SUNY Buffalo 2011:)

[Cirrus83]

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I'm driving up from NYC to check out housing on Tuesday. I'd offer to drive other NYC people up but my family's coming with me so no room in the car 😛

 

[Winkle]

Hi everyone! I found out last week that I made it into Buffalo. Maybe some of the medical students can help me with a problem I have. I am working towards my Master's in Public Health.. I have finished all the coursework and requirements except the thesis at this point. I finished doing the research and am in crunch time to finish writing it up and submitting it for final approval. What will happen if I do not get it approved in time before the transcript deadline of July 27th? At this point.. I may need make revisions after they look at it, so it could take more than a month. I will not need to defend it.. I just need approvals from my advisor, the director and a second reader. I am waiting to hear back from Dr. Severin, but he hasn't responded in like a week. I am really really worried.. I do not want to get my acceptance taken away.

 

[Noeljan]

Hi everyone! I found out last week that I made it into Buffalo. Maybe some of the medical students can help me with a problem I have. I am working towards my Master's in Public Health.. I have finished all the coursework and requirements except the thesis at this point. I finished doing the research and am in crunch time to finish writing it up and submitting it for final approval. What will happen if I do not get it approved in time before the transcript deadline of July 27th? At this point.. I may need make revisions after they look at it, so it could take more than a month. I will not need to defend it.. I just need approvals from my advisor, the director and a second reader. I am waiting to hear back from Dr. Severin, but he hasn't responded in like a week. I am really really worried.. I do not want to get my acceptance taken away.

Hey there
I wouldn't worry, the forms they sent in the acceptance package states that if you are finishing up coursework this summer to send in an unofficial transcript by July 27th, then an official one by a later date (which was listed but I cannot remember it).
good luck

 

[Kazema]

Question for current 2nd, 3rd, or 4th years....
Is it really a bad idea to miss class for a few days let's say early in Sept? I ask because my PI wants me to give a poster at Cold Spring Harbor at a conference those days, but I don't want to miss school or material that would harm my grades. I think presenting there is a good opportunity (however I have already presented this work twice, though at smaller conferences), but I don't want to risk messing up my grades. Any advice? I need to know in a few days. I heard all the lectures are recorded. Has anyone had to do this?
thanks guys/girls😍

It shouldn't be a problem as long as there isn't a required-attendance thing going on (exam, anatomy/case presentation, etc). And even if you have an anatomy presentation as long as you work it out with your lab partner you should be okay.

All lectures are recorded other than anatomy.

 

[themitz]

Other streets I have friends who have or looked at nice places on...

St. James Place
Inwood
Linwood
Lafayette
Lexington
(a mix of nature and the historical there)

New Artvoice today 😛

Oh Come on... You didn't even mention Hodge! Best street in the entire city 😀 (but then again, maybe I am just a bit biased...)

Also... I didn't see this talked about yet, and is very important. (Although I didnt really read every post in detail...just glanced over them.) Your first 2 years are at south campus, which as said earlier, is 5-10 minutes from the majority of Amherst and 10-20 minutes from the city. Your 3rd and 4th years will be at the hospitals, which for the most part, are scattered all over the city.

So to give you an idea...

I live off Elmwood pretty far downtown...
On average -- 12 minutes to south campus
I'm about:
30 second walk to childrens hospital
2 minute drive to filmore gates hospital
2 minute drive to buffalo general and roswell park
5 minute drive to sisters hospital
5-10 minute drive to ECMC

So, yes, right now i'm driving a bit more to get to south campus, but I love the area and come 3rd year, it will be VERY easy to get to the hospitals.

Good luck getting ready for your first year!

 

[Noeljan]

Hi everyone! I found out last week that I made it into Buffalo. Maybe some of the medical students can help me with a problem I have. I am working towards my Master's in Public Health.. I have finished all the coursework and requirements except the thesis at this point. I finished doing the research and am in crunch time to finish writing it up and submitting it for final approval. What will happen if I do not get it approved in time before the transcript deadline of July 27th? At this point.. I may need make revisions after they look at it, so it could take more than a month. I will not need to defend it.. I just need approvals from my advisor, the director and a second reader. I am waiting to hear back from Dr. Severin, but he hasn't responded in like a week. I am really really worried.. I do not want to get my acceptance taken away.

oh and ps, most the grad students I know are having their degree confered at the end of summer, so as long as you do in fact get it done i dont think it matters. Let me know what he says.
oh ps join our awesome facebook group if you have not already😀

 

[SwineLake98]

Oh Come on... You didn't even mention Hodge! Best street in the entire city 😀 (but then again, maybe I am just a bit biased...)

