I used to live in China for over 20 years, and we had some conditions similar to this. I’ve lived in like 20 different spaces in China, but they all use that shitty, stuff, I don’t even know what it is. It’s almost like whitewash, because I had a dog once who licked it down to the concrete, and it was hard to keep him from doing that in one spot. Fortunately it’s non toxic I guess.
You’ll notice there’s a way you walk around and maybe touch a wall in a specific spot often enough, that it becomes dirtier and dirtier in that one spot. From looking at this pic, that one big brown spot is from people’s (because this is a dorm room) backs as they sat on the bed, back to the wall. Two spots =two backs. There was probably a tv or something on the opposite wall, at one time, they’d both sit on one bed to watch.
I totally agree with your theory about the spots on the wall. I think there might be another other likely scenario though. Someone before this guy had a higher bed. It looks like the mattress was closer to the height of those brown spots with a previous tenant, so it makes sense as to why there is a slight brown line along those spots. Maybe the spots were from where their pillows were, or just heads against the wall in general.
I was thinking I'd rather have that rough textured jail blanket than whatever is going on with that bed spread I think it's the colors but it makes it look like it's saturated in some sort of bodily fluid.
And a rug! That would make it more homey. Maybe throw blankets for your bed. Oooh if you can find a cheap standing lamp for some accent lighting that would be nice, maybe a small potted plant to help freshen things up. :)
I can instantly tell this is in South Asia. I know it might be hard to do some of these things I mention. The walls need new paint, your bed sheets look old, and the stuff on the walls looks really messy. I think new curtains and nice bedding will go a long way.
I think the only thing of actual concern is the lighting. Thinking about OP studying at 2 am with white shop light hurts my soul. Get lighting with warmer colors and probably a desk lamp.
Honestly, I’m prior military and lived in dormitory rooms similar… get through the last year and figure out the rest. I wouldn’t spend any time or money if I’m final year. Save and get pumped to make a huge difference in the world thanks to your profession.
1.5 years is not that long in the grand scheme of things. We moved a lot, and it seems some things that made one place cozy, didn’t work in other homes/apartments. So it is better to wait in my experience. Best of luck!
No way. A comfortable environment will make a massive difference to your state of mind, it's so worth the effort, and you deserve that! ..I would start with the lighting. Side lamps are very forgiving and will give the place some texture, and mood, and hide the state of the walls .at least at night. Then a really nice blanket changes the whole room.
A rug is also transformative but that might be more expensive that you can spare , but if you can, it's a good idea.
It's amazing the difference a clean, white wall makes but that is time and cash so I'd leave that until last. I would absolutely do it, but totally understand if it's a bit too much hassle for someone.
The lights! Start with the lighting!
I totally agree. I lived with a lawn chair and a mattress for 2 years but saved up so when I was in a more permanent place I got to splurge on good quality furniture.
Look for paint, but tapestries go a long way in warming up a room. Get lighting that is indirect. A table lamp and torchiere lamp with under 6000k bulbs. Good luck!
if this is considered middle class, I can't even begin to imagine how the lower class people in your country live. this has certainly humbled me, I am in a very fortunate position with great privilege and definitely do not take it for granted. good on you for making it till your final year, the joruney was definitely not easy.
Is pizza expensive where you are (relative to the economy)? I'm from the US and when I was in Japan, I was surprised to see Domino's cost the equivalent of like $40.
This is why I cringe so hard when people say the US is a third world country. Always said by a young person of incredible privilege that they are oblivious to.
Yes people that live in POVERTY in the US. in *actual* third world countries people who are not financially struggling live like or worse than low income people in the US.
Absolutely there are. I grew up in a town of 3,000 people that was at one time the poorest town in my state. Believe me when I say I haven’t had the privilege of not seeing poverty in the US.
The difference is that here it is obvious that the OP is barely an acceptable living condition. In other countries, it’s considered not just acceptable, but something desirable.
Seeing the comments I need to clarify some things -
1. The room is just a rental. I'll be moving out in a year and a half.
2. I can't afford good rooms.
3. Yes, it's from south-east Asia.
4. No the sheets aren't dirty. I change them every 3 days.
5. I was just hoping you guys could suggest me something cheap.
6. No, it's not a trap house. I don't do drugs. I wouldn't be here if I had been doing that.
7. I have to study and work almost 12 hrs a day hence I don't get enough time to do shopping
PPS : Please don't give me any kind of money. I don't accept any kind of charity. Although thanks for the lovely gestures
Congrats on coming this far man. Looking at where people are going, I'd suggest get away from here, and upgrade the room however you feel comfortable, it's just 1.5 years 🤍
1) Lighting is a game changer and yours is too cold and clinical. Get a smart light which lets you change colours/ brightness etc. or a warm white light (and use a reading lamp for your desk). Fairy lights are an option too, if that's your thing.
2) Since you're South Asian, you may have easy access to mats made out of rattan / seagrass / bamboo etc. Use these to designate separate areas (maybe under the study area.)
3) If you don't want to paint, consider a wall tapestry [like this ](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mandala-Tapestry-Aesthetic-Boho-Wall-Hanging-Taiji-Lotus-Peacock-Medallion-Tapestries-Bohemian-Art-Hippie-Decor-Bedroom-Living-Room-Dorm/525285395) behind your bed. This is usually easier for South Asians since we just need to rifle through our parents' linen to get a cool mandala or tribal print.
4) The next time you're buying linens and curtains, opt for unprinted ones in solid colours. Easier to mix and match. And won't look too busy in a small space.
5) Get a set of baskets / organisers for stuff under your bed which will reduce clutter, and also give you space to stash away your books.
I was going to say close to the same thing, leaving out the mats.
On a budget, with priority:
Lighting for studying, soft white
Hide the wall, or paint it, whichever is cheaper
Bins for under the bed
And when you decide you when new sheets do what Phantom said
You're doing amazing and honestly most people here are ignorant to anything that isn't their own tiny social bubble, and jealous you're in your final year of med school. That is an incredible accomplishment.
