Top Ten Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Year at Stritch
| 1 | Q: | Where should I live? |
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| A: | Most first and second year students chose to live in the suburbs surrounding the Medical School. Here's a little bit of information about the more popular choices:
The Office of Student Life puts together an Apartment Gazette that lists available apartments in the area. It is available online ( http://www.meddean.luc.edu/templates/ssom/studres/aptgazette/search.cfm )or in their office. Many of these landlords like renting to medical students, so this is a great resource. Of course, this isn’t all-inclusive, so you can always pick up a local newspaper while in town if you want more listings. |
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| 2 | Q: | How much free time will I have? |
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| A: | Your free time will vary throughout the year depending on what classes you are taking. At the beginning of the year, while taking Cellular and Molecular Biology (CMB), you will generally spend the morning in lecture and often you’ll have your afternoons and evenings free. This time will usually be used for reading and independent studying, but you will still have plenty of time for working out and socializing. Later in the semester, when Structure of the Human Body (Anatomy) begins, you will find yourself finding much of the day in the lab. Your time in the evenings will be more limited and you will spend more of it studying. In general, the closer you are to an exam, the less free time you will have.
Most students are able to find enough spare time in their day to make use of the Health Center. It’s one of the favorite perks here at Loyola. Using the cardio machines, lifting weights, swimming, taking a class or playing basketball is a great stress reliever after a day of class. So, even though you will be busy, you still can find time to “have a life”. The more efficiently you are able to study, the more free time you will have. |
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| 3 | Q: | When and where should I buy my books for classes? |
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| A: | Your main reference for your classes will be your class notes. It may be best to wait until each class starts before buying your books for that class. That way, you can determine which books you really need. Loyola does not have its own bookstore, however the bookstores for the other Chicago area Medical Schools are within a reasonable distance.
Books can also be purchased online through the Amazon or Barnes and Noble websites. Books can also be purchased from other students, often at a significant discount. There are many third and fourth year students ready to make some room on their bookshelves. The SSOM Resources webforum provides an opportunity for students to post material that they would like to sell. |
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| 4 | Q: | Where can I go to study? |
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| A: | Many students chose to study at the medical school. There are many niches where you can study alone or in groups. If you need a change in scenery, other popular options include: Borders in Oak Park or in LaGrange, Caribou Coffee in Oak Park or in La Grange, Loyola’s Law Library located at the downtown campus, or any of the local neighborhood libraries. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | Q: | How much clinical experience will I get my first year? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: | While most of your learning first year will be in the classroom, there are a few opportunities to see patients in a clinical setting. In your IPM course, you will be assigned a physician mentor. What you get out of this experience depends on what you are willing to put in. If the physician you are assigned does not meet your needs or interests, there are other opportunities. Various student organizations offer opportunities to shadow physicians in their respective fields. If you are interested in a particular field, you should make the effort to contact the department. Most doctors are more than willing to let you observe if you ask. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | Q: | I’m broke! How am I supposed to make my loans last all semester? |
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| A: | The financial aid office has detailed information on how to best budget your money. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment if you are confused by their budget summaries. They also allow you to increase your loan if you underestimated your expenses. As most students do, it is also recommended that you sit down at the beginning of the year to budget your money for a rough estimate of how much you have to spend each month. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7 | Q: | What review books do you recommend buying? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: | There are many review books that are useful adjuncts to your required texts. Review books will also come in handy next year when you are preparing for boards. Martha Halsley (the educational specialist by the computer lab) has many books available in her office, if you wish to browse before you buy. Use what works for you. Some student favorites:
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| 8 | Q: | How do I get involved with extracurriculars? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: | Go to the informational fair the first week of class to check out all of the various organizations. During the first month of school, the organizations will host a plethora of meetings. This is a good chance to see what all of the organizations are about, and you will get lots of free food! As the year goes on, it will be more important to limit your activities. Try not to spread yourself too thin… find a few things that interest you and don’t feel like you have to attend every possible meeting. Most students are involved in one or two clubs and then attend meetings for other clubs as well. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9 | Q: | What is there to do for fun in the area? |
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| A: | Even though Stritch is in Maywood, you are only a short 20 minute drive from Chicago. You can check out www.metromix.com for restaurants, concerts and events in Chicagoland. If you feel like staying in the suburbs, here are some student recommended restaurants:
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| 10 | Q: | What should I do with my summer after first year? |
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| A: | This is the last time you’ll have such a long summer, so first and foremost, relax and enjoy it! You will just have finished a tough first year of medical school and you deserve a break. If you are interested, the summer is a great time to do some research. More information on summer research opportunities is available in room 499. A large number of students chose to go on an Immersion Trip. Campus ministry plans medical missions to South America every summer. Look out for meetings about this incredible opportunity. |
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Last Reviewed: August 11, 2006