miscellaneous after match questions...what's next

At the risk of sounding optimistic and actually matching, I've got some questions for those who've been through it.

1)contacting the program- is it necessary; who to contact pd, chair, coordin, res; just a thank you of sorts, or do they need any info

2)housing-how did you go about researching your new city/neighborhoods; with regards to buying a house what were your first steps (obviously never done this before); realtors-did residents or program/school have suggestions? how soon did you relocate?

I would assume most residents at the matched program will help, but just looking for some additional input beforehand.

Hopefully talking about matching doesn't invoke some negative karma-like talking about a no-hitter in progress

thanks for the help...either pm or post for all

Don't worry about Karma. The match is run the day after you submit your list, the computer program doesnt' take long to make the assignments. I don't understand why they make you wait a month to find out, a cruel trick to play if you ask me.

I called my program just to touch base and see if there was any additional paperwork, etc to do. There really wasn't much to do, but it was nice to be verbally welcomed into a program. They invited me to their graduation party for the outgoing chiefs which I did attend (late June). This was a good opportunity to get more info on what to expect on July 1st.

As far as housing it depends on your familiarity with the city. If it's a place you've only visited to interview (like where I matched), then you should probably rent at first. You'll live there five years at least and you don't want to rush into buying a place in my opinion. I rented for my intern year which gave my wife and I time to look around at different neighborhoods and get comfortable with commute times etc. We were lucky in that our neighbor was a realtor who helped us a ton in finding the house we bought for the remainder of residency.

The most important thing you can do after matching is to relax. Celebrate, and enjoy the fact that no matter what, you now know for sure that you will in fact be an orthopaedist. Don't rush out and buy a ton of books and start memorizing rockwood and green. There is plenty of time for that later.

Good luck to all.

A call to the program on the afternoon of the match, usually to the program sec, is a step in the right direction I think. It shows you are excited about matching there and appreciate being a part of the program. Usually, other residents, attendings or the chair will call you within a few days of the match.
As for relocating, this is highly variable and probably depends from place to place. Some programs, especially those in high $ rent areas, have some subsidized housing for residents. Other places have realty companies that they work with who will contact you about relocating. Most people I have known call the residents and ask them and then come out to the area, do some research and look around at what's available. More senior residents, especially the class immediately ahead of you might have a better handle on their experience and be of assistance.
Hope this helps.