CCOM Class of 2008

[SM-UCLA tech]

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Hey Lari......

first....the insurance plan is a PPO. Much better than an HMO. If you are covered by your parents....then probably stick with that. It will be cheaper. But if you need insurance, you can't beat a PPO. You sign up for pretty much everything during orientation. At that time you are guided through everything.

As for Aaron having the traditional hall as a first choice, I bet that he would change his mind now if he knew that he would be living with all of us!



Aaron....why don't you tell them about the meal plan....maybe you could tell them what you told us tonight!

The meal plan is definitely nice to have when you live on campus. it's often inconvienient to leave campus to get food all the time, and there is hardly anyone who cooks in the kitchen. But the food here gets quite boring after awhile.

as far as cell phones......i think verizon works the best on campus and in the dorms. i have at&t and the reception is actually pretty good. sometimes in the dorms the signal isn't very strong.

 

[HKDO08]

SM-UCLA tech,
Thanks for the info!! My parents actually do not have insurance at the moment either - will soon, but I won't be allowed to be on it (company insurance rules I guess). But I was already planning on getting my own insurance anyway. I agree - PPO is the way to go!

Anyone you know use Cingular over there? I remember my brother moved up to Michigan and he had to switch over to Verizon because Cingular didn't have good reception over there. I wonder if it'll be the same story for me.

Looks like Wells Fargo isn't really around over there - right? I was thinking of switching to Bank One. I guess there's even an ATM on campus - right?

Another question. 😀 How is the availability of parking on campus? Are there designated spaces for those living on campus? Or is parking generally not a problem? Are there parking fees? I plan on having my truck.

Sorry about all the questions! 😳

Lari

 

[HKDO08]

Another random question. 😀 When is the white coat ceremony usually held at CCOM?

Lari (again) 🙂

 

[BPlato]

I live in an on-campus apartment. For one thing, it is rather pricey, but I wanted to live in an apartment, and wanted to live on campus, so I guess it was worth it this year. In the apartments (as opposed to the dorms) you pay for electricity and heat so you can keep A/C and heat on as much as you want.

As far as parking goes - it's fine. There is plenty of space wherever you are on campus.

As for cell phones - it depends where you are. In the dorms/apartments/(probably LLC, I don't know for sure) they are made of concrete so the signal gets pretty weak. But in the library, etc. all of the companies get about the same strength of signal.

White coat ceremony this year was about a month into class.

Any other questions? Have a fun summer - it will come quicker than you think.

 

[JohnnyMcDanger]

Hey (insert your name here),

I'm going to be attending CCOM this fall so I thought I'd say hi to all you CCOMers. I'm interested in that off-campus apt. list arietman, so could you email it to me at [email protected] when you get it all together. or I guess if you know anyone looking for a roommate for next year, I'm not sure when people are signing leases, but I'm interested in having roommates so the apt. doesnt cost so much. Suburban living is quite pricey, not to mention this whole med school thing.

Also, I'm from the Chicago suburbs so if you guys are looking to meet up during the summer just email me at that address above. It's too bad that Cubs tickets are hard to get now because that was a great way to spend a summer day.

Brian

 

[Areitman]

Hey Brian,

I am almost done with the list of apartments. I have to call a few more places to get their pricincg for singles and dounles. I know one place I can recommend. I am living there and a bunch of soon-to-be-2nd years will be living there as well. It's called City View. It is less than 5 MINUTES away! They are brand new apartments and right now they have a great deal for CCOM students. It is $1250 for two bedroom two baths. Plus you don't have to pay 1st and last months rent. They also give one parking space. I can't wait too move in there. It's basically like living in a hotel. If you want a contact person you can contact Cyndy Rohrer. Her number is 630.424.9990. Tell that you spoke to me and ask her for the Midwestern (CCOM) student deal.

I am trying to get other apartment complexes deals as well. That is why I need to call a few more. I know some students got shafted with their places, so all the places that I list will be top dollar for your value.

As for a roommate, post a message here. I know a couple of students who found roomies that way. Also if you go to INteract Now site on MWU's website and log in, you can post a message there as well.

Anyhow, if you have any other questions, please let me know. Until I get the full list, try out City View and have them send you a packet.


