So...
Loans: Yes, many people take out the full amount. Yes it's a huge amount of money. Yes, everyone seems to eventually pay it off and be OK. I've met lots of NYMC alumni, and none of them are broke. As for the THE and shopping around, there's only one thing I can say "TRUST IN TONY". You'll meet him - he's probably the most student-focused financial aid administrator in the country, and he makes sure everyone gets the best deal. He'll work individually with you, if you approach him. My advice would be to do what he suggests for now, and if you aren't sure then talk to him when you get here. He's led mass consolidation campaigns in the past when the time is right...
Apts: I didn't live in the furnished apts, but I'm sure there were no pots and pans. There are couches, chairs, desks, dressers, fridges, stoves, microwaves. the rest is up to you. There are always lots of things for sale around campus, as people come and go a lot. One thing you'll need is an air conditioner. DON'T buy the one the school offers before you move out there - it's way too expensive, and you can get them a lot cheaper once your on campus....
Running: There are some good trails near valhalla if that's what you're into, but I've always been more of an urban runner and stick to the roads. There's a basic loop around campus (with a big hill and 1 section that is on a kinda busy road) that I used a lot. For those who worry about traffic (and hills), you can run around The Oval, which is pratically a track, and gives you pleasurable views of the helicopter pad/childrens hospital, people playing football/soccer/frisbee on the oval, and the prison (no matter how bad you have it before a test, it's not That bad...) I think once around the oval is about 1/4 mile.
Lecture halls: First year hall (Cooke) is nice, second year hall (Nevins) is nicer but with cramped leg room. Ol' Blue is horrifying. They've all got the basic stuff lecture halls need. The library is pretty small. If you need absolute silence for studying, the basement of the library (aka "the dungeon") is the place for you. Printing in the library costs money, but printing everywhere else (for now, at least) is free. (note: all new printers and printing systems are being installed in campus very soon). The library is not open 24 hours, and you can't (openly) eat or drink there. The MODs are open 24/7, eating and drinking is encouraged, printing is free...
Rachlin: Robizzle, four years from now, you'll be going into Rads. Once you make eye contact with her, it's a done deal.