Starting in Jan 2010

[CwaVet]

Hey! Is anyone else starting at the SOVM in January? I decided to be taken off the waiting list for August so that I could have a little more time to plan everything out. I'm really excited to get down to Grenada and start learning! :)

[Jumbo13]

Same here! When are you planning to get down there?

[CwaVet]

I was planning on getting down there around January 10th, but I'm going to e-mail Krista and see whether there is an actual "move-in day." How about you? Congrats, btw! :)

[Jumbo13]

Congrats to you too! I was thinking the same thing, the 10th or 11th....I'm trying to find flights out of Newark now...

[CwaVet]

Ok, so Krista got back to me, and she said there isn't a set move-in day yet. Usually it is the Sunday before registration begins. Term 2 registration begins Monday 1/11 (for those who are matriculating in August), and Term 1 registration begins Wednesday 1/13 (for those of us who are starting in Jan). So it looks like January 10th would be a good day to get down to Grenada, especially if you are going to be staying in the dorms. Are you going to be living on or off campus?

[Jumbo13]

Thanks for the info....I am going to live on campus first semester, but I am hoping to move off after that....what about you?

[CwaVet]

I'll be starting out on campus too. My boyfriend is coming with me, so we'll be in the married couples dorms (Upper True Blue campus, I believe). We may decide to live off campus Term 2 depending on how much of a price difference there is. Did you get your rabies vaccinations & everything?

[CwaVet]

Update: I just got the housing form for Jan 2010, and it says "Students may arrive on campus five days prior to registration."

[Jumbo13]

I am just getting started with all of that....did you get a health packet?

[CwaVet]

No, I'm actually away from home until 8/5, so hopefully when I get back my acceptance package with the health forms will be waiting!

[Jfyfe1122]

Hey I am also starting in Jan 2010. I was wondering if anyone has heard which is the best airline to take. Especially with regard to baggage, being that packing space will be at a prime. Any idea what the class size will be?

[Jfyfe1122]

Does anyone plan on attending the Orientation in NYC in November?

[Jumbo13]

I'm going to...have you gotten any financial aid or health packets yet?

[Jfyfe1122]

I'm not sure if I am attending the orientation. I currently live in Florida and because the orientation is around the Thanksgiving Day holiday airfare is a little steep. I haven't recieved any financial aid or health packets yet. From what my admissions councelor told me those should be coming sometime in the early to mid fall.

[Jumbo13]

Thanks for the info. I kind of lucked out with orientation since I live in New Jersey. Hopefully you can make it up this way!

[Jfyfe1122]

No Problem...If you hear anything let me know....I usually try to check the forum once a day.

[CwaVet]

I'll be attending the orientation in NY. Luckily, I live in NY so it won't be a hassle. Hope to see you there :)

[Jfyfe1122]

CwaVet, where in NY do you live?....I grew up on Long Island.

[CwaVet]

Westchester - I have a few friends in LI ... Bethpage

[Jfyfe1122]

I know Bethpage....Not far from Long Beach where I grew up....Hey, what is everyone doing for computers? Are you going with just a basic laptop, anyone plan on bringing a tablet? Im in the market for a new laptop and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions.

[CwaVet]

I'm bringing my iMac. My boyfriend is bringing a MacBook Pro. I would suggest getting something cheap that has the basic functions that you need for school - it will cost you less with customs taxes. Also, I've heard that theft is somewhat of a problem on the island, so it's better not to have really expensive stuff :P

[Jfyfe1122]

Yea, that makes sense....Plus I was just reading the reviews on the HP tablet and tablets in general and the reviews were not good....Ill prob just go with a basic HP laptop....Thanks for the feedback.

[Jfyfe1122]

Did anyone else book their flight yet?

[Jumbo13]

I'm still looking but I want to book it soon....have you gotten yours?

[Jfyfe1122]

Yea I just scheduled it today. I went with American Airlines, with the discount through the school it ended up being like $710 (roundtrip). Also from what I found AA has the best deal as far as baggage. You get one 40lb carry on and two 50lb checked.

[Jumbo13]

That's not too bad....do you have a layover?

