For those attending UMDNJ - Newark

[4 Ever]

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Did you find an apartment on your own? or did you go to the new student orientation where you could find a person to room with?

also, where would you recommend one look for housing? I was looking into south orange which is about a 10minute commute (with morning traffic, probably 20min on a bady day)... would you suggest looking closer?

 

[HouseHead]

Couldn't tell ya. I commute from the City.
I was looking at buying in Society Hill. Big reason: I hate the idea of driving in Newark. Actually, in the New York metro area, period. It ain't just GSWs that make it a trauma center... (For those that don't know, Newark has a very high car theft rate, which contributes to a high car accident rate)

 

[BushBaby]

Originally posted by HouseHead
Couldn't tell ya. I commute from the City.
I was looking at buying in Society Hill. Big reason: I hate the idea of driving in Newark. Actually, in the New York metro area, period. It ain't just GSWs that make it a trauma center... (For those that don't know, Newark has a very high car theft rate, which contributes to a high car accident rate)

How hard is it to get a place in society hill? When do you advise to start looking/keeping an eye out?

 

[HouseHead]

I don't think it's particularly hard to find a place there; you can probably wait until the second accepted student luncheon to start looking. A lot of people recommend living elsewhere if you don't mind driving, just because elsewhere is generally cheaper. If you're the type that's likely to sleep in or to spend a lot of time in the lab on the weekend, Society Hill is probably a good idea. Supposedly you can't find any parking on campus if you get there after 9am, so if you're a slacker like me, driving to school is a bad idea.

 

[4 Ever]

my cousin was saying the same thing... said that society hill is a really nice place , much safer , but also can cost some dough to live there. ill probably look into it and see if its worth it. he said that utilities are usually not included since its a condo... definitely have to look into it... would u happen to know how far from UMD it is?

 

[bgreet]

Trying to be helpful, I'm not a med student at the moment but I attend rutgers Newark just a few blocks away from the med school. If you really want, I would suggest to look for housing that resides anywhere within range of a railroad station. Newark is a large hub for all railroad lines with newark penn station right there. From newark penn its a matter of minutes to get to the med school. This is what I plan on (god willing) if I get accepted into UMDNJ.

 

[HouseHead]

From what I've seen, everything in Society Hill is easy to walk to from NJMS. Of course, I'm used to walking everywhere, so it might not be so easy for people who aren't used to it. If you can't hang with sketchier neighborhoods, walking to some of the SH phases that are further out might be scary at night (I'm not easily bothered by such things, but I know some people are). I'd suggest driving through the area at night to see what you think, and then walking it if you think you'd be comfortable.

 

[4 Ever]

is the place worth buying out a condo? i am considering doing that instead since in the long run it will be beneficial... also having my cousin live with me would be good too....

how is the parking situation and security in that area? is it a closed area or open? ive driven around newark but didnt hear about society hill until 2days ago so bear with my ignorance

 

[BushBaby]

So if you live anywhere other than society hill, you would have to get a car? I am trying NOT to get a car because that's another hassle I don't want to have to deal with.

I don't know if I should start looking/keeping an eye out or wait for housing day in May.

 

[HouseHead]

I was going to buy a place in Society Hill because it did seem the best thing to do, financially. Didn't pan out, but it's still a good idea. They usually have one parking space per unit, which means any other cars would have to park on the street. Most people say it's pretty safe; way safer than most of Newark, to be sure.

BB, I commute from Manhattan. If you live anywhere that's easily accessible by mass transit, you won't need a car until 3rd year, when it will be a must for some of your rotations. That's one reason I've stayed in NYC (I spend some time at the fams near Newark, so I'm a NJ resident)- the commute and general living doesn't require a car, whereas much of NJ requires one just to get groceries.

