Official SIU SOM Class of 2010

[FiddleDr]

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Hey!
Just wanted to say hi! I can't wait to meet everyone! I probably won't be able to attend the orientation in June, but who knows? I know absolutely nothing about the Carbondale area, but I'm eager to explore... I've spent the past four years living in campus housing in Nashville, so the whole apartment search is new for me. Also, I'm hoping to have a dog with me, so that creates problems with rentals...
Honestly, I am sooo excited!!! See you soon!

 

[katiekate]

I'm guessing you play Violin?? Me too!!! Just classical or bluegrass/irish too?? I'm hoping there are other musicians who want to get together and play around for a little stress relief.

Have you started looking for an apartment yet? If not, you should get started ASAP. I will be moving into my place (on S. Illinois) Aug 4, hopefully a little earlier if the current tenant moves out sooner. If anyone is getting there before classes start we should get together and explore the area together. I really want to get outdoors into the local parks and do some hiking, biking, and/or camping before we have to buckle down into schoolwork.

kit

 

[FiddleDr]

I play classical (although not for several years now) and some western/bluegrass fiddle, but my music has been sadly neglected through most of my undergrad. I have been able to do a little jamming this past semester, though and it's been great. I'd love to try to get some people together!
I've just begun looking for an apt. I do plan on arriving...maybe a week or so...before school starts, so we'll have to try to get all the early birds together to do something fun. Can't wait!!!

 

[katiekate]

Has anyone received their financial aid package yet?

 

[IDforMe]

Just as I felt I was starting to really get to know some of you, I have to excuse myself from this thread. I have decided to accept an offer of admission to Loyola this fall. It was a REALLY tough decision, but in the end, I think I made the right one for me. I know I could have been happy at SIU, though. I keep hearing good things from current students. Best of luck to all of you!

 

[katiekate]

Just as I felt I was starting to really get to know some of you, I have to excuse myself from this thread. I have decided to accept an offer of admission to Loyola this fall. It was a REALLY tough decision, but in the end, I think I made the right one for me. I know I could have been happy at SIU, though. I keep hearing good things from current students. Best of luck to all of you!

My best friend is currently an M3 at Loyola and she loves it. I would have given my first born to be at that school. If you need some tips for finding housing I can see if she'd mind me sharing her e-mail address. PM me if you'd like. Good luck!

 

[Musashi450]

Hello everyone again,

IDforme thats sad to hear we aren't going to be with you! I'm VERY happy you got into Loyola though, from what I hear people are extremely happy there. Its funny how some of us were stressing out about getting into medical school in the first place and then it moved to stressing about which one to go to. I would rather be in the latter position however. Best of luck to you!

So I finally got housing and toured carbondale. I ended up getting a two bedroom with a fricking HUGE garage (I work on my car and its attatched and insulated so this pretty much made my decision for me) Its right on the outskirts of carterville on the west side very close to Route 13. Its actually really nice because its next to Logan Community College and the bus goes over there so I might just take the bus to school most days. I considered even looking for a job at the college TA'ing in a biology night class or something. The best part about it though is its $600 so between me and my girlfriend I pay $300. I dont think I could have found a better deal anywhere. Literally 2 blocks from Crab Lake too which is nice and about 10 min away from campus. For those of you still searching, might I recommend the classifieds of local papers (www.thesouthern.com or www.dailyegyptian.com).

I have also figured out some about parking for those that might be interested. Their are two passes blue and red that most lots are designated. Blue is faculty/staff and red is us (includes junior and sophomore undergrads) and costs $117 for a year long pass. (aug-aug) While there I also checked out Lindergren Hall. I got to say that thing is pretty ran down. Idk it could just have been because it was raining and gray everywhere but it looked depressing as hell. Its good that we do small group work because if we were by our lonesome in this place, we would go nuts. It might be worth mentioning though that the couple med students I saw in the hallways were smiling. At worst though, its only 10 months.

I also checked out the student center while I was there. For those of you farmiliar with UIUC its the equivelent of SIU's union or any other student hub building. This was actually a pretty nice place. When you walk in on the left door and go up the escalator (!!) you see this really cool art piece that is a rod with solar panels attached and a neon light overhead. It appeared that the panels were getting power from the light, and it caused the whole piece to turn like one would imagine a satalite turning. I thought it was pretty cool. The building has got the bookstore in it, and for those of you who need coffee, its got a starbucks. It's also got a bowling alley (w/ cosmic bowling, THE central illinois pastime...) lots of places to eat, and several nice lounges to study in. Their is even a place to get laptops with your card. However at the same time, I couldn't find a computer lab (?!?!) so the letter wasn't kidding when it said a laptop is highly recommended.