Also... I didn't see this talked about yet, and is very important. (Although I didnt really read every post in detail...just glanced over them.) Your first 2 years are at south campus, which as said earlier, is 5-10 minutes from the majority of Amherst and 10-20 minutes from the city. Your 3rd and 4th years will be at the hospitals, which for the most part, are scattered all over the city.

So to give you an idea...

I live off Elmwood pretty far downtown...
On average -- 12 minutes to south campus
I'm about:
30 second walk to childrens hospital
2 minute drive to filmore gates hospital
2 minute drive to buffalo general and roswell park
5 minute drive to sisters hospital
5-10 minute drive to ECMC

So, yes, right now i'm driving a bit more to get to south campus, but I love the area and come 3rd year, it will be VERY easy to get to the hospitals.

Good luck getting ready for your first year!

What are you doing posting here from EUROPE?! 😛

ANyway...go RSVP for Housing Weekend, 2011ers. I'll be at the Anchor Bar Thurs (wings and beer!), and then I think we'll take you guys to Thursday in the Square. You can hound all the "Second Years" there (there should be at least 6-7 of us) with all these questions...and I can tell you how awesome the area where Mitzy and I live is 🙂

 

[Noeljan]

This is going to sound bad, but can we send a money order instead of a check? I cannot find my checkbook for some reason, I think it may be packed away somewhere

 

[Bluemirage]

I just got accepted to this year's class yesterday via list serve e-mail and stutus page! YAY!!😀The waiting is finally over! I'm very excited to be accepted into such a great school and feel very lucky to have such great classmates!😉 I look forward to meeting all of you guys soon.

 

[Cirrus83]

I am such a ******* for not having filed my FAFSA until this month
Now I'm freaking out hardcore about not getting loans in time and whatnot.

Anyways, panicky fun aside I guess I'm probably going to be living pretty close to themitz since I figured I'd like to be close to the Elmwood strip area. Need access to the coffee shop!

Still...the shorter commute from Amherst is very tempting...arrgh what to do!

 

[Bluemirage]

I am such a ******* for not having filed my FAFSA until this month
Now I'm freaking out hardcore about not getting loans in time and whatnot.

Anyways, panicky fun aside I guess I'm probably going to be living pretty close to themitz since I figured I'd like to be close to the Elmwood strip area. Need access to the coffee shop!

Still...the shorter commute from Amherst is very tempting...arrgh what to do!

Don't worry Cirrus..I'm in a similar situation. I filed my FAFSA stuff back in March but since I did not get my acceptance until this week no one at the office had finalized the processing of my loans at the school. With only 7 weeks to go, I have to get a whole bunch of supporting documentation to explain why I am not registered with selective service (I was not a resident until after age 26) and my citizenship paperwork. On top of that as an out-of-state resident paying out-of-state tuition for the first year, the Stafford loans will not cover the full amount of all of my expenses and I have to apply for the GradPlus loans. All fun stuff..but I'm sure we will both be fine in 7 weeks.

I'm thinking about where to live also and will be flying there from Texas at the end of the month. Leaning probably toward Amherst, maybe Elmwood/Kenmore.

 

[SwineLake98]

This is going to sound bad, but can we send a money order instead of a check? I cannot find my checkbook for some reason, I think it may be packed away somewhere

If you haven't found your checkbook in the abyss yet, we're going to let people pay at the door 😛

 

[Winkle]

oh and ps, most the grad students I know are having their degree confered at the end of summer, so as long as you do in fact get it done i dont think it matters. Let me know what he says.
oh ps join our awesome facebook group if you have not already😀

Dr. Severin said it is fine as long as it is ok with my Advisor/mentor. I am SOOOOO relieved right now. I cannot believe I am really going to Buffalo. Now I need to find a place to live!

