LA med student turns small van into ideal dorm on wheels, $14K total
Ethan Liebross didn't want to take out more loans for medical school so he decided to convert a 2015 Ford Transit into an off-grid home to live in for his four years of school.
With some help from his dad on the off grid system, Ethan worked 9-to-5 for two months to create a vehicle with the details of a modern home: butcher block countertops, custom-cut memory foam mattress, a gas range and a stainless steel sink with a pressure washer.
UCLA medical school sits in the pricey Westwood neighborhood of LA so most of Ethan’s classmates are paying $1800 a month rent for a studio. Ethan appreciates not having to take out more loans, but he also hopes that living this way will help make him a more compassionate doctor.
/ @ethanliebross
Justin Montgomery's converted 2018 Ford Transit @mathematicalpower
Teresa (& Pedro)'s converted 2003 Ford E-450 Ambulance Instagram @cuvanos_
On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/med-...
Thank you all for watching, and thank you to Kirsten for her beautiful storytelling. It is a privilege and honor to share my story with you all. Your kind words mean the world to me. I want to be clear that living in a van by choice is much different than living on the streets because of life circumstances that forced the decision. For me, this was a choice. While yes, part of this had to do with wanting to save money, there is more to the story. I am doing this because I enjoy the simple life. I enjoy challenging myself to find water, to find a place to shower, to cook with few ingredients, etc. It’s a really beautiful practice to go fetch your own water or bike around to find a shower; it makes you deeply appreciate the little things most of us take for granted. Sadly the world of medicine has become a world of money and greed, driven by profit rather than compassion. And I’ve come to the realization that if I really want to practice medicine selflessly and if I really want to make a difference, I need to create a life for myself that doesn’t require a lot of money or things. I have dreams of becoming a really, really amazing physician, someone who listens, understands, and really cares, and this act of living in a van, I believe, is helping me grow into that very person I so deeply aspire to become.
Incredible future doctor. Really really touched Ethan with that beautiful outlook and philosophy in life. Keep going.
as a soon to be medical student who is really concerned about the rapid privatisation of health care in my country, your commitment to this lifestyle is really inspiring. your general motivation for choosing a simple life really resonates with me. i wish hospitals weren't run like a business and didn't hinge so much on the pure goodwill of selfless doctors to tackle corruption. but until we see better times i take comfort in knowing that there are people like you in the field who truly care. hope your vision stays strong throughout med school and in your practice. good luck ahead
What a beautiful human being you are, Ethan. I have tremendous respect for you, what an inspiration you are...especially in this age when there is so much focus on materialism, money and the things in life that don't truly matter in the grand scheme. You are a blessing to this world and I wish you the very best, many hugs from Canada.
Ethan, you are truly incredible. You've adopted a clear code of living - and being - for yourself. Such an impressive standard. And, I BELIEVE this is who YOU are - not just an altruistic medical student. You give me hope for the future of our country - the world even.
If your memory foam mattress ever needs to be replaced, maybe consider a Japanese futon. I used to sleep on a concrete floor with a yoga mat. Our bones are supposed to reset overnight. Or that's why I hear people sleep on harder surfaces. My next bed will probably be a Japanese futon. Maybe I can find a comparison to a memory foam mattress on KZhead.
I definitely would want him for my doctor. He knows whats most important in life. He is creative, he thinks outside the box, lives cost effectively,hes humble,confident,kind and takes care of people constantly along the way. What a wonderful human being.
He’s going to make an excellent doctor. His mannerisms display professionalism. Doesn’t matter if you live in a van. He’s in the present and is comfortable. That’s all that really matters.
For real! And to get into UCLA med school he also must be extremely intelligent
I agree. Well said.
Uhh… I hope mannerisms aren’t all that matters
@@TobiasPelton He figured out how to make his van livable. That takes skill for someone so young. He also figured out he was saving costs by staying in the van instead of a dorm. Of course, it takes more than mannerisms. I’ve worked with doctors and residents most of my career so recognize different qualities. Not everyone makes it through medical school.
