I like to extend one of your first WELCOMES to one of the greatest medschools around. I'm a first year (yep...knee deep in neuroscience right now) and deciding to come to UMD is one of the best decisions I've made. I am a B-more native...and thought that another 4 years here would be miserable...but I was fortunatley mistaken.
First, UMD does a great job of picking out its class members. I have at least 10-12 new, instant best friends. Classmates who are dynamic, caring, and extremely supportive. We mesh like a tightly knit family. We study together...take trips together...yeah, Phili, Mexico, New Orleans, and soon, the Domincan. We definitely party together...and there are plenty of cool places to go in B-more...from your local watering hole type pubs to your swankier, "NYC" style places.
Second...class is over at noon...everyday. Twice a week we have afternoon obligations like PBL and ICP...but its no big deal. You'll appreciate the study time...starting at 1...trust me.
There are plenty of places to live...and live pretty cheap. Ridgely's Delight is 2 blocks from campus and is chock full 'o students. I live about 3 blocks from campus is a beautiful townhouse...rent 1100 (2br 2 bath)
Maryland also has some very active organizations...including our AMSA chapter which has been pinacle in getting exposure for the Maryland Health Care for All bill...
anywhoo...good luck for those who haven't made there decisions yet...and hopefully i'll see ya next year...look for the tall pollock that pimps the occassional cowboy hat.
if you have any questions...email me at
[email protected]
troy
BTW...for those interested...your class, as of now, is 70% female...
mine is like 65%
go ladies....