njms 2012

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Thanks for the food suggestions. Do either of you happen to know of any health-oriented supermarkets or good sandwich/deli places in the area as well? I know there is a Whole Foods a town or two away. Not sure about Shop Rite. Maybe I'm asking too much of Newark.
 
PleaseBelieveit said:
Are most people disclosing their parents' information?
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I filled out FAFSA already and I did disclose my parents information. FAFSA recommends that you disclose it if you're going into a graduate program for a healthcare profession. But my expected family contribution still came out to be $0 (as opposed to previous years in undergrad) so I wouldn't be concerned about losing aid over that. As far as I know it can only help you.
 
Yeah if you have the energy just fill it out as per the suggestion. Bet you they'll ask for it later if you don't -- so you might as well.


I'm tempted to reactivate my facebook to join the group... I deactivated it because it's a time waster and only bad news when it comes to potential superiors spying on you, but I might reactivate anyway.
 
VoiceofReason said:
I'm tempted to reactivate my facebook to join the group... I deactivated it because it's a time waster and only bad news when it comes to potential superiors spying on you, but I might reactivate anyway.
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Come on VoR...you know you want to reactivate facebook...haha...peer pressure.

So I'm still homeless for the fall. Can anyone tell where NOT to live in Newark (if I have to live in Newark at all, but I am trying to avoid this)? I know some sections are worse than others, but I am very unfamiliar with the area, so any help would be appreciated.
 
caliprincess, why don't you want to live in the on campus apartments?

Is anyone living in them? I'm still not sure if I want to live on campus, or if I want to look off campus for housing...
 
thanks for the suggestions about the fafsa everyone...

hey anya..yeah I am kind of in the same boat as you..my friend went to njms and owns a condo 2 blocks off campus that she said she will rent to me for a reasonable price..on the other hand..I want to live in a place where there are a bunch of other students and where I don't have to walk outside to get to class if it is nasty out...I know some people will say suck it up and walk, but come on..who wouldn't want to have that option?? also, I really want to live by myself and I don't want to find out later on that I am going to be given a roommate if there aren't any studios or 1 bedrooms left..which reminds me..I posted a while ago asking if anyone knows the cable tv situation in the dorms...I'm asking bc I am buying myself a TV as a gift since I got into med school..lol..and I want to make sure before I spend the $ on an expensive TV that the dorms (if I wind up living there) offer HDTV. I know I know...I shouldn't be thinking about that kind of stuff...but oh well!!
 
anya1207 said:
caliprincess, why don't you want to live in the on campus apartments?
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As shallow as this sounds, I don't want to sell all my new furniture that I bought when I moved into my current apartment! Although staying on campus is convenient, I have two issues with it. I think it is stupid to pay $900+ to SHARE an apartment + bathroom that you can't even decorate, when I can have my own place for a little more. Also, my good friend lives in them, and she says that the maintenance/housing management staff sometimes comes into your apartment without telling you. If I had to live in housing that caters to students, I would prefer to live at University Centre because it is cheaper, they have a gym, and they even have a movie room! However, I am trying to avoid 180 W. Market or University Centre if possible.
 
I would definitely live in University Center if I knew i would be living around other medical students... or even if I had one person to live with that I know. But no one I know is going to NJMS (or theyre not sure yet). ugh this housing thing is stressing me haha
 
Hey everyone! I haven't been on in so long...I can't wait for August! Just trying to get through all these forms now. Does anyone know when our FASFAs are due?? Thanks!!! :luck:
 
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I heard they need to be in by April or it could delay your financial aid package.
 
Hey guys,

Congratulations and welcome. I'm a member of the class of '11. Just wanted to give you guys fair warning about the on-campus housing. I live here now, and if I were you I would look long and hard at other options before you decide to live at 180 W. Market.

The problems:
1. The cost. As others have said, it is very expensive, and you are paying to live with strangers in a space into which you cannot bring ANY furniture. They take it seriously. The hidden cost is the utilities. I'm sorry to say that the place is cheaply built and poorly insulated. The heating units are also very inefficient (and loud). The result is an electricity bill of around 150/month for most apartments. The "high speed" internet and upgraded TV service (like espn?) will also cost you another 40/month if you choose to go that route.

