Congrats on Matching! Now What?

Hey #Match2024,

Congrats on the Match! You've officially landed your residency spot – that's incredible! But before you dive headfirst into July, let's take a deep breath and navigate the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) next steps.

Moving Mountains (Literally!):

Many of you will be relocating for residency. Here's a quick checklist to get you started:

• Housing: Start exploring apartments/houses early, especially in competitive areas. Consider temporary housing if needed. Also, feel free to reach out to current residents of your program as they are often the best help since they’ve gone through the same process!

• Moving Logistics: Research moving companies or consider DIY options based on your budget and distance. Considering you may have a few moves in your career it’s best to avoid accumulating too many possessions. The more things you have, the more space you need, the more expensive your housing will be.

• Change of Address: Don't forget to update your address with student loan providers, banks, and other important services. USPS also has the option to forward your mail for up to one year, we highly recommend doing this.

Taming the Loan Beast:

Medical school loans are a reality, but they don't have to be a monster in your new life. We will provide deeper insights into student loans a bit later, but for now, here are some quick tips:

• Loan Servicer Contact: Get familiar with your loan servicer's contact information and repayment options.

• Income-Driven Repayment (IDR): Explore IDR plans that adjust repayments based on your income after residency starts.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): If you're aiming for a public service career, understand PSLF eligibility requirements.

Pro-Tips for a Smooth Transition:

• Connect with your program: Reach out to your residency program coordinator for any pre-arrival information or tasks.

• Build your support system: Connecting with co-residents online or through social media can be a great way to build a social network ahead of time.

• Prioritize self-care: Residency is demanding, so prioritize healthy habits like sleep, exercise, and stress management.

Bonus! We'll be dedicating the next few Review My Residency posts to resident life hacks, budgeting tips, and loan repayment strategies. Stay tuned!

Remember, you've got this! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Best,

The Review My Residency Team

P.S If you’re not already following us on Twitter/X, you’re missing out. This last week we shared a review Baylor College of Medicine General Surgery Residency and it got quite the attention…