[Jfyfe1122]

Yea, I actually have two. I live about 1.5 hrs south of Orlando, so I have to fly from Orlando to Miami to San Juan, PR to Grenada. Which means I will be traveling from about 9am to 9:30pm. Im going to get down there on Jan 11th, which day are you planning on arriving?

[Jumbo13]

I'm hoping on the 11th...yeah everything I see I have to connect from Newark to Miami

[Jfyfe1122]

Yea, I dont think that AA does a direct flight to Grenada. I think that Air Jamaica might do a direct flight from JFK. I know last year when I visited my flight from Grenada to JFK was direct.

[Jumbo13]

Good to know...I would love a direct flight. I feel like I would have less of a chance of loosing luggage that way. What area are you from in Florida? My family has a place in Melbourne.

[Jfyfe1122]

Im in Sebastian (Indian River County), its just south of Melbourne, maybe 40 min. Right outside Vero Beach. Yea thats the one downside of flying AA, you are not guranteed that your checked luggage will show up on the same flight.

[Jumbo13]

I'm familiar with sebastian....we take our boat out to the inlet there sometimes...where did you do your undergrad?

[Jfyfe1122]

I did my undergrad at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA, its a small Science and Agriculture school just north of Philadelphia. I majored in Animal Biotechnology and Conservation. What about you?

[Jumbo13]

I went to the University of Richmond, in VA, majored in chemistry......what did you think of the school when you visited? I've never been....

[Jfyfe1122]

It was really nice. I probably spent about 3 hours on campus. The views are amazing. The facilities semmed pretty good too. Nothing seems outdated. I was able to tour a few of the veterinary buildings. I even sat in on a Neurology lecture. The lecture hall was stadium seating like you would find in most large universities. All the students I spoke with seemed happy with their experience thus far. They were all second term at that point. The dorms were apt style with about 2-3 bedrooms per "apt". Overall I had a good experience, and was happy with the campus. My name is Justin by the way. Did you just graduate this past May?

[CwaVet]

I bought one way plane tickets for my boyfriend and myself. I'm coming down to Grenada on 1/11, arriving around 9:30PM. My name is Christina, by the way :)
I called Air Jamaica and they only fly on Wednesdays and Saturdays - they do fly out of JFK, but not LGA. They are more expensive than AA.

[Jfyfe1122]

Christina, is your flight to Grenada leaving from San Juan, PR? If so I think we may be on the same flight. Im on flight 5046.

[Jumbo13]

I graduated in December and have just been working as a tech at a vet clinic in the area, my name is Nicole, I booked my flight (roundtrip) today...I get in early on the 11th with a connection in Trinidad....I have a long overnight layover but the flight was a great price ($460 roundtrip I think)...when did you all graduate? Christina, what school are you coming from?

[Jfyfe1122]

Wow Nicole, you got an awesome price on your flight! I graduated in May of 2008. I was originally accepted to SGU for the Aug 2008 term, but decided to take some time off.

[Jumbo13]

I know! I was pumped...I found it on this random website (cheapOair.com)

[Jfyfe1122]

Is it an American Airlines flight?

[Jumbo13]

No its Continental and I am connecting on Liat....I'm just a little nervous about the bag limits so I'm going to have to check that out...

[Jfyfe1122]

I think Liat has a smaller bag allowence but even if you had to pay for a bag its still going to be significantly cheaper overall.

[CwaVet]

Justin - I'm on the same flight as you :D
Nicole - I'm coming from the College of Mount Saint Vincent (in the Bronx). I majored in biology; minored in chemistry. It feels so weird taking the semester off! I want to crack open a textbook or something haha

[Jumbo13]

I know! I'm actually eager to start classes again!

[Jfyfe1122]

Did anyone receive the Financial Aid Letter in the mail yet?

[Jumbo13]

I just got it yesterday......

[CwaVet]

I got it last week... eek. I already know that I need a cosigner :P
I think I'm going to do the webinar on 9/21

[Jfyfe1122]

Yea....This is definetly where the reality of Vet School sets in. I requested 9/15 for the webinar. We shall see, hopefully everything will go smoothly for all. I was messaging with a current SGU SOVM student and she said that most students take out about $23,000 per term, but that it all depends on how frugal you can be. Hopefully the webinar will be very informative.

