AVC c/o 2017!

[BlackDog17]

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I'm debating on what to do about boots. I have a pair of rubber steel toed boots but they are frigidly cold in the winter. They keep my toes warm enough for hanging out in a milk parlour but would be too cold for a barn. My interests lies in dairy so the boots I get will likely be used post vet school. Now for my question.

My first choice are Muck Boots. They are warm and excellent quality. I have a pair of Muck riding boots and I love them. The problem is is that they are neoprene on the upper half so wouldn't scrub as nicely as rubber.

My second choice are Dunlops. The ones with the 2 inch "lift kit". I've never own or even worn a pair but they'd be easier to scrub clean.

Thoughts? Dunlops are a little more costly.

I haven't looked into Dunlops, but I have been seriously considering getting a pair of Muck Boots. I did all my dairy classes in undergrad with cheap Walmart boots, but I had to replace them every year because they inevitably fell apart. At ~$25/pair for Walmart boots, I think it makes more sense to invest in some good quality ones that will
last through all four years of vet school.

I like Muck Boots because they're supposed to be comfortable from subfreezing temps all the we up to 85 degrees F. That covers pretty much any weather you're likely to encounter on PEI! And I think as long as you got the high style (where the neoprene begins at mid-calf), they should be relatively easy to clean. I've also heard that Muck Boots are quite comfortable for standing around all day, so that's a big factor for me.

I know LL Bean carries them, so I'm probably going to get some there before the end of the summer. They let you return stuff at ANY time (even after you've been wearing them for months!) so if it turns out the boots are uncomfortable or don't clean well or whatever, you can get a full refund.

 

[Daydreamer03710]

The thread on stethoscopes has got me wondering if I need to buy one before school starts or wait until christmas break. Did you guys use them a lot first semester? Or would waiting be fine?

 

[TooLove]

They let you return stuff at ANY time (even after you've been wearing them for months!) so if it turns out the boots are uncomfortable or don't clean well or whatever, you can get a full refund.

This is mind blowing.

 

[Coquette22]

The thread on stethoscopes has got me wondering if I need to buy one before school starts or wait until christmas break. Did you guys use them a lot first semester? Or would waiting be fine?

Waiting is fine. You don't use them much at all for first year, I think mine only got used for optional wetlabs.

 

[ky261682]

Waiting is fine. You don't use them much at all for first year, I think mine only got used for optional wetlabs.

👍

 

[AspireInspire]

I'm going to view some apartments this weekend. Starting to get a little stressed out that I don't have anything yet! 😱 Doesn't look like I will be able to find something for my dog, all the landlords want small yappy dogs and my quiet, clean, yellow lab is apparently too big. 😕

 

[Lab Rat83]

For my soon-to-be American classmates: this one's for you. Just don't expect a beaver to be welcoming you on Confederation Bridge although we are quite friendly.

Oh and Happy 4th of July!

http://youtu.be/sekLEG8xsOs

 

[TooLove]

For my soon-to-be American classmates: this one's for you. Just don't expect a beaver to be welcoming you on Confederation Bridge although we are quite friendly.

Oh and Happy 4th of July!

http://youtu.be/sekLEG8xsOs

👍 This made me LOL! I hope that beaver didn't end up HBC....

 

[Lab Rat83]

No, he survives. They have a note at the end.

 

[Trematode]

A coworker said that they cut NS seats from 14 to 12. Is this true? Or is it because if deferments? I cannot find the information on the site offhand.

 

[ky261682]

A coworker said that they cut NS seats from 14 to 12. Is this true? Or is it because if deferments? I cannot find the information on the site offhand.

I always thought there were 16 seats for NS residents. No one from NS in my class mentioned being called off the wait list so idk if there were deferments.

 

[Lab Rat83]

It would have to have been 16 to 12. I also heard this rumour. When I asked Jack about deferments for last year he said there was none. Unless he was just talking about NB.

 

[BlackDog17]

So I've never done this before, but I've decided that I should really make a budget for myself for vet school. Obviously money is going to be tighter with all those loans and I know I really should keep better track of what I'm spending. Problem is, I'm not very familiar with prices in Canada, so I'm not sure what to budget for.

My apartment has all utilities included so there's no extra bills to worry about there. But I'm wondering about things like gas, food, spending money, etc. Would any current international students or Canadian residents be willing to share how much you usually spend on these things each month?

