Housing
Q: When can I move in?
A: Students may move into Housing up to 10 days prior to the Pre-Enrollment/Orientation. If you want to move in earlier, you must email Angela Moura in the Real Estate Office to make arrangements.
Q: I came to visit, but I don’t remember the furniture situation in Aron Hall
A: Your room in Aron will contain a desk and hutch, a bookshelf, a dresser, and a bed frame with a double mattress. The common room has at least a couch, a chair, a coffee table, a pantry and a kitchen table with chairs.
Q: Can I change or remove my furniture?
A: No, These furnishings may not be removed or stored outside the suite; outside furniture, such as mattresses and couches, may not be brought into Aron Hall. Occupants must obtain written consent from the Real Estate Division prior to making any alterations or installations to the bedroom or suite. Alterations and installations include, but are not limited to, the installing of any flooring, carpeting, wall coverings and moldings.
Q: Can I decorate?
A: Absolutely, after obtaining written consent from the Real Estate Division. You can paint your room but must restored to the original color (white) prior to moving out.
Q: Can I move within the building?
A: Yes, you are allowed one move during your residency in Aron Hall for free (after that, there is a moving surcharge of $250 for each move). The transfer information becomes available in November and transfer applications are submitted through the winter. The majority of room changes take place late May/early June.
Q: What’s the internet/phone/cable/electric situation?
A: Each room is equipped with the internet (ethernet) free of charge. Landlines must be set up through Verizon. Most rooms are wired for this. However, if your room is not, beware that the set up fee can be expensive. Many students stick to their cell phones or set up one land line for the apartment for local calls and emergencies. Cable is a similar situation, where most rooms are wired, but it must be set up through Time Warner once you arrive. Electric is through Con Edison; you must call to set this up. It is very likely that cable and electric will have already been set up in your apartment by the pre-existing occupants. One person in the apartment receives the bill each month and is responsible for collecting the money. These charges (cable/phone/gas and electric) are the students’ responsibility.
Classes
Q: Where can I find my daily schedule?
A: Your daily schedule is found through google calendars and will be released over the summer once the schedule has been completed.
Q: What are the textbook requirements?
A: Books are very independent! Buy whatever helps you learn best! Second years will be trying to sell you books from the minute you arrive so take advantage of their cheap prices. Look for used books online (www.bookfinder.com searches a variety of used book sites, including Amazon and Half.com). New textbooks can also be purchased in the kiosk on the first floor. The book list and equipment lists will be released over the summer by the Curricular Affairs Office (medical school) and available on Blackboard (graduate school) under the intended course.
Q. What should I wear to school?
A: Whenever you have patient contact or a clinical encounter, you need to dress professionally/business casual. So, on the first day of school, you will meet a patient and should look professional. For days where there are lectures/labs/small groups, you should wear something you wouldn’t mind your teachers seeing you in, but we certainly come to school in jeans on non-clinic days. It’s important to wear clothing that won’t be unsafe in a lab situation (closed shoes, etc), and more than one of us have tripped on our flip-flops in the hospital lobby.
Computer and Library Resources
Q: Do I need a computer?
A laptop computer is required. You will use your laptop to access course materials and related resources as well as for taking online examinations and preparing your portfolio. We do not specify an operating system, but be advised that some programs work only on the Windows operating system. If you have an Intel Mac, Windows can be installed. There are a large number of public computers in the Levy Library and student spaces that can be used for programs that run only on Windows.
If you currently have a laptop that is a year or two old, you will not need to purchase a new one. Should you want to purchase a new laptop, MSSM has discounted pricing available for Dell and Mac laptops and details can be found at hardware. Although this is discounted pricing, be sure to also check the regular Dell website as they sometimes offer specials with deeper discounts.
We also recommend you bring a printer. Much of the course material is only available on the course website and can be printed from there. Library printers are also available for a printing fee if you don’t have your own printer.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai will provide you with Symantec Endpoint Protection software at no cost or you may use Microsoft Security Essentials. Microsoft Office Pro, Adobe Professional and other software is also available at deep discounts through academic pricing.
Questions about computer requirements can be addressed to helpdesk@mssm.edu or by calling 212-241-7091.
Q: Can I buy software through the school?
Microsoft and Adobe products can be purchased by students directly from the JourneyEd software store. We have a licensing agreement with them to accommodate student use and the discount is quite good.
Microsoft and Adobe
Mount Sinai students are eligible to purchase selected Microsoft and Adobe products at a discounted price through the JourneyEd Software web-site (http://www.journeyed.com/select/go/MSMTSINAI). You must register with a valid Mount Sinai email address to qualify for the discount. Additional information may be requested to validate you registration such as a Mount Sinai ID. Please see the Purchasing Requirements (http://www.journeyed.com/page/purchase_requirements) page for details.
For more information about software: http://www.mssm.edu/about-us/services-and-resources/computer-services/software
Outside the Classroom
Q: What is there to do?
A: You have New York City at your fingertips, and that can sometimes be overwhelming. One good resource is the Recreation Office. Once you have a student ID, you will have access to inexpensive tickets to Broadