Med School Away Rotations-What to Bring

We're finishing our last away rotation soon.  We've been in three different towns for away rotations over the course of Kyle's medical school.  For each rotation, we've been able to stay a month at a time in a "furnished apartment" that was provided by the medical school.  It has been fun to experience what constitutes a "furnished" apartment!  What we deem normal, everyday necessities are often not included!  I like to think of these months away from home as something like a vacation or camping experience.

Much like a vacation, you do things you don't normally do...eat lots of processed foods (because there is a lack of cooking utensils, pots, spices, etc), experience a new town, you don't know ANYONE and don't worry too much about cleaning up after yourself (because there is no vacuum available!)

So without further ado, here is my list, for anyone getting ready to live in a "furnished" apartment, of what you should consider bringing with you from home!

• Toaster
• Coffee Maker
• Scissors (you'd never believe how often you use these wonderful inventions!!)
• Mrs. Dash, garlic or any other spice you want--perhaps salt & pepper as well!
• Ziplock bags
• Trash bags
• Toilet paper
• Paper Towels
• Kitchen towels
• Bed linens
• Pillows
• Mattress cover
• Bath towels, washcloths, hand towels
• Crock Pot
• Laundry detergent, etc.
• Hand soap-so you can wash your hands!
• Kleenex
• Cleaning supplies (toilet cleaner, Lysol or 409 type cleaner)
• Laptop
• Vacuum
• Throw blanket
• Money for grocery shopping once you arrive

If you have extra space and really want to carry it all back and forth.....

• decent pots/pans
• sharp kitchen knives
• everything but the kitchen sink!

I'm so glad we get to go home soon!  I can't wait to make a more sophisticated meal than hamburgers!