2. The neighborhood. Although the building is safe, outside the building is decidedly not safe at night. This may not seem like a big deal now, but I really miss the ability to take a walk or just get some fresh air. Also there is really nowhere to grab a cup of coffee or a beer around campus. After your first experience at the Pathmark on Bergen St., you will probably start buying groceries in West Orange like most of the residents.

3. The management. They will enter your apartment without warning whenever they want for maintenance and fire safety inspection. I know people who have been napping or in the shower only to find maintenance men or contractors in their apartment washing windows or fixing the crappy heaters. Also if anything goes wrong in your apartment, the management will treat you like a ***** and act like they are doing you a favor to fix it (the maintenance guys are real cool, it is the managerial staff that sucks).

4. The mail service. Again, a small thing, but the service is piss poor. My mail arrives at least 7 days after it is postmarked. They don't notify you when you receive a package, so if mom sends you a surprise care package the oatmeal cookies will go stale sitting in the management office before you find out about it. Every 2-3 weeks they post a list of packages remaining in the office with a threat to return to sender if they are not picked up immediately.

5. The gym. A lot of people are still bitter here because they told us there would be a gym in building. There is no gym. There will be no gym. The building is losing money with two completely empty floors and they can't afford to build one. Please do not believe them if they tell you there is a gym.

Sorry to sound negative, but I wish students had told me about some of this stuff before I decided to live here. In my opinion, for the amount you will pay to live here you could live in a much nicer neighborhood with a lot less hassle.

On the bright side the building is pretty secure, and the convenience is outstanding. My favorite part about living here is the option to go home and eat lunch in my kitchen or take a nap between classes. Also, the med students are great and it is fun to live with classmates.

If you guys have any questions about school/the dorm feel free to pm me, and I will try to check back in the next few days. Good luck and congrats again.
 
What is with you guys and compromising for this just to make your mornings a little easier? Come to Jersey city where yon path whistles like a sirens call and ye mug overfloweth with libations honoring of feasts from afar.

I can vouch for that neighborhood being boring. The only reasonpeople go downtown/university area of Newark is to park, study, go to class, and leave.

One of the tour guides from NJMS hinted that her friends had these issues with the housing. Now you're getting it straight from the horses mouth.

Living off-campus 👍 WHO'S WITH ME


cpants said:
Hey guys,

Congratulations and welcome. I'm a member of the class of '11. Just wanted to give you guys fair warning about the on-campus housing. I live here now, and if I were you I would look long and hard at other options before you decide to live at 180 W. Market.

The problems:
1. The cost. As others have said, it is very expensive, and you are paying to live with strangers in a space into which you cannot bring ANY furniture. They take it seriously. The hidden cost is the utilities. I'm sorry to say that the place is cheaply built and poorly insulated. The heating units are also very inefficient (and loud). The result is an electricity bill of around 150/month for most apartments. The "high speed" internet and upgraded TV service (like espn?) will also cost you another 40/month if you choose to go that route.

2. The neighborhood. Although the building is safe, outside the building is decidedly not safe at night. This may not seem like a big deal now, but I really miss the ability to take a walk or just get some fresh air. Also there is really nowhere to grab a cup of coffee or a beer around campus. After your first experience at the Pathmark on Bergen St., you will probably start buying groceries in West Orange like most of the residents.

3. The management. They will enter your apartment without warning whenever they want for maintenance and fire safety inspection. I know people who have been napping or in the shower only to find maintenance men or contractors in their apartment washing windows or fixing the crappy heaters. Also if anything goes wrong in your apartment, the management will treat you like a ***** and act like they are doing you a favor to fix it (the maintenance guys are real cool, it is the managerial staff that sucks).

4. The mail service. Again, a small thing, but the service is piss poor. My mail arrives at least 7 days after it is postmarked. They don't notify you when you receive a package, so if mom sends you a surprise care package the oatmeal cookies will go stale sitting in the management office before you find out about it. Every 2-3 weeks they post a list of packages remaining in the office with a threat to return to sender if they are not picked up immediately.

5. The gym. A lot of people are still bitter here because they told us there would be a gym in building. There is no gym. There will be no gym. The building is losing money with two completely empty floors and they can't afford to build one. Please do not believe them if they tell you there is a gym.

Sorry to sound negative, but I wish students had told me about some of this stuff before I decided to live here. In my opinion, for the amount you will pay to live here you could live in a much nicer neighborhood with a lot less hassle.