 

[Noeljan]

Dr. Severin said it is fine as long as it is ok with my Advisor/mentor. I am SOOOOO relieved right now. I cannot believe I am really going to Buffalo. Now I need to find a place to live!

hey there
see I told you it would be ok🙂 everyone and their mother that I know (that are grad students) finish up their thesis writing in the summer🙂

 

[Noeljan]

If you haven't found your checkbook in the abyss yet, we're going to let people pay at the door 😛

heyyy thanks a lot swinelake
I was about to try and send a money order (or walk one right over), but paying at the door works great🙂 I also know of two other people who said they wanted to come Thurs but had not yet RSVPed.

 

[Winkle]

hey there
see I told you it would be ok🙂 everyone and their mother that I know (that are grad students) finish up their thesis writing in the summer🙂

Thanks so much for your help. I was wondering those who are going to housing weekend, if you could post which places you liked. I will not be able to make it there and will not be able to start looking until July. I was thinking about this townhouse place a little further from campus... about 15 minutes./.. but then again I do not want to be so far away from other medical students. I think most people are planning on staying around delaware park and elmwood. Is anyone planning on living a little further. The place I was looking at is near the airport I think, called Lancer or something. Any suggestions?

 

[Cirrus83]

This is pretty bizarre but apparently our school doesn't show on THE's medical school search by state feature for loans, even though the school will show up if you punch in the federal code plus another two 0's.

I called them up and they said you can do stafford loans through them (but not the PLUS stuff)...and the CSR seemed baffled by the search and double checked that there wasn't something that would stop them from loaning you money.

Just weird. I guess I can probably scrape by with just the stafford so no big deal.

edit: ah ok apparently buffalo only allows direct government loans. Weird but ok.

 

[munchkin910]

Thanks so much for your help. I was wondering those who are going to housing weekend, if you could post which places you liked. I will not be able to make it there and will not be able to start looking until July. I was thinking about this townhouse place a little further from campus... about 15 minutes./.. but then again I do not want to be so far away from other medical students. I think most people are planning on staying around delaware park and elmwood. Is anyone planning on living a little further. The place I was looking at is near the airport I think, called Lancer or something. Any suggestions?

I'm planning on living in Amherst. I'm renting an apt in Peppertree. Its about 15-20 min drive to school

 

[HreComesTheSun]

My apartment is walking distance from the mall too... actually I'm closer, hehe... and I got plennnttyyyy of sugar!

which complex are you in?

edit: nevermind, i just read your post above this...yay about the sugar!

 

[Cirrus83]

grumble, I spent a good part of yesterday afternoon trying to get in contact with this property manager to get things done and she was never around...starting to rethink the place I want to live at since it seems like management is always AWOL (similar thing when I was up there looking at places, and google seems to show some complaints about management being hard to find).

Dang it...what to do. Almost have me reconsidering Amherst =P

 

[Cirrus83]

lol...so yeah, I found this apartment on Delware Ave that seemed way too cheap for the size and location...and now I'm starting to see why it's so cheap...the management is always AWOL. Seriously, they have like 2 managers taking care of like 10 buildings and apparently this means you can't even apply for an apartment because nobody is ever around to take your call...it's been 2 days and about 25 phone calls unanswered over the entire range of supposed office hours.

*sigh* Unfortunately when I went up there, there were only a few places I liked so this leaves me with few options. Doh.

 

[HreComesTheSun]

so what are you going to do cirrus? come to amherst 😀 i just signed and mailed back my lease so i'm there for sure 😛

 

[kdburton]

I think I remember someone saying during my interview day that PDAs are required when you attend UB. Is this true? If so does anyone know where to find information on what brands are supported? I'd probably try to get some sort of cell phone/PDA if I end up attending UB, so I want to know in advance so I can get a discount by re-signing a contract with my cell provider...

 

[Bluemirage]

lol...so yeah, I found this apartment on Delware Ave that seemed way too cheap for the size and location...and now I'm starting to see why it's so cheap...the management is always AWOL. Seriously, they have like 2 managers taking care of like 10 buildings and apparently this means you can't even apply for an apartment because nobody is ever around to take your call...it's been 2 days and about 25 phone calls unanswered over the entire range of supposed office hours.

