NEW: Fall 2009

[Os Coxae]

Hi, I might be starting at SHSU this coming sept...

I have a few questions for people who are experienced or experiencing this so called adventure of med school in st. lucia...I know most of the info is on the website but I believe your info and insight is more creditable then the schools website because of the obvious bias....anyways here we go:

1. What is a good website to find cheap air line tickets to st.lucia that you personally use?
2. how early should one book their flight to come to the island before classes start?
3. Where is a good place to live, AC, running water at ALL times, and not too far from the school? ... and does anyone have a contact number of a landord I can call to reserve space or even a website?
4. Transportation? how do people get around? is there any type of transit or can we rent cars?
5. What banks are the most popular to use on the island?
6. Do restaurants, stores accept visa or mastercard?
7. Cell phone plans, landlines, skype, which is the cheapest way to go, what does the student body use most?
8. a recommended bug repellant? lol i know this sounds dumb but i hate bugs and I hate getting bitten but im working on it...
9. laptop preference, what kind?

I would really appreciate opinionated advice from experienced individuals. Thanks for your time guys...

[specialknyc]

Well to start I would not call it an adventure. I would say marathon is more accurate.


As for your questions:

1. You can use any of the popular search engines such as expedia, travelocity, priceline etc. I personally have used expedia more than the others but still search them all.

2. My personal opinion is aprox. a week. This will give you time to get an apt. get settled and maybe start to meet some of your classmates (some upper tri students stay over the breaks.

3. I like the orchard. However there were issues with running water after rain sometimes. Again this is why I sugges you go a little earlier and allow yourself time to find an apt. Another student mentioned a different area (cant recall the name right now) so do a search. A contact number - call the school and if you are going to be a student I am sure they will give you the number of a landlord to call.

4. You can take buses (which are more like vans that people randomly hop into). Rent a car - it will make your life sooooo much easier.

5. Scotia bank (I think) was the name. I signed up and used it then never found a reason to use it again. I used my US ATM card and never had a problem. Again though if you are going to sign up for an account in St. lucia this is another reason to go before classes start.

6. Some of them do some of them don't.

7. Get a cell phone that you can use a sim card in. People use different things. Some use skype, some use yahoo, some use vonage etc... I used vonage - I personally think that is the cheapest since you can take it anywhere in the world and you will still have unlimited calls within the US.

8. Off or something like that. These bugs seem not to mind it though. It is not that bad just spray yourself and use common sense (for ex. don't site next to still water).
9. I hate mac's so I am biased. If you are going to purchase a laptop new then get a good one. If it breaks on the island you are really out of luck. So whatever you get make sure it is not on its last leg. Also bring at least one surge protector.


Good Luck!!!!

[lizzye04]

hey, i will be starting also in the fall also, what is the avg, monthly rent for an apartment close to the school?

[specialknyc]

hey, i will be starting also in the fall also, what is the avg, monthly rent for an apartment close to the school?

It all depends on how close and how nice. You can get a single apt or house for anywhere from a couple hundred (US DOLLARS) / month to more than 500. Having roommates also makes it more affordable. I have been off the island for a little while now so it is possible things have become a little more or less expensive. That was the price range I saw while there.

[Os Coxae]

Cant thank u enough for your reply. I have about 2 months to begin school, are there any courses you may suggest I read up on before I start? im sitting in on biochem lectures at a university near me house to refresh my memory...I guess a better question is what course is the most difficult during first tri?

thanks once again

[specialknyc]

I would try and get a jump on Embryology and anatomy. Embryo is not so bad - but getting a start on it may free up some time (Amazon.com: High-Yield Embryology: Ronald W Dudek: Books try to find this text - I am sure you can get it pretty cheap or maybe even online). Histology might be something to start ahead on as well. Anatomy (for me) was was the most time consuming. It is like trying to squeeze 1 terabyte onto a 500 Gig hard drive. Also get a copy of first aid and make sure you go through that throughout your trimesters. Know that book cold (don't just memorize it but understand it). It will only make your studying for step 1 easier. Since they have added a 5th trimester you may want to get a copy of the schedule form them (if they have changed classes around).

[Os Coxae]

Thanks a lot for the help. Anything else we should know about the island, experiences you had which u didnt expect, places we should stay away from? any more necessities we should bring from home that are almost impossible to get over there? You mentioned converters and surge protectors etc., are there other essentials (other than the obvious ie. computer, clothes) we should bring? I talked to Dr. P today, hes was very helpful. He told me once I get there, there will be a transport arranged to take my self and others to different housing complex's. Very nice of spartan admin! Hopefully they follow through...(i apologize for the amount of questions, just want to be properly prepared before i get there and not waste any time running around)

[specialknyc]

Thanks a lot for the help. Anything else we should know about the island, experiences you had which u didnt expect, places we should stay away from? any more necessities we should bring from home that are almost impossible to get over there? You mentioned converters and surge protectors etc., are there other essentials (other than the obvious ie. computer, clothes) we should bring? I talked to Dr. P today, hes was very helpful. He told me once I get there, there will be a transport arranged to take my self and others to different housing complex's. Very nice of spartan admin! Hopefully they follow through...(i apologize for the amount of questions, just want to be properly prepared before i get there and not waste any time running around)


It is not a problem, feel free to ask as many q's as you want. I know I was full of questions before going as well. They do in fact pick you up from the airport (just make sure you let them know your flight info). They suggested to me I get there about 4 days before classes start ... I really suggest a little more time to help you find a good apt (so you can look at more than one). Surge protectors, power converter might be useful. They are not all apartments some are houses. There should be a list of things you should bring in your acceptance package. I will try and think of other things and let you know.

[Redeemed med]

Does anyone has a good private funding option that can be of my assistance? Will be doing SHSU as well but have no idea where to get a loan.

Thanks for your time.

[chuksobia]

I will be attending SHSU this fall and the only way I am financing my education is enrolling for an online MBA in heallth care at davenport university and get standford loan and gradplus you will get about $12,000 back every semester that should take care of your tuition and living expenses at SHSU. There might be other easier way but this is the way am going.

[Redeemed med]

Thanks. What is the required number of classes for the online course, and is it not going to take sometime off your studies at Spartan?

[chuksobia]

It will take off some time but it is doable. If you have another way of financing then don't do the MBA if u dont have to but if you have no choice this is a very good choice and it is completely doable.For all requirements you have to call up davenport university and they will give you more info

[lizzye04]

thanks special k
I have another question, i might be thinking ahead but where is the
commencement ceremony held? do we need to go back to st. Lucia?

[specialknyc]

thanks special k
I have another question, i might be thinking ahead but where is the
commencement ceremony held? do we need to go back to st. Lucia?


Since students come from all over and it can sometimes be difficult to gather together after graduating we had a graduation ceremony on the island (although not a graduation) after completing the basic sciences. We received a certificate of completion from the basic sciences. At this point I am not aware of a commencement ceremony held after completing all 4 semester years. The school is simply to small and the students to spread out. I would like to see one offered down the road though. My personal opinion is that it should be offered every one or two years for all the classes who have graduated this way those who can make it should be enough (in number) to make a ceremony worth while. Anyway I hope that answered your questions.

[Redeemed med]

Thanks, Chuksobia

[Redeemed med]

It will take off some time but it is doable. If you have another way of financing then don't do the MBA if u dont have to but if you have no choice this is a very good choice and it is completely doable.For all requirements you have to call up davenport university and they will give you more info

I already have an interview with them on monday. Are they going to give me 12,000 extra as well as money to pay for the online courses? You can send me your number so I can ask you a few questions before I make my decision. My email is gyamfiva at gmail.com


Thanks for your time.