If I had a place close to wear he is at I WOULD LET HIM KEEP HIS VAN IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE AND LET HIM USE MY WATER, this young man is great!
where - yes - that's the big challenge - not to get your van ticketed or harassed by cops and complaints, etc.
@@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 My biggest worry would be break-ins
Right?
I'm sure he doesn't want you nosy his business 😅
I would do the same, and even run electric for him as well. Good kid I wish him all the success!
I met Ethan during his first van experience. He’s the real deal. The medical system need a business model that supports this type of thinking. Here’s hoping his generation succeeds.
Jodi, you are awesome!
He will for sure !! See how determined he is ???? He’ll definitely make the world a much better place ! We need more of him in this world
No way the med system would ever support anything like this. They won't make any money.
He said most of his classmates are paying about $1600 to $1800 a month in rent, so that's $19200 to $21600 a year (incuring more debt in student loan's). So, for a $14k investment, he can live all of his student life on less than one year's rent, and recoup some of his money when he's done, by selling the van. It's a perfect solution.
Geez
I don't even understand how students can afford like $ 1800 in rent , my rent back in the day was like $500-600 in a tiny apartment.
@@larsstougaard7097 my first apartment in 2016 was a studio for 650, i was 19. Now at 27 with health issues, i can no longer find that. Its very crazy.
@larsstougaard7097 The most I paid for rent in New York City in the 90s was half of $1150. (My half was $575.) The same apartment in Chelsea is now for sale for $1.3 million, and the maintenance fee alone is $2700 a month.
@larsstougaard7097 they take out loans
My thoughts: 1. This kid is amazing. He can do anything. He’ll be an amazing doctor. 2. The economic pressures of living in these top tier cities is unreal. I have absolutely no judgement of people who live in vans. 3. That to say I love my suburban home outside of Buffalo, NY. It is so nice and very afrordable. 😃 4. When you park your van in a fancy neighborhood you get the wonderful benefits of the neighborhood without the expense and taxes. That is brilliant.
Agree!
Problem is cops will harass him in CA & parking in tricky . Move a lot
5. When summer comes, even May, that can is going to be incredibly hot. 6. Luckily, places with lower rents are the places where medical staff is most needed.
@@hopegold883 Okay so you park your van in lower income areas and now the increase in potential crime rises for you.
@@chrispan3033 You get what you pay for, that's just capitalism
I’ll admit I’m emotional when watching this. What has our world come to that people need to live in a van and that society then normalises it. What a fine young man that takes a hold of his life and thinks outside the box and then executes his plan in spite of the stress of potential ridicule. He will go far
Seriously it’s crazy I’m lucky to have tons of people around me and always have a way to live place to stay I’m
It's OK for his age, and it's a fun experince to look back on. In my college years I lived in pantry 😅. I'm 33 now, living in a big house and currently building my own. It's OK as long as it's not long term. I for one would not change a single thing about my pantry days, I'm proud I even fit a bed in there. 😂 ❤
People have been dirt bagging for a long time. This is downright luxurious compared to what we had thirty years ago.
Actually, living in a vehicle is sometimes considered a luxury. It’s one of those things where if you’re perceived to be poor it’s shameful but if you’re perceived to be rich it’s super special.
I'm moved by Ethan as well. Really. It was impressive that he learned what he had to learn to do this build. He got INTO IT and is rightfully proud of his accomplishment. And with the help of his dad, he's got a home wherever he goes.
Less than 10% of applicants get accepted into UCLA. Mad respect to this young man for his forward planning and affirmative action.
Med school acceptance rate is even lower. 2.2%
@@lesterzam1 Thank you, I thought as much. Even more outstanding right.
"... grew up on a farm..." THAT is what gave him his amazing work ethic! Great JOB, Doctor!
Growing up on a farm doesn't default to having work ethic...plenty of lazy children from farm homes with how _some_ crop or animal husbandry is either automated or utterly irresponsible to have children doing (he's not getting on a combine until 18, for example)
@@DxBlack Have you even seen a crop? In real life, not a video. Run a tractor? With YOUR hands and instinct, not a remote. Have you EVER felt the dirt between your fingers?
