Current student outreach to incoming student forum

[nycteena]

There was a huge lack of information when I came to Saba and I would have really liked someone to tell me what to bring, what to expect and all the rest.

So I can't promise immediate replies, but I will try and anwer everyones questions.

[Nate-MD]

I'm with you too- I was lucky enough to have a great mentor..... other people weren't so lucky. I wish I knew about this site before I came down. I'm staying for break, so if anyone in the May 2005 class is coming early, I'd be more than willing to pick you up or meet you your first day here and show you around. Otherwise you're going to be lost until the 2nd day of class or so. I spent an hour at the airport staring up the side of this insane mountain wondering what the heck i was doing here. (Ironically I will be moving just up the road from the airport so I can question my choice of med schools every day while looking at Mt. Scenery) So yea.... since there's no way i'm cracking a book during break- tell me if you're coming early. I'll show you the bars and where to swim if you're brave. I'll ask someone where the library is so I can show you that too. From my understanding they have lots of books and people study in there- I wouldn't know.....

[wolfvgang22]

Originally Posted by Nate-MD

I'll ask someone where the library is so I can show you that too. From my understanding they have lots of books and people study in there- I wouldn't know.....

[Siddman]

Originally Posted by Nate-MD

I'll ask someone where the library is so I can show you that too. From my understanding they have lots of books and people study in there- I wouldn't know.....

Now that is funny......

Originally Posted by Nate-MD

So yea.... since there's no way i'm cracking a book during break- tell me if you're coming early. I'll show you the bars and where to swim if you're brave. I'll ask someone where the library is so I can show you that too. From my understanding they have lots of books and people study in there- I wouldn't know.....

I wanna try swimming in the ocean....i hope there are no sharks.....

Siddman

[jade25]

Thanks for the offer - here are a few random questions about the dorms:

- do you need to bring a pillow (I still haven't found a complete list of things that are included in the room)
- is there a meal plan system for the cafeteria, or do you just pay every time you eat?
- how do you all normally print things - would it be wise to bring your own printer somehow?

[Patrik Leonard]

Originally Posted by Siddman

....i hope there are no sharks.....

Awww, the sharks are part of the fun......

[nycteena]

Originally Posted by jade25

- do you need to bring a pillow (I still haven't found a complete list of things that are included in the room)

THE DORMS PROVIDE YOU WITH A PILLOW, but they are not of the best quality. So if you are really attached to yours, I suggest you place it in a plastic bag and vaccum out the air. This way it fits in your suitcase. By the way, the dorms provide one set of sheets. I would bring another set as sheets are very expensive to buy at the store.

- is there a meal plan system for the cafeteria, or do you just pay every time you eat?

THERE IS A MEAL PLAN, but I personally don't know anyone who has bought it. The cafeteria has 5 things on the menu for each day of the week. So every Friday is fish and rice....... it gets pretty boring pretty fast. I think most people buy at the cafeteria when the fell like it. Otherwise they buy their own food. The people at the dorms have become quite creative with a microwave.

- how do you all normally print things - would it be wise to bring your own printer somehow?

There is a printer at the library - But if I knew what a royal pain in the rear it is I would have brought my printer. Make sure to bring lots of extra toner too. They are not an easy thing to get. Also, make sure to double and triple wrap your printer. Some of the studnets shipments arrived 3 inches shorter.

Hope this helps.
ciao.

[Nate-MD]

In response to jade25's questions.... and to restate nycteena.....

Yes they provide you with both pillows and sheets in the dorms. (not sure about the new dorms) My pillow is the equivalent of a stadium seat cushion.... which is great if you're not a pillow fan. I am- and I brought my own thank god. Get a compressible stuff sack at a camping store- you can smash a good size pillow down to nothing. Bring your own sheets if you're not into fruity sheets. I lucked out and got a set of grey ones.... but play it safe and bring your favorite Thundercats or Battlestar Gallactica sheets to make it feel like home.

And for the cafeteria, everyone just pays when they eat. The food is pretty good, but some people bring their own lunch. There are a few places to eat in the bottom- its a 3 minute walk.

It would be very wise to bring a printer. I have to print off stuff in the library (yes, I actually know where it is....) and you get taken to town on the copy cards. 20 cents a page- it racks up when your anatomy prof can speak for 4 minutes without taking a breath.

[js_paramedic_1979]

For the record, I would also recommend bringing a few kitchen essentials... I wasn't sure what to expect either, so I mailed down about half of the items you would find in your kitchen cabinets.. For example, I would suggest a few pieces of real silverware (unless you are a fan of plastic).. Also, a couple of plastic cups and maybe a plate.. If you can spare the space, you might want a bowl to cook your micro. food in...
Like my future roomy -- Nate-MD--- I would welcome any additional questions!!
Good Luck.. See you on the rock!!
JS

[nycteena]

Regarding Nate-MD's offer:

so if anyone in the May 2005 class is coming early, I'd be more than willing to pick you up or meet you your first day here and show you around.

TO ALL incoming students: you should really take advantage of his generous offer. Even if the school arranges a taxi for you, you are very much on your own after that. Nate is a great guy and I would have really appreciated it if he were there for me when I first arrive on the rock. PS.. to all the female students ... he is really cute too.