*sigh* Unfortunately when I went up there, there were only a few places I liked so this leaves me with few options. Doh.

Which apartment and management company is it? I will have to make a note of this when I'm checking out places. My wife and I are flying up to Buffalo from Texas on Monday staying till Thursday to look for housing and to find a nursing job for her. I hope we can find a place to live with only 3 days in Buffalo.

 

[Cirrus83]

I think I remember someone saying during my interview day that PDAs are required when you attend UB. Is this true? If so does anyone know where to find information on what brands are supported? I'd probably try to get some sort of cell phone/PDA if I end up attending UB, so I want to know in advance so I can get a discount by re-signing a contract with my cell provider...

It has to be a palm OS device...it gets a little confusing because some palms actually run windows now!

Which means if you go with a cell phone you'll have to buy a Treo model that ends in "p". I went with a 755p. Apparently even though it's supposed to be way stabler than the older models I've been fairly unimpressed, so I'm almost considering just buying a separate palm and going with a cheaper phone.

We'll see though.

 

[Cirrus83]

Which apartment and management company is it? I will have to make a note of this when I'm checking out places. My wife and I are flying up to Buffalo from Texas on Monday staying till Thursday to look for housing and to find a nursing job for her. I hope we can find a place to live with only 3 days in Buffalo.

Well I went with the apartment anyway, lol. Mostly going to hope I don't really have to deal with management that much anyway, and the maintainence guy seemed pretty cool so I don't think it'll be a big deal.

I was in buffalo even less time than you and yeah it definitely felt a bit rushed but I think I got a good idea.

 

[themitz]

It has to be a palm OS device...it gets a little confusing because some palms actually run windows now!

Which means if you go with a cell phone you'll have to buy a Treo model that ends in "p". I went with a 755p. Apparently even though it's supposed to be way stabler than the older models I've been fairly unimpressed, so I'm almost considering just buying a separate palm and going with a cheaper phone.

We'll see though.

Yep.. you're right. Has to be a palm OS device. You all should get something in the mail in a few weeks telling you all about the PDA requirement. You basically have two options:

-Separate PDA (Palm TX or Palm Lifedrive are the 2 best choices)
-PDA/Phone (Palm Treo)

This is the way I look at it. You really don't use the PDA much at all your first 2 years. I have no idea why its required from day 1. Go with your cheapest option for right now (I got the TX because it was on sale somewhere.) In 2 years when you're going into 3rd year and you'll actually use the PDA a lot, the technology is going to be completely different and there will be much better devices out. Thats when you should spend the exttra $$$ and get a really good pda/phone.

Everyone raelly has their own opinions on the matter... what do you think Liz?

 

[Kazema]

Yeah most people don't really use their PDA very much. I installed a couple programs on mine (medical dictionary, epocrates, pocket harrison's) and ended up using it pretty frequently actually. And the TX is nice because you can surf the web and send e-mail during class 😉.

But I agree, just get something cheap because you'll probably end up wanting something better for 3rd year. I started out with an Tungsten E2 and got the TX this year because someone had a semi-defective one that they were willing to sell me for cheap.

 

[HreComesTheSun]

Yeah most people don't really use their PDA very much. I installed a couple programs on mine (medical dictionary, epocrates, pocket harrison's) and ended up using it pretty frequently actually. And the TX is nice because you can surf the web and send e-mail during class 😉.

But I agree, just get something cheap because you'll probably end up wanting something better for 3rd year. I started out with an Tungsten E2 and got the TX this year because someone had a semi-defective one that they were willing to sell me for cheap.

this is good to know since i already bought the TX when it was on sale...if anyone else is considering it, i really love it cause you can turn it on and be online in seconds

 

[munchkin910]

so what are you going to do cirrus? come to amherst 😀 i just signed and mailed back my lease so i'm there for sure 😛

I'll be in Amherst too!! YAY!!

 

[Cirrus83]

so what are you going to do cirrus? come to amherst 😀 i just signed and mailed back my lease so i'm there for sure 😛

Heh...I really liked Amherst but I couldn't resist the call of the Elmwood area!!! When I visited I really liked it there 😀 There was a bagel shop, a cool coffee shop, and this italian restaurant where there were TONS of people drinking in the outdoor tables...on a Tuesday night to boot. I'm not a big drinker but still, it'd be nice to be near the restaurants and stuff.