 

[that redhead]

So I've never done this before, but I've decided that I should really make a budget for myself for vet school. Obviously money is going to be tighter with all those loans and I know I really should keep better track of what I'm spending. Problem is, I'm not very familiar with prices in Canada, so I'm not sure what to budget for.

My apartment has all utilities included so there's no extra bills to worry about there. But I'm wondering about things like gas, food, spending money, etc. Would any current international students or Canadian residents be willing to share how much you usually spend on these things each month?

Gas - For budgeting purposes, I usually estimate ~$5/gallon. They price it per liter (~3.8L/gal). Since I live out of town a ways, I budget ~$120/mo for gas (~25miles round trip 5 days/wk plus extra for weekends).

Food - I budget $50/week ($200/mo) for groceries, which is generally more than enough assuming I don't need staples like paper towels or toilet paper or trash bags. If you shop on Tuesdays at a particular store, you get a 10% student discount which I take advantage of (they'll give you that info at orientation🙂). I limit myself to items that are on sale, give or take a couple things that I may need. I pack my lunch and eat breakfast and dinner at home - the cafeteria is pricey.

Spending money - I don't spend a lot of extra. Club dues are usually $5-10 per club, movies are cheap on Tuesdays, the beach/trails are free to visit after Labor Day, students can get free hockey tickets to UPEI games, and a lot of people just do potluck style parties. The biggest kicker is the tax - a lot more than what we Americans are used to paying.

Another thing I can think of is textbooks - don't buy them all at once when you first get there and do your best to buy them cheaply from upperclassmen (there will be posts on the book exchange page). I think the only book I bought first year were my two anatomy books.

If I forgot something, let me know 🙂

 

[TooLove]

So I've never done this before, but I've decided that I should really make a budget for myself for vet school. Obviously money is going to be tighter with all those loans and I know I really should keep better track of what I'm spending. Problem is, I'm not very familiar with prices in Canada, so I'm not sure what to budget for.

My apartment has all utilities included so there's no extra bills to worry about there. But I'm wondering about things like gas, food, spending money, etc. Would any current international students or Canadian residents be willing to share how much you usually spend on these things each month?

👍

Everytime I think about this, I start thinking about all the little things that I splurge on occasionally and it makes me sad.

 

[Lab Rat83]

Last year after my waitlist notification (and subsequent rejection) my post-mortem declared that I was:

Above average in vet and animal experience and extracurricular activities
Below average in interview, GRE and pre requisites

This year, I asked for the same feedback.

Above average in vet and animal experience, extracurricular activities, GRE, and interview!!!
Below average in pre requisites. (I knew this was my weak spot)

I'm really proud that I was able to make such a drastic improvement on my application this year and am feeling more deserving of my seat. I don't feel like I was at the very bottom of the pile anymore.

 

[Daydreamer03710]

Anyone know when were suppose to get the orientation packets?

 

[BlackDog17]

Anyone know when were suppose to get the orientation packets?

I heard late July, but I'm not sure. Does anyone know if they come by email or snail mail?

And thanks for all the info TR! 👍

 

[ky261682]

Last year after my waitlist notification (and subsequent rejection) my post-mortem declared that I was:

Above average in vet and animal experience and extracurricular activities
Below average in interview, GRE and pre requisites

This year, I asked for the same feedback.

Above average in vet and animal experience, extracurricular activities, GRE, and interview!!!
Below average in pre requisites. (I knew this was my weak spot)

I'm really proud that I was able to make such a drastic improvement on my application this year and am feeling more deserving of my seat. I don't feel like I was at the very bottom of the pile anymore.

That's awesome! You should be proud, you definitely deserve the seat 🙂

 

[BlackDog17]

Anyone else get their orientation group yet? I'm wondering if there are any SDNers in mine!

 

[AspireInspire]

I got mine! Which one are you in?

 

[BlackDog17]

Group 5!

 

[Lab Rat83]

How do you find out about your group? They have my email but I don't have anything yet.

 

[TooLove]

How do you find out about your group? They have my email but I don't have anything yet.

Ditto. Although I'm out of town so if it came by mail I wouldn't know yet.

 

[BlackDog17]

Our two group leaders made a Facebook group and invited everyone. You guys will probably be getting something soon too!

 

[AspireInspire]

I'm not sure on the number for mine! My 2 leaders also made a facebook page but it's just called AVC Orientation

 

[Daydreamer03710]

Do current US students recommend filling out the paper work for the study permit online before we drive thru the border or does it not make a difference?

 

[that redhead]

Do current US students recommend filling out the paper work for the study permit online before we drive thru the border or does it not make a difference?