[CwaVet]

Yeah... I don't mind taking out that much, and I can be pretty frugal, but hopefully I will be able to get a credit-worthy cosigner. Good luck to you... Hope everything works out well for all of us :)

[courtney1283]

Hi. I recently have been accepted to begin the veterinary program in January 2010. I will be bringing my dog and am looking for off campus housing w/ a roommate. Does anyone know any students looking for a roommate???

[Jfyfe1122]

Hey, just wanted to share this with you all. SGU SVM was featured in Octobers Issue of Veterinary Practice News. Here is the link Veterinary Topics in the Tropics (http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-school-spotlight/saint-georges-university-school-of-veterinary-medicine.aspx)

[Jfyfe1122]

Does anyone plan on shipping any of their stuff/supplies down to Grenada, or are you all going to try and fit it in your luggage?

[CwaVet]

I'm going to try to fit everything in my luggage - and probably buy some things on the island, like pots & pans. It seems really expensive to ship there, and then pay taxes on top of it. Who else is going to the Times Square orientation?

[CwaVet]

I just wanted to let you guys know, American Airlines has a different baggage policy for American Eagle flights. The total weight of the two checked bags can not exceed 70 pounds.

[Jfyfe1122]

Ha!....Thats awesome....I'm glad that everytime you ask someone at AA you get a different answer....Looks like I might be shipping some stuff after all.

[Jumbo13]

I'm going to the NY orientation for sure...I think I am going to end up shipping...I'm a little nervous about my stuff being rifled through by customs but I don't think I will have much choice

[Jfyfe1122]

Hey, I found this information on the facebook page of the Jan 2010 Entering Med Students, a current student put together a little guide on what to pack, and how to ship things. It seems that amerijet is the easiest and cheapest way to ship things. He also says to just say everything is refurbished or used, that way you avoid paying alot of tax on it. Check it out. there are alot of good tips.

SGU School of Medicine - January 2010 Entering Class | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=84120319764&ref=search&sid=8224878.740958172..1#/group.php?gid=84120319764&v=app_2373072738&ref=search)

[Jfyfe1122]

Hey everyone, I came across our class schedule for first term. I found it on the SGU website under the SVM weekly newspaper "Paw Prints". The link to the schedule is http://etalk.sgu.edu/contribute/pawsprint/documents/Revised-SVMFinalClassSchedules-Spring2010.pdf . The link to the newspaper and the other SGU communication sources is St. George's University: Office of University Communications (http://etalk.sgu.edu/contribute/communications/overview.html) . Only 2 months left!

[CwaVet]

Thanks for posting! I have my iCal loaded up. Can you believe it's only 2 months away? I'm nervous & excited... but mostly excited :cool:

[Jfyfe1122]

Hey Christina and Nicole, did you two end up going to the orientation in NYC? If so, how did it go? Anything interesting?

[CwaVet]

Yes, we both went to the orientation. You didn't miss anything too important - it was mostly an opportunity for us to meet some other students who are starting in January. A few of us went out for dinner afterwards and just chit-chatted. There was an SGU graduate at the orientation to answer questions as well.

[Jumbo13]

You definitely didn't miss much. There was a presentation on the school and some reps from SGU to answer questions but that was it.

[Jfyfe1122]

Ok, good, glad I didn't miss anything important. Thanks

[dolphindr]

No its Continental and I am connecting on Liat....I'm just a little nervous about the bag limits so I'm going to have to check that out...


Hey,

I'm starting sgu sovm in Jan and I'm flying US Airways connecting to LIAT. Have you heard anything about LIAT's baggage policies because as far as I could tell its one bag and then one on standby which makes me nervous.

Also I haven't gotten anything from health services yet....do you guys know if we need any vaccines other then rabies?

thanks for posting so much I feel more ready just reading everyone else's discussions.

[Jfyfe1122]

I can't give you any information on your flight/baggage because I'm flying in on American Airlines. However, you do need additional vaccines other then your rabies. You are required to have MMR, proof of Varicella (chicken pox), Tdap (tetanus) and Rabies, and Meningococcal Meningitis is optional but suggested especially if you are going to be living on campus in the dorms. Also Hepatitis A and B along with Polio are recommended but not required. If you have not recieved any information from health services you should contact Susan Conway she is the director of student health records dept. She will get you all squared away. She is very good about getting back to you quickly. Her email is sconway@sgu.edu . If you cant get a hold of her you should contact your admissions councelor. Hope this helped.