 

[abbeacon]

I opted to live for a year in Bloomfield while doing a master's at umdnj, which was about a 30 minute drive during the morning rush, but about 15 minutes late at night.. The area was pretty nice (a park within walking distance), and had all the amenities nearby (shop rite, pizza place, nice downtown, etc)... My 2BR was pretty big, and was $1250/mo. There are a bunch of apartment complexes up in that area, so if you don't mind the drive, it might be a place to check out.. I moved back home this year, but definitely will be looking to move back when I start at njms next year..

abbeacon

 

[4 Ever]

im still looking into the housing situation... for myself though, i dont want more than a 10minute commute --- this 10min for me is for 10minutes on a super busy rush day. other than that, id prefer 5minutes... after commuting the past few years, its quite annoying and time consuming (worse when you have to deal with the snow) - at least if society hill is so close, ill just look at my car buried in snow, take a look at NJMS two blocks down and opt to walk. hell, itd be nice to be able to come home for the lunch breaks too

 

[BushBaby]

Does the school have a gym? If so, what is the quality of the equipment and the size of the gym?

I hope to continue working out and it would be helpful if the school had a decent gym so I don't have to shell out $$ to join an outside gym.

If the school doesn't have a gym, are there decently priced gyms in the area? I've seen the NYSC near Penn, but that costs a pretty penny plus I would prefer something closer to school or home.

 

[bgreet]

BushBaby the rutgers gym has open membership and its not that costly.

 

[abbeacon]

Originally posted by BushBaby
Does the school have a gym? If so, what is the quality of the equipment and the size of the gym?

I hope to continue working out and it would be helpful if the school had a decent gym so I don't have to shell out $$ to join an outside gym.

If the school doesn't have a gym, are there decently priced gyms in the area? I've seen the NYSC near Penn, but that costs a pretty penny plus I would prefer something closer to school or home.

That's actually a big discussion now, b/c the hospital administration basically said they will reclaim the space currently occupied by the gym for expansion of clinical services effective at the end of January. As an alternative, the administration has suggested Rutgers' gym; while the two schools are close, it's probably not within walking distance. There is a free shuttle that links all the schools in newark, but it only runs from 8-5. I have heard, though, that due to student/faculty discontent, the admin is exploring other options to maintain a gym on campus. It's rediculous that a university of the health sciences will eliminate the on-campus gym, yet support a burger king in the hospital. Just my 2-cents.

abbeacon

 

[HouseHead]

The gym situation is definitely not nice, what with the empty excuses of the admin and not asking for the input of anyone who actually uses the gym. Rutgers does have a full gym, pool and all, unlike what we'll have up until the end of January. Another option that is being explored is having a private company come in and put in a gym in the complex that holds the bookstore and various food joints many people go to for lunch. It is said that they will be targeting Feb. 1 as an opening date if the plan does go through- of course, any gym that only takes 1/2 a month to construct can't be all that fancy. But hopefully it will have at least what the current gym has, and cost somewhere near the same for UMDNJ folks.

abbeacon, I totally agree with you. It also sucks that they have a BK yet don't have reliable vegi food on a daily basis that doesn't require microwaving. Apparently what many of the servers say is veg actually isn't, and Tuesdays are the only days you can count on there being any hot veg available 🙁

I'm hoping that if Rutgers ends up being the only option, the CHEN shuttles will run often enough (and to Penn station too). Hopefully I can get someone to work out with me- or at least at the same time as me- so that I won't flake on my gym time... 😛

 

[BushBaby]

It's funny that you guys mentioned the BK. I remember when I came for my interview two years ago and even this year, when I saw the BK in the cafeteria the first thing that went off in my mind was "BK at a medical/hospital cafeteria?". I dunno but BK is not the healthiest thing they could have placed there.

It sucks with the gym situation though. I hope the rutgers gym is NOT that far away. I am not sure where I will be living or if I will get a car but in any case I hope going to the gym doesn't turn out to be a journey or whatever.

