I stay in a 1 rm apt: the biggest one they have. It really is big and I love the amt of space I’ve been given. The whole point of my staying in Rusden is to get away from the rowdiness of the phlebian crowd so I wouldn’t recommend sharing an apartment. Ask becky about that, she’ll tell u horror stories. If there are no 1rm apartments available, then I guess that’s the 2nd best option.

Btw, I’m not antisocial. I just prefer to have my own space and peace when I need it. Drop me a mail or sth if you need more info.

Josh

It’s totally up to you to decide if it’s ‘worth it’ or not. Let me give you some examples:

1. You get your OWN PRIVATE TOILET! – sharing toilets with many people of obscure backgrounds doesn’t seem appealing does it? HPV and nisseria gonnorhea can be spread through sharing of toilet seats despite ‘wiping’ before every use.

2. Before i moved into Rusden, I told my parents that there were cheaper places around. They told me not to worry about all these 2nd grade housing facilities. You are on a mission to study and get your degree – allowing rowdy halls residents to disrupt your peace and quiet is just ONE form of distraction if you stay at halls.

3. That little bit of money saved is insignificant compared to the gains you stand to get from housing at Rusden. Nice peaceful apartment with your own lebensraum; what more can you ask for?

I think I would know best since I’ve been staying there. You can choose to ignore whatever comments I make; but know that they are way more valid than those made by outsiders.

Discrimination against AIDS victims is as good as stigmatization of everyone with a disease. As medical students, we are already falling into the trap of medicalizing people. I may not be the best person to say this but defining a person by his/her disease is in NO WAY going to help that patient.

It has been 20 years since AIDS was discovered and why are we still ‘afraid’ of it? Would you shun someone with HIV like the plague? Or would you give counselling and responsible treatment to this patient?

Avoiding the AIDS topic decreases awareness and this decreased awareness will result in the proliferation of the disease.

Being responsible for your actions sometimes isn’t good enough Jeff. Some people are born with the disease. Some people catch it even through monogamous, faithful relationships. Who are we to ‘blame’ them?

I, personally, love the idea of a continuous battle against the microbial enemy. But a killer disease like this must be battled on more fronts than the physician. It must be confronted by every social member – stopping stigmatization is the first, and most important, step.

cheers,
Josh

thats my guideline when i spend money in aust. and until i start earning, ill be a bloody miser. (of cos there are times to be generous, but can save then save. why not)