My arrival...

[Ferrarijp]

Is it generally okay to arrive a week to ten days earlier than the start of class? For those begining Sept. 2004, orientation is scheduled for Monday, September 6, 2004. Although the packet suggests to arrive "one to two days prior to orientation and registration," I would like to take some time to get to know the area a little beforehand. I will call the school to confirm, but I wanted to get your advice as well.

[aas4403]

I'm planning on getting there a week early just to get adjusted and handle things like getting a license and random other things.

[hypergasdoc]

I know you are excited about getting this whole experience underway and I don't blame you because I was the same way, however there is no need to go down that early to get to know the place. It is a small island and there is not that much there to get to know.

You will be down there for 20 months and you will have plenty of time to check out every inch of the 5 square mile island. Trust me, even paradise gets old after a while and you will get a certain amount of cabin fever.

The above is particularly true if you are staying in the dorm and you do not have to find a place on your own. I am pretty sure that Kenny (who runs the dorm) does not like people to check into the dorm that early.

Good luck and study hard.

[Ferrarijp]

I called the Gardner office, and they said it would be ok if I arrived on Wednesday before check-in. With that in mind, I bought my airline ticket...

I will be arriving in St. Maarten on Tuesday, August 31st @ 7:45PM... I still have to make hotel arrangements, since I will be taking "The Edge" to the island the next morning.

If anyone is going to be on St. Maarten at the same time, PM me or email me at jpf8668@ksu.edu.

[ResearchingGuy]

Hypergasdoc has a good point about early check-in to the dorm, but I have to agree with the early arrival crowd. It's good to get your feet on the ground and sort of know your way around before you sit down in that first class. Remember that you are moving to a foreign country AND starting medical school. Both can be challenging and both take a period of adjustment. Don't try to start them both the same day (or the same weekend).

Plus it is kinda nice here :D .

Best of Luck!