus on your studies without stressing about finances.

Must-Have Apartment Amenities For Medical Students

While “safety, proximity to school, and cost” will probably be your primary considerations, having an apartment with a few key amenities can make your life as a busy medical student just a bit easier:

24-Hour Study Spaces: Having access to study areas with comfy chairs, good lighting, and reliable Wi-Fi is essential; especially when the library is full for finals. Late-night study sessions become much easier when you have a dedicated space.

Gym Facilities: A fitness center with 24-hour access lets you squeeze in a workout whenever your schedule allows. Look for gyms equipped with everything from cardio machines to free weights.

Additional Considerations: Check out laundry facilities, communal kitchens, secure package services, and recreational spaces. Having a basketball court to play pickup with friends can provide a much-needed brain break and get some physical activity that you may be missing.

Finding the Right Roommate

A medical student needs a roommate that understands their strenuous lifestyle. A roommate that is considerate and clean is a must. It may even be beneficial to ask one of your classmates to room with you. No one knows a med school student’s struggle better! Choosing the right roommate can turn your apartment into a supportive environment where you can thrive academically and socially. As one SDN poster put it, “they kept me sane and out of my head during the many stressful times.”

Benefits of Roommate Matching: Services can pair you with someone who shares your study habits and lifestyle preferences. It’s a great way to find a roommate you’ll get along with if you don’t already have someone in mind.

Financial Harmony: Agree on how you’ll split expenses early on to avoid misunderstandings. Setting clear expectations from the start leads to a happier living situation. For example, talking about replacing shared goods or the importance of paying on time can be important.

Shared Responsibilities: Discuss chores, noise levels, and personal space boundaries upfront. Someone may be a great friend, but being a great roommate normally requires a conversation first.

Consider Short-Term Leases

Flexibility is key, especially with your busy med school schedule. You may even only be in town just for one rotation and need temporary housing. If this is the case, look for a short-term lease. They allow you to adapt to changes like rotations or internships without being locked into a long-term 12-month commitment. If you can’t find short-term apartment options near your university, try checking out local hotels. They often have extended stay options that may offer terms for just a few months while you’re working rotations.

Creating Your Quiet Oasis

A peaceful environment is essential for studying and unwinding. You may spend an overnight shift at the hospital or pull an all-nighter ahead of your exam, but you don’t want to a noisy apartment to return to.

Location: Look for apartments away from noisy streets or construction zones. A quieter setting makes it easier to concentrate and relax.

Building Features: Consider places with soundproofing and well-insulated walls. It helps block out noise from neighbors and the outdoors. When you’re touring, bring a friend and try closing the bedroom door and having your friends talk loudly. How loudly can you hear them?

Community Vibe: Check apartment policies on noise and community demographics. Finding a place with like-minded residents can contribute to a calm living atmosphere.

Visiting potential apartments during different times of the day gives you a feel for noise levels and the overall vibe of the neighborhood. Driving by on a sunny weekend will give you an idea of what the residents typically do. Driving around at night may give you an idea of safety and late night noise.

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In conclusion, finding the right apartment near your university is all about finding a place that supports your studies and fits your lifestyle. By focusing on location, leasing options, budgeting, amenities, roommate dynamics, and a peaceful environment, you can find an apartment that feels like home and sets you up for success during your medical school journey. Happy apartment hunting!