Student converts van into ‘ideal dorm’ to avoid more loans for medical school

Ethan Liebross has opted for a Ford Transit van conversion into an off-grid home to avoid accumulating more debt for medical school.

With help from his father, he spent two months transforming the vehicle into a modern living space, complete with butcher block countertops, a memory foam mattress, and other amenities.

Before starting medical school, Ethan spent a year traveling across the US, working as a freelance journalist.

Inspired by his desire to explore various communities firsthand, he embarked on this journey after being immersed in reading about them as a student.

Ethan’s passion for immersing himself in communities led him to undertake extensive travels.

Unable to afford hotel stays, he chose to do a Ford Transit van conversion, making it a livable space.

Roughing it out for a year, this unconventional choice allowed him to pursue his travel ambitions within budget constraints.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the average cost for a studio apartment is around $1,600 per month, but in the vicinity of UCLA, where expenses tend to be higher, many of Ethan’s classmates are paying around $1,800 monthly.

“I will say, at the beginning of school, when classes first started, I kind of kept it a secret. I didn’t want anyone to know I was living in a van. I’m kind of worried, like, will the school kick me out? Will they think it’s unprofessional?” Ethan shared.

Finding parking in Ethan’s area is difficult, but once he secures a spot, he keeps it for the week, except for street cleaning on Fridays.

This setup provides convenience, but it leads to significant gas consumption.

To reduce this, Ethan prefers biking whenever possible.

He effortlessly sets up his bike each morning before going on an 8-minute ride to class, conveniently located nearby.

This contrasts with some classmates who endure lengthy commutes of up to an hour and a half from the valley.

Ethan chose a simple lifestyle over accumulating more housing loans, despite available financial options.

Ethan’s van is a testament to his resourcefulness and do-it-yourself ethos.

Every aspect of its design and functionality has been carefully considered and meticulously executed.

From the electrical setup, predominantly reliant on DC power sourced from a 200-amp battery to the propane system facilitating cooking.

Ethan has left no stone unturned in ensuring that his living space is both functional and comfortable.

Water, a precious commodity in the van, presents its own set of challenges.

Ethan has devised creative solutions to address this, such as filling up at friends’ apartments or utilizing public parks.

Despite occasional plumbing issues and the need for DIY repairs, Ethan embraces these challenges as integral aspects of the van life experience.

Ethan’s van boasts a CR130 refrigerator, specifically designed for truckers and long-haul drivers.

Despite its hefty price tag of around $900, Ethan considers it one of his most valuable investments.

Its efficiency, owing to its DC power source, sets it apart from conventional fridges and makes it a rare find in the market.

The bed within Ethan’s van, equipped with a memory foam mattress topper, offers respite and comfort after a demanding day of classes and studying.

The homemade features, including the butcher block countertop and handcrafted drawers, reflect Ethan’s dedication to creating a living space that exudes warmth and coziness.

On the other hand, he addresses the absence of a toilet, opting for a jar or an emergency toddler potty if necessary.

Meanwhile, Ethan grapples with the perennial decision of whether to loft his bed above the garage or maintain a setup with a table at the back of his living space.

Beyond its practical functionality, Ethan’s van serves as a hub for social interaction and community engagement.

Whether he’s offering free haircuts to classmates or planning to host pancake breakfasts outside the medical school, Ethan has transformed his mobile home into a communal space that fosters connection and camaraderie.

Looking towards the future, Ethan remains open-minded about where life may lead him.

“I think a lot about professionalism and what that looks like. What is the definition of professionalism? Can you live in a van as a medical student? Is it professional or is it not? Can you be a doctor and live in a van? I’ve thought about that. It’s just, I guess, a different way of looking at things in a different approach to life.”

Know more about Ethan’s life in his mobile home out of Ford Transit van conversion through the video below:

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