Anyone else nervous to start? I have never lived away from home (besides dorming in college, but home was an hour car ride away so could visit whenever I wanted), and am anxious about starting a new chapter living on my own. I'm also a young applicant (22), so idk if I'll vibe with others who might be older.

How feasible is it to visit family during med school? I want to maintain a close relationship because my family means a lot to me, but worried that I'll get way too busy in school.

How is work-life balance in med school? I'm interested in some competitive specialties so I am ready to work hard, but I truly don't want to lose sight of what matters most (family, friends, health, hobbies outside of medicine). Is it better to aim for a less competitive specialty so I'm not losing hair and gaining weight during school? Lol. I don't know what to expect...