[Jfyfe1122]

I also forgot to mention that you need a TB test done.

[dolphindr]

thanks for the info, I will definetley send them an e-mail.

[rmaysie]

Hi! I just got the official news today - I will be joining you all in the January 2010 entering class! I'm Rachel, born and raised/back in NY after spending a couple of years in Portland, OR. I look forward to meeting you all!

[Jfyfe1122]

Congrats Rachel! Where in NY are you from?

[rmaysie]

Thanks! I'm really excited. :) I'm from Long Island - Medford, to be exact.

[Jfyfe1122]

Yea only about a little over a month to go! I'm from Long Island as well. I grew up in Long Beach. Where did you do your undergrad? What was your degree?

[rmaysie]

Nice! It's great to meet another person from Long Island. I have an Animal Science degree from Cornell - graduated in 2008. I still count Ithaca as my home away from home. :) What about you? And where are you now?

[Jfyfe1122]

I have a degree in Animal Biotechnology and Conservation from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA. I also graduated in 2008. I was originally going to matriculate into the Aug 2008 entering class, but decided to give U.S. schools another shot. During that time I moved to Sebastian, Florida (just south of Orlando) to work for my uncle in the paving industry. After no luck with the U.S. schools again I decided to re-apply to SGU, and here I am killing time in FL until the move to Grenada.

[Jfyfe1122]

What have you been up to since you graduated? Did you give U.S. schools a shot?

[rmaysie]

That's really cool. I have family down in Florida that I visit on occasion - I've always enjoyed it down there!

And, oddly enough, I didn't try the US schools at all. I moved to Portland following graduation and worked as a supervisor at a dog daycare out there. I wanted to take a year or two off to get some "real world" experience before starting vet school. I was familiar with SGU because of the presentations that Jeffrey Bates had given at Cornell and decided I'd like a bit of an adventure as opposed to waiting for the next round of US apps - so here I am. :)

[Jfyfe1122]

Thats awesome. I've always wanted to see the Pacific Northwest. Did you like living in Portland?

[rmaysie]

Yes. A thousand times over. I love everything about the city, everything about Oregon. It's beautiful out there. I'm keeping an open mind about the future, but I'd love to return there after this experience. The fact that I could - and did - own chickens within city limits was the icing on the cake!

[Jfyfe1122]

Well Oregon State is affiliated with SGU, so you could do your clinicals there if you wanted.

[rmaysie]

Yup - definitely keeping that option open. :)

What are your goals? Small/large animal, private practice or not, etc?

[Jfyfe1122]

Most of my experience is in Small Animal. I worked at All Creatures Vet Hosp in Long Beach for about five years. I also worked for a clinic in PA for a short time, plus my degree was focused in SA. However, my undergrad is an Agriculture focused school so I was able to take a few LA classes and even worked on the schools production farm over winter break (great experience). So I wouldn't mind going into a mixed private practice. Emergencies really grab my interest, so I would like to at the very least intern under an Emergency and Critical Care specialist. How about you what is your goal?

[dolphindr]

Congrats Rmaysie! I look forward to seeing you too. If you liked Oregon you should look into OSU for your 4th year I took some online classes there and even though they were just online the teachers seemed pretty awesome.

[rmaysie]

Nice! Mixed practice sounds like a lot of fun - if I did end up in private practice, it'd be that or purely large animal for me. I'm hoping to go into veterinary public health, specifically focusing on livestock. I haven't ruled anything out though - I'm really excited to see the doors that will open for us in the next few years.

Thanks dolphindr! I've heard wonderful things about the school and about Corvallis. What courses did you take online, out of curiosity?

[dolphindr]

I took chem 1 & 2.

[Jfyfe1122]

Rachel, did you schedule your flight yet? What day do you plan on getting in? How about you dolphindr, what day are you getting in?

[rmaysie]

Yup! I'm getting in the evening of the 10th - hoping that will work out OK. I'm planning to live off-campus as I am bringing my dog, so I figured coming a bit early wouldn't matter. What about you?

