Hello,

I was just wondering if someone could give me more information on the cost of living on St. Kitts.

Specifically:

1) A figure of $16,000 something per semester was quoted as total cost of living... does anyone know how that is broken down? Food? Housing? etc...

2) Do married students receive more financial aid than singles?

3) What is the most cost effective way for me to arrive to the island from the United States?

4) What is the price range and quality range for housing options near the University? Do I need a car?

5) Is there a starbucks on St. Kitts?

6) After the 4 semesters spent on the island, where do we go for our pre-clinical semester? Florida? New York?

7) Is it possible to do all your clinicals in one hospital? If so, where?

Thank you, in advance, for any replies

1) A figure of $16,000 something per semester was quoted as total cost of living... does anyone know how that is broken down? Food? Housing? etc...

Please contact the Financial Aid Office in New York. They will be more than happy to give you a breakdown of living costs.

2) Do married students receive more financial aid than singles?

Once you have been accepted, the Financial Aid Office will assist you with the financing options. In general, students have a cap of the semester estimate but the Financial Aid office can give you an answer to your specific case.

3) What is the most cost effective way for me to arrive to the island from the United States?

The ONLY way to get to St. Kitts is by plane. In general, the cost effective routes are through the major hubs such as Miami, New York and Puerto Rico. Once accepted, you will be given the name of a travel agent who can assist you in arranging your flights at reasonable prices. Of course, you are also free to arrange your own through your travel agent or online services.

4) What is the price range and quality range for housing options near the University? Do I need a car?

Housing ranges from $450 to $1000 for students. Once you have been accepted, you will be given the password to the University's housing database. You will be able to see actual pictures of apartments that are available along with the information, including cost, of each. Once you find one you like, you can send a deposit to hold the apartment until you arrive. Landlords will expect you to pay first month's rent when you arrive and the deposit will be returned to you when you leave the apartment, assuming that there is no damage to the unit. Keep in mind that the landlord will keep the deposit if you do not take the apartment when you arrive in St. Kitts. Landlords do not hold apartments for students without a deposit.

Owning or renting a car is up to you. There is a type of bus system that is low cost and safe. It will get you to school in the morning and to the store on weekends. While many students elect to use the buses or car pool, many also find that they like the independence of owning or renting a car. Rentals are expensive and the cost of a used car depends on the quality of the car. I'd say that a used car can be purchased for US$3000-11,000. St. Kitts has a British history and we drive on the left side of the road! That takes a little getting used to!

5) Is there a starbucks on St. Kitts?

The only fast food chains on this island are Subway and KFC. While there is no Starbuck's, the Marriott Hotel carries Britta Coffee, several other restaurants have cappucino and the Campus bookstore makes a decent cup of Kobrick's Coffee. While you will not be able to get these at 3AM and you won't find a macchiato any where, it will also be 80 degrees in the middle of winter! Cold drinks are available everywhere!

6) After the 4 semesters spent on the island, where do we go for our pre-clinical semester? Florida? New York?

7) Is it possible to do all your clinicals in one hospital? If so, where?

The answers to #6 and #7 are the same. UMHS is in the process of setting up the 5th semester and the clinical rotations so we are not able to give you specific answers at this time. Since we have a good track record of establishing these sites, you can rest assured that we will have sufficient slots for all students who pass 4th semester and the USMLE. When Dr. Ross sold Ross University, there were more than 40 clinical sites available to students and all were in the United States.

Thanks UMHS!

UMHS - Thank you so much for your thorough response!