The life of a medical student is already a whirlwind: grueling hours at the hospital, late-night study marathons, and squeezing in sleep wherever you can. The last thing you need is to stress over finding a place to live during your residency or rotations.
But the right short-term housing can really help—more than just a roof over your head, it can also help you survive those busy, bleary-eyed months.
Imagine stepping out of a 12-hour shift, walking just a few minutes to your fully furnished apartment, and collapsing onto a comfy couch—no assembly required, no furniture to lug around. That’s where Compass Furnished Apartments comes in. We’re here to make sure your housing is one thing you don’t have to worry about.
Ready to make your life easier? Here’s everything you need to know about finding the perfect housing during your residency or rotation.
Why Short-Term Housing is Ideal for Medical Students
Let’s face it: your life is anything but predictable during medical school, especially when you’re bouncing between rotations. You need a housing solution that works with your schedule.
Short-term rentals are perfect for medical students because they offer flexibility, comfort, and—best of all—no long-term commitments.
Here’s what makes them such a great option:
No Furniture? No Problem
One of the biggest advantages of short-term housing and serviced apartments is that they are fully furnished. When you’re moving for a short period—whether for a few weeks or several months—the last thing you want is to deal with buying, moving, or assembling furniture.
Short-term rentals offer a turnkey experience, meaning you arrive to find already everything set up for you, from couches to cookware.
Utilities Included
Managing utilities—setting up Wi-Fi, electricity, and water—can be a hassle, especially when your time is already stretched thin.
Short-term rentals often come with all utilities included, giving you one less thing to worry about. It’s comforting to know that your rent covers everything, so you won’t have to track down service providers or deal with billing issues.
From the moment you move in, your internet is working, the lights are on, and everything you need is already taken care of.
Short-Term Leases
One of the best things about short-term housing is the flexible lease terms. Medical rotations and residencies don’t always align with traditional rental agreements, which usually require long-term commitments.
With short-term rentals, you have the freedom to rent for just as long as you need, whether that’s a few weeks or multiple months. This flexibility means you won’t be tied down by a lease that extends beyond your stay, so you can move on to your next location without having to worry about finding a subletter or breaking your lease.
Prime Locations
Living close to the hospital or clinic makes a huge difference during your residency. Long commutes can add a lot of unnecessary stress, but if you’re staying close to your workplace, it frees up valuable time to rest, study, or even practice a little self-care.
Lots of short-term rental options are strategically located near major medical centers, making it a super convenient and short commute. Use the time you save to help you maintain a better work-life balance.
How does medical school housing work?
Medical school housing varies widely depending on the institution. Some schools provide on-campus or nearby dormitory-style housing, but these options are often limited in availability and might not always align with a student’s specific needs, especially during clinical rotations. For students who must travel to different cities or states for rotations, these housing options are usually not feasible.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Housing
Where you live will set the tone for your entire rotation, so make sure to put the effort into finding the right place! The ideal spot will help you recharge, stay productive, and make your life a little easier, instead of adding to your stress. Here are the key factors to keep in mind when you’re deciding where to stay during your medical training:
Proximity to Hospitals and Clinics
In med school, time is your most valuable asset, so don’t waste it on long commutes. The closer you are to the hospital, the better. Look for places within walking distance or a short ride from your clinical site. Trust us, when you’re clocking in those early morning shifts, being five minutes away makes a huge difference.
Budget
Let’s be real—medical school isn’t cheap, so keeping an eye on your housing budget is necessary. Here’s a breakdown of common costs:
- Rent: Prices vary, but expect to pay more in major cities like Boston or NYC.
- Utilities: Short-term rentals often have utilities included, making it easier to budget.
- Parking: Don’t forget to check whether parking is included, especially in urban areas where it can add up fast.
How do medical students pay for living expenses?
Most students rely on student loans, scholarships, or financial aid to cover housing and living costs during rotations.
Amenities
When you’re juggling rotations, exams, and your sanity, having the right amenities can make or break your housing experience. Here are some of the essentials to look for:
- Wi-Fi: Reliable internet is non-negotiable—hello, digital textbooks and research!
- On-Site Laundry: Because who has time to schlep their scrubs to a laundromat?
- Study Space: A quiet, comfortable space to study is a must.
Safety
Long shifts mean late nights, so you’ll want housing that makes you feel secure. Look for secure access, well-lit areas, and neighborhoods with good reviews. Compass Furnished Apartments goes the extra mile to ensure all of our properties meet high safety standards, so you can sleep soundly at night.
Best Housing Options for Medical Students
Not all housing options are created equal, especially when you’re a medical student juggling a million responsibilities. Here’s a breakdown of the best choices:
Furnished Apartments
Perfect for short stays, furnished apartments offer all the comforts of home without the commitment of a long-term lease. They’re ideal for rotations and come equipped with everything you need, so you can just walk in with your bags and start living.
Housing for Rotations
If you’re looking for housing options specifically designed for med students, platforms like RotatingRoom can connect you with rentals near hospitals that cater to students just like you. They’re often flexible with lease terms and located conveniently near medical facilities.
Just make sure you understand the purpose of each platform—some, like Blueground and MedHousing, offer options but often focus on longer stays.
Roommates
Want to save some cash? Living with roommates can make housing more affordable, just be sure to pick people whose schedules and habits won’t interfere with your
Corporate Housing
If you’re looking for a turnkey solution, corporate housing, like the ones offered by Compass, is a solid bet. Fully furnished, equipped with utilities, and designed for busy professionals, these apartments let you focus on what matters most—your education.
Finding Housing Near Major Hospitals
Finding housing near your clinical site can be tricky, so we’ve rounded up a few expert tips to make sure you’re able to secure the perfect spot:
- Start early: Start searching for housing as soon as your rotation details are confirmed. Popular locations near hospitals can fill up fast between students, staff, and patients requiring medical stays.
- Network in your program: Other students and even residency coordinators might be able to provide housing recommendations or connect you with students who are finishing their rotations and might be moving out.
- Check hospital housing boards: Lots of hospitals have bulletin boards or online forums where they post housing opportunities specifically for students and medical staff. These can be gold mines for finding short-term rentals close to your clinical site.
How Compass Furnished Apartments Can Help
At Compass, we understand the unique needs of medical students during their rotations or residencies. We provide fully furnished, short-term apartments near top hospitals in major cities like Boston, NYC, and Hartford.
Here’s why Compass is the right choice for you:
- Fully Furnished: Our apartments come equipped with everything you need, so you can move in and focus on your work.
- Prime Locations: We offer housing close to major hospitals, making your commute much shorter and giving you more time to study and rest.
- Flexible Lease Terms: With short-term lease options, you can stay for exactly the amount of time you need, without being locked into a long-term commitment.
Ready to make your residency stress-free? Explore our short-term furnished housing today.
About The Author
Lauren
Lauren, a passionate marketing professional from Vancouver, Canada, has an insatiable love for travel. Whether it’s camping off the grid in a secluded forest or enjoying the bustling streets of Manhattan, New York, she embraces every adventure with enthusiasm.