That pretty much covers what I can think of off the top of my head. Sorry this is long but hopefully its got some good info for you. Idk but I'm pretty excited about all this. Just let me know if their is anything else and I'll get back to ya guys.

 

[Beau Geste]

So I finally got housing and toured carbondale. I ended up getting a two bedroom with a fricking HUGE garage (I work on my car and its attatched and insulated so this pretty much made my decision for me) Its right on the outskirts of carterville on the west side very close to Route 13. Its actually really nice because its next to Logan Community College and the bus goes over there so I might just take the bus to school most days. I considered even looking for a job at the college TA'ing in a biology night class or something. The best part about it though is its $600 so between me and my girlfriend I pay $300. I dont think I could have found a better deal anywhere. Literally 2 blocks from Crab Lake too which is nice and about 10 min away from campus. For those of you still searching, might I recommend the classifieds of local papers (www.thesouthern.com or www.dailyegyptian.com).

Your place sounds nice! I used to live off of Reed Station Road, between C'dale and Carterville. It's nicer out of the city IMO. In addition to Crab Orchard, there's Little Grassy Lake and Devil's Kitchen Lake all in the same area. There's pretty good fishing and some beaches around, too. You'll find a lot of the undergrads will go up to the spillway of Kincaid lake on the other side of Murphysboro. You can pretty much stop anyone on campus and ask about it 😉. The bus system is pretty nice, especially since it also has stops at most of the popular businesses in C'dale like Walmart, the mall, etc.

The Daily Egyptian also keeps a list online of popular rentals :
http://www.dailyegyptian.com/dawghouse.html

Just a little FYI for the other SDNers who are still looking.

I have also figured out some about parking for those that might be interested. Their are two passes blue and red that most lots are designated. Blue is faculty/staff and red is us (includes junior and sophomore undergrads) and costs $117 for a year long pass. (aug-aug) While there I also checked out Lindergren Hall. I got to say that thing is pretty ran down. Idk it could just have been because it was raining and gray everywhere but it looked depressing as hell. Its good that we do small group work because if we were by our lonesome in this place, we would go nuts. It might be worth mentioning though that the couple med students I saw in the hallways were smiling. At worst though, its only 10 months.

Wow - I think the parking pass when I was at SIU for undergrad and grad school was $40. Sheesh!

And Lindegren is the epitome of a 50's-60's type building but they have everything you need. I think the inside looks ok, but then again, it's been a while since I've been inside it!

I also checked out the student center while I was there. For those of you farmiliar with UIUC its the equivelent of SIU's union or any other student hub building. This was actually a pretty nice place. When you walk in on the left door and go up the escalator (!!) you see this really cool art piece that is a rod with solar panels attached and a neon light overhead. It appeared that the panels were getting power from the light, and it caused the whole piece to turn like one would imagine a satalite turning. I thought it was pretty cool. The building has got the bookstore in it, and for those of you who need coffee, its got a starbucks. It's also got a bowling alley (w/ cosmic bowling, THE central illinois pastime...) lots of places to eat, and several nice lounges to study in. Their is even a place to get laptops with your card. However at the same time, I couldn't find a computer lab (?!?!) so the letter wasn't kidding when it said a laptop is highly recommended.

The student center is pretty nice, and it's right across from the football field. Important when you are tailgaiting and have to go potty 😉. It also has a nice billiards area next to the bowling alley, and a nice lunch buffett upstairs.

Don't worry about the computers - there is a computer lab in Lindegren, and there are labs pretty much in every academic building as well. But it definitely helps to have your own. And, it's been so long since I've been a student that wi-fi was just a dream 😉.

I get all excited for you guys reading your posts. I'm not even applying until next year, but believe it or not, SIU is my #1 choice. And since I spent 5 years down there already for my B.S. and M.S. degrees I can hopefully also answer any questions you might have about anything down there - stuff to do, places to go (and avoid), etc.

 

[christi5784]

I'm interested in finding a roomate...anyone else? Is it possible to live on aid and loans and have an apartment to yourself? Do you initially have to pay the deposit and such out of pocket when you get your apartment?

 

[katiekate]

I'm interested in finding a roomate...anyone else? Is it possible to live on aid and loans and have an apartment to yourself? Do you initially have to pay the deposit and such out of pocket when you get your apartment?