[Jfyfe1122]

Im getting in on the evening of the 11th and will be living on campus. Have you found a place off campus yet, or are you going to look once you get there?

[dolphindr]

I'll be coming in the evening of the 11th and living on campus I'm flying from dc to philly to barbados to grenada. Do you guys know if you are shipping anything yet? What airlines are you on and what is their baggage policy like?

[Jfyfe1122]

I'm flying American Airlines: Orlando to Miami to San Juan, PR to Grenada. Im not sure if I'm shipping anything. I hope to be able to fit everything into my bags. According to AA I can take 2 checked bags up to 70lbs combined weight, with one bag not weighing more then 40 lbs. Im also allowed a carry-on and a personal item that can weigh 40 lbs combined. I'm going to try to pack my bags like 2 weeks prior to leaving that way If I need to ship stuff ill have time. Are you shipping anything?

[rmaysie]

I'm flying Caribbean Airlines (NY to Port of Spain, Trinidad to Grenada). Their baggage allowances are quite meager, so I figure I'll have to ship things anyway. I've been scouring the ValueMD and Facebook SGU forums and I had found a company that shipped pretty cheaply, so I'll go find them again and report back.

I've been casually looking at apartment options online, but the real search starts tonight. I'd like to have a place picked out and paid for by the time I arrive. Do you know if there's a list of university-approved housing online, or if I should ask the Bay Shore office for one?

[Jfyfe1122]

Rachel, for the university-apporved housing I would contact the Bay Shore office. I don't remember seeing one on the website, plus they would probably have a more updated list.

As for shipping things, from what I have researched, what SGU and SGU students have suggested is amerijet. I read on the Jan 2010 Entering Med Facebook page that a student was able to ship a 2x2x2 box weighing about 100 lbs for about $100 US. Ill link both of those below. Plus with amerijet they have a drop off station at JFK which works for you being on Long Island.

www.amerijet.com (http://www.amerijet.com)

its the last comment in the first discussion topic.

SGU School of Medicine - January 2010 Entering Class | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=84120319764&ref=search&sid=8224878.740958172..1#/group.php?v=app_2373072738&ref=search&gid=84120319764)

[Jfyfe1122]

I also found this if you want to take a look at it. Its a blog by a former med student from SGU. He put together a guide for students, to prep them for their first semester. After you go to the link just click the SGU Guide tab and then click on the picture in the text and it will bring you to it.

the rumors were true (http://rumorsweretrue.wordpress.com/)

[CwaVet]

For housing info, log into "My SGU" (Bottom right of sgu.edu), click on "Housing" (center of page). This is the link: Welcome to SGU Housing (http://etalk.sgu.edu/contribute/housing/index.htm) but I think you may have to be logged in to access it.

[rmaysie]

You two rock! :) Thanks a lot for those links. I had seen the "Rumors were true" blog, but I never actually read it. Now I know what I'm going to be doing for the rest of the night!

[Jfyfe1122]

Hey has anyone heard how big our class is going to be?

[rmaysie]

I don't know, but I've been wondering that myself. The Facebook group only has 13 people right now. I read on the SGU website that 46 people enrolled in the Jan 2009 class, so I was assuming we'd have about that number..

I found an apartment - thanks for posting the link to the SGU housing page, Cwavet! Now I can think about my new place while I trudge through the snow in NYC tonight. :)

[Jfyfe1122]

Yea I guess it would be similar to last year. I didn't even know that there was a Facebook group for the Jan 2010 class. I was searching for it but couldn't find it. Could you post the link? Thanks

[Jfyfe1122]

Nevermind I found it.

[rmaysie]

Has anyone heard about dates/times for Orientation sessions other than the mandatory academic orientation?

[Jfyfe1122]

All I could come up with is this. Scroll down to the bottom. Basically says the schedule wont be posted until Jan 5. Any idea when we are suppose to get our roommate assignments?

[Jfyfe1122]

Sorry forgot to insert the link.