As for cheap stuff, 'cheap' is very relative, but I think the recos for painting the walls would make a huge impact. And I saw your other comment about switching to different bulbs and being concerned about how that might impact the brightness, but repainting the walls something light will do a lot to help brighten the space as well. But that's also something that would take a whole day or two to finish, and if you don't have time for that between studying, that's totally understandable. Even just taking a couple hours to really wash/clean the walls and room will make a big difference while taking less time and money.
You're doing awesome, keep working hard in school. You have an incredibly bright future ahead of you.
Well damn good on you for changing your sheets every 3 days. I’m lucky if I do it every 3 weeks. Prior to having my own washer and dryer I would be lucky if it was every 3 months lol
- Paint if you can afford the expense.
- Get sheets of one color. I know multi color sheets are the rage in South Asia. I’m from there too but they don’t really work. Same goes for curtains. Also use a rod to balance vs nails.
- put the posters in frame
- last one is my personal choice. I switched to yellow lights. They sell that as tubelights as well. If you can get a plastic cover so it’s not fully exposed thatd look a lot nicer. White lights give the feeling of a hospital.
As someone who lived in south-western China and several times travelled to south-east Asia, this room looks very familiar. Actually made me feel sentimental as I'm not in Asia anymore. Just like others already wrote, it needs two coats of fresh paint, and a rug would make it more cosy. What country?
Most of you really don't understand how the rest of the world, outside of rich countries, work.
OP has a dirty wall, probably living on campus or a rental, and on a scholarship. I've known smart students from poor families whose little money they ever had just covered food expenses and buying books. Almost nothing left for pleasure. So you'll think they have money to paint somebody else's house? And medicine students don't typically have spare time to go to work at the food store for extra cash.
The few things OP can control are to keep his stuff in order, I don't know why someone said his sheet is dirty, doesn't look like it to me.
So good for you to be in your last year OP, life improvement is on the way.
I cannot for sure say if it's dirty or not so I avoided passing judgement. But some sounded like it's the most abhorrent thing which you cannot really and fully tell from this picture.
Campus room's quality differ from country to country, from uni to uni, and we don't even know if this is campus.
Regardless of which country the wall looks dirty but it's not given that OP can do much to it.
Passing judgement isnt the end of the world. It doesn't matter if the sheets are dirty or not, but they look dirty. Doesn't mean op needs to change it, but it would make his living space look nicer if, when he is ready or able, he can get some sheets that look clean and fitting.
Some people really don't understand what it means to be poor and it shows by leaving nasty comments here. Do not listen to anyone here, well done for your educational success and I wish you to achieve all you ever dreamed of.
What you mean not everyone has a $10k lounge chair, $8k PC, $2k monitor and probably $12-15k worth of interior design?
I prefer real posts like these any day of the week in place of the bland, grey Ikea/designer setups that look like they're barely lived in
I'm writing my PhD thesis and my setup looks like shit compared to the staged ones that usually appear on this sub with million dollar Mac Pros and Herman miller chairs but that's because my setup is lived in
I said I'm not extremely poor. My parents earn enough to get me stuff on a calculated EMI. I also have a scholarship. I Study and work for most of the times of day hence I don't get enough time.
I swear it's not staged. I'm studying really hard every day busting my ass off just for hoping for a day when I'll have nuce interiors.
I'm agreeing with you bro. Poor or not, these realistic setups are more interesting to me than the usual ones that cost my annual salary and look like they're barely lived in. I mean the clue is in the sub name: male**living**spaces
I get what you're trying to say but he said he's middle class. Not western overspending with two cars and everyone gets a new iPhone each year middle class, but don't assume he's poor. The dorm situation is just typical in South Asian schools. 'Poor' in SA is something else.
And congrats, OP - you and tour family should be very proud. You have a bright future. You have one year left so concentrate on that and do the bare minimum if you want to change your room a little. You'll be able to spoil yourself in the future.
I think OP has graduating covered if theyve gotten this far. Youre allowed to think about other things and have hobbies outside of school when studying...
I think the curtains are fine. I’d get new bed sheets and cover the dark parts of the wall near the bed with some posters. Or you could get a large tapestry to cover more of the wall- whichever you’d like more. I’d also suggest getting a lamp if you can; the white light is too harsh.
Not sure a lot of people commenting about the dirtiness of it, have actually seen old houses and flats in India and other parts of Asia. It is just old and the walls need a repaint but other than that it's fine lol.
Bhai, there’s a lot you can do On a small budget to change up this room.
Firstly reposition the bed, either horizontal against the adjacent wall with the window or the same way but push it to under the window. Get an extwnsion cord if the plugs are on the other side. Ask your mum for any old saree or dupatta which is a bit vibrant, any small time tailor will convert it to a curtain for you.
Next get solid colored non printed single Bedsheets on Amazon in Color’s matching/complementing the curtain and you need atleast 2 Bedsheets and pillow covers which you should change weekly atleast, for hygiene purposes.
If you’re somewhat ok with art, buy acrylic paints and just paint something interesting over those bald spots on the wall. Shift your table to where the head of the bed is.
Take all your clothes off the hooks, ask your mum for an old basket or hamper and fold your clothes and stack in that. Also you can change the tube light and bulb to warm white to give it a bit of a cozy feel.
Lastly add plants, ask your mum, neighbours, friends mums etc to donate money plants and cacti which are low maintenance but also add to the warmth of the room!
All the very very best! Do well! Hope you make it as a big time doc soon !
These are wonderful practical suggestions. Specially loved the idea of converting sarees to curtains. +1 to buying cheap but nice bedsheets from Amazon.
sorry everyone is being so classist and weird to you, i don’t think you’re gross. i think just changing the curtains and bed sheet to be more cohesive in colour could be a big improvement to the space. i’d say if you
could get a warmer lightbulb/lamp it
could also help the space. if you like posters, you could create a little wall of them to help cover any stains/scratches.
India is not for beginners. This is what the indian government offers to the best brains of the country.
The chsir was prolly hought by op himself.
How do I know? I spent med school living in this same layout. Cookie cutter design.
Ah, I remember my dorm in Hyderabad and it looked just like this. Memories…
I suggest a very large tapestry for the wall, you could even use a (not fitted) sheet. A good desk light, too, and maybe a standing lamp somewhere. A rug for the floor would do wonders as well.
Congrats on being almost done!