On the bright side the building is pretty secure, and the convenience is outstanding. My favorite part about living here is the option to go home and eat lunch in my kitchen or take a nap between classes. Also, the med students are great and it is fun to live with classmates.

If you guys have any questions about school/the dorm feel free to pm me, and I will try to check back in the next few days. Good luck and congrats again.
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Is there really no hope for the dorms/their improvement? Has the situation stagnated?

I've lived in some pretty crappy dorm conditions in college so I don't have high expectations for them, despite the price I'd be paying -- I'm happy just having a shower that isn't shared by the entire floor. But, is it really unwise to give the dorm a chance considering it was only built recently? Can they really expect to keep it running if the number of residents keeps declining without making any improvements?

*sigh*
 
how often did you find that people would just enter your dorm without saying anything? I already sent in my housing app and I think I'm sticking with it anyway since the caveats you mentioned aren't enough to deter me.

Being an incoming student am I likely to get a single at least?
 
Thanks cpants that's real good to know beforehand. Besides 180 W. Market, where are the typical places incoming students live?
 
dizzyorange said:
Thanks cpants that's real good to know beforehand. Besides 180 W. Market, where are the typical places incoming students live?
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There are other places in Newark to live. Society hill is a block away from the dorm, and seems pretty nice with free parking. Some students live in University Center. It's a little further away but I've heard good things.

Outside of Newark students live in montclair, bloomfield, west orange, jersey city, hoboken, you name it. It depends whats important to you. If you want to live in a more townlike place head west to bloomfield, if you want to live closer to NYC in a younger area head to JC/hoboken. Get on craig's list and look at some places. I wish I had.

VoiceofReason said:
how often did you find that people would just enter your dorm without saying anything? I already sent in my housing app and I think I'm sticking with it anyway since the caveats you mentioned aren't enough to deter me.

Being an incoming student am I likely to get a single at least?
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Not sure about your chances of getting a single. I would ask the housing office.

Regarding how often your apartment will be entered there is really no way to know since they will usually come in when you are in class. Sometimes they leave a note saying they were in the apartment, but with no explanation of what they were doing in there. The first time they came in my apartment, I returned from class and my bed and my lamp were moved and some of my books were on the floor. I found out that they had been washing the windows in my bedroom. When I complained the management was like "What do you expect us to do, call you or email every time we're going to enter the apartment?" I responded YES, but they say they don't have time to bother with notifying us. BTW they are supposed to notify us per our lease. They either do not provide any notification or post a sign in the lobby along the lines of "We will be performing routine maintenence in your apartments during the next two weeks". For me that doesn't cut it.

Also, I would care less if it was just the maintenance crew because they are all great guys we are friendly with. The problem is that they hire outside contractors like window washing companies and HVAC contractors. You really have no way to know who has been in your apartment and for what reason. It is a matter of time until it bites them in the *** when something turns up missing from an apartment and they get blamed.
 
cpants said:
The building is losing money with two completely empty floors and they can't afford to build one.
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Reading this took me by surprise. When I came by to take a tour of the building I was only able to see a 3-bedroom because my "tour guide" said that that was the only one available (I was hoping to see a 1-br or studio). I figured that meant the dorm was essentially full.

Are the empty floors all 3-bedrooms?
 
VoiceofReason said:
how often did you find that people would just enter your dorm without saying anything? I already sent in my housing app and I think I'm sticking with it anyway since the caveats you mentioned aren't enough to deter me.

Being an incoming student am I likely to get a single at least?
Click to expand...

Hey I actually called and asked about this a few days ago. I was told that they cant really tell me my chances of getting a studio or one bedroom because they have to wait for the people who are occupying them currently to say if they will be returning next year. So all the studios and one bedrooms are filled until people who have them now back out for next year... the woman i talked to couldnt tell me how many people were on the waitlist or what my chances are of getting a single..

i really dont know what to do about this housing situation. i keep going back and forth between 180 w.market or university center... i dont think i want to live outside of newark because i dont want to be stuck in morning traffic and have to wake up really early to beat traffic to get to class on time... im not much of a morning person and would love to be near njms
 
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Those of you that sent in your housing app, if you checked "single" as your first preference did you send in a roommate matching form just in case you don't get a single?



anya1207 said:
I would definitely live in University Center if I knew i would be living around other medical students... or even if I had one person to live with that I know. But no one I know is going to NJMS (or theyre not sure yet). ugh this housing thing is stressing me haha
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I'm in the same situation. I'd like to look into living off-campus but only if it was somewhere with a large number of NJMS first years.
 
dizzyorange said:
Those of you that sent in your housing app, if you checked "single" as your first preference did you send in a roommate matching form just in case you don't get a single?





I'm in the same situation. I'd like to look into living off-campus but only if it was somewhere with a large number of NJMS first years.
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Yeah, I agree with you two... My only trepidation about not living in the dorms is that I would not be "near" any first years. I have a friend who is a second year and she lived 2 blocks off campus and said the building she lived in was safe, had students, and even had a gym...I am trying to rent the place she was renting, but I have not heard back from her in a few days (she is tough to get ahold of)..When I get the info about where she is talking about I will post it...
 
I have a solution! All NJMS c/o 2012 SDNers move off-campus to the same area...then we will be surrounded by first years. Heck, we could even carpool to class! And party! And study! Problem solved 😀
 
I'd be in. Anyone with good/bad comments about society hill vs. university center?
 
University Centre is a new apartment building in Newark. It is a couple of blocks from campus and is a little less expensive than W. Market St. You must be a student of UMDNJ, Seton Hall, Rutgers Newark, or NJIT to live there (it's like a central housing thing). Web site is www.univcentre.com. Unlike the on-campus housing, they actually DO have a gym...

Society Hill is nice, but you have to be careful in that area. If you don't have a townhouse with a garage, you are taking a risk with your car. There have been many auto break ins and such there. All of the apartments come with an alarm system and a screen door at your entrance. A lot of students do live in the complex, but it is a large complex so people are spread out. Definitely be careful and aware of your surroundings if you are thinking moving in. Also, the only way you can rent here (since they are condos/townhouses) is through the owner. Check craigslist.com or local newspapers.

That's pretty much my knowledge of the two places...
 
dizzyorange said:
Those of you that sent in your housing app, if you checked "single" as your first preference did you send in a roommate matching form just in case you don't get a single?





I'm in the same situation. I'd like to look into living off-campus but only if it was somewhere with a large number of NJMS first years.
Click to expand...

yeah I sent mine in. I figured they would understand that I want a single or studio and then only if I have to be matched with a roommate will they use the roommate request form.
 
caliprincess said:
University Centre is a new apartment building in Newark. It is a couple of blocks from campus and is a little less expensive than W. Market St. You must be a student of UMDNJ, Seton Hall, Rutgers Newark, or NJIT to live there (it's like a central housing thing). Web site is www.univcentre.com. Unlike the on-campus housing, they actually DO have a gym...

Society Hill is nice, but you have to be careful in that area. If you don't have a townhouse with a garage, you are taking a risk with your car. There have been many auto break ins and such there. All of the apartments come with an alarm system and a screen door at your entrance. A lot of students do live in the complex, but it is a large complex so people are spread out. Definitely be careful and aware of your surroundings if you are thinking moving in. Also, the only way you can rent here (since they are condos/townhouses) is through the owner. Check craigslist.com or local newspapers.

That's pretty much my knowledge of the two places...
Click to expand...

Wow University Centre looks pretty good from the website. I'll have to check it out when I head to Newark in a few weeks. The rates seem the same as 180 Market. The private room 2 bed/1 bath and 3 bed/3 bath suites are pretty enticing, as is the gym accessible without going outside.

I wonder if the Manhattan skyline blurb is a little far fetched heh.
 
Hey all. I just got accepted on Wednesday! I hope to meet some of my fellow classmates soon. I'm really excited! 🙂
 
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Thanks for the info caliprincess....I would move to Univcentre if it had studios...I have had my mind set on living by myself for the past four years of living with a roommate...I don't know..we'll see...lol... and congrats to bellacnella!!
 
heres a congratulatory (bellacnella) bump.
 
Yay! Thanks guys. I must admit that I was really relieved to find out that I am coming to NJMS. Now I am stressing about where I'm gonna live and how this is all going to be paid for! :scared:

I was also wondering about the food situation because I am vegetarian (sometimes I go vegan when I can afford it). I hope there's a wholefoods somewhere in the vicinity. I am considering living in the on-campus housing.
 
looks like everyone wants to live off campus...well i am a 2nd year and I live on campus and things have improved since last year. Imagine waking up at 8:30 am, having some quick coffee and walking to a 9 am class. There are still some problems as mentioned by cpants, but I enjoy the overall convenience and security.