-Aaron Reitman
MSI
Class Liaison 2007
Admission's Tour Coordinator

 

[Eyecon82]

Areitman,

Hi....would you please send me the off-campus housing list as well when you are finished compiling it? Thank you very much...in your opinion...do you feel that on-campus or off-campus housing is better for an incoming student...thanks a lot..

 

[Areitman]

Dear WstSdDesi,

I enjoyed living on campus for my first year. If I had to do it again, Iw ould live on campus my first year as well. Next year, i am obviously moving off campus and I am glad. first year is the toughest year in medical school (at least at CCOM it is). It's nice to be on campus so you can just roll out of bed and go to class.

Also, I will post the list for off campus housing.. I hope I can do it this weekend. We had two exams this week and we have three next week. So we'll see. Plus it's really early.. there are plenty of off campus housing.. but I will get the list together 🙂 Can't wait to meet you all. Enjoy your time until school...

-Aaron R.

 

[HKDO08]

We should be receiving our housing contracts soon! Bryan called me on Friday for a clarification and he said that he was either sending them out on that Friday or Monday (two days ago). So keep an eye on your mailbox!

Also - I am planning on getting a new laptop. Does anyone know if CCOM has special discounts on certain brands of computers?

Lari

 

[IlliniDO]

Hey there Lari, I'm a current first year at CCOM and I wanted to let you know that there is absolutely NO reason to get a brand new laptop for medical school. Unless you were planning on getting it regardless. Because there is no need to bring it to classes w/ you or even to campus. There are probably more computers on campus than there are geese.........well maybe not but there are a lot. Instead, I'd suggest you save your money and get a nice PDA in a couple years, for rotations. Others may have differing opinions on the subject (I know Aaron has one but I don't see him bring it to class that often), but I think most people will agree with me.

Enjoy your summer

 

[Areitman]

I agree with IlliniDO. Save your money for a Palm Pilot for your rotations. There plenty of computers on campus as well as computer kiosks in the dorms. I do have a laptop, but I never take it to class. All the notes are given out (or you buy them from the bookstore). I use my computer for emaling and surfing the net (although I am playing on the internet in the library with my wireless apple laptop 🙂 Save your money and if you absolutely need one, but it after you start school. You will soon find out that there is not enough time to spend more than ten minutes total on your computer... Well my ten minutes are up so I am heading back to studying for Physio....

-Aaron

 

[HKDO08]

Thanks Aaron and IlliniDO for the feedback - I actually plan on getting a new computer no matter what. The laptop I have now is several years old and is not working too well. I'm not getting anything too expensive though - just something that actually works, isn't super slow and doesn't blue screen everyday. I just figured I'd check in to whether CCOM has deals with certain computer companies (like my boyfriend's school has connections with Apple that give students discounts).

Thanks for bringing up the need for a palm pilot. I have one right now - but I'm sure by the time I start rotations, I'll need to get a newer one. I just not very good at using it as it is - I guess I'll have to learn sometime! 😳

Even though I'm getting a computer anyway - I'm sure your comments here will be extremely helpful for those that aren't certain whether they want to get a computer.

IlliniDO - are you living on campus?

Thanks!
Lari

 

[IlliniDO]

I currently live in the regular dorms on campus, and then next year I think I'm moving into the apartments on campus (although Mike Brown would suggest otherwise). It's really convenient to live on campus, but it's no big deal if you don't.

 

[scubadiva]

Has the housing packet assignments been mailed out?

I haven't received mine....🙁

 

[Areitman]

I know they will be mailed soon because Bryan (the housing director) and his wife just had a little girl, so they should be in the mail shortly. Moreover, last week, the returning students picked their rooms...

-Aaron

 

[Areitman]

Here ya guys go. Here is a list of apartments. I am waiting on three other locations to send me their stuff. I have included two places. I recommend City View because that is where I am living next year and they have a fantastic deal. But also look at the other place INternational Village. Both of these places are within ten minutes from CCOM. City View is only 3 minutes. I will get the other apartments added when they send their stuff to me. I hope this helps....

 

[scubadiva]

Thanks for the information, Aaron 🙂.

I GOT MY HOUSING INFO YESTERDAY!!!

I am living in the traditional residences halls, building C (but I'll refrain from posting my actual room number 😀 )!

Where have all of you been assigned?

 

[Eyecon82]

Thanks for the information, Aaron 🙂.

I GOT MY HOUSING INFO YESTERDAY!!!