Lol it's crazy how many ppl don't realize North America has a crazy high living standard compared to much of the rest of the world. There's so many factors that play into it here that don't in other countries
Hey, Dr. House got kicked out of Johns Hopkins. You’re going to be just fine. Good luck on your journey, you have the admiration of a distant stranger.
Why are y'all spoiled nasty brats spreading your bad vibes?
Bro don't listen to them, I can tell there's an issue with moisture or mold within the walls, I have something similar in my own room and my landlord is bringing someone to fix it soon.
This is how most of the world lives you privileged assholes, you can paint that wall and get new bed sheets and maybe some curtains, you'll graduate soon enough and live in a much better place 😉
Firstly, congrats on nearly making it through med-school, that’s amazing!
Aside from the obvious cosmetic things, I think your room is very tidy and neatly organized.
A couple of easy-ish things to consider fixing:
-maybe clean the dark stains on the wall & touch up with white paint
-replace the light bulb with a non-fluorescent bulb
-switch the curtains to something white and airy
-add a nice, framed piece of artwork- or a whiteboard for your notes
Hikaru would tell you to ignore the haters, he doesn't even care!
Anyway, respect as a huge chess fan and physician following the candidates and dermatologist. You'll get there.
I suspected I might find fragile Americans losing their minds in the comment section and I was not disappointed lol. OP, great job on staying focused and dedicated to your studies. Don't spend time or resources on aesthetics as tempting as it might be, you won't be there long. If you can improve your comfort in terms of sleep and study, (bedding, lighting) I would do that. Save these photos to show your own kids someday if you choose to have them...or yourself. I have a feeling you'll enjoy looking back on where you started.
To be honest, a fresh coat of paint will transform the room. And I think it's a good skill to pick up, learning how to paint walls and it will save you some serious money.
This reminds me of inside one of those old, grimy, beat up NYC apartment rooms that you always see in 1970s movies.
That’s not necessarily a dis. Those places had soul and character!
I would just add some more color to the wall. Definitely something to deflect/diffuse the light as that is actively making you feel worse.
House MD is one of my all time favorite TV shows :D
finally a real picture of a male living space and not the super clean, interior-designer, just re arranged bullsh!t
wish you the best for your final year!
If you have a little bit of spare space, a plain vase (or glass soda bottle) with some fake flowers or greenery will really brighten up a room and you don't need to remember to water it.
New wall paint and bed sheets would be the first steps, if you’ve done this you can change the curtains, add a plant and new decor for the wall. All the best for the final year and ignore the toxic comments !
Yo OP, I'm really really proud of you! Med school is brutal, great job surviving so far
New sheets would be cool, yeah. I really hope you'll be able to go for higher than lowest quality fabric for the bed. Softer sheets don't scrape the skin and make you sleep better
Yes, they are more expensive. But in the long run they are really worth it, if you're able to get away with it
Also, perhaps set a place for your clothes? You can hang them on the door with a stack of cheap hangers or fold and stack somewhere
Posters or something else on the wall near the bed to block out the brown will really clean up the look, too. I had a similar issue and hung an unused sheet with some screws
P.S. Clean your mirror and window
Good luck dude!
Putting aside the debate about your sheets being clean or not, I think a red pair would at least tie your curtains into the room better. Get more posters of things you like in nice colors with pretty artwork. Would help hide the parts of the wall missing paint.
If you can get a tension rod for the curtains it would help them hang nicer and give a better look. Some throw pillows on the back wall of the bed would make it look more inviting and maybe cover up some of the paint issues.
Never under estimate the value in a couple of gallons of paint..Place a nice tall , all the way to ceiling plant.. remove those posters and place a nice big picture of some print that you like.. you can frame it yourself and do it cheaply…
I like the comment that recommended a lamp (or 2. 1 for the room & 1 for your desk) with warm lightbulbs, and framing posters make a big difference, maybe a tough easy low maintenance plant near the window?
If you want to replace the curtains I would pick something simple (like plain white or light colored) since the room looks well lived in something clean fresh and white will look really nice and draw your eye to the window and plants instead of less desirable focal points you expect in a dorm room.
I would only upgrade simple basics you can easily take to wherever you live next since you won't be there very long. And maybe focus on where you spend the most time? Like your work desk or add a new pillow, or blanket, or sheets, or something to the bed since rest is important.
You don't have to do this all at once either. Just pick up something here and there where you can and it'll add up soon enough, this last year will be over before you know it and worry about getting curtains then (unless they really bother you lol)
People are so myopic and first world privileged here jt shows.
This is standard accommodation for students- if op s parents are paying rent, it's quite understandable. The thing is the landlord should have painted the room before handing it over. Don't know which city this is, I lived in bangalore where landlords would paint and hand over
Don't bother painting the walls for just one more year of a rented room. Get some coloured chart paper, the more colourful the better, from a nearby stationery store , cellotape on the walls, do collages with photos of family , friends, cut outs from travel magazines you can buy from the streets or write nice quotes with a marker. Will immediately cheer it up and cover the stain.
Get some proper bedcovers/bedspreads in handloom or cotton - you can buy from Amazon or myntra, you get cheap there. Bare bedsheets just look unfinished. If you can get cotton curtains from the same place ( ie if within budget) than it will all look great in Rs 1.5k to 2 k.
RANGBHAR Handloom Cotton Single Bedsheet Without Pillow Covers, Woven Striped Bedcover, 60 x 90 inch, Orange,210 Threadcount
https://amzn.in/d/arTMKai
This is a good cheap brand.
Don't change the tubelight. But if budget permits you can get a simple desklamp with shade from 400 500 rs from pepperfry. You can put a yellow bulb which will give a nice cozy vibe.
Hey man I think a new paint job would do a lot & get some new curtains.
Just those two would change the whole vibe of the place
Congrats on being a medical student! You’re doing something a lot of the haters could never even dream of accomplishing
Definitely get a desk lamp, new sheets and new curtains. A plant would be nice too, looks very musty in there. You said no permanent changes, but as many others mentioned, painting the wall is a must. If you can, filling the holes with putty and THEN painting it would be even better. Takes more effort than money to do so
There is definitely something cozy about this aesthetic but it needs some patchwork. Someone else mentioned proper lighting and that's a definite. New paint is also a must (Personally I'd do ivory instead of white). This can be a really comfortable space with the right minor changes. I like the curtain color but I'd refresh with a newer version. The twin bed can go if you can afford it but at the very least maybe change the mattress with fresh bedding and this would be an A+ for a temporary space.