I signed the lease for my 1br apartment back in March. Yes, I had to pay the security deposit, last month's rent, and first month's rent out of my own pocket. Although living with a roommate would have lowered my costs, I have been living with roommates and family for 25 yrs and I am so excited to finally have my own place to do whatever I want whenever I feel like it. My best friend is starting 4th year at Loyola and stressed that I should not have a roommate my first year. Maybe next year I'll get a roommate, but for at least a year I can sit around naked and watch TV at 3 am and take up all the room in the fridge!!!

 

[christi5784]

I signed the lease for my 1br apartment back in March. Yes, I had to pay the security deposit, last month's rent, and first month's rent out of my own pocket. Although living with a roommate would have lowered my costs, I have been living with roommates and family for 25 yrs and I am so excited to finally have my own place to do whatever I want whenever I feel like it. My best friend is starting 4th year at Loyola and stressed that I should not have a roommate my first year. Maybe next year I'll get a roommate, but for at least a year I can sit around naked and watch TV at 3 am and take up all the room in the fridge!!!

I'm going to move in later during the summer, so I'm not in a rush. All of my jobs are up here (in addition to my bf). How late is too late to find an apartment? I guess maybe I will take out an additional loan over the summer just in case?

 

[katiekate]

I got my apartment early because most of the websites and people I spoke with mentioned that the better apartments sometimes fill up by the end of SIU's Spring Break and definately by the time school is out for the semester because students get their apts set up for the next Fall before they leave for the summer. In March there were only a few apartments left in the complex where I am renting.

That's not to say that there won't be any good places to rent, but you might have to look harder, look farther away from campus, and do more running around if you wait any longer.

If you are having trouble finding the cash to supply a security deposit and whatever else the leasor may want:
1) ask a family member for a short term loan that you will pay back the second week of August, which is when you would expect a refund check of any surplus financial aid,
2) use those "interest free for 6 months" checks you get every month from your credit card company. However, there is usually a fee for this somewhere around 3%. It's great for a temporary fix if you know you'll be paying off the amount in before the incentive time is up. Also, be sure to pay it off before the incentive period is over or you'll be stuck with $$ of interest. Don't be tempted to use it for anything more than rent.

It has really sucked to try and come up with the money before we have any cash to work with but I ended up being able to use one of those 0% interest deals through Discover and have a management company who took Discover. I plan on using that card for books, moving expenses, rent, etc. until I have the cash from school to pay for everything.

 

[FiddleDr]

I was just in Cdale on Wednesday to go apartment hunting. A lot of the nicer places are full already, I think, but there are still some good places. I got one in Lewis Park and I think they had several, but a lot of the property management places I called said they were out of single bedroom apts. I only had to pay my security deposit and a $35 application fee. Also, I would think that if you're willing to live a little farther from campus, there are probably still lots of options.

Those are good suggestions on the interest-free ways to pay for stuff. I have been trying to decide what to do, since I have a feeling that the money I'm expecting to use to cover stuff might not come through until October or November...

Good luck with the search and the money!!! 🙂

 

[Beau Geste]

I was just in Cdale on Wednesday to go apartment hunting. A lot of the nicer places are full already, I think, but there are still some good places. I got one in Lewis Park and I think they had several, but a lot of the property management places I called said they were out of single bedroom apts. I only had to pay my security deposit and a $35 application fee. Also, I would think that if you're willing to live a little farther from campus, there are probably still lots of options.

Those are good suggestions on the interest-free ways to pay for stuff. I have been trying to decide what to do, since I have a feeling that the money I'm expecting to use to cover stuff might not come through until October or November...

Good luck with the search and the money!!! 🙂

Ack! Lewis Park 👎

You may have a good experience, but for the 5 years I was in C'dale it was notorious for all-night parties and hourly police visits.

 

[FiddleDr]

Ack! Lewis Park 👎

You may have a good experience, but for the 5 years I was in C'dale it was notorious for all-night parties and hourly police visits.

Fabulous. I'm hoping that with a single apartment things will be a little more tame... 😕

 

[Beau Geste]

Fabulous. I'm hoping that with a single apartment things will be a little more tame... 😕

I should have told you that I left SIU with my master's in 2000. It's probably better now. I know Pinch Penny and Copper Dragon pubs are next door to LP - both great places. Copper has some good music every so often.

LP is also a BIG complex, so don't worry too much. The library is open 24 hours anyway.