I am living in the traditional residences halls, building C (but I'll refrain from posting my actual room number 😀 )!

Where have all of you been assigned?

Got my first choice! LLC.....and the top floor too!

 

[HKDO08]

I received my info today - I got my second choice - Residence Hall (Building A). Did anyone get into the apartments? I wonder if it's even worth waitlisting to try to get in them. What do you think? I'm a bit surprised about something - I figured if you wanted to be put on a waitlist, you'd have to give your current assignment (I've seen that policy at other schools). Am I interpreting this right? If I chose to go on the waitlist, I can hang onto my residence hall assignment while waiting to see if I get into the apartments?

Did any of you receive meal plan information? The letter states it's included, but I didn't see it.

Lari

 

[HKDO08]

Oops - one more thing....Just to clarify things, the Residence Hall assignments are for one person per room, correct? And the bathrooms are shared with 2 residents? (The housing brochure says 1 or 2 residents, bathroom shared with 3-4 residents.)

Lari

 

[Eyecon82]

Did any of you receive meal plan information? The letter states it's included, but I didn't see it.

Lari

Yea, I was wondering the same exact thing......i couldnt find the meal plan information thing as well...i wanted to sign up for it too...oh yea...and that brings up another question to current CCOM students......is it worth it to get a meal plan or should I deal with fast food around the area because i'll have no kitchen in the llc

 

[Areitman]

First of all, I live in A dorm right now and there will be a lot of 2nd years living in A dorm. It is the most social dorm. So for you all who want to have a good time and have a lot of second years to go to.. stay in the A dorm...

Apartments are hard to some by, so put your name on th elist. Usually they will open up during the summer.

To answer the question about meal plans... most everyone has a 5 meal plan. I have 12. I eat most of my meals here. I enjoy the food, others will say otherwise. Also there isn't enough time to run off campus and get food. you only have an hour off, so it's best spent with your friends at the cafeteria.

I recommend at least five meals but no more than 12. The weekend brunch is awesome but the weekend dinner's suck. If you get a smaller meal plan like 5 and you want one or two more meals a week, just pay cash.. you can by items individually...

Well back to studying for Neuro. See you all soon!

-Aaron Reitman

 

[scubadiva]

So does that mean I'm gonna have to start the partying up in building C to outdo the building A people 😉 ? Consider it DONE 😀!

I was just wondering, my college roomate got accepted to CCOM, and we asked Bryan to put us as joint roomates to share a bathroom. Does the room beside you skip a number?

Example: room 201 shares with 203....or is it 201 shares with 202, so the next immediate number shares the bathroom....

P.S. this is NOT my actual room assignment (I'm a tad bit smarter than to post my actual room number )?

Thanks, Oh, and I didn't get any meal plan info, either.

 

[SL0926]

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to say hello to some of my fellow CCOM classmates. I'll also be a first year this fall and am very excited to meet everybody. I havn't read through all of the postings, but I did notice quite a bit of concern over the weather! I'm a native of the chicagoland area (I live 20 minutes from midwestern!) and I can tell you Chicago winters are not the worst of the weather troubles around here! We have an old (and accurate) saying the if you don't like the weather in Chicago, just wait 5 minutes and it'll change! And it's the TRUTH. 😀

Congratulations to all the acceptees! Getting to this point is hard and time consuming and we should all be proud of ourselves! 😛

 

[scubadiva]

Hi everyone!

I havn't read through all of the postings, but I did notice quite a bit of concern over the weather!

Congratulations to all the acceptees! Getting to this point is hard and time consuming and we should all be proud of ourselves! 😛

Okay...that original posting about the weather was mainly for ME....

but I obviously have not been frightened by the weather, although I have NO IDEA what I am committing myself to now....

Oh well...I can't wait to start school and to meet all of you! 😀

I am way tougher than those Chicago winters !

 

[womyn]

I just wanted to say hello to my future classmates, the class of 2008!! We finally made it!!!! 👍 I'm from Cali and I moved here in July. I can't wait until school starts! I'm soo excited..I need to pee! 😱

 

[Eyecon82]

I just wanted to say hello to my future classmates, the class of 2008!! We finally made it!!!! 👍 I'm from Cali and I moved here in July. I can't wait until school starts! I'm soo excited..I need to pee! 😱

Hi to you too! for all those people who will be in chicago during the summer, we should organize something during the summer to get to know each other before orientation! Anyone have any suggestions? BBQ or a party sounds nice...

