Temple Horror Stories

[thomasjm]

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Hey everyone,
To the people currently attending Temple or those who have visited there, is it like what ppl say? I personally have heard that it is in a "tough" section of Philly, and that crime is somewhat of a problem. Are these things true, or just complaints from a couple people that just had bad luck? I know a dentist that attended there in the 80's and he said that if I were to go there it would "change my outlook on a few things". of course, my exposure to bigger cities is limited being from a rural area, but what do you guys think?
Thanks!

 

[ItsGavinC]

Excellent school and fabulous program. Ghetto area that *can* be dangerous at certain times. I didn't consider it because I was married with children. If I were single, then I'd be more apt to have an adventure.

 

[kinetic]

Excellent school and fabulous program. Ghetto area that *can* be dangerous at certain times. I didn't consider it because I was married with children. If I were single, then I'd be more apt to have an adventure.

What does being married with children have to do with anything? Are you carrying your kids with you on a papoose to classes or something? 😉

EDIT: The fact that I'm running around posting like a drunken sailor tells me I have too much time on my hands.

 

[larryphrank]

I was there in the early 90's
Since then,the university has bought some of the land around the school, knocked down some of the condemned buildings, built a parking garage...

So, compared to how it was when i was there, its much better.

I lived about 15 minutes away, and there were deer running around in my backyard. What a difference a few miles make.

Would I walk through there at night? Id try and avoid that.

Would I deviate from the blocks owned by the school? Id also try and avoid that.

As long as there is a Temple owned Building on the block, its usually clean and relatively safe (basically between the school and the hospital). Everything else is fair game

To be perfectly honest, as I was there, I saw the Temple area improving, and the Penn are deteriorating.

Just a note:

While I was there, during the 4 years, A person was shot dead in the Mcdonalds next door, the hospital lobby and a drive by shooting behind the school. Also, they found a dead bum in the vacant building acrossthe street and another dead body in a car just behind the student union.

My wife worked in the cheltingham mall, and was mugged for her gold chain.

And I know many people who had there car/ radio's stolen.

As for me personally, I had no direct problems

larry

 

[xc1999]

Yes, temple is a pretty ghetto area, but as long as you're safe, and smart, you should be ok.

During the day time, I think it's pretty safe. Especially if you're near the school. Just make sure you're alert, and make it look like you know where you're going. You want to try and avoid walking around late at night, but if you have to, make sure you park close to the school or call an escort.

Cars do get broken into, but I've heard that for the most part the reason for that is that ppl leave things in their car that's asking a thief to want to break in. Even if you have a backpack or shoes....don't leave that visible in your car; put it in your trunk or something. As for car radios.....I guess that's a little harder to avoid, since you can't exactly put that in your trunk. I haven't gotten anything stolen yet. I was thinking of getting a car cd player, but decided not to, because that'll just give more incentive for a thief to break in.

Anyhow, yeah, temple is ghetto, but it's really not that bad. Heck, there's worse areas in philly than temple.

Hope this info helps!

 

[thomasjm]

Thanks for the input everyone....its kind of like I figured, any big city just don't be stupid and you should be ok.

 

[larryphrank]

Just to follow up what I said,
I loved philly so much, that i go back 2 times a year just to check out the old place. Italian Market, Franklin Institute, pretzels, manayunk......

Also, after the first year, you actually get numb to the whole thing. You do let your guard down a little (probably not a good thing).

larry

 

[flat4]

Just about done with my first year here. I had the same thoughts as you when I first started but after a few days on campus, those thoughts were gone. The thing you have to remember, in addition to what everybody else already else said, is that the only time you are outside is when you are walking from your car and back and also to and from the med school buildings. You get used to the environment very fast and it's really not as bad as the initial "shock" you will probably get at your interview. The rest of the day, you are inside too busy thinking about what is going on outside the building. However, last week, I did catch somebody smoking a joint in the reception area bathroom (and no it wasn't a student) Another thing is, almost all the students, with a few exceptions, live "outside" of the ghetto in much safer areas which are only 10-15 minutes away.
For me, I don't mind going thru this experience b/c I know the trade off is too good (loads of patients). Plus, it is a very humbling experience and a chance to break out our little shells that most of us here are use to. Don't let people scare you away with words. Experience it for yourself, then make your decision. I know Temple is not for everybody but you never know what you may be missing out on.

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

well said flat4......its no suprise that when u visit Temple you see that its in the ghetto......but like flat said, there is a tradeoff.....the school is in the ghetto but that is the exact reason why it has one of the top patient pools in the country.......as far as safety....every big city is the same $hit.....just because Temple looks bad from the outside, doesnt make it any different from any urban school.......take Penn and Columbia.....they are both urban schools and in ghettos as well. Just dont go around flashing money and bringing attention to yourself and all will be fine......

 

[dnister]

Hey everyone,
To the people currently attending Temple or those who have visited there, is it like what ppl say? I personally have heard that it is in a "tough" section of Philly, and that crime is somewhat of a problem. Are these things true, or just complaints from a couple people that just had bad luck? I know a dentist that attended there in the 80's and he said that if I were to go there it would "change my outlook on a few things". of course, my exposure to bigger cities is limited being from a rural area, but what do you guys think?
Thanks!

During orientation, the cops teach you street smarts and also tell you about getting a police escort if you need one late at night. I haven't stayed around too late at night though. (maybe until 9:00 at the latest for physical exam workshops)

Basically, in broad daylight, you'll be fine. Don't leave change visible in your car, and try not to give money to people on the street who may just happen to be around. You feel sorry for them, but in the long run, it may be a bad idea to do so.

I can tell you that the med school campus is literally lit up like a football field though and that for the record, I haven't been the victim of any crimes in the first year. In fact, the neighborhood around Temple is pretty quiet at night - I drove through it on my way to Center City one Friday Night.

Right. Done Rambling.

 

[kevinacko]

dnister
at our interview they told us we would never have to stay past 5. is this not true and if not how often do you stay later?
thanks

 

[flat4]

I just finished first year and I've never really HAD to stay past 5. During Gross lab second semester, we did have to stay a little longer on some occasions but not many. Stay on top of your projects, sacrifice a few weekends and you can avoid having to go at night.

 

[ItsGavinC]

What does being married with children have to do with anything? Are you carrying your kids with you on a papoose to classes or something? 😉

No, it just means that I have to think of my wife and children before I think of myself. I'll be at school inside a building all day. I'm positive that I'll be safe. They are the ones that run errands and go out to play. Kids also go to school (sometimes) 😀

 

[Bickle]

No, it just means that I have to think of my wife and children before I think of myself. I'll be at school inside a building all day. I'm positive that I'll be safe. They are the ones that run errands and go out to play. Kids also go to school (sometimes) 😀

I completely agree. Although, you could live in a Philly burb and make the commute to temple.

 

[HBomb]

No, it just means that I have to think of my wife and children before I think of myself. I'll be at school inside a building all day. I'm positive that I'll be safe. They are the ones that run errands and go out to play. Kids also go to school (sometimes) 😀

I agree. I'm glad you responded.

But I do think kinetic was trying to be sarcastic with the blinking smiley, though it's hard to project sarcasm sometimes.