 

[FiddleDr]

I should have told you that I left SIU with my master's in 2000. It's probably better now. I know Pinch Penny and Copper Dragon pubs are next door to LP - both great places. Copper has some good music every so often.

LP is also a BIG complex, so don't worry too much. The library is open 24 hours anyway.

Hopefully it won't be horrific... I did spend all four years of undergrad living in the dorms, and last year half of our hall was a bunch of Lambda Chi's who decided our hall was a better place to party than their house. Guess I'll just have to wait and see. But thanks for the heads up! And I love live music, so I'll def check out the pubs.

Maybe I'm crazy, but in all of the information I've been sent and have read online, I can't find a schedule for classes. Like which classes are at what time and what kind of vacation we get (maybe it's a little too early to be planning vacation). Has anyone else found info on this? Do we start school for real on the Monday after orientation?

 

[square]

for those still in search of apartments, you can check out http://www.metropolitansiu.com/

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[FiddleDr]

for those still in search of apartments, you can check out http://www.metropolitansiu.com/

square

Just as a heads-up...
I visited the sister property of the Metropolitan (St. Germain Square or something like that) and it was NOTHING like it looked in the website. Granted, I visited on a day when a bunch of people were moving out and the rooms they showed me hadn't been cleaned yet (or ever, judging by appearances). They are really cheap (and I think almost everything--internet, cable, electricity, water--is included), but you'll get what you pay for. But perhaps the Metropolitan is the more classy property. All I can tell you is that I was VERY disappointed with what I saw at St. Germain. So I suggest visiting before you commit to anything.

 

[Musashi450]

Hey again,
I figure really quick lets post a roll call for who's gonna be there on the 9th. Hopefully we can find some new people too that may be surfing the boards but not posting.

Pre-Orientation
Musashi450 (Chris Lawrance)

Also thought I would add this. For those of you that use facebook, the email address we are assigned ([email protected]) wouldn't register as part of the SIU network. I went ahead and shot them an email describing everything to them and they said they will work on adding the domain here shortly and to keep checking back periodically. I'm actually not a huge facebook user but everyone and their mother over at UIUC was. Either way, it still serves as a nice way to keep in touch and get contact info.

 

[License2IL]

Hey everyone...So yesterday I FINALLY got my SIU acceptance (I got my AWPA letter back in November, I believe). I am very excited but now I am concerned about finding a place to live. Does anyone know of any sublets in Carbondale for summer? Also, do most apartment contracts start in August, or would it be possible to move in early?
Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Beau Geste]

Hey everyone...So yesterday I FINALLY got my SIU acceptance (I got my AWPA letter back in November, I believe). I am very excited but now I am concerned about finding a place to live. Does anyone know of any sublets in Carbondale for summer? Also, do most apartment contracts start in August, or would it be possible to move in early?
Thanks for your thoughts.

Most apartments contract year-to-year, but since you're a med student you can contract from Aug. to Aug. There are plenty of sublets around - not sure how close you are to C'dale to check them out.

you can look in the Daily Egyptian website classifieds (typically where sublets are posted): http://www.dailyegyptian.com/

 

[katiekate]

What's the deal with the fingerprinting!!! Anyone actually been successful getting this completed? I tried to get it done while I was in Chicago a couple of weeks ago but none of the places had a convenient time available. So they sent me the forms that I could take to any Sheriff's office and have them do it for me. Now I have to wait because 'maybe' we'll be getting a medical student code sometime soon? NFC.

Also, does anyone know where they are getting the two step TB test done? My last day at work is the 12th of July so I was trying to think of places to get it done before then so I wouldn't have to pay full price. Is this something the health department does?

Five weeks till move in!! If anyone is going to be in Carbondale that weekend we should set up a get together before orientation begins. It's going to be a little weird for me since I've never actually been to Carbondale before.

Enjoy the weekend!

 

[Musashi450]

Hey,
Yeah finger printing was a PITA at orientation. Took a long time a their were a lot of people. We all got to talk and complain about it though so that was a "bonding experience". I think for fingerprinting we had to have it done AFTER July 10. I'm just going to go to my local hospital and pay since its a very common test and from what I understand very cheap. I would think if you went on July 11th, you might ask them if you can prepay for everything since your coverage only lasts until tomarrow (dont know if it would work, but its worth a shot) I second getting together ahead of time. I have no idea what we could do but it would be a good opportunity to get to know people and just hang out without the faculty watching our every move.