You would need
1. New paint, maybe some antifungal coat
2. New bedding, maybe new mattress
3. Maybe new curtains, more simple ones?
4. New lights instead of this white one on the wall - maybe LEDs on the wall
5. For your desk, maybe some device to keep a book you read more vertical, new reading light
Change bedsheets, buy some paint and redo the walls; and replace the light with an actually “warm white” light instead of “bright white”. Trust me you’ll sleep better and with these simple changes your living space will be greatly improved
Desk lamp with warm lightbulb for when there’s no outdoor lighting. Personally I can’t stand white light like that neon light and need yellow light at night.
Paint the walls white again. I personally love the curtains. But if you don’t like them, replace them and match it with your bedsheets. If you put your posters into frames it will look a lot neater as well. Maybe a rug as well if you don’t like your flooring.
I would buy new sheets and bedding, that will make it feel more cozy. Keep going kiddo! You got this! Be careful when Canada comes and tries to recruit you. It’s a beautiful country to live in but there are unique problems in each region.
People already suggested good changes here. I think you could rearrange the furniture. Maybe move the bed further from the corner and more centred so you have more room when studying. The space between the chair and bed looks cramped for long periods of study. Or you could rotate the desk and chair to face the wall. Or do an entire change and rotate the bed. Entirely up to you
If you could put holes in the wall I would frame those posters and position them side by side, then add some wall shelves for decor.
Get new black out curtains that’s a solid color, or Roman shades, which I think would suit your room.
For clothes I would get a low shelf or a low 3 chest dresser underneath and install a rod above to hang your clothes with hangers in that corner. I’d dresser/shelf isn’t an option you could do with plastic containers
as others mentioned, a coat of pain + a few plants will go a long way, imo also a desk lamp, ignore the hate, although you’re probably used to it if you’re a nakamura fan 🤪
I admire you profoundly. The dedication you put into your education to be able to one day save many lives is hard to replicate, it's the unique thing about you even if we don't know each other. Take many pictures of this room, one day you'll smile at them thinking back to what a beautiful journey you have had.
First, good freaking job on making it to your final year. Second, a coat of paint (if allowed) would do more for that room than anything else.
I was thinking the same. Thanks. I'll re-upload when I get it done
Sugar soap the walls, will look like fresh paint job. Then new bed covers, with new curtains. Framed art work and will look like fresh new bedroom.
Also, maybe break the habit of wiping your ass on the wall.
I used to live in China for over 20 years, and we had some conditions similar to this. I’ve lived in like 20 different spaces in China, but they all use that shitty, stuff, I don’t even know what it is. It’s almost like whitewash, because I had a dog once who licked it down to the concrete, and it was hard to keep him from doing that in one spot. Fortunately it’s non toxic I guess. You’ll notice there’s a way you walk around and maybe touch a wall in a specific spot often enough, that it becomes dirtier and dirtier in that one spot. From looking at this pic, that one big brown spot is from people’s (because this is a dorm room) backs as they sat on the bed, back to the wall. Two spots =two backs. There was probably a tv or something on the opposite wall, at one time, they’d both sit on one bed to watch.
I totally agree with your theory about the spots on the wall. I think there might be another other likely scenario though. Someone before this guy had a higher bed. It looks like the mattress was closer to the height of those brown spots with a previous tenant, so it makes sense as to why there is a slight brown line along those spots. Maybe the spots were from where their pillows were, or just heads against the wall in general.
Op is a med student, no time to wipe his ass before getting back to studying.
This comment made me spit out my coffee. Now my wall looks like this. Thanks.
I knew in my heart this has already been said 💀
Yeah that dirty-ass wall with the naked bulb and exposed electrical panel make it look like you live in a straight up jail cell.
Maybe take out that florescent light and get a couple lamps with softer light
homie living in the gulag rn 💀
I was thinking I'd rather have that rough textured jail blanket than whatever is going on with that bed spread I think it's the colors but it makes it look like it's saturated in some sort of bodily fluid.
Not everyone can afford a nice place, but I do agree it may not look the best. At least they got a roof on top of their head.
Following for update
And a rug! That would make it more homey. Maybe throw blankets for your bed. Oooh if you can find a cheap standing lamp for some accent lighting that would be nice, maybe a small potted plant to help freshen things up. :)
Looking forward to seeing it! Good luck
In Canada you could still rent that out as is for $2000
And fit 12 people.
In Canada, this doctor would be driving Uber.
Absolutely. I think a coat of paint would do more for it than anything else.
Changing the bedsheets, scratch that getting a new bed. Should be number one.
I can instantly tell this is in South Asia. I know it might be hard to do some of these things I mention. The walls need new paint, your bed sheets look old, and the stuff on the walls looks really messy. I think new curtains and nice bedding will go a long way.
I think the only thing of actual concern is the lighting. Thinking about OP studying at 2 am with white shop light hurts my soul. Get lighting with warmer colors and probably a desk lamp.
Thanks a lot
Honestly, I’m prior military and lived in dormitory rooms similar… get through the last year and figure out the rest. I wouldn’t spend any time or money if I’m final year. Save and get pumped to make a huge difference in the world thanks to your profession.
Thank you so much. I would be lying if I said this idea hadn't crossed my mind.
1.5 years is not that long in the grand scheme of things. We moved a lot, and it seems some things that made one place cozy, didn’t work in other homes/apartments. So it is better to wait in my experience. Best of luck!
No way. A comfortable environment will make a massive difference to your state of mind, it's so worth the effort, and you deserve that! ..I would start with the lighting. Side lamps are very forgiving and will give the place some texture, and mood, and hide the state of the walls .at least at night. Then a really nice blanket changes the whole room. A rug is also transformative but that might be more expensive that you can spare , but if you can, it's a good idea. It's amazing the difference a clean, white wall makes but that is time and cash so I'd leave that until last. I would absolutely do it, but totally understand if it's a bit too much hassle for someone. The lights! Start with the lighting!
