Hello, I recently got accepted to AUC and was gathering some more info about the island.
For those who have been to the island, can you give me an idea on the monthly expenses (rent, food,...etc). I know this probably varies by living conditions, but i'd like to have a rough idea. Also, is a car really needed?! If so, what are its expenses.
Any help would be appreciated.

As a single student I spent approximately:

$1250 for rent
$150 for utilities
$400-500 for food.
$200 for misc.

As for a car, run a seach on that, it's been discussed many many many times. Short answer no, you don't NEED one. Long answer is yes, it's vastly preferable to have one. A decent car from a departing student will run from about $3,000 upwards.

__________________

hmmm, so we're talking somewhere near 25K per semester (everything included)
do loans cover all that?! Are you currently taking loans? if they don't cover everything, how much do they cover? (approximately)
i have good credit and need base.
thanks

Yes, loans will cover everything plus more. I saved quite a bit of money which you will need to help start you off in clinicals. The numbers I gave were kind of high-balling the estimates. Assuming you'll also go out every weekend for a nice dinner/binge drinking. Plus fuel, etc.

__________________

For any married couples at AUC...I was curious as to how much you all pay for rent? I am also trying to get a price range as far as the low to high end on what to expect as well as utilities. Thanks for any info!

thanks for the quick reply.
i see, if loans cover that, then great!

another question, though a bit unrelated to the topic, how do you rate AUC? I know one shouldn't be comparing to U.S. standards, but overall, was the school helpful? Some graduates told me that once you're in, you're on your own amidst utter chaos! what's your take on that?! Exaggeration or truth?!

If you're expecting someone to hold your hand, no. If you're expecting extensive support to analyze how you study, tell you when to study, coach you on how to take exams, nope.

But AUC's professors taught me everything I needed to know to do well on Step 1. And if I had not napped so often and fallen out of my chair asleep during class, I'm almost positive I would've scored through the roof. But how much you learn, regardless of where you, is ALWAYS up to you. AUC will give you the knowledge and tools, but it's up to you to use it.

__________________

hi dfhthj5tyut

Iowafarmstud- We pay $1500. Hey you need to get a hold of the spouses org!


They can help you guys make the transition down here, find you housing and even pick you up from the airport! We couldn't have done this without them. The message board is a great place for your wife to ask questions and meet people before she arrives!

AUC Spouses Club

__________________

Rent is the same for 1 person or 2 people or a whole family. With that said, it's a natural expectation to think that larger apt's will go for more money.

Shop around and see what is available.