 

[abbeacon]

Originally posted by HouseHead
The gym situation is definitely not nice, what with the empty excuses of the admin and not asking for the input of anyone who actually uses the gym. Rutgers does have a full gym, pool and all, unlike what we'll have up until the end of January. Another option that is being explored is having a private company come in and put in a gym in the complex that holds the bookstore and various food joints many people go to for lunch. It is said that they will be targeting Feb. 1 as an opening date if the plan does go through- of course, any gym that only takes 1/2 a month to construct can't be all that fancy. But hopefully it will have at least what the current gym has, and cost somewhere near the same for UMDNJ folks.

abbeacon, I totally agree with you. It also sucks that they have a BK yet don't have reliable vegi food on a daily basis that doesn't require microwaving. Apparently what many of the servers say is veg actually isn't, and Tuesdays are the only days you can count on there being any hot veg available 🙁

I'm hoping that if Rutgers ends up being the only option, the CHEN shuttles will run often enough (and to Penn station too). Hopefully I can get someone to work out with me- or at least at the same time as me- so that I won't flake on my gym time... 😛

I did hear about the plans to move the gym across the street, which would be fine, as you said, if they maintain the same types of equipment that they currently have--I could envision them literally moving all existing equip to the new building. It's also essential to maintain the same hours to cater to the folks that work out either really early or really late; my research adviser gets there at 530am right when the gym opens, but he's concerned that the new gym (rutgers or across the street) won't support his hours..

I took a course at rutgers this year, and the CHEN shuttle was very convenient.. however, some of the drivers were saying that the program might be eliminated/scaled back in the near future b/c of money and lack of interest.. the admin is also concerned that too many people are using the shuttle just to go to & from work, and not to travel between all the schools in Newark. But I agree, if RU is the option, they really must provide adequate transportation there, in line with the hours of the RU gym...

So I'm trying to decide between NJMS and RWJMS.. I definitely know more about NJMS as I've been taking classes on the Newark campus for the past 2 years; I'm planning to head down to RWJMS next month to do some more research on the school down there.. I think the clinical experiences I'll get in Newark will be more diverse than in NB/Piscataway, and I have a sense that the students in Newark really like the school and their overall experience. Were you accepted to both places, and if so, why did you choose NJMS? What are the largest pros & cons of NJMS?

thanks!
abbeacon

 

[HouseHead]

Originally posted by abbeacon
So I'm trying to decide between NJMS and RWJMS.. I definitely know more about NJMS as I've been taking classes on the Newark campus for the past 2 years; I'm planning to head down to RWJMS next month to do some more research on the school down there.. I think the clinical experiences I'll get in Newark will be more diverse than in NB/Piscataway, and I have a sense that the students in Newark really like the school and their overall experience. Were you accepted to both places, and if so, why did you choose NJMS? What are the largest pros & cons of NJMS?

I wasn't accepted to RWJ (I wasn't a NJ resident, so I was amazed to get into NJMS), but I wouldn't have chosen it anyway. It's all about location for me- proximity to NYC and family in the Newark area. That, and I really liked the people at NJMS; I didn't get the same positive vibe off the folks at RWJ. As a non-trad, I really liked how non-trad-friendly they seemed (and are!), and people just seemed down-to-earth and friendly. Also, the clinical opportunities seemed better than any other school I interviewed at, without a doubt.

I really love my school 😍

 

[BushBaby]

Originally posted by HouseHead
I wasn't accepted to RWJ (I wasn't a NJ resident, so I was amazed to get into NJMS), but I wouldn't have chosen it anyway. It's all about location for me- proximity to NYC and family in the Newark area. That, and I really liked the people at NJMS; I didn't get the same positive vibe off the folks at RWJ. As a non-trad, I really liked how non-trad-friendly they seemed (and are!), and people just seemed down-to-earth and friendly. Also, the clinical opportunities seemed better than any other school I interviewed at, without a doubt.

I really love my school 😍

You must know my friend...her name is Sade. She is from Nigeria.
How was your first semester?

 

[HouseHead]

Originally posted by BushBaby
You must know my friend...her name is Sade. She is from Nigeria.
How was your first semester?