St. George's University Registration (http://etalk.sgu.edu/registration/datestoremember.html)

[CwaVet]

These are the mandatory activities:

1/14:
6PM-7PM
"Introduction to Grenada and Grenadian Culture" in Charter Hall
7PM-8PM
"Humanism Workshop" in Charter Hall

1/15:
11AM-12PM
Substance Abuse workshop in Charter Hall
1PM-4PM
DES Academic Orientation in Vet School Lecture Hall (East)
6:30PM-8PM
Orientation Session in Charter Hall

1/17:
10AM-11:30AM
SGU Convocation, Meet the Deans, Faculty & Admin in Charter Hall
1:30PM-3PM
Vet Orientation in Charter Hall

1/18:
8AM-5PM
PAWS (Top floor of Taylor Hall)

1/19:
8AM-5PM
PAWS
6:30PM
White Coat Ceremony in Bell Lecture Hall

2/1:
5PM-6PM
Multiple Choice Exam Strategy Session in Vet School Lecture Hall (East)

[rmaysie]

Awesome, thanks! Do you have any idea about the optional activities?

[Jfyfe1122]

Hey I found a schedule that is a little more detailed then the one Christina posted.

http://etalk.sgu.edu/registration/pdf/OrientationScheduleVET.pdf

[Jumbo13]

Is anyone having problems with their sgu email account? My account will not receive any mail that doesn't come from a sgu.edu address.

[Jfyfe1122]

When did they give you your email account? I haven't recieved mine yet?

[Jumbo13]

I was sent an email about a month ago...I get emails from people affiliated with the school to the account but I can't receive any outside emails

[Jfyfe1122]

So it turns out that they never sent me an email about my SGU email account. It is the same username that they assigned me when I was suppose to matriculate in Aug of 2008. Now I have email backed up from October, and I was wondering why I didnt get all of the emails I was suppose to.

[Jumbo13]

Hah...now mine is working totally out of the blue...at least you got your mail now I guess!

[rmaysie]

Do they give you your username when your e-mail account is activated, or what?

[Jfyfe1122]

Have you not been given your username/email yet?

[rmaysie]

Nope. I was only accepted a week ago so we've been trying to make the paperwork fly through. The e-mail I received said that I'd be notified within 2 weeks about my SGU e-mail, but I thought that seemed like a bit of a long time...

[Jfyfe1122]

I would double check with your admissions councelor, just to be safe. Just so you dont accidently miss out on any important information, given that we are getting close to leaving for Grenada.

[rmaysie]

Blargh... I was told my e-mail has been set up, but I can't login.

In other news, anyone else getting really excited? :peace:

[Jfyfe1122]

Yea....Im getting excited....So much to do....So little time!

[Jfyfe1122]

Did you book your flight yet?

[dolphindr]

I got my roommate assignment on tuesday, I'm in a suit with at least one med student, I havent tried to receive non sgu sent emails but let me knw what you figure out. I'll be arriving in Grenada the 11th wich seems to be days before any equired activities. Is anyone else getting there early? I cant wait to meet you guys and get started!

[Jfyfe1122]

Dolphindr...I got my suitemate assignment this week also. I emailed both of them on Wednesday afternoon but haven't heard back from either of them. Not sure if they are med or vet, all I got were there names and contact info. Im also arriving in Grenada on the 11th...which flight are you on?

[rmaysie]

I get in late on the 10th. Can't wait to meet you guys - if anyone is up for meeting up prior to Orientation, let's do it!

Also, still only 15 people in the Facebook group. Wondering how many of us there will actually be.

[Jfyfe1122]

Rachel, Im not sure which Facebook group you are using, but try this one SGU School of Veterinary Medicine incoming Jan 2010 class | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=126936689079) and post the link for the one you have been using.

[rmaysie]

Wow, thanks - that's a lot better! The one I've been using is 'SGU SOVM Entering Class -January 2010." I believe this is the one that Krista linked me to in my welcome e-mail.

[dolphindr]

Thanks for the Facebook link I was on the wrong one. I'm on an Liat flight arriving at 6:45 (on the 11th). I'd love to meet up with you guys before before orientation.

[Jfyfe1122]

Yea, it would be great for us all to meet up before orientation. It would be nice to walk into orientation and actually knowing someone. I'm sure once we get down there we can all find a way to link up through facebook or something. Hey Dolphindr whats your name, so I can find ya on facebook?

[dolphindr]

My name is Ashley Finan....but I'm pretty sure I already friended you because you. I just started packing today, its such a massive undertaking, I feel behind on everything.