UL Acceptances 2015 Thread

[sassa]

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Congratulations on your acceptances!

I know you'll all create a FB page for yourselves - the MedSoc will also create an official class page for you guys in the coming months as well which will become your legit class page once you're here. It's helpful.

In the meantime, myself and @shweddies have put a lot of time in answering questions in the past, so check out these threads! I'd be surprised if most questions weren't answered in there.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/living-frugally-in-limerick.1070146/#post-152121753
(your class page will be different, and MedSoc will find you on Facebook, don't worry!)

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/university-of-limerick-interviews-2014.1063390/page-2
(FYI - the schedule thing is sorted out now, so you can skip over that part)

 

[Departures]

Hi sassa,

I was wondering how often you use your laptop in first and second year. Do people bring laptops to their PBL sessions? Tablets? Will a notepad suffice during PBL sessions? I'm just curious because I want to avoid purchasing a large laptop if you end up carrying it around everywhere. Thanks for your help!

 

[athussin]

anyone hear from AB about when all the offers will be made? I interviewed last Sunday and the wait is a killer. Especially when some people have received offers already.

 

[sassa]

Hi sassa,

I was wondering how often you use your laptop in first and second year. Do people bring laptops to their PBL sessions? Tablets? Will a notepad suffice during PBL sessions? I'm just curious because I want to avoid purchasing a large laptop if you end up carrying it around everywhere. Thanks for your help!

I use my laptop pretty much 24/7 (don't own a tablet). I do all my work on it, and I travel quite a bit (understatement) so for me, it's how I do it. I have a Macbook Air 13". I wouldn't go bigger than that. It's not necessary. Some people buy a 2nd monitor but I don't work at a desk so useless for me 🙂 But I'll bring my laptop to lectures and such, people will bring tablets though for notes too. But no, you do not need a large laptop!

The only things allowed in PBL are paper, pen, water, food, and the BNF and Oxford Medical Dictionary provided in the centre of the table. Absolutely no electronics, google, phones. Laptop only gets pulled out when making the LOs at the end so it's posted to your PBL group FB page and sent to the tutor / GP.

 

[NeuroCritDoc]

I'm currently a 2nd year at UL and I know that the school a short trial looking at using tablets in the classroom setting (PBL, lectures, clinical skills, etc.) and this was mainly to make UL GEMS a more environmentally-friendly paperless program. If the program does end up being implemented then I believe they were planning to sell students a pre-determined tablet (iPad, iPad mini, Samsung Galaxy, or Microsoft Surface Pro).

 

[NeuroCritDoc]

But like Sassa said, as of now, no electronic devices in the classroom setting and only allowed in the lectures.

 

[Departures]

Thanks sassa and MacNeuro! That really clarified things for me. 🙂

 

[Departures]

anyone hear from AB about when all the offers will be made? I interviewed last Sunday and the wait is a killer. Especially when some people have received offers already.

I interviewed for UL on Saturday, April 11th and was accepted on Wednesday, April 15th. I know several other people who also received acceptances that day. Our deposit is due on May 4th. Perhaps more offers will be sent out after that date if spots remain unfilled. I know waiting can be extremely frustrating and I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Departures]

How does UL GEMS orientation work? On my acceptance letter it says that International Orientation is on Monday, August 31 and then Enrolment/Orientation is Tuesday, September 1 - Friday, September 4. Lectures commence Monday, September 7th. What do you do for the four days?

 

[starstrike]

How does UL GEMS orientation work? On my acceptance letter it says that International Orientation is on Monday, August 31 and then Enrolment/Orientation is Tuesday, September 1 - Friday, September 4. Lectures commence Monday, September 7th. What do you do for the four days?

I'm curious to know this as well. Does anybody know typically when the breaks are (eg Christmas)? I haven't received my package yet, but I am trying to sort out how to arrange flights, accommodation, etc.

For those of you accepting the offer to UL, anybody from BC?

 

[sassa]

How does UL GEMS orientation work? On my acceptance letter it says that International Orientation is on Monday, August 31 and then Enrolment/Orientation is Tuesday, September 1 - Friday, September 4. Lectures commence Monday, September 7th. What do you do for the four days?

Medsoc and Surgsoc and the school have things organized for you each day - both administrative things and fun things (night and day). You also use those days to actually move in, figure out the town, get things sorted out as much as you can.

You'll be busy, don't worry! 🙂 medsoc will contact you all in the summer with packages and details.

 

[sassa]

I'm curious to know this as well. Does anybody know typically when the breaks are (eg Christmas)? I haven't received my package yet, but I am trying to sort out how to arrange flights, accommodation, etc.