 

[zenblunder]

To everyone accepted to CCOM 2008. I can't wait to meet everyone, and I'm looking forward to an incredible year. I'm coming from out of state and trying to cut costs. Is it cheaper to live on campus or in a close apartment? See you all soon!

 

[scubadiva]

Wow...we have more recruits 😀

I think our class size is now up to about 15 people.

I'm from out of state, too....I didn't want to have to think about moving furniture and all that sort of stuff cross country and searching for an apartment either. I'm living on campus, I don't know if it's cheaper. 😕

If you pm Areitman and Sm-ucla tech...and someone else, can't remember the name...they have more info since they're current first years at CCOM.

Welcome 🙂

 

[SL0926]

Hi everyone!

So, I was reading through some of these messages and the repeated theme seems to be that chicago natives should get togther. So lets!! I will be more than happy to organize a meeting place. 😛

How bout this...people who are interested can email me with what town they live in (or for whoever is not comfortable with that, pick another town near you) and I will try to find a restaurant (or coffee house or pub) and a date that is most convenient for everyone. If anyone has any other suggestions, let me know! My email adress is [email protected]. 😛

 

[Claymore]

Welcome to all the new students and congratulations on your decision to attend CCOM. I think you'll be happy here. If you have any questions for an MS-2 I'm here as well...always happy to help out.

 

[scubadiva]

Hi everyone!

So, I was reading through some of these messages and the repeated theme seems to be that chicago natives should get togther. So lets!! I will be more than happy to organize a meeting place. 😛

How bout this...people who are interested can email me with what town they live in (or for whoever is not comfortable with that, pick another town near you) and I will try to find a restaurant (or coffee house or pub) and a date that is most convenient for everyone. If anyone has any other suggestions, let me know! My email adress is [email protected]. 😛

Is southern California close enough to you guys? 😉


I'll be there in spirit 😀.

Thanks for the welcome, Calymore. 🙂

 

[zenblunder]

Hi everyone!

So, I was reading through some of these messages and the repeated theme seems to be that chicago natives should get togther. So lets!! I will be more than happy to organize a meeting place. 😛

How bout this...people who are interested can email me with what town they live in (or for whoever is not comfortable with that, pick another town near you) and I will try to find a restaurant (or coffee house or pub) and a date that is most convenient for everyone. If anyone has any other suggestions, let me know! My email adress is [email protected]. 😛

Hey now! No neglecting the out-of-staters. Have all the BBQ's you want, but I think that a rather large "social engagement" is in order in late August. I'll be relocating from sunny/smelly Oklahoma to the place of my birth and I couldn't be happier. Cheers!

 

[JunkintheTrunk]

hi guys! i was accepted a few weeks ago too, and i'm so excited to be in chicago! as of right now i'm probably going to ccom, but i'm on the waitlists for rush and loyola too, so summer will tell what will happen in the end ....but you guys all sound awesome, i'm excited!!

 

[jgarlovsky]

Hello everyone, I have been accepted to CCOM and am planning on attending school this Fall 04'. I hope some of you will be able to answer some questions about the school. Also congratulations Tovah, if you are who I think you are, I was in your interview group. Your excitement alone about the school should have merrited an acceptance, good job. 😎

 

[Eyecon82]

hell yea...we're finally starting to get more people!!! CCOM class size is at 20 now....at least on SDN...congrats to all the new people!

 

[HoosierDO]

Hey there jgarlovsky...now you must tell me who you are! Thank you so much for your congratuations...i am very happy to be staying here in chicago!!! I truly love it here!!! Ok now for the gettogether talk...i currently live in naperville but I am willing to travel to any part of town for a get together. IN addition i live in a rather nice apt. complex and would love to host a bbq for later this summer when the out of towners get here!!! So keep in touch everyone...we have a great 4 years ahead of us!!!

tovah

 

[jgarlovsky]

Tovah, I was the big guy in the gray suit with black hair and was talking to you near the end of the interview time. BBQ sounds cool, people could also get together for volleyball at North Ave. beach in the city on a weekend. In any event, i was looking at the City View apartments. It looks like you will spend a minimum $1000 on rent. Is this true and if so then are there cheaper places nearby within 1-2 miles of Midwestern. Thanks for the help. 😎