He's just a great young man, no matter where he was raised, farm or city, he was raised right.
This is the third college student living by choice in a van. I so admire each one of them. I'd love to see a university take the risk and make the commitment to providing student van livers with a safe place to live with water and trash facilities available - perhaps sewer disposable or porta potties. This would be just one way to alleviate student debt.
UCSC has an area for camper vans and RVs.
The schools won’t because they will see this and accuse the students of stealing from them.
This is a good idea!
He is smart
Brilliant idea!
to be perfectly honest, his setup is not groundbreaking, its all been done before BUT his sheer humility, energy and eagerness makes him such a sweetheart. he is so cute ❤
He's mellow, adaptable and focused - a pretty rare combination that I think would serve him well in any career, including the one he's chosen.
He’s not just book smart. He’s wise and empathetic ❤
I've been watching Van tours for years. I've heard many people explain electric systems. This guy did it so concisely and simply that I finally understand. I really appreciate that!!!
Me too
Agree.
Me, too!
I was thinking the same thing - it didn't sound confusing at all, really straightforward.
Me too!
This young man really gives a lot of credit to his dad. He’s doing his father proud!
If this guy doesn't end up with a family in a few years, he will end up in Doctors Without Borders. Such a sweet personality.
That boys going places 😄 Smart boy
For sure!! All his friends would be saddled with so much students loans and debts but it will be a little bit easier for him when he graduates from med school. But it can't be easy when the weather gets hot and he doesn't want to use air conditioning so much.
You mean to say, That man's going places! Smart man!
@@natnielsen8472 No, he is a little boy, to me. He’s a kid to me.
@@a.d.morton4624 I'm so sorry that you choose to wrongly call an intelligent man a kid.
The fact he thinks about professionalism, means he’ll always keep his personal and work life professional. He comes across as a very down to earth, humble, empathetic, intelligent young man who thinks outside the box and will make a great physician. Keep going young man!
I chuckled at the "dodo cut". For anyone trying to copy him, the correct tool is called a "dado stack" of saw blades, which are placed into a compatible table saw in place of the standard saw blade. Not negging him at all, he got the job done and it sounds like he was doing a building without prior experience. So, mad kudos to him for making it happen and best of luck to the future doctor.
Yes, I caught that too. :)
Also, not available in Europe because of some safety legislation. Use a router there. Or, my preference, a plough plane.
And he thinks there's another alternator somewhere in the rear. I hope he pays more attention in anatomy class.
Living in a van isn't all that unusual, but Ethan's so approachable, practical and humble, he seems the perfect advocate for the lifestyle. While not every student has the farmboy chutzpah to craft so beautiful a rolling house, he certainly proves it is possible.
The student is just being practical on how to go to school without getting too much student loans. And it's a genius move.
Amazing young man. Creative, innovative, intelligent, committed, and unafraid. Quite the rile model for the rest of us. Excellent job!
I'm disabled and I think he will have a great deal of empathy for the difficulties of high rent and needing a place that helps people to live independently.
I have lived 7 years in my RV full time after becoming disabled. I was working in the medical field before over 12 years and when my life changed I had to make a way to live off of a fixed income in California. I bought an RV and love it. I would never change or want to go back to sticks and bricks. And now a days I could never afford it. Keep it up. Save money and live life to the fullest. I would definelty invest in any device to deter criminals from breaking in your van especially on the LA streets. But you are doing it right. Beautiful home....
Where do you reside your RV?
How do you stay cool in summer?
A son that every parent would be proud of. What a lovely guy. I wish him every success.
He's skill building, living ethically, practically, and probably going to get a better education by living in a minimal situation.... less distractions. Hopefully his path to become a Physician will be fruitful. I think it's a brilliant idea for a single person or college bound individuals in crazy expensive cities.... I foresee upon graduation he will probably treat himself to moving into an office and living in his offices practice. The money savings now will make for his ability to start a private practice that much earlier..... If he so chooses... Mad Props 🕊️
He genuinely seems like such a kind person, he’s gonna be an excellent doctor
He’s a smart kid and he’s going to be a great doctor It’s nice that he has a supportive community. He could do some van builds for other students and use the money to pay for his entire education! He should team up with the nurse who lives in his van in the hospital parking lot. They’d be an amazing team!