For those of you accepting the offer to UL, anybody from BC?

I think I posted this somewhere else, but breaks in first year (besides bank holidays):

Christmas - Friday before Christmas to Mon / Tuesday after New Years. You might be done exams on the Thursday but you could be done on the Friday. Won't know specifics until October or November on that.

Easter - week before Good Friday to Tuesday after Easter Monday (10 days)

End of class - closest Friday to June 13th time. Second week of June thereabouts, between the Wed and Friday. Won't know specifics on exam finish dates until March.

But those are the timelines!

 

[BScKinMScPT]

I was accepted into UL for this coming year (haven't heard back from any other schools)
First off, I appreciate all the information that UL students and graduates are putting up!
My question is, since UL does not qualify for Canadian Federal or Provincial student loans, did any Canadians find a way around that? Or should I be considering the "bank of mom" for the next few years..?
thank you!

 

[bebijoon]

I was accepted into UL for this coming year (haven't heard back from any other schools)
First off, I appreciate all the information that UL students and graduates are putting up!
My question is, since UL does not qualify for Canadian Federal or Provincial student loans, did any Canadians find a way around that? Or should I be considering the "bank of mom" for the next few years..?
thank you!

I'm having the same issue, except I'm American. I called the financial aid office and they told me not to fund all of school with private loans because there is a good chance that you will not be able to get a loan for your last years at school due to the amount of debt you incur and the subsequent lowering of your credit score. He said that Americans "self pay" for school. I don't know who has $300,000 just laying around to "self pay" lol. If this is the case I may have to take my chances and decline Limerick and see if I hear back from any of the other schools which really blows because I really want to go!

 

[NeuroCritDoc]

From what I understand, Canadian and American students won't be able to obtain government loans until 2017 for UL. This is because the governments require a medical school to be operating for at least 10 years before they hand out loans. So for students entering this September, they'll be able to get loans for their 4th year of study.

 

[bebijoon]

From what I understand, Canadian and American students won't be able to obtain government loans until 2017 for UL. This is because the governments require a medical school to be operating for at least 10 years before they hand out loans. So for students entering this September, they'll be able to get loans for their 4th year of study.

Thanks for the info! This makes me feel better about it. But if they are entering this September wouldn't they be able to get loans for the 3rd and 4th years? I hope this is the case. Can I ask how you came to find this information? Someone from Atlantic Bridge told me they really have no idea when they will get FAFSA approved.

 

[BScKinMScPT]

I'm curious to know this as well. Does anybody know typically when the breaks are (eg Christmas)? I haven't received my package yet, but I am trying to sort out how to arrange flights, accommodation, etc.

For those of you accepting the offer to UL, anybody from BC?

I am from Alberta! with family in BC..close enough? 😉

 

[starstrike]

I am from Alberta! with family in BC..close enough? 😉

Close enough 😛. Are you going to be accepting your offer to UL?

 

[BScKinMScPT]

Just accepted today! (and feeling a little broke as I'm currently paying summer tuition for physiotherapy haha)

 

[starstrike]

Just accepted today! (and feeling a little broke as I'm currently paying summer tuition for physiotherapy haha)

Oh wow... Congrats! Are you going to still do any of the summer semester courses?

 

[BScKinMScPT]

Yeah, no fun summer break for me! Seeing as we have a nice break/ "last summer of fun" after 1st year med, I'm doing my last clinical placement for physio then. May as well finish the masters degree when I'm this close..

Did anybody/ does anybody plan on taking on a small part-time job while at UL? I know med's going to be very busy, but perhaps working a day a week is feasible?

 

[starstrike]

Yeah, no fun summer break for me! Seeing as we have a nice break/ "last summer of fun" after 1st year med, I'm doing my last clinical placement for physio then. May as well finish the masters degree when I'm this close..

Did anybody/ does anybody plan on taking on a small part-time job while at UL? I know med's going to be very busy, but perhaps working a day a week is feasible?

Oh definitely, if you're at the finish line, you might as well finish it off! It would be nice to have the masters in tow (and a good insurance policy too).

 

[NeuroCritDoc]

Yeah, no fun summer break for me! Seeing as we have a nice break/ "last summer of fun" after 1st year med, I'm doing my last clinical placement for physio then. May as well finish the masters degree when I'm this close..

Did anybody/ does anybody plan on taking on a small part-time job while at UL? I know med's going to be very busy, but perhaps working a day a week is feasible?