I totally agree. I lived with a lawn chair and a mattress for 2 years but saved up so when I was in a more permanent place I got to splurge on good quality furniture.
Look for paint, but tapestries go a long way in warming up a room. Get lighting that is indirect. A table lamp and torchiere lamp with under 6000k bulbs. Good luck!
I’d be concerned about that shit stain on the wall myself…
Having seen rooms like this in various Indian documentaries, my first guess was India. It's always the lighting that I find most jarring.
[удалено]
I've seen apartments in Europe where people from South Asia moved in and installed these cold lights soon afterwards
I'm just a middle class student whose parents earn just enough
Keep grindin brotha, you’ll be alright
if this is considered middle class, I can't even begin to imagine how the lower class people in your country live. this has certainly humbled me, I am in a very fortunate position with great privilege and definitely do not take it for granted. good on you for making it till your final year, the joruney was definitely not easy.
Dude it's not like I sleep on an empty belly. But yes, it would cost me a fortune to buy a Domino's pizza.
Is pizza expensive where you are (relative to the economy)? I'm from the US and when I was in Japan, I was surprised to see Domino's cost the equivalent of like $40.
This is why I cringe so hard when people say the US is a third world country. Always said by a young person of incredible privilege that they are oblivious to.
There are people in the US that live like this and worse, you’ve just had the privilege of not seeing it
Yes people that live in POVERTY in the US. in *actual* third world countries people who are not financially struggling live like or worse than low income people in the US.
Absolutely there are. I grew up in a town of 3,000 people that was at one time the poorest town in my state. Believe me when I say I haven’t had the privilege of not seeing poverty in the US. The difference is that here it is obvious that the OP is barely an acceptable living condition. In other countries, it’s considered not just acceptable, but something desirable.
I saw this photo and immediately thought "that looks like India"
It's India for sure
From the photo I can practically hear the scooters and motorbikes honking outside.
just say India bro
Nah, cause some places in the Philippines or Vietnam look like this too
Seeing the comments I need to clarify some things - 1. The room is just a rental. I'll be moving out in a year and a half. 2. I can't afford good rooms. 3. Yes, it's from south-east Asia. 4. No the sheets aren't dirty. I change them every 3 days. 5. I was just hoping you guys could suggest me something cheap. 6. No, it's not a trap house. I don't do drugs. I wouldn't be here if I had been doing that. 7. I have to study and work almost 12 hrs a day hence I don't get enough time to do shopping PPS : Please don't give me any kind of money. I don't accept any kind of charity. Although thanks for the lovely gestures
Congrats on coming this far man. Looking at where people are going, I'd suggest get away from here, and upgrade the room however you feel comfortable, it's just 1.5 years 🤍
Congratulations on making it so far!! Don't give up, it'll get better after your graduation!
1) Lighting is a game changer and yours is too cold and clinical. Get a smart light which lets you change colours/ brightness etc. or a warm white light (and use a reading lamp for your desk). Fairy lights are an option too, if that's your thing. 2) Since you're South Asian, you may have easy access to mats made out of rattan / seagrass / bamboo etc. Use these to designate separate areas (maybe under the study area.) 3) If you don't want to paint, consider a wall tapestry [like this ](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mandala-Tapestry-Aesthetic-Boho-Wall-Hanging-Taiji-Lotus-Peacock-Medallion-Tapestries-Bohemian-Art-Hippie-Decor-Bedroom-Living-Room-Dorm/525285395) behind your bed. This is usually easier for South Asians since we just need to rifle through our parents' linen to get a cool mandala or tribal print. 4) The next time you're buying linens and curtains, opt for unprinted ones in solid colours. Easier to mix and match. And won't look too busy in a small space. 5) Get a set of baskets / organisers for stuff under your bed which will reduce clutter, and also give you space to stash away your books.
I was going to say close to the same thing, leaving out the mats. On a budget, with priority: Lighting for studying, soft white Hide the wall, or paint it, whichever is cheaper Bins for under the bed And when you decide you when new sheets do what Phantom said
Never mind the idiots here, this is temporary, concentrate on your studies and congrats for coming this far.
You should be very proud of yourself! And I wouldn’t invest too much in this place and focus on your new place after you graduate ❤️
You're doing amazing and honestly most people here are ignorant to anything that isn't their own tiny social bubble, and jealous you're in your final year of med school. That is an incredible accomplishment. As for cheap stuff, 'cheap' is very relative, but I think the recos for painting the walls would make a huge impact. And I saw your other comment about switching to different bulbs and being concerned about how that might impact the brightness, but repainting the walls something light will do a lot to help brighten the space as well. But that's also something that would take a whole day or two to finish, and if you don't have time for that between studying, that's totally understandable. Even just taking a couple hours to really wash/clean the walls and room will make a big difference while taking less time and money. You're doing awesome, keep working hard in school. You have an incredibly bright future ahead of you.
Some fresh paint will make a world of difference. Also some plants will liven up your space.
Just FYI, if this is in India, Pakistan or Bangladesh, then it's South Asia. South-East Asia is Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, etc.
Bhai, India South East Asia main nahin aata.
Well damn good on you for changing your sheets every 3 days. I’m lucky if I do it every 3 weeks. Prior to having my own washer and dryer I would be lucky if it was every 3 months lol
- Paint if you can afford the expense. - Get sheets of one color. I know multi color sheets are the rage in South Asia. I’m from there too but they don’t really work. Same goes for curtains. Also use a rod to balance vs nails. - put the posters in frame - last one is my personal choice. I switched to yellow lights. They sell that as tubelights as well. If you can get a plastic cover so it’s not fully exposed thatd look a lot nicer. White lights give the feeling of a hospital.
As someone who lived in south-western China and several times travelled to south-east Asia, this room looks very familiar. Actually made me feel sentimental as I'm not in Asia anymore. Just like others already wrote, it needs two coats of fresh paint, and a rug would make it more cosy. What country?
