I for one personally have never grown in soil. My grow cherry was popped hydroponically. Lemme tell you that hydroponic growing can be very difficult at first and very unforgiving. You have to monitor your nutes daily and adjust ph regularly especially if you are using non-ph balanced nutrients. Soil grow would be alot more discreet cuz the air pumps in hydroponics used to circulate the nutrient solutions and aerate the reservoir are indeed fairly loud especially if you have no fish aquariums in your home. LOL... I have all my setup in my upstairs away from my living room so guests do not hear my garden at work . I do agree with Stincinc that you should not put your family in danger by doing this cuz if the wrong person finds out about it.. You are indeed endangering those that don't even know that you are involved in illegal activities in their home. I suggest waiting till you are in your own place .. and I don't recommend an apartment cuz they can come into your place any time they want ( the management that is) and not worth it. Peace!