 

[Claymore]

It looks like you will spend a minimum $1000 on rent. Is this true and if so then are there cheaper places nearby within 1-2 miles of Midwestern. Thanks for the help. 😎

If you are spending $1000 on rent for a 1-bedroom, you are spending way too much. There are MANY apartment complexes within 4-5 miles of campus, I'd say the average going rate for a decent one bedroom is $800, sometimes less. A two bedroom is closer to $900-$1000. Pick up a copy of the apartment guide (at local grocery stores, Blockbuster, etc) for a bunch of listings, or check the web.

 

[TomC727]

I will be attending CCOM in the fall. I was accepted a few weeks ago and I would like to say hello to everyone, especially the locals (I am from Frankfort, IL but I am currently at Benedictine University in Lisle)

 

[jgarlovsky]

If you are spending $1000 on rent for a 1-bedroom, you are spending way too much. There are MANY apartment complexes within 4-5 miles of campus, I'd say the average going rate for a decent one bedroom is $800, sometimes less. A two bedroom is closer to $900-$1000. Pick up a copy of the apartment guide (at local grocery stores, Blockbuster, etc) for a bunch of listings, or check the web.

Thanks for the info.

 

[HoosierDO]

Hey there John...its tovah again...i think i remember telling you at our interview that there are quite a few places on my end of town that are spectacular and much less than city view. I know that they are a little further ( it takes me 15 minutes) to get to school but its really worth it. I live in a 720 sq. foot apt. with great ammenities, i have a fireplace, vaulted ceilings and much much more and after my move in deals i pay less than 750. I also have a t1 line for internet that is 39 bucks. My bills here have been stupid cheap i pay between $4-8 a month for water, 20-30 a month for gas, and 10-25 a month for electric...and i do laundry every day, and take tons of baths in my huge roman soaking tub...so its quite effiecient...another reason i saive money is because my electric is through naperville, not comed. So anyway...pm me if you want some more suggestions.

tovah

 

[HKDO08]

Hi Jon!
If you go back a few messages on this thread - you'll find a posting by Areitman (Aaron) that gives you a couple off-campus housings that are reasonably priced (and if I recall correctly - at least one gives CCOM students a deal).

Lari

 

[smooveB]

CCOM class of 2008, hello from Madison, WI. i will be joining your ranks this fall and i'm excited to meet you all. that being said, i plan to live off campus and would prefer to share the cost with a roommate. anyone interested please email me at [email protected] thanks for the list of apartments Areitman.

 

[jgarlovsky]

Hello everyone. Thanks for the information on the Apts. In other news I was wondering if anyone had information on clinical rotation sites. I know St. James is the primary teaching site, but do students freely rotate at other affiliated hospitals. Are there core requirements at St. James or can your rotate at any of the Affiliated Hospitals. thanks.

 

[Claymore]

There are lots of rotation sites available, different ones for different specialties. Olympia Fields is the main hospital, but most people don't spend more than a few months there. I have 2 months (Ortho Sx, GI) there next year. Other sites are scattered all over the Chicago area. You choose your sites based on a lottery system.

During 3rd year you get one elective, this can be in any specialty and at any location you want. During 4th year you get 5 electives; most people use one elective as a vacation month.

 

[Areitman]

Hey Student Doctors!

I finally got Versailles; information. The following are recommendations from students. I hope you enjoy. Also, I would try to find roommates if you are living 0ff-campus. It will be nice to save money, get a nice place like City View, and have someone to study with. If you like to live by yourself don't worry. You will be spending your time in the library so your apartment might be just where you keep your bed 🙂

Some of my friends found roommates thru this forum, so you never know until you find out. Off to grab some dinner in the cafeteria and then need to hit the books for an Embryolofy final tomomorrow!

-Aaron R.
Class of 2007

 

[womyn]

Anyone need an off-campus roommate? 😉

 

[NDESTRUKT]

congrats to all you CCOM peeps! I'll definitely be visiting SM-UCLA Tech, Scubadiva, and Lari next year...if they care to see me 😉

 

[TomC727]

To all those who will be doing rotations at St. James (M3 and M4), I am a ER tech there. Maybe I will run into some of you. I work the night shift, about once or twice a week over the summer.