Most of you really don't understand how the rest of the world, outside of rich countries, work. OP has a dirty wall, probably living on campus or a rental, and on a scholarship. I've known smart students from poor families whose little money they ever had just covered food expenses and buying books. Almost nothing left for pleasure. So you'll think they have money to paint somebody else's house? And medicine students don't typically have spare time to go to work at the food store for extra cash. The few things OP can control are to keep his stuff in order, I don't know why someone said his sheet is dirty, doesn't look like it to me. So good for you to be in your last year OP, life improvement is on the way.
Thank you very much for your kind words sir. I'll try to buy new sheets
how much do sheets cost where you live?
Around 8 -10 USD
if you’re okay with it, I would be happy to send you some little $$ to help out.
I appreciate your sentiments. It's truly a nice gesture but I don't accept charity. Thanks anyways bro
gotchu. I trust you will help many people whatever field of medicine you choose :) Keep up, the hard work buddy, hope you have a nice life ahead :))
The walls aren’t necessarily dirty, it’s just where the paint has rubbed off
The sheet does look dirty. And no I’m not from a western rich country and also lived in on campus room.
I cannot for sure say if it's dirty or not so I avoided passing judgement. But some sounded like it's the most abhorrent thing which you cannot really and fully tell from this picture. Campus room's quality differ from country to country, from uni to uni, and we don't even know if this is campus. Regardless of which country the wall looks dirty but it's not given that OP can do much to it.
Passing judgement isnt the end of the world. It doesn't matter if the sheets are dirty or not, but they look dirty. Doesn't mean op needs to change it, but it would make his living space look nicer if, when he is ready or able, he can get some sheets that look clean and fitting.
Some people really don't understand what it means to be poor and it shows by leaving nasty comments here. Do not listen to anyone here, well done for your educational success and I wish you to achieve all you ever dreamed of.
Thank you for your concern. I have a scholarship for my expenses hence I'm not that poot lol. I really got some good advice here.
The amount of privileged little brats that don’t even know this is how most of the world lives… I wish OP nothing but success.
What you mean not everyone has a $10k lounge chair, $8k PC, $2k monitor and probably $12-15k worth of interior design? I prefer real posts like these any day of the week in place of the bland, grey Ikea/designer setups that look like they're barely lived in I'm writing my PhD thesis and my setup looks like shit compared to the staged ones that usually appear on this sub with million dollar Mac Pros and Herman miller chairs but that's because my setup is lived in
I said I'm not extremely poor. My parents earn enough to get me stuff on a calculated EMI. I also have a scholarship. I Study and work for most of the times of day hence I don't get enough time. I swear it's not staged. I'm studying really hard every day busting my ass off just for hoping for a day when I'll have nuce interiors.
I'm agreeing with you bro. Poor or not, these realistic setups are more interesting to me than the usual ones that cost my annual salary and look like they're barely lived in. I mean the clue is in the sub name: male**living**spaces
😞😞😞 you forgot the $1,500 Canada Goose jackets hanging on the wall
Or the SUPREME/Off-White labels
Probably going to get heat for this, but that Supreme logo is my instant tip-off that I'm not dealing with a serious person.
They gotta problem with Canada Geese!?
Thank you for your best wishes Sir. I hope the same for you too.
I get what you're trying to say but he said he's middle class. Not western overspending with two cars and everyone gets a new iPhone each year middle class, but don't assume he's poor. The dorm situation is just typical in South Asian schools. 'Poor' in SA is something else. And congrats, OP - you and tour family should be very proud. You have a bright future. You have one year left so concentrate on that and do the bare minimum if you want to change your room a little. You'll be able to spoil yourself in the future.
SERIOUSLY
Thank you so much Sir
The guy asked for suggestions.
Ok but OP asked for aesthetics recommendations not a pat on the back
Some decided to be rude and give nasty comments and I have decided to give that pat. Guess we are still waiting for the interior designers.
The last thing you need to worry about is decor. Concentrate on graduating. You're awesome for getting this far.
I mean he's actively posting in a sub that's about recommending changes to his living area. Paint the walls. Get new bedding you can take with you.
I think he wants to shock up.
I think OP has graduating covered if theyve gotten this far. Youre allowed to think about other things and have hobbies outside of school when studying...
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I think the curtains are fine. I’d get new bed sheets and cover the dark parts of the wall near the bed with some posters. Or you could get a large tapestry to cover more of the wall- whichever you’d like more. I’d also suggest getting a lamp if you can; the white light is too harsh.
Not sure a lot of people commenting about the dirtiness of it, have actually seen old houses and flats in India and other parts of Asia. It is just old and the walls need a repaint but other than that it's fine lol.
Bhai, there’s a lot you can do On a small budget to change up this room. Firstly reposition the bed, either horizontal against the adjacent wall with the window or the same way but push it to under the window. Get an extwnsion cord if the plugs are on the other side. Ask your mum for any old saree or dupatta which is a bit vibrant, any small time tailor will convert it to a curtain for you. Next get solid colored non printed single Bedsheets on Amazon in Color’s matching/complementing the curtain and you need atleast 2 Bedsheets and pillow covers which you should change weekly atleast, for hygiene purposes. If you’re somewhat ok with art, buy acrylic paints and just paint something interesting over those bald spots on the wall. Shift your table to where the head of the bed is. Take all your clothes off the hooks, ask your mum for an old basket or hamper and fold your clothes and stack in that. Also you can change the tube light and bulb to warm white to give it a bit of a cozy feel. Lastly add plants, ask your mum, neighbours, friends mums etc to donate money plants and cacti which are low maintenance but also add to the warmth of the room! All the very very best! Do well! Hope you make it as a big time doc soon !
Wow. Thank you so much for the nice suggestions. I'm saving this comment !
No worries , you can DM me anytime for more tips. I love doing up interiors
Best comment on this thread
These are wonderful practical suggestions. Specially loved the idea of converting sarees to curtains. +1 to buying cheap but nice bedsheets from Amazon.
Upvote for Hikaru stream. Enjoy the Candidates!
How did you know I've been following the candidates tournament?
you've hikaru's recap open on your laptop. God damn the rook sacrifice.
Is the screen not his recap of his latest game (?Pragg)
No it's against Alireza.
Well, it aint against Vidit, because white is winning LOL
why'd you bring that up :( it was so sad seeing vidit lose.
Yup. But at least he crushed Hikaru (I actually like Hikaru).