Univ Center is a good place, but it requires a car to come back and forth to school. Its not a good idea to walk back and forth to school from there cuz its very dangerous. Also I have heard Univ Center is planning to raise its rates for the upcoming year it doesnt have singles for those who are wondering.

Food wise, the facilities here are this small shopping complex across the school that has Ritas, a Pizza place, chinese place and a Blimpies. Finer restaurants such as Applebees, Houlihans, Olive Garden are located a lil bit further. However the unofficial diner of the school is Top's Diner near the ironbound and the unofficial bar of the school is at Blackbear in Hoboken...unofficial meaning thats where the med students hang out 😉

any questions....plz PM
 
ASDIC said:
looks like everyone wants to live off campus...well i am a 2nd year and I live on campus and things have improved since last year. Imagine waking up at 8:30 am, having some quick coffee and walking to a 9 am class. There are still some problems as mentioned by cpants, but I enjoy the overall convenience and security.

Univ Center is a good place, but it requires a car to come back and forth to school. Its not a good idea to walk back and forth to school from there cuz its very dangerous. Also I have heard Univ Center is planning to raise its rates for the upcoming year it doesnt have singles for those who are wondering.

Food wise, the facilities here are this small shopping complex across the school that has Ritas, a Pizza place, chinese place and a Blimpies. Finer restaurants such as Applebees, Houlihans, Olive Garden are located a lil bit further. However the unofficial diner of the school is Top's Diner near the ironbound and the unofficial bar of the school is at Blackbear in Hoboken...unofficial meaning thats where the med students hang out 😉

any questions....plz PM
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Is there really no gym?
 
no gym....but i sorta have my own gym in my apartment ;-)...thats what most ppl do or you can get membershiip to NYSC or Rutgers (much cheaper + swimming pool with rutgers ID)
 
ok i reactivated facebook
 
Does anyone happen to know if the dorm has wireless (internet)?
 
yes it does...but you also get FREE basic internet (about 800 kbps) included in your rent...if you want superfast (4 Mbps) then you gotta pay $40 extra per month, which again comes with premium cable. the 4Mbps is really fast 😎
 
800 kbps is about 100 kb/s right? That's good enough for me. So the whole building has wireless or just the lounges?
 
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i am not sure about th conversion between kilobytes and kilobits...but yeah its fast. wireless is almost everywhere...some areas dont have it...i dont use it so i dont know
 
Hey ASDIC, I was wondering, did your federal aid cover all of your tuition plus the housing? Or did you need private loans as well?
 
it depends on your lifestyle...if you like going out a lot, shopping, being high maintenance etc then the estimated cost of living might not be enough, but still I dont think you will need private loans cuz they offer supplemental government loans (perkins) with higher interest rates.
 
ASDIC said:
yes it does...but you also get FREE basic internet (about 800 kbps) included in your rent...if you want superfast (4 Mbps) then you gotta pay $40 extra per month, which again comes with premium cable. the 4Mbps is really fast 😎
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Thanks for the info!

I forgot to ask, but what's the visitor policy? I don't quite understand it. There's some four day limit per month I was reading about which seems really strict. And there's stuff vaguely mentioned elsewhere. Do you (or anyone) know?
 
I'm living in 180 its definitely not perfect but university center from what I hear has smaller rooms and its about 5 newark blocks from school.
 
i already sent my crap in. So if anyone else decides to live there you won't be alone.
 
Thanks ASDIC.

I'll be there, although it seems like a humongus ripoff. Party time :meanie:
 
I think the peace of mind that the building is safe and you don't have to worry about getting mugged walking to class is worth the money. Someone was killed (not a student) across the street over the summer so the less time I spend outside in Newark the better.
 
I added about 3% or something round that. I'm curious as to if you actually decide you need less aid than they give, can you just turn down some unsubsidized loans, or do you have to turn down subsidized/unsubsidized loans in equal proportions? (sorry if thats confusing)



Estxx57, you said you saw the 3-bedrooms suits at 180 right? What did you think? If it's a case of sharing a bathroom at the savings of $1400-1700 a year, I don't think I'd mind that.
 
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