Don't know her well, but I know who you're talking about. My first semester was really good. Took some adjusting to, but I had a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to returning next week!
Have you decided btwn RWJ and NJMS yet?

 

[BushBaby]

Originally posted by HouseHead
Don't know her well, but I know who you're talking about. My first semester was really good. Took some adjusting to, but I had a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to returning next week!
Have you decided btwn RWJ and NJMS yet?

I am going with NJMS...I want to wait until the accepted student luncheon though to seal the deal.

 

[HouseHead]

Yay, BushBaby on board!! 🙂
When's the luncheon?

 

[4 Ever]

hey househead...

what classes did you have to take the first semester? and i know theres a lot of stuff floating around about books to study from. so what is the best way to study there?

 

[HouseHead]

4 Ever-
Supposedly they're changing up everything next year. We had anatomy, biochem, genetics, and public health first semester. I bought the required books for everything except biochem. Also bought hi yield embryo and biostats, Rohen for anatomy, a few BRSs, First Aid (definitely get that, pref. at the beginning of the year when the bookstore still has it in stock!), and Underground Clinical Vignettes for biochem and anatomy. Check out my post on this thread:Invaluable Advice
All I can say is, you cannot study too much for anatomy. I think I really slacked in that class (which I wouldn't have if we were P/F- it was all about which classes I was most likely to honor, which just ain't right).

We had a "First Year Survival Guide" given to us at the start of the year. It was written by people in the class ahead of us, so some of the stuff is outdated, since they've already begun changing the curriculum some. If y'all get such a guide, keep that in mind, because some of the info is likely to be irrelevant.

If you've for sure decided on NJMS, PM me your email addy and you can ask me about detailed stuff back-channel.

 

[BushBaby]

Originally posted by HouseHead
Yay, BushBaby on board!! 🙂
When's the luncheon?

Well there is an accepted student luncheon that is supposedly scheduled for next week.
Hope to attend that, I have to look if I have any more vacation days left.

 

[someguy81]

hey guys,
i've been accepted to njms too and am considering it.

on interview day everyone was talking about the big changes in the curriculum for next year (even maybe to pass/fail) but no one could give any specifics.

have you heard anything about the changes?

i'm not so sure about newark too- for those of you who attend, how do you like living there? seems somewhat dreary. also, not so sure about the everything-in-one-building thing.
otherwise, is a great school.

thanks-

 

[4 Ever]

I asked my interviewer that question and she had the following to say:

they are in the process of overhauling the whole curriculum. There wont be a complete overhaul in the fall semester, but it will begin then with a few classes. Slowly over time they will change the whole curriculum. Now, she also stated that they are focusing more on self-study and less lecture time - and have small group workshop type things. so i think thats what they meant by curriculum changes. She also mentioned that there is still some back and forth between the members to see which is the best route for implementing it.

as for finding areas around newark, it sure is a pain in the butt.... the web is just not helping much at all for what i want. i saw some flyers on the walls when i went there this past monday (wanted to hand deliver my deposit so it doesnt get lost). so thats another way to go about it... its just kind of frustrating

 

[abbeacon]

Originally posted by someguy81
hey guys,
i've been accepted to njms too and am considering it.

on interview day everyone was talking about the big changes in the curriculum for next year (even maybe to pass/fail) but no one could give any specifics.

have you heard anything about the changes?

I emailed Dr. Heinrich about this a few weeks ago, and he said they will have finalized the new curriculum by the end of January. They hung a poster w/a draft of the new curriculum in early December, but it's really not all that helpful b/c the course names weren't too descriptive (i.e., nothing sounding like "biochemistry" or "physiology". Despite the ambiguity of course names, the grading system will be p/f for the first two years. Hopefully they'll talk more about this at the luncheon..

abbeacon

 

[HouseHead]

A lot of people don't live in Newark. I commute from Manhattan. A lot of people drive in from where ever. There's a large contingent of people who take NJTransit in from south NJ, including some folks in Princeton and Cherry Hill.
Otherwise, yeah, it's dreary. But the City is close by, so you can party there on weekends, and if you have a car, you can do everything else in neighboring towns.
Having everything in one building rocks- although not everything actually is in one building... If you're a lectures type of person, you just need to know when to show up, and the rest takes care of itself.

