I really like TouroCOM and am happy with my decision to come here. We have a new anatomy professor this year and Dr. Rich, the class of '13 loves you (well maybe not the material, but you're awesome). Upperclassmen relate horror stories about the previous professor, known as Dr. Terror-nova. I think anatomy is our hardest class by far, but I think that's the case in any medical school, not because the material is difficult, but there's just so much information to absorb.
Being new also has its advantages facility-wise. After 2 weeks of anatomy lab, I can promise you I do not smell like cadaver after showering. The filtration in the brightly lit anatomy lab room is awesome, and we have tablet pcs / books that we can use within the lab itself. My only gripe is really with the library which has limited hours, but there are many study rooms throughout the building that you can use after hours, and there is a guard at the entrance 24/7, so you feel very safe. I would not suggest walking around at odd hours outside in Harlem, but if it's an emergency, the guard can escort you to the nearest train station.
I live extremely close to school in the heart of Harlem in a very well-maintained building for affordable rent. If you live in the so-called "safer" areas of Manhattan which is pretty much anywhere downtown of Harlem, you will likely pay very high prices. I suggest anyone who decides on Touro to really live in the Harlem area. After all, it's Touro's mission to recruit doctors for the area and specialize in urban medicine. IMO, if you can't deal with the relatively safer area of 125th St., your chances of practicing medicine there are also very slim. Plus, commuting in general sucks.
Touro will have a gym before the end of this year, but in the meantime, they offer subsidized memberships at the nearby Planet Fitness and NYSC at all locations. I got my membership at Planet Fitness b/c it's ridonkulously cheap.
