have you guys thought about what you're going to bring? i'm going to get a list together soon and could use some suggestions, don't want to overlook something.
Bring a laptop (get a printer here 220V). Anything electronic e.g. iPods, cell phones etc are MUCH more expensive here as the whole concept of "discounted" ORIGINAL (not fake) items really hasn't caught on in this country. One of my most useful items was my "in-ear" sound isolating earphones (as you will notice that students here are much LOUDER & chatty than they are in the USA...).
Also, bring a good-quality LAPTOP LOCK. We all know LOTS of people who had their laptops stolen, especially amongst the clerks (in the hospital and out patient clinics).
As a 1st-yr, you don't really need a complete medical bag; just borrow from the upper-years. If you want buy a cheap stet and sphygmo here (that you won't really miss if it gets stolen...).
If you happen to be a Mac-user, BRING ANYTHING Mac-related that you might need b/c anything for Macs here, is SUPER-EXPENSIVE!
If you bring a cell phone make sure it is GSM (quad-band is best) and better if it is UNLOCKED so you can just pop in a SIM from a local carrier. If its not unlocked, if its a 'mainstream' model, you can have it unlocked here for about P500 or less...
Don't bring ANY medical books or reviewers (unless it is a specific title that is NOT available in the RP) as books are CHEAP here compared to the medical books in the USA.
You don't need to bring a big wardrobe, as your NEW wardrobe is going to be a custom-made white uniform consisting of a 'polo' (its what they call the 'shirt' part, which for 1st/2nd yr students has a collar), and white pants. (Women wear blouse & skirt). Black DRESS-shoes are also required. DO REMEMBER to ORDER your uniforms in time for the start of classes (the secretary at the Dean's office will give you the information).
Everything else, you can buy here... The only thing I regret NOT bringing (at least during the floods last year, including Ondoy last Sept.) was 'hip-waders' that people use while fly-fishing back home...I could have also used a canoe or inflatable boat
😀