Starting a new job as a registered nurse or medical technologist in the U.S. can be both exhilarating and challenging, but settling in can be so much easier if you have a roommate. Not only is choosing to live with someone a pragmatic financial choice, it can also significantly contribute to your overall well-being. The advantages go beyond cost-sharing and extend to creating a supportive environment that enhances the mental, emotional, and social aspects of your life. Here are our top seven reasons why finding a roommate to live with in the U.S. is a great idea.
1. Emotional support and companionship
Moving to a foreign country often involves leaving behind familiar faces and routines. Loneliness can become a significant challenge. Having a roommate provides built-in companionship and emotional support. Sharing daily experiences, discussing challenges, and celebrating successes with a roommate can ease the emotional burden of navigating a new culture and environment.
Why not share your U.S. experience with a friend from back home? Conexus offers referral bonuses if you recommend a qualified registered nurse or medical technologist, or you can both apply at the same time with the aim to deploy together.
2. Cultural exchange and learning
Living with someone from a different background enriches your cultural experience. The Conexus community comprises wonderful healthcare professionals from many different countries, giving you the chance to learn about an entirely new culture! A roommate can introduce you to their own customs, traditions, and social norms, while you learn about U.S. culture together. This cultural exchange can broaden your perspective and create a sense of shared understanding, fostering a supportive and inclusive living environment.
3. Social connection and networking
Roommates often become your first social circle in a new country, especially if they deployed to the U.S. before you and are already established in your new home. They can introduce you to their friends, invite you to social gatherings, and help you establish connections within the community. This social network is crucial for well-being, providing a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation. Friendships formed through roommates can become a valuable support system.
If you deploy together, then you can lean on each other when entering social situations and exploring your new hometown. Things are more fun when shared!
4. Shared responsibilities and stress reduction
Living alone can be overwhelming, especially when faced with the challenges of adapting to a new country. Having a roommate means sharing responsibilities, from household chores to navigating bureaucratic processes. This shared burden can significantly reduce stress levels, allowing you to focus on personal and professional growth without the added pressure of managing every aspect of daily life on your own.
5. Feelings of safety and security
Moving to a new country involves getting accustomed to unfamiliar surroundings. Having a roommate can enhance your sense of safety and security. In addition to having someone to share the living space, a roommate can provide assistance in emergency situations, offer guidance on local safety measures, and contribute to an overall feeling of reassurance in an unfamiliar environment.
6. Enhanced mental health
Relocating to a new country can be mentally taxing. The emotional toll of adapting to a different culture, facing language barriers, or dealing with homesickness can be challenging. Roommates can act as a support system, offering a listening ear and understanding. Shared experiences and mutual encouragement contribute to better mental health and emotional well-being.
7. Financial stability and peace of mind
While financial benefits are often discussed, they also contribute to overall well-being. Reduced financial stress from shared living expenses allows you to allocate resources to other aspects of your life, such as building savings and an emergency fund, sending money back home, hobbies, education, or travel. This financial stability, combined with the emotional support from a roommate, provides peace of mind and a foundation for a more fulfilling life in the U.S. Read more in our article, Seven ways having a roommate makes financial sense.
Choosing to have a roommate when moving to the U.S. is not just a practical decision; it is a strategic investment in your overall well-being. The emotional support, companionship, cultural exchange, and shared responsibilities contribute to a more enriching and fulfilling experience. Roommates become more than just cohabitants; they evolve into a vital support network that aids in the process of adapting to a new country, fostering personal growth, and ultimately enhancing your well-being.
If you are in the process of moving to the U.S. with Conexus MedStaff, your HCP Experience Co-ordinator may be able to help you find a roommate.
If you are currently deployed in the U.S. with Conexus MedStaff and would like to find a roommate, your local Engagement Manager may be able to help you.
Are you an international registered nurse or medical technologist looking to start a new career in the U.S.? Find out how we can help.