It doesn't really matter though, everything is like 10 minutes from everything else in Buffalo anyway

The thing that makes me really sad is that Emerson Square has these little picnic tables in the yard in the back of your apartment, and you can barbeque stuff there on the grill they have (or possibly bring your own if you think that's disgusting, apparently they were trying to figure out if that's ok by fire codes). I was REALLY tempted to live there since it's literally 5 minutes from school.

Actually I'm still pretty tempted to live there, lol.

 

[Cirrus83]

this is good to know since i already bought the TX when it was on sale...if anyone else is considering it, i really love it cause you can turn it on and be online in seconds

Yeah I kinda realized that I might want to exchange my phone for a regular phone and just buy a separate Palm device, just because the treo is kinda heavy and doesn't have wifi. Then again it doesn't really need wifi since it has sprint internet, but the battery life isn't that impresive if you're constantly using the internet, grumble.

That said, the Treo means...you can text msg your friends like crazy!!! That little keyboard lets you text like a mad(wo)man. And the power of the internet everywhere I go is pretty addictive (well, other cell phones have internet too, but the treo makes it somewhat more usable).

 

[Cirrus83]

Hey, I'm posting here instead of financial aid because it's a UB question...is the only lender we're allowed to use for our stafford loans the federal government itself? That's really annoying since they charge an origination fee 🙁 and I'd rather use Northstar. In fact I'm complete confused why UB would just steer us all towards the government serviced Direct Loan since it's literally the most expensive loan out there...a 2.5% fee up front is insane!!! That makes our effective interest rate like 10%...what gives!?

Actually I just ran the #'s and the effective interest rate is 9.5% with the origination fee...that's just not right, why am I forced to pay 9.5%?

Hmm...actually it seems that federal law prevents any school from preventing you from using a different lender, but it was weird when I called Buffalo because they basically stated they just used the federal government as their lender. Should I just run my eMPN through Northstar instead?

 

[kdburton]

I've been looking at craigslist.com for apartments in the Buffalo area and it seems like there are quite a few 2BR apartments in the $400-500 range... Is it really that cheap to live there or are those apartments just really crappy? I'd like to save as much money as possible, so I am definately OK with splitting a $500 apartment with someone, but I also don't want to be living in some slummy place in a horrible neighborhood.

 

[themitz]

I've been looking at craigslist.com for apartments in the Buffalo area and it seems like there are quite a few 2BR apartments in the $400-500 range... Is it really that cheap to live there or are those apartments just really crappy? I'd like to save as much money as possible, so I am definately OK with splitting a $500 apartment with someone, but I also don't want to be living in some slummy place in a horrible neighborhood.

It is definitely very cheap to live here. It really depends what you're looking for though. What area are you looking at? $500 is definitely on the lower end though, and probably not in the greatest area.

To give you an idea... I pay $975 (split with someone else, so about 500 each) for a VERY nice huge apartment in what I consider the best area of the city (elmwood ave.) I do have friends that live decent and pay considerably less though.

 

[avery2007]

anyone receive orientation packets yet?

edit: can anyone confirm the date of the white coat ceremony?

 

[Cirrus83]

For anybody who cares, apparently Direct Lending schools only let you borrow from the government. So I guess we're stuck paying those fees. On the bright side apparently it costs less money for the government so those fees help the government out.

Oh yes, I'm overjoyed at helping the government save money while I pay higher interest Oh well, doing my civic duty!

 

[munchkin910]

anyone receive orientation packets yet?

edit: can anyone confirm the date of the white coat ceremony?

nope, not yet.

I think white coat ceremony is August 10th. When does class start??

 

[StunnedKangaroo]

Heh...I really liked Amherst but I couldn't resist the call of the Elmwood area!!! When I visited I really liked it there 😀 There was a bagel shop, a cool coffee shop, and this italian restaurant where there were TONS of people drinking in the outdoor tables...on a Tuesday night to boot. I'm not a big drinker but still, it'd be nice to be near the restaurants and stuff.