I did not and it still only took like 15mins. It probably doesn't hurt if you're one of those people that wants to be extra prepared, but I wouldn't worry too much about it 🙂

 

[Lab Rat83]

I wish my orientation leaders were on the ball.....I still know nothing 🙁

 

[BlackDog17]

Has anyone else taken a look at the orientation schedule yet? I feel like there are a TON of events for us to go to on top of settling in and adjusting to our very first week of vet school. Not sure I can handle all of this.

 

[Coquette22]

Has anyone else taken a look at the orientation schedule yet? I feel like there are a TON of events for us to go to on top of settling in and adjusting to our very first week of vet school. Not sure I can handle all of this.

You don't have to go to everything. It's way more laidback than frosh week for undergrads. See something that's not your cup of tea? Don't go. Want to go to something but just a little overwhelmed? Don't go. You will have LOTS of time to get to know your classmates, so it's not like if you don't do every single orientation event, you won't meet people. I think I did about half the events. I'm an introvert and it was just too much time spent with people, so there were certain things I just didn't do. Hasn't negatively affected me. 🙂

 

[Daydreamer03710]

Yea I was a little worried about that too. Especially the night when we do the bar crawl and then have class the next day...guess we will just have to wait and see

I was also wondering how people manly take notes. Do they print out the power points and just write on them or do they just take notes on computers? I'm trying to decide if I need to buy a bunch of binders

 

[Coquette22]

It's up to you. Don't base it off what everyone does, do whatever works for you. Most professors give out paper copies of the notes or powerpoints. Some people handwrite notes onto those. My handwriting sucks so I prefer to download the powerpoints and add typed notes, though I don't take many notes at all. I find the powerpoints/notes are usually pretty complete. Except for histo. I took TONS of notes in that class.

 

[ky261682]

I can't believe we all have less than 3 weeks until school. Where did my summer go?

Anyway, I second pretty much everything Coquette said about orientation and note taking. I would suggest going to the Amazing Race and ice breakers. I almost skipped the ice breakers last year because I find them lame but it was good to see everyone looking awkward but trying to be relaxed 🙂 Made me feel less nervous.

My best advice for note taking is do what works for you. It's difficult but try not to compare your study habits to others. I'm a notorious crammer and I never take notes in class. It works for me but I know it would stress some people out just like studying every night and taking lots of notes would stress me out. The profs make it relatively easy to take notes either by hand writing or typing.

I'm excited for you 2017ers! My classmates have been working so hard on making your orientation the best 🙂

 

[that redhead]

Has anyone else taken a look at the orientation schedule yet? I feel like there are a TON of events for us to go to on top of settling in and adjusting to our very first week of vet school. Not sure I can handle all of this.

I felt the same way when I saw our schedule, but like Coquette said - you really don't have to go to everything. I went to night at the races (which is really fun) and maybe one other thing. I too am introverted and it just seemed SO overwhelming. I promise you will still make friends 🙂

Yea I was a little worried about that too. Especially the night when we do the bar crawl and then have class the next day...guess we will just have to wait and see

I was also wondering how people manly take notes. Do they print out the power points and just write on them or do they just take notes on computers? I'm trying to decide if I need to buy a bunch of binders

I really don't know why pub crawl is a Thursday, that's brutal

Most professors print powerpoints for everyone. I started out taking notes on my iPad and switched to just jotting notes on the printed out PPTs and it's worked for me just fine. Seems like people either do that or type on their computers - do what works for you. I use folders (one for each subject) - I put notes in them until an exam, empty out after an exam and repeat. I would worry about schlepping a semester's worth of notes with you every day. Maybe bring your notes for the month or past two weeks or whatever to make it easier on your back!

 

[Daydreamer03710]

Thanks guys! I like to handwrite my notes so its good to know that some professors pass out the powerpoints 🙂

 

[TooLove]

I was also thinking the same thing about orientation week - glad to know I'm not the only one!

 

[BlackDog17]

You don't have to go to everything. It's way more laidback than frosh week for undergrads. See something that's not your cup of tea? Don't go. Want to go to something but just a little overwhelmed? Don't go. You will have LOTS of time to get to know your classmates, so it's not like if you don't do every single orientation event, you won't meet people. I think I did about half the events. I'm an introvert and it was just too much time spent with people, so there were certain things I just didn't do. Hasn't negatively affected me. 🙂

I felt the same way when I saw our schedule, but like Coquette said - you really don't have to go to everything. I went to night at the races (which is really fun) and maybe one other thing. I too am introverted and it just seemed SO overwhelming. I promise you will still make friends 🙂

Thanks guys, that makes me feel a lot better. It's quite possible that once I get there and get settled it won't seem so bad, but looking at it on paper I was like 😱!

