This year, Match Day falls on Friday, March 16th. The date is fast approaching! Along with the excitement of finding out where in the country your residency program is going to take you, it’s also likely that you’re feeling anxious about the future. Once you open that sealed white envelope and find out where you’re going to spend the next several years of your life, you have to make a plan to get there. Don’t let this joyous moment stress you out. You worked hard to get here, so take some time to celebrate! Afterwards, sit down and start planning. These tips will help you enjoy a stress-free move to begin the next chapter of your medical career.
1. Decide if you want to rent or buy.
If you like the area where you matched and can see yourself sticking around after your residency, it might make financial sense to buy a home. However, if you plan on moving closer to family after your training is over, it might be wise to rent. If you decide to buy, call around to different banks and see if they offer mortgage loans for new physicians. These loans usually account for medical school debt, and some even include the down payment and closing costs of the home you purchase. If you match near Madison, WI, we can connect you with a knowledgeable and trustworthy loan specialist!
2. Make a budget.
After you decide to rent or buy, sit down and make a budget. Calculate what your salary will be and what your expenses will be, and figure out a maximum mortgage or monthly rent you could comfortably afford. The general rule is that housing should account for no more than one third of your income. Once you decide on a number, you can start looking at homes for sale and rental listings.
3. Search for homes.
If you match in Madison, WI, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you want a home near University Hospital, a UW Health Clinic, SSM Health, or UnityPoint Health, we’ll help you find a great location with a reasonable commute. We’ll do the behind-the-scenes work for you, keeping your home buying adventure simple and affordable. If you’re not ready to take the plunge into homeownership, there are many listing websites you can browse for rentals, like Zillow and Trulia.
4. Do virtual/in-person tours.
Online research is vital, but touring homes that meet your criteria can either enhance your interest or help you cross less ideal properties off the list. If you’re within driving distance of your new city (or have the time and resources to fly there), spend a long weekend looking at rentals, houses, and various properties that might work for you. If you’re moving to Madison, get in touch with us, and we can set you up with promising showings around the city.
5. Build a support system.
Connecting with your fellow residents is so important. It can truly make the difference between an intimidating move and a smooth transition to your new city. If you have any classmates that match in the same city as you, reach out to them and stay in contact. You can bounce ideas off each other, offer support, and have a friend to try new restaurants and attend events with after you move.
Matching with your residency program is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. Make the process easier by developing a plan, adequately preparing for your move, and connecting with others in your training area. Before you know it, you’ll be all settled in.