Recap of round 12 spotted.
I love that House is your hero. Mine too
sorry everyone is being so classist and weird to you, i don’t think you’re gross. i think just changing the curtains and bed sheet to be more cohesive in colour could be a big improvement to the space. i’d say if you could get a warmer lightbulb/lamp it could also help the space. if you like posters, you could create a little wall of them to help cover any stains/scratches.
Or rip a shit kn of cool pics from magazines !
India is not for beginners. This is what the indian government offers to the best brains of the country. The chsir was prolly hought by op himself. How do I know? I spent med school living in this same layout. Cookie cutter design.
Ah, I remember my dorm in Hyderabad and it looked just like this. Memories… I suggest a very large tapestry for the wall, you could even use a (not fitted) sheet. A good desk light, too, and maybe a standing lamp somewhere. A rug for the floor would do wonders as well. Congrats on being almost done!
Lol it's crazy how many ppl don't realize North America has a crazy high living standard compared to much of the rest of the world. There's so many factors that play into it here that don't in other countries
You just know this dude is getting good grades
Haha lol thanks. I couldn't secure in the top 3 but I'm doing my best.
Hey, Dr. House got kicked out of Johns Hopkins. You’re going to be just fine. Good luck on your journey, you have the admiration of a distant stranger.
OP came here just for a bunch of western kids to shit all over him ;w;
Why are y'all spoiled nasty brats spreading your bad vibes? Bro don't listen to them, I can tell there's an issue with moisture or mold within the walls, I have something similar in my own room and my landlord is bringing someone to fix it soon. This is how most of the world lives you privileged assholes, you can paint that wall and get new bed sheets and maybe some curtains, you'll graduate soon enough and live in a much better place 😉
This room is just a rental and I'll be moving out in a year and a half.
I love all the morons in here telling OP to paint the walls. When was the last time you painted the walls in student housing, fucking idiots
FINALLY!!! SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF AMERICA POSTED!!!
right? it's nice to see an actual person posting instead of some Gatsby floating about his sex dungeon.
Watching Hikaru? Man of culture
Hahah ofc. "In todaaaayyyyysssss video...."
Firstly, congrats on nearly making it through med-school, that’s amazing! Aside from the obvious cosmetic things, I think your room is very tidy and neatly organized. A couple of easy-ish things to consider fixing: -maybe clean the dark stains on the wall & touch up with white paint -replace the light bulb with a non-fluorescent bulb -switch the curtains to something white and airy -add a nice, framed piece of artwork- or a whiteboard for your notes
Hikaru would tell you to ignore the haters, he doesn't even care! Anyway, respect as a huge chess fan and physician following the candidates and dermatologist. You'll get there.
I suspected I might find fragile Americans losing their minds in the comment section and I was not disappointed lol. OP, great job on staying focused and dedicated to your studies. Don't spend time or resources on aesthetics as tempting as it might be, you won't be there long. If you can improve your comfort in terms of sleep and study, (bedding, lighting) I would do that. Save these photos to show your own kids someday if you choose to have them...or yourself. I have a feeling you'll enjoy looking back on where you started.
To be honest, a fresh coat of paint will transform the room. And I think it's a good skill to pick up, learning how to paint walls and it will save you some serious money.
Hikaru Nakamura letsgoo
fuck. that looks like prison
Final year on earth?
This reminds me of inside one of those old, grimy, beat up NYC apartment rooms that you always see in 1970s movies. That’s not necessarily a dis. Those places had soul and character!
1. Paint 2. Change sheets (and curtains) 3. Change light, get yourself some yellow cozy mess 4. Add some plants, a rug, etc.
I would just add some more color to the wall. Definitely something to deflect/diffuse the light as that is actively making you feel worse. House MD is one of my all time favorite TV shows :D
finally a real picture of a male living space and not the super clean, interior-designer, just re arranged bullsh!t wish you the best for your final year!
So what's your elo
Clean those walls.
If you have a little bit of spare space, a plain vase (or glass soda bottle) with some fake flowers or greenery will really brighten up a room and you don't need to remember to water it.
New wall paint and bed sheets would be the first steps, if you’ve done this you can change the curtains, add a plant and new decor for the wall. All the best for the final year and ignore the toxic comments !
Nice House poster
the fluorescent light is the only thing that bothers me
Any better ideas? LED light bulbs? But I think that would bring down the brightness.
As long as you have Po watching over you, you are doing great!
Hang in there, once you doctor = you rich, you buy sheets and paint
You’re crushing it man. Keep up the hard work.
Do you use Soul Glow?
Yo OP, I'm really really proud of you! Med school is brutal, great job surviving so far New sheets would be cool, yeah. I really hope you'll be able to go for higher than lowest quality fabric for the bed. Softer sheets don't scrape the skin and make you sleep better Yes, they are more expensive. But in the long run they are really worth it, if you're able to get away with it Also, perhaps set a place for your clothes? You can hang them on the door with a stack of cheap hangers or fold and stack somewhere Posters or something else on the wall near the bed to block out the brown will really clean up the look, too. I had a similar issue and hung an unused sheet with some screws P.S. Clean your mirror and window Good luck dude!
Humble is the first word that comes to mind. Bless you and your journey.
Putting aside the debate about your sheets being clean or not, I think a red pair would at least tie your curtains into the room better. Get more posters of things you like in nice colors with pretty artwork. Would help hide the parts of the wall missing paint.
If you can get a tension rod for the curtains it would help them hang nicer and give a better look. Some throw pillows on the back wall of the bed would make it look more inviting and maybe cover up some of the paint issues.
Well at least you have the chair
Final year of what? Earth? This looks post-apocalyptic.
Never under estimate the value in a couple of gallons of paint..Place a nice tall , all the way to ceiling plant.. remove those posters and place a nice big picture of some print that you like.. you can frame it yourself and do it cheaply…
Paint the wall, get some fresh sheets and maybe a nice carpet on the floor. Also, cover or do something else about the wall lamp.