Yea I was a little worried about that too. Especially the night when we do the bar crawl and then have class the next day...guess we will just have to wait and see

I was also wondering how people manly take notes. Do they print out the power points and just write on them or do they just take notes on computers? I'm trying to decide if I need to buy a bunch of binders

I'm already pretty sure I'm going to bail on the pub crawl at midnight. I don't think I can survive a full day of vet school classes if I stay out at the bars until 2am! I'll stay long enough to see all three bars, but I'll be living about a 10 minute drive outside of town, so I won't likely be drinking much.

As for the note-taking, I plan on handwriting my notes on the handouts we're provided, or just on regular notepaper if necessary and organize them in a few 3-ring binders that will mostly just stay in my apartment. I think it's going to be really important for me to stay on top of things by studying a little each day, so after class my goal is to spend a few hours each night typing up quick outlines/reviews of that day's lectures in OneNote. I'm sure I'll need to modify that plan as the semester gets going, but that's how I'm going to start out anyway.

 

[that redhead]

I'm already pretty sure I'm going to bail on the pub crawl at midnight. I don't think I can survive a full day of vet school classes if I stay out at the bars until 2am!

Yeah, not sure what they were thinking with that one, but you can still have a great time. Plus all the professors know when pub crawl is coming up and tease you about it 😉 At least we get half days on Fridays 😀

 

[Coquette22]

I remember ours being on a Thursday too. I don't know when it was last year. I bailed at midnight. Cabs are pretty cheap in Charlottetown.

 

[that redhead]

I remember ours being on a Thursday too. I don't know when it was last year. I bailed at midnight. Cabs are pretty cheap in Charlottetown.

For some reason I thought last year's was a Friday, but maybe there were factors preventing my clear recollection of the evening...😉

 

[ky261682]

I remember ours being on a Thursday too. I don't know when it was last year. I bailed at midnight. Cabs are pretty cheap in Charlottetown.

It was supposed to be on a Thursday last year but a week before they changed it to a Friday (I can't remember why). It was fun but a lot of people only remember bits and pieces of that night 😛

 

[BlackDog17]

I remember ours being on a Thursday too. I don't know when it was last year. I bailed at midnight. Cabs are pretty cheap in Charlottetown.

Good to know! I'm sure I can work a few cab rides home from drunken debauchery into my budget each semester. I'll just file that one under "vices".

 

[Daydreamer03710]

I have a question about the health and dental plan. Do we have to pay that when we pay our tuition or can we pay tuition and show proof of insurance so we dont have to pay for health and dental?

 

[TooLove]

Good to know! I'm sure I can work a few cab rides home from drunken debauchery into my budget each semester. I'll just file that one under "vices".

👍 I might be able to help you out here too! 🙂

 

[that redhead]

I have a question about the health and dental plan. Do we have to pay that when we pay our tuition or can we pay tuition and show proof of insurance so we dont have to pay for health and dental?

You can opt out of insurance, but I can't remember if it's done before you pay with tuition or after with reimbursement. I'd think Heather MacSwain would be the best person to ask about that.

 

[Lab Rat83]

Do people normally bring their SO's to the semi formals? Wanted to ask before I invited mine.

 

[that redhead]

Do people normally bring their SO's to the semi formals? Wanted to ask before uninvited mine.

We never had semi-formal events, but everything for our orientation was open to SOs and family 🙂

 

[Daydreamer03710]

So I was wondering what people wear for anatomy lab, do they change into scrubs and different shoes or just wear their blue coats? Also is there special shoes we have to wear for anatomy lab?

 

[Coquette22]

So I was wondering what people wear for anatomy lab, do they change into scrubs and different shoes or just wear their blue coats? Also is there special shoes we have to wear for anatomy lab?

It varies by person. Some people had anatomy clothes under coveralls. Some people had anatomy clothes under blue coats. Some people had scrubs. ("Anatomy clothes" being things that you really never plan on wearing again.) I wore scrubs for both semesters. I found coveralls too warm and there's no way my blue coat was going through that, though I did wear it for midterms and exams, but not for labs where dissection was going on.

You don't need special shoes, just something waterproof. I wore cheap rubber boots. In soles were important to me, standing for 3 hours on tile floor can be rough.