I know a few of the Irish students have part-time jobs and as an international student studying in Ireland you're entitled to work up to 20 hours per week. I think this is something that is unique to each person and it's something you'll have to try and decide for yourself to see if you can handle the workload. Personally, I wouldn't suggest it for the Canadians/Americans because we have a lot more to worry about (i.e., USMLE, MCCEE, electives, matching, etc.).

 

[Departures]

What is the best way to book flights back to Toronto for Christmas? On the Aer Lingus site I can get a round trip, departing YYZ > DUB (Aug 25) and returning DUB > YYZ (Dec 18 or 20) for 786 CAD. Is this a good deal? Or should I wait until I receive my exam schedule and book a one way flight from DUB > YYZ? Do prices tend to go up the closer you get to Christmas? Thanks!

 

[sassa]

What is the best way to book flights back to Toronto for Christmas? On the Aer Lingus site I can get a round trip, departing YYZ > DUB (Aug 25) and returning DUB > YYZ (Dec 18 or 20) for 786 CAD. Is this a good deal? Or should I wait until I receive my exam schedule and book a one way flight from DUB > YYZ? Do prices tend to go up the closer you get to Christmas? Thanks!

Really up to you. I wait until October and always got round trip Christmas from Shannon to Toronto for $820 CDN (Shannon is the airport next to limerick, 30 min from campus). But I just did one way to limerick first August because I travelled before hand. And I like keeping Christmas round trip and summer round trip from now on.

This Christmas flights were $1200 cdn round trip but that was the case the whole summer / fall. They are back to normal now. I booked my round trip flights SNN to YYZ for $625 last month.

Anything $600-900 is reasonable.

I prefer not to fly from Dublin because the 3 hr bus trip isn't one I like especially after a night flight. To each their own.

 

[nconradi]

I am from Alberta! with family in BC..close enough? 😉

I'm also from Alberta (Edmonton)! If you're close by, lets grab a beer sometime!

 

[nconradi]

Hey folks! Firstly, I look forward to meeting you all in August/ September! We're in for a wild ride!
I've got a few questions:
1) Is anyone out there going to be moving over the Ireland with a spouse? If so, any suggestions regarding visas, etc.?
2) Anyone planning on living off-campus? To those currently studying at UL, what proportion of your class would you think lives off-campus? Will I be missing out on a lot of the social activities going on?

If you'd like to add me on Facebook, my Facebook-name is Nicholas Gerhard.

 

[starstrike]

Hey folks! Firstly, I look forward to meeting you all in August/ September! We're in for a wild ride!
I've got a few questions:
1) Is anyone out there going to be moving over the Ireland with a spouse? If so, any suggestions regarding visas, etc.?
2) Anyone planning on living off-campus? To those currently studying at UL, what proportion of your class would you think lives off-campus? Will I be missing out on a lot of the social activities going on?

If you'd like to add me on Facebook, my Facebook-name is Nicholas Gerhard.

Should we create a Facebook group maybe?

I personally am looking into finding a place off campus, though not too sure where to look (or whether it is the best thing to do as a new student?).

 

[nconradi]

For those interested, I've taken the liberty of starting a Facebook group for those accepting offers to the University of Limerick in 2015. The group name is... University of Limerick Medicine - Accepted Offers (2015). Join the party in you're interested!

 

[sassa]

Medsoc will create your official one soon too 🙂

 

[VG23]

I tried to find the Facebook group. Didn't work. Also, Does anyone know which residence is the best place to live? I hear Quigley is the closest and most popular. Any pros and cons of other villages?

 

[sassa]

I tried to find the Facebook group. Didn't work. Also, Does anyone know which residence is the best place to live? I hear Quigley is the closest and most popular. Any pros and cons of other villages?

Check the links I posted. I should have done a run down including pictures of Quigley.

On campus, choose quigley or cappavilla though.

 

[NeuroCritDoc]

Hey folks! Firstly, I look forward to meeting you all in August/ September! We're in for a wild ride!
I've got a few questions:
1) Is anyone out there going to be moving over the Ireland with a spouse? If so, any suggestions regarding visas, etc.?
2) Anyone planning on living off-campus? To those currently studying at UL, what proportion of your class would you think lives off-campus? Will I be missing out on a lot of the social activities going on?

If you'd like to add me on Facebook, my Facebook-name is Nicholas Gerhard.

I would say about 90% of the class lives on-campus.