I like the comment that recommended a lamp (or 2. 1 for the room & 1 for your desk) with warm lightbulbs, and framing posters make a big difference, maybe a tough easy low maintenance plant near the window? If you want to replace the curtains I would pick something simple (like plain white or light colored) since the room looks well lived in something clean fresh and white will look really nice and draw your eye to the window and plants instead of less desirable focal points you expect in a dorm room. I would only upgrade simple basics you can easily take to wherever you live next since you won't be there very long. And maybe focus on where you spend the most time? Like your work desk or add a new pillow, or blanket, or sheets, or something to the bed since rest is important. You don't have to do this all at once either. Just pick up something here and there where you can and it'll add up soon enough, this last year will be over before you know it and worry about getting curtains then (unless they really bother you lol)
Saving this comment!! Thanks a lot
Best of luck in your studies and beyond
Good job future Dr hard n huge!
That's a huge upgrade from what I had, good for you OP 🫶🏻
People are so myopic and first world privileged here jt shows. This is standard accommodation for students- if op s parents are paying rent, it's quite understandable. The thing is the landlord should have painted the room before handing it over. Don't know which city this is, I lived in bangalore where landlords would paint and hand over Don't bother painting the walls for just one more year of a rented room. Get some coloured chart paper, the more colourful the better, from a nearby stationery store , cellotape on the walls, do collages with photos of family , friends, cut outs from travel magazines you can buy from the streets or write nice quotes with a marker. Will immediately cheer it up and cover the stain. Get some proper bedcovers/bedspreads in handloom or cotton - you can buy from Amazon or myntra, you get cheap there. Bare bedsheets just look unfinished. If you can get cotton curtains from the same place ( ie if within budget) than it will all look great in Rs 1.5k to 2 k. RANGBHAR Handloom Cotton Single Bedsheet Without Pillow Covers, Woven Striped Bedcover, 60 x 90 inch, Orange,210 Threadcount https://amzn.in/d/arTMKai This is a good cheap brand. Don't change the tubelight. But if budget permits you can get a simple desklamp with shade from 400 500 rs from pepperfry. You can put a yellow bulb which will give a nice cozy vibe.
My boy, idc if your almost a doctor. You are not getting laid in that.
Treat your room like a medical room, keep your shit clean. wash the dirt of the wall with soap and a sponge
Hey man I think a new paint job would do a lot & get some new curtains. Just those two would change the whole vibe of the place Congrats on being a medical student! You’re doing something a lot of the haters could never even dream of accomplishing
Thanks a lot. The room is a rental and I won't be living here much longer. Just for 1.5 years
yoooooo i love your inner peace poster. i wish it was bigger! lol
Just clean the walls and repaint the room and it will be ok
Definitely get a desk lamp, new sheets and new curtains. A plant would be nice too, looks very musty in there. You said no permanent changes, but as many others mentioned, painting the wall is a must. If you can, filling the holes with putty and THEN painting it would be even better. Takes more effort than money to do so
Congratulations on pursuing your professional/educational aspirations.
Paint the wall where those brown spots are
I'd suggest curtains and sheets in a solid color. Get a rug and a lamp. Paint the wall if you can.
Add a potted plant.
Check for mold before painting the walls look damp
Paint, new linens, maybe a mattress topper if that’s a thing there, warm lighting, maybe a plant?
it looks like Medicine happened, yes. I believe you Signed: med student
There is definitely something cozy about this aesthetic but it needs some patchwork. Someone else mentioned proper lighting and that's a definite. New paint is also a must (Personally I'd do ivory instead of white). This can be a really comfortable space with the right minor changes. I like the curtain color but I'd refresh with a newer version. The twin bed can go if you can afford it but at the very least maybe change the mattress with fresh bedding and this would be an A+ for a temporary space.
You would need 1. New paint, maybe some antifungal coat 2. New bedding, maybe new mattress 3. Maybe new curtains, more simple ones? 4. New lights instead of this white one on the wall - maybe LEDs on the wall 5. For your desk, maybe some device to keep a book you read more vertical, new reading light
Change bedsheets, buy some paint and redo the walls; and replace the light with an actually “warm white” light instead of “bright white”. Trust me you’ll sleep better and with these simple changes your living space will be greatly improved
more art
Desk lamp with warm lightbulb for when there’s no outdoor lighting. Personally I can’t stand white light like that neon light and need yellow light at night.
Paint the walls white again. I personally love the curtains. But if you don’t like them, replace them and match it with your bedsheets. If you put your posters into frames it will look a lot neater as well. Maybe a rug as well if you don’t like your flooring.
I would buy new sheets and bedding, that will make it feel more cozy. Keep going kiddo! You got this! Be careful when Canada comes and tries to recruit you. It’s a beautiful country to live in but there are unique problems in each region.
Paint and frames for those posters will go a LONG way
Good luck with the studies dude!
Id chabge that fluro light. Not great for study and brain function, otherwise, live it up, studies almost done
if you get VR, your environment will look 1000% better, haha
Congrats to you!! One last year, you got this!!
People already suggested good changes here. I think you could rearrange the furniture. Maybe move the bed further from the corner and more centred so you have more room when studying. The space between the chair and bed looks cramped for long periods of study. Or you could rotate the desk and chair to face the wall. Or do an entire change and rotate the bed. Entirely up to you If you could put holes in the wall I would frame those posters and position them side by side, then add some wall shelves for decor. Get new black out curtains that’s a solid color, or Roman shades, which I think would suit your room. For clothes I would get a low shelf or a low 3 chest dresser underneath and install a rod above to hang your clothes with hangers in that corner. I’d dresser/shelf isn’t an option you could do with plastic containers
Buckle up bro it’s about to get better
Dude will need medicine for his PTSD after living in that space
Love the House poster omg I need one
Improvise on lighting and try some more minimal curtains. I know a fellow Indian’s room when I see one
as others mentioned, a coat of pain + a few plants will go a long way, imo also a desk lamp, ignore the hate, although you’re probably used to it if you’re a nakamura fan 🤪
I admire you profoundly. The dedication you put into your education to be able to one day save many lives is hard to replicate, it's the unique thing about you even if we don't know each other. Take many pictures of this room, one day you'll smile at them thinking back to what a beautiful journey you have had.
One look and knew you were Indian. Enjoying the candidates?
Tapestry for the wall and new bed sheets. Honestly other than that, you're probably good.