What a great committed young man, a true humble committed medical professional he will become and this has nothing to do with where he will live. With all these costs he has to make now he is taken the really sensible road to get where he wants to come. I bow for you 💮🕊
💖 Yes, absolutely ! ❣️
I admire this level of creative thinking. He’ll be an exceptional doctor. I do wish the universities would create safe places for people to park these and share communal areas. Not everyone wants to pay for or live in a dorm with others right on top of them. I did it and it was miserable. This space provides a place to concentrate and relax. Very well done.
Great idea! As long as you can get good quality sleep! And he knew he could do van life because he tried it traveling across country. And he did a beautiful job on the conversion! Creative, self reliant, and smart!
3:46 The effort you are putting into still trying to be a good person while also helping others is truly amazing brotha and I wish I could give you free water and showering whenever you need. Much love to you brotha stay strong and never lose that heart you got 🙏🏾 it’s one of a kind
I think it's a perfectly sensible solution for these guys. If I was in college, those vans have all I would need (maybe a bathroom). But when they say "when I have friends over to hang-out," it puts a smile on my face. I don't think entertaining or "hanging out" in a van would be all that fun.
Seriously, very low expectations.
Au contraire mes amis ... Remember the dorms in college or staying with your friends in high school? It's like that and it's awesome. And in contrast hardly any of my friends with giant houses in the suburbs ever have me over. So...really it's the preferred method of having guests over I think.
Broke students don't have much money to do much of anything but hang out, lol.
Norhing wrong in having friends over in his van that thinks he is cool to have a van and smarter than those who fork out 2500 on a studio… he will go places as he has empathy and dedication. Good luck❤
The van is honestly nicer than any student housing I’ve seen. Where I went to school, first years would be expected to share a space that size with a roommate and they didn’t have anything as luxurious as a fridge 😂 As a guest, the only thing I would be concerned about is a toilet. Knowing there wasn’t one would just make me worry that I might have to go.
EXCELLENT video. There are traveling medical professionals too. Happy trails.
Hey Ethan! Love your story! A lot of mindfulness, creative solution seeking, and hard work have gone into your van conversion! Wishing you peaceful parking spaces & good night sleep - many blessings!
This young man is so humble and friendly. He gives me hope in the youth of today. His perseverance is amazing! He deserves everything great that comes to him!
This young man is brilliant and far too humble, if we had more individuals like this the world would be a more beautiful place.
So proud of what a kind, giving, and compassionate young person he is.
You’re every parent’s and auntie’s dream child 😊 Hard work like this will end up paying up for you in the future. Wishing you the best, Evan!
I studied medicine and wished so many times I had a van like his so that I had saved more money for better things like healthcare in the future. Plus once you start going on hospital duties having this would be such a great help cause you can just go the parking lot and freaking sleep like a baby. You're lucky dude. Bless you.
What an absolutely sweet soul. I am grateful he will be joining the medical community. 💙💙💙
This young man is BRILLIANT and there are SO MANY in his profession that are doing EXACTLY the same LIFESTYLE are living in vans or cars. Some once hired are permitted, if they work as an intern or in the hospital to stay on the premises. KZheadr "SolarCamperCar" does exactly the same and put himself through nursing school. You have a studio on Wheels you're being fiscally responsible with your money and in the long run you'll be glad you did!! Many are turning to this kind of life, especially seniors, and young people who can't afford both housing, a job and an education. Kudos!❤
Bro your parents should be soooo proud of you. Many people will not do what ever it takes to be successful. You are amazing!!!! Keep going and I wish you nothing but the best!
The young man seems like a very nice and humble guy. I am sure these life struggles have taught him humility and it will go a long way in teaching him to care for others, especially in the field of medicine. Best of luck and best wishes. I am sure you will make a wonderful doctor and an even better human being.