Originally posted by someguy81
i'm not so sure about newark too- for those of you who attend, how do you like living there? seems somewhat dreary. also, not so sure about the everything-in-one-building thing.
otherwise, is a great school.

thanks-

 

[Lux Aeterna]

Are most of you guys considering NJMS over RWJ? Can you highlight the reasons why?

And the accepted student luncheons for both schools are on the same day.... I guess most of you are going to NJMS'. This is a dumb question but what's the dress code like-- business casual or totally casual like jeans or what?

 

[4 Ever]

according to the letter that i received, the dress code is business casual and as my friend suggested, its better to be overdressed than underdressed.

 

[someguy81]

I unfortunately wont' be able to make the luncheon.

as for the choice between RWJ (had interview, haven't heard yet) and NJMS, I used to believe that if given only the two that I would surely choose RWJMS (because of the location, nicer area, and facilities)

but with the curriculum change to p/f, less lecture time, and small group learning at NJMS, i'm definitely considering it much more seriously now.

what about you guys? any thoughts?

 

[abbeacon]

I was the same way a few years back when comparing RWJ and NJMS.. I kept saying to myself, "why the hell would I want to go to med school in newark?" .. But after taking classes there, talking to med students, and interacting w/faculty, I must say that NJMS has really sold me..

When I was down at RWJ, I was impressed with their clinical facilities, but unfortunately we didn't get to see the piscatway campus.. Things seemed newer on the clinical campus, and the tour guide kept talking about how the classrooms and study rooms were new on the academic campus. That said, I've heard from some students that the clinical training during MS3-4 is not as good as one would expect.

Conversely, I have heard nothing but good things concerning NJMS's clinical training, starting early in the first two years. I think the opportunity to address the health inadequacies in the city of Newark is a very appealing aspect of NJMS, and I think the school and students embrace this opportunity. The facilities are somewhat antequated, parking is a pain, and Newark might not be the place to have a midnight stroll, but I think these are all secondary to the education and training NJMS provides.. It appears that the administration welcomes change and student input, as is evident by the upcoming curriculum changes.. Being the anal retentive scientist that I am who always takes the rationalization approach (w/pro & con lists), I honestly just have a good gut feeling about NJMS, silly lists aside.. It seems like the students really enjoy themselves and their school..

So it'll be interesting to hear what they have to say at the luncheon regarding the school, curriculum, etc.. definitely looking forward to it.. Lux, I think it's ironic that both schools have the lunch on the same day.. You would think they could have spaced it out better...

abbeacon

 

[4 Ever]

my biggest reason not to go to RWJ if i get in.... its too close to home. i refuse to commute even if it saves me money in the longrun. having to mow the lawn, take out the trash, clean, etc etc is not worth it... though if that wasnt an issue, i think its a really tough call between the two.

both are great med schools in my opinion. so you cant go wrong in either case

 

[BushBaby]

Originally posted by 4 Ever
i refuse to commute even if it saves me money in the longrun. having to mow the lawn, take out the trash, clean, etc etc is not worth it...

My mother would love for me to go to SUNY Downstate because she thinks that might make me stay at home...NOT...it would be hell and she would expect me to take out the trash, cook, clean and do my usual chores...heck no.

 

[Lux Aeterna]

Hey abbeacon, 4ever, everyone, etc- thanks for all your comments 🙂

I too was pro-RWJ all the way before I really knew much about both schools (have friends and family at Rutgers-NB, liked the area etc, was my first interview and it went really well, felt more "comfortable" there--but I dunno if I'm biased), but now all the pros regarding NJMS (working with underserved populations, student run clinics, clinical training, stronger match list) is really making this a tough decision!

Thank goodness we have till May 15th to figure this out.