It doesn't really matter though, everything is like 10 minutes from everything else in Buffalo anyway

The thing that makes me really sad is that Emerson Square has these little picnic tables in the yard in the back of your apartment, and you can barbeque stuff there on the grill they have (or possibly bring your own if you think that's disgusting, apparently they were trying to figure out if that's ok by fire codes). I was REALLY tempted to live there since it's literally 5 minutes from school.

Actually I'm still pretty tempted to live there, lol.

Haha... I live there and I just renewed my lease actually about 5 minutes ago... I looked and looked and looked for a place downtown and honestly, if you want a roomie, there are TONS of great places... but if you are roomie-less, then the 1-BR places downtown, in my opinion, are kinda sucky... the ones I have liked have been 2BR places that cost about the same as the ones in Amherst so I just fall prey to waking up at 7:40 and being on time to classes at 8am

 

[StunnedKangaroo]

For anybody who cares, apparently Direct Lending schools only let you borrow from the government. So I guess we're stuck paying those fees. On the bright side apparently it costs less money for the government so those fees help the government out.

Oh yes, I'm overjoyed at helping the government save money while I pay higher interest Oh well, doing my civic duty!

I've actually never taken out a loan in my life and I JUST found out I'm going to need one for this year... who did you contact for that stuff? Do you need to have your FAFSA on file?

 

[StunnedKangaroo]

I'm planning on living in Amherst. I'm renting an apt in Peppertree. Its about 15-20 min drive to school

One question... did you see your actual APARTMENT or just the model? I actually gave up my $100 deposit at Peppertree because the apartment they gave me was NOTHING like the model... hence why I ended up at Emerson. Make sure you see the ACTUAL apartment first...

 

[Noeljan]

Hey guys
I am living on Linwood now. It is close to Elmwood area. I think I got a great deal (600 per month). I am living alone (1 bdrm), The landlords live upstairs.

 

[munchkin910]

One question... did you see your actual APARTMENT or just the model? I actually gave up my $100 deposit at Peppertree because the apartment they gave me was NOTHING like the model... hence why I ended up at Emerson. Make sure you see the ACTUAL apartment first...

mm...My cousin lived in peppertree before, so i've seen her apartment. And all the other apartments looks the same from what i've heard. I have not seen my actual apartment. I hope its not that bad...

 

[Noeljan]

I've actually never taken out a loan in my life and I JUST found out I'm going to need one for this year... who did you contact for that stuff? Do you need to have your FAFSA on file?

You fill out FASFA online first. The school decided loan amount (like subs vs unsubs, etc) then they send you an award letter. I've taken out wayyy too many loans🙂

 

[kdburton]

I'm not 100% sure if I'll end up at UB, but if I do I'm looking to save money (for at least the first year when I'm paying OOS tuition) while living as close to the school as possible. I'm not really sure how the area around the school is set up as far as neighborhoods go, but can anyone here give me some names of areas/neighborhoods that are within walking/biking distance or close to public tranport that will get me to the med school fairly fast. I'm willing to sacrifice on the closer proximity for a cheaper place, but I'd like to be close and cheap if I can 😀

 

[kdburton]

You fill out FASFA online first. The school decided loan amount (like subs vs unsubs, etc) then they send you an award letter. I've taken out wayyy too many loans🙂

Hopefully you'll be making some bling bling when its all said and done

 

[HreComesTheSun]

hi guys, i was wondering if anyone here knows that they will have an extra ticket for the white coat ceremony? one sweet soul offered me one of hers and i need just one more. if you have an extra one, i'd really appreciate it!!! please PM me, thank you!

 

[avery2007]

nope, not yet.

I think white coat ceremony is August 10th. When does class start??

just got my packet...you are right...the 10th.

classes start on the 12th....as per this link

edit: also note the first exam...ha

 

[munchkin910]

just got my packet...you are right...the 10th.

classes start on the 12th....as per this link

edit: also note the first exam...ha

I think thats last years calendar

 

[themitz]

just got my packet...you are right...the 10th.

classes start on the 12th....as per this link

edit: also note the first exam...ha

Orientation begins Monday August 6th
Your first class is at 8 am on Thursday August 9th.

Not sure when your first test is exactly, but your first course is epidemiology (medicine and society) and usually lasts about a week and a half, with a final at the end.