 

[katiekate]

Hey,
Yeah finger printing was a PITA at orientation. Took a long time a their were a lot of people. We all got to talk and complain about it though so that was a "bonding experience". I think for fingerprinting we had to have it done AFTER July 10. I'm just going to go to my local hospital and pay since its a very common test and from what I understand very cheap. I would think if you went on July 11th, you might ask them if you can prepay for everything since your coverage only lasts until tomarrow (dont know if it would work, but its worth a shot) I second getting together ahead of time. I have no idea what we could do but it would be a good opportunity to get to know people and just hang out without the faculty watching our every move.

Is there a public pool or a water park anywhere in the area? Or does someone have a pool in their apt complex? Or we could just meet at a bar for happy hour...not that I know any good bars. My neighbor from back home is a senior undergrad and his mom is giving me his number. I'm going to ask him for suggestions of where to/where not to go around C-dale.
Thanks for the idea about paying ahead of time for all the TB tests. I'll call my local hospital and see if they can direct me somewhere.
When August gets here I'll see what everyone's doing the few days before orientation. Then we can set something up. Have a good July 4!

 

[Beau Geste]

Is there a public pool or a water park anywhere in the area? Or does someone have a pool in their apt complex? Or we could just meet at a bar for happy hour...not that I know any good bars. My neighbor from back home is a senior undergrad and his mom is giving me his number. I'm going to ask him for suggestions of where to/where not to go around C-dale.
Thanks for the idea about paying ahead of time for all the TB tests. I'll call my local hospital and see if they can direct me somewhere.
When August gets here I'll see what everyone's doing the few days before orientation. Then we can set something up. Have a good July 4!

Most go to one of the many lakes around the area, specifically Little Grassy or Devil's Kitchen (Some also go to Kincaid Lake spillway).

The rec center has a large pool, but it's indoors. Carbondale has a community pool but it's indoors as well (Carbondale Park District).

Lewis Park has a pool, so does Country Club Circle and Sugartree Apts. I think you have to be a resident or know someone there.

 

[christi5784]

I am looking to rent one of the G & R Apartments on Grand Ave and am looking for a roomate, so let me know if you are interested. I am pretty easy to get along with. I think you can research the apartments on the web. The one I liked best was a 2 bed 2 1/2 bath for 900/mo. They require a deposit equal to one month, and also first and last month's rent when you apply (actually you can give the deposit and then the two month's rent within 30 days after). So to start it would be basically 1350, but you get the deposit back and the rents are applied to your rent...

 

[Musashi450]

Looks like this hasn't been touched in a month! Just figured I would see who all is down here yet?

 

[FiddleDr]

Just sent an email to the class. I'm guessing there are lots of people who aren't privvy to this thread...

 

[SigPi]

What up everyone??

Carbondale is hot as hell. Anyone hate the people they are renting from yet? The guy at coachlight willowbrook is an asssssssshole. I cant believe I am freaking here. I so did not want this summer to end, but i'm ready to get this show on the road. Checked out webmail, has anyone gotten together yet? I heard that ricky bobby movie is hilarious and I am always, always up for a icey cold beer (or warm one for that matter, my family is German haha). Oh btw for those of you fellow nerds with facebook, and as a general intro, my name is John Hulsen. Friend me, pm me, email me, call me, whichever. See you all thursday if not sooner!

 

[ballsbob]

Hey guys, it's good to see this thread alive again! I am moving to Cdale tomorrow (Wed). I guess at some time i need to go pick up my parking tag so i don't have to do it thursday morning. As for hanging out, I am up for whatever.....If we can't get anything going tomorrow night, we could definately get something for thurs or friday or even Sat. Lookin forward to seein you all!

 

[NEATOMD]

Welcome to the school guys/gals and good luck. I really think your going to love SIU.
Don't be afraid to get ahold of you're upperclassmen if you have questions. And the office staff there in C-dale are great, so don't be afraid to talk to them about anything!

 

[Beau Geste]

What up everyone??

Carbondale is hot as hell. Anyone hate the people they are renting from yet? The guy at coachlight willowbrook is an asssssssshole. I cant believe I am freaking here. I so did not want this summer to end, but i'm ready to get this show on the road. Checked out webmail, has anyone gotten together yet? I heard that ricky bobby movie is hilarious and I am always, always up for a icey cold beer (or warm one for that matter, my family is German haha). Oh btw for those of you fellow nerds with facebook, and as a general intro, my name is John Hulsen. Friend me, pm me, email me, call me, whichever. See you all thursday if not sooner!

Is your landlord's name Larry?