I don't know if I can hit up either luncheon this particular Friday, but I am gonna try to get to the other ones they have scheduled. If I can go, it'd be really nice to meet some of you all in person! (at whichever one, RWJ or NJMS, although looks like most of you folks are thinking NJMS)

 

[4 Ever]

speaking of luncheons.... is anyone going to the NJMS one this friday?

 

[HouseHead]

Anyone going to the luncheon that wants to say hi, lemme know via PM and we can arrange to meet, assuming the timing works.

 

[4 Ever]

thanks for the offer Househead... is anyone else going to it? i'll give a recap when i get back from it and let u guys know how it is....

 

[abbeacon]

I'll be there, though I may skip the tour & only go for the lunch at 1pm--haven't decided yet... anyone else?

abbeacon

 

[4 Ever]

just sent u a PM

we'll have a big SDN table for us at the luncheon

 

[BushBaby]

I'll also be there....what are you guys wearing so I spot you?

You should wear fusha blazers, that way I can spot you easily.

As for me, I will be wearing black pants 😉 ...I will be coming with my BF (cause he is driving and the secretary said he can walk around with me instead of sitting in the car) so if you see a black girl with a tall black guy, I'm the girl.

Attire: black pants, button down shirt, tan bag...that's me.

Looking forward to seeing you both/all.

 

[abbeacon]

BB, I just PM'ed you...

 

[BushBaby]

Originally posted by abbeacon
BB, I just PM'ed you...

Got it.


Is anyone trying to pursue the MD/MPH program? or know of anyone pursuing it at UMDNJ?

 

[lilnix]

hey bushbaby! i haven't been on here in a long time but congrats on your acceptances. also i know sade. well i'm just reading this thread so since the accepted students luncheon was yesterday i hope you had a good time. how was it by the way?

 

[4 Ever]

Here is how the luncheon basically broke down:

After showing up and confirming you are on the list, they told us what tables to sit at. While other people began to show up, I went into a nearby room to check for the coat size for the white coat ceremony. Then came back and more accepted students were there we basically it was time to mingle as much as you could. It just so happened at our table 2 people were celebrating their birthday that same day. Then the tours began where 2nd years showed us around as best they could given the short time we had. During this time we could just ask questions that we had to the 2nd years which was helpful somewhat. We then came back and grabbed the food before the presentations began.

Though the presentations were nice and interesting, I didn't really get anything new out of it (that wasnt mentioned during the tour). Regarding financial aid, basically we were directed towards the website. The curriculum was briefly mentioned but not in the depth that I would have hoped for. While they talked we also got to eat some cake that they had for the accepted students (oh yeah, also got a mug and a pen). They also gave out 2 anatomy atlas books which were given to people who had a birthday that day - 2 people from out table as luck would have had it. Afterwards we could ask questions to those that spoke or the 2nd years (most people just left though).

All in all, im glad i went because I had the chance to meet some people. The presentations were somewhat helpful but still left me confused regarding financial aid and the curriculum. So I'll just go searching the web again and wait some more until they release information about the curriculum.

 

[BushBaby]

4ever pretty much covered it all. I showed a bit late due to my bf picking me up late and us trying to find parking. We had to park a block away by society hill, which was kinda good because it allowed us to view the area.

I think that atlas thing was a complete SETUP....they have our b-days on file and so they decided to do that for those two people. That's my take on it to have two books, two b-days and a system like that to give away the two books.

I didn't get the cake because they kept passing my table by...it's all good.

Did any of you guys see ME?

 

[4 Ever]

bushbaby, i THINK i saw you but wasnt sure... while my group was leaving for the tour i thought i saw someone matching ur description with a guy who was i suppose 6'3ish or so... at a quick glance.

yeah the book thing could have been a setup though... i was thinking that myself cuz what if there were 3 people who were celebrating their birthdays that day... what then?

all in all, it was pretty good

 

[Lux Aeterna]

hey guys thanks for talking about the luncheon. about how many people were there at NJMS that day? (couldn't make either rwj or njms this time)