20:15 Instead of using gas struts on the shelf doors....Use little powerful neodymium magnets. Glue on ceiling & one the handle...Also can glue them on the inside to keep doors from flying open.
Love your van design I think it’s the best I’ve seen, thanks!❤👍 Best to you. So proud of you, brilliant!
Amazing story !! Thanks for sharing this. Love the cause. Love your humbleness. Crediting your dad. If there is a small bath this would be next level. All the best for med school - you will be a great doctor and will help the society.
This young man is truly amazing! Years from now he will also be an amazing doctor. Also, his friends seem so nice, diverse and down to earth.
He just needs a short length of hose attached to a funnel and he can make so many more water sources accessible to his containers.
Are you safe? Your parents must be proud of you. You will be a wonderful caring doctor🇿🇦💃🏻💫
Your Dad is great and he is giving all of that to you. And now you are ahead of the game!!
You are SMART, CREATIVE, and PRACTICAL. Well done. You'll be a great doctor. You think outside the box. Blessings. 🌺
Great change of home type for those of us addicted to watching Van Life channels. This med student is sooooooooooo smart for trying this in a mild climate area. "Hey, you want to see my study hall on wheels? We can have a beach fire afterwards." I must say it is fun to hear Kirsten's awe and surprise while learning about the van. After watching hundreds of van life videos I pretty much kept saying "I knew that". Ethan gives me hope for future youth during these dark times.
What a great build. All the success to him. Extremely admirable seeing him propel himself towards his goal. One step at a time, young man.
Thank You for this great Interview and tour, Kirsten and Ethan.
Should get a hand trolley for the water. Get a little induction cooktop, and a Moka that works on it. Thousands of people live like this in Bristol, UK.
Really, thousands? How does the work?
Tens of thousands of Americans also live like this - van life.
@@sadlynomicah The council try to manage it, but our streets are full of vans. Mainly because housing is so expensive, if they banned it there'd be even more homelessness.
@@snowstrobewhere do they usually shower, for vanlifers in the UK? In the US, most vanlifers that I've seen are members of Planet Fitness or similar. In Ethan's case, I imagine that he showers on campus (or has gym membership). TIA.
@@kitty_s23456 Good question. I know of one charity place which offers showers etc. But I suspect most shower etc at a friends, or at the gym, yeah. Some folk offer them showers and laundry.
Very nice. He is young and good with his hands. At 5’5” he can sleep across the van. At 6’3” I have to sleep longitudinally in my camper. I’m a doctor and I camp in my camper truck, but I am not a physician. Societal norms might apply someday. I am retired so it’s easier now.
You do what ever you to survive in this crazy time. We need to support people like him. Keep up the good work.
Amazing...Thank you for this video. Ethan is brilliant, multi-talented, and extremely humble. We need more people in the world like him. All the best to Ethan with his future!
This was quite amazing watching Ethan talk about building the van with his Dad! What a nice young man! Good luck to u in med school! You will be a great doctor!:)
I think it's absolutely awesome! This is thinking and living outside the box! His Van looks fabulous.
What an amazing man and an amazing story. He has a great understanding of our world as it is now. Thank you for sharing!
Him and his dad is amazing!! He must be so smart to do all these things Good luck and I know you'll be an amazing doctor...
He will have a great future waiting for him !!!! That’s all I want to say.❤
100% this guy is gonna do great things in the medical field 🎉
I’m very happy a person like him will be in the medical field 🙏🏾
Great job, young man! You've got a great dad, too. You're a master of all things. That will help you survive life! Thank you for explaining the converter so simply! Now I get it! Continued blessings.
He'll make a great doctor some day.. congrats on your hard work and creative thinking
Good luck, Ethan! In my humble opinion, you have made a difficult choice in the short term, but a very smart choice in the long term.
You’re the smartest doctor I know. Keep doing what you want. Society needs to change we do not need to kill ourselves (debt) to live a happy life (or professional one). You are inspiring
You do you young man, yes you can live in a home on wheels. Think of it as a tiny home on wheels. You are off to a great start. You won't believe how many professionals and every day people are living in vans. I'm 60, and for my retirement, I'm getting a camper van and hitting the road. I will keep a room with family for a permanent address, but I'll go on trips and have a ball. Enjoy life while you do the student thing. Try to look up where you can get what you need under nomad living apps. You're an inspiration. I could tell by your friends reaction to the introduction to your lifestyle that if they could, they'd get a van and park right next to you. You need to watch this, your video, and, after that, get busy living😊
Ethan, where you live should have no bearing whatsoever on your professionalism. Your van life is absolutely brilliant - I am so impressed on so many levels!
He seems likes a really sweet guy - he's going to be a great doctor with such rich life experiences.
I am so impressed! Seriously great plan! you do not have to share a room with a nut case, you can pay for school (but the US REALLY needs to get their act together on education) and What a clean plan! Simple but nice! And during breaks - you can just get out and actually afford going on a little trip! Love it!
This is the nicest van layout I've seen. It's so spacious, thoughtful, and looks great.
I've been getting ready to apply to DPT programs, and have read a lot about clinical placements. It is on the student for travel and living expenses, and they may or may not be in one area. Every program says be prepared for this. I've been looking at van life or living in a vehicle because of this. This young man proves it looks like the right plan for me.
Medical school is expensive! Do anything you can to make it through med school! I am living in my SUV for nursing school. LOVE your van set up! GOOD LUCK!
He has a great spirit and what great classmates!
God bless you, young man! The world needs more people like you.
What an amazing young man. Adventurous, innovative, hard working and humble. I wish you all the very best in life Ethan.
Smart young man. I know more students will start doing the same.❤❤
he's so practical and resourceful..cool!
Congratulations on your journey. You will have such great memories to share with your children. I am impressed!
This guy has a fantastic attitude. 👏 It takea an attitude like his for many of his generation to land on their feet no matter what. No small feat. Bravo! 🙏❤️☮️
He is amazing. He will be an excellent doctor!
What a nice and talented young man. He will go far in life. Van life is a life style, some choose it for freedom, and some choose it for economic reasons. I believe professionalism has nothing to do with what dwelling one lives in or the vehicle one drives, professionalism is how one treats people and the dedication one shows for the chosen profession, whatever that might be. If in the future, after he become a physician, if he still enjoys living in the van, i don`t see why he should not live in one. He would still be that wonderful doctor, wherever he choose to live. He obviously is well loved by his classmates, as well as his professors. He is a very impressive young man. All my best for a wonderful future.
So glad that you were able to share your experiences with your family. They must be so proud of you.
What he’s doing is truly amazing not only being smart but going to school as well as build that whole van this is so awesome!I It really is too bad the lady In this had an almost sour attitude towards him thank god the man was there because he deserved some appreciation!
Dude built this with his dad, so he could go to medical school while living in it. Respect Bro...
Impressive!! Very cool conversion!! Smart and capable fellow! He’ll go far!!!
Thank you for video. Blessings to you.
Love this video, his van home is one of the best I have seen. Also enjoyed seeing some other vans as well. If I were younger I would definitely do this lifestyle, such amazing freedom.
Simple living, high thinking! He is a real inspiration. Love this dude.
Great looking conversion, and he seems to be handling things well, but I could also see van life being a bit of a double-edged sword for students. Good luck to him in his studies!
I would have spent a lot more time in the library studying, and not being distracted by all the things at home…
Thank you for sharing your home with us. You are so smart to live simply now instead of going into debt.
Smartest medical student! Yes, he is learning, adventurous, and living within his means! Love it!
Very cool rig. You should be proud of your craftmanship. A 5 gallon bucket (with a lid!) and clumping cat litter work great. You can get 50# bags at a feed/pet store. A toilet seat fits on top and remove waste as it happens (doggy bags) and it's a cheap convenient fix for toilet needs.
Some of these guys are really imaginative !! And their spaces are SO comfortable compared to being homeless or couch surfing
Yess.
a lot of respect to you, young man. best regards from Kuala Lumpur!!