 

[starstrike]

I tried to find the Facebook group. Didn't work. Also, Does anyone know which residence is the best place to live? I hear Quigley is the closest and most popular. Any pros and cons of other villages?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/495792477236849/

 

[starstrike]

Hi sassa,

I can't remember if you've answered this before, but can you tell us a little bit about how anatomy is run at UL? I understand that we work with dummies, plastinated specimens, and simulated patients... Though how do the simulators, virtual software, etc work? I understand we have a block every week dedicated to anatomy, but was just curious about how it all works.

Thanks,

StarStrike

 

[Vicex]

From what I understand, Canadian and American students won't be able to obtain government loans until 2017 for UL. This is because the governments require a medical school to be operating for at least 10 years before they hand out loans. So for students entering this September, they'll be able to get loans for their 4th year of study.

My understanding was that Arthur (AB Dublin Office) said that it would be this year or next year... but I could be mistaking.

Edit: It must be a mistake, he said 10 years and it was founded in 2007, so 2 more years until US fed loans.

 

[sassa]

Hi sassa,

I can't remember if you've answered this before, but can you tell us a little bit about how anatomy is run at UL? I understand that we work with dummies, plastinated specimens, and simulated patients... Though how do the simulators, virtual software, etc work? I understand we have a block every week dedicated to anatomy, but was just curious about how it all works.

Thanks,

StarStrike

Okay so it's pretty mult-faceted but I'll give it a go at explaining.

Each week, you get mini cases - total 120-200 questions that supplement everything for the case of the week. Histology, pathology but very much clinically oriented anatomy, and you have about 13-20 Figures to label which are the basis of your Anatomy Spotter exams each term. It's the expectation you finish those minis by your anatomy sessions, which review the stuff you've discovered and answered on your own, and explains more and adds more clarity.

The anatomy sessions are 3 parts - 2 parts anatomy, each 25-30 min long, and then 1 part histology / pathology (again 25-30 min long). You're scheduled for one set of these 3-part blocks sometime on a Monday (in first year). They'll go over the diagrams and figures from the minis, as well as the anatomy, with the aid of models and whatever the anatomy tutor / prof wants to use (e.g one tutor was a surgeon and she is BRILLIANT - she uses saran wrap to explain mesenteries and pipe cleaners in a skull model to explain nerve and vessel routes).

Personally, I've never used the online computer stuff past Week 1 (Like VH Dissector etc, though some of the mini case figures / for the spotter exams are from there, I couldn't be bothered to always go into a computer lab etc).

The dummies and simulated patients (the latter are real people, but reserved for 2nd year mostly) are for Clinical Skills ... which you get to apply the anatomy to right away.

It's a really interwoven program, everything interrlates which is fantastic. I've tried to hone in on the "anatomy part only" but it's tough. But that's how the sessions run per week. I hope that helps!

 

[Departures]

Really up to you. I wait until October and always got round trip Christmas from Shannon to Toronto for $820 CDN (Shannon is the airport next to limerick, 30 min from campus). But I just did one way to limerick first August because I travelled before hand. And I like keeping Christmas round trip and summer round trip from now on.

This Christmas flights were $1200 cdn round trip but that was the case the whole summer / fall. They are back to normal now. I booked my round trip flights SNN to YYZ for $625 last month.

Anything $600-900 is reasonable.

I prefer not to fly from Dublin because the 3 hr bus trip isn't one I like especially after a night flight. To each their own.

Thanks again sassa! You made a really good point about flying into SNN vs. DUB. I'll probably wait until we receive our exam schedule and then book a round trip flight for Christmas.

 

[healthnut27]

Hey everyone,

I applied for residence through campus life services at UL the other day and after I registered it said it would send a confirmation email, but I never got it in my inbox or spam folder. I just applied again but still nothing in my email so I am wondering if anyone else has applied and received a response or if hearing nothing yet is normal?

Thanks!

 

[starstrike]

Hey everyone,

I applied for residence through campus life services at UL the other day and after I registered it said it would send a confirmation email, but I never got it in my inbox or spam folder. I just applied again but still nothing in my email so I am wondering if anyone else has applied and received a response or if hearing nothing yet is normal?

Thanks!

Same, I just did the exact same thing but I received no email!

 

[healthnut27]

Same, I just did the exact same thing but I received no email!

The campus life residence registration link seems to be working now, I guess they fixed whatever was wrong, FYI.

 

[starstrike]

The campus life residence registration link seems to be working now, I guess they fixed whatever was wrong, FYI.

Thanks, just registered! Hopefully can get a spot in Quigley.

 

[sonix]

I was accepted into UL for this coming year (haven't heard back from any other schools)
First off, I appreciate all the information that UL students and graduates are putting up!
My question is, since UL does not qualify for Canadian Federal or Provincial student loans, did any Canadians find a way around that? Or should I be considering the "bank of mom" for the next few years..?
thank you!

Just clarifying this one. You do actually qualify for loans. It may depend on the province, but Ontario certainly. Also, even if they say minimum 10 year, etc. - send it anyway since they will review it and people have received funds. It just took a while and you just have to send confirmation letters of attendance overseas.

 

[deleted158872]

How much of the curriculum is PBL and how much is lecture?

 

[sassa]

How much of the curriculum is PBL and how much is lecture?

You always have 5 hrs per week of PBL (3 hrs one day, 2 hrs the second day). These are mandatory.

2-4 hrs of clinical skills per week (soft skills or exam). Also mandatory unless review session.

1.5 hrs of anatomy.

And anywhere between 2-10 hrs of lectures per week (split over different modules).

 

[deleted158872]

You always have 5 hrs per week of PBL (3 hrs one day, 2 hrs the second day). These are mandatory.

2-4 hrs of clinical skills per week (soft skills or exam). Also mandatory unless review session.

1.5 hrs of anatomy.

And anywhere between 2-10 hrs of lectures per week (split over different modules).

UL has more PBL than any other ABP schools?

 

[sassa]

UL has more PBL than any other ABP schools?

Yup. It's Ireland's PBL school.

Some schools have a PBL element being introduced but the rest are lecture based.

 

[starstrike]

Hi Sassa/Schweddies,

Do either of you have any thoughts or experience using USMLE prep programs like Firecracker, Memorang, or Osmosis? Are they helpful/useful? (Especially when considering the structure of ULs program?)

StarStrike

 

[sassa]

Hi Sassa/Schweddies,

Do either of you have any thoughts or experience using USMLE prep programs like Firecracker, Memorang, or Osmosis? Are they helpful/useful? (Especially when considering the structure of ULs program?)

StarStrike

I haven't heard of them, so definitely did not use them 🙂

I used DIT videos and workbook to annotate my First Aid through November - March with two friends, then Kaplan Qbank with the same friends 2x a week. Kaplan Qbank on my own as finals MCQ prep. On my own, I did Pathoma videos / workbook, and finished Kaplan Qbank and UWorld Qbank, with 3 NBMEs.

This is 2nd year talk though. For first year, use the core textbooks.

I would recommend:

~ Goljan's pathology
~ big Robbins Pathology
~ Guyton & Hall Physiology
~ Lippincott's Pharmacology
~ Clinical Oriented Anatomy

Wait until the textbook sale within the first few weeks of school, and get these second hand off upper years either there or when they post on the Med Students Selling / Buying page and save a LOT of money 🙂

And get an electronic version of First Aid (hold off to buy yours after 1st year for the newest version) and electronic Toronto notes. Use these for PBL work from Day 1, and supplement. That way you're familiar with them after 1st year and it'll make 2nd year USMLE studying way better!

Upper years will have electronic textbooks as well.

But for USMLE ... I keep saying it and I'll say it again. There is zero point for dedicated USMLE studying until 2nd year. Zero. Just get used to medicine and first year. It is far too early to freak out (and once you're in there, you'll realize how right I am 😉 )

 

[starstrike]

Thanks sassa!

Haha, I know I know. Hard to shake the habit. I've already downloaded most of the books you've mentioned 😛.

StarStrike

I haven't heard of them, so definitely did not use them 🙂

I used DIT videos and workbook to annotate my First Aid through November - March with two friends, then Kaplan Qbank with the same friends 2x a week. Kaplan Qbank on my own as finals MCQ prep. On my own, I did Pathoma videos / workbook, and finished Kaplan Qbank and UWorld Qbank, with 3 NBMEs.

This is 2nd year talk though. For first year, use the core textbooks.

I would recommend:

~ Goljan's pathology
~ big Robbins Pathology
~ Guyton & Hall Physiology
~ Lippincott's Pharmacology
~ Clinical Oriented Anatomy

Wait until the textbook sale within the first few weeks of school, and get these second hand off upper years either there or when they post on the Med Students Selling / Buying page and save a LOT of money 🙂

And get an electronic version of First Aid (hold off to buy yours after 1st year for the newest version) and electronic Toronto notes. Use these for PBL work from Day 1, and supplement. That way you're familiar with them after 1st year and it'll make 2nd year USMLE studying way better!

Upper years will have electronic textbooks as well.

But for USMLE ... I keep saying it and I'll say it again. There is zero point for dedicated USMLE studying until 2nd year. Zero. Just get used to medicine and first year. It is far too early to freak out (and once you're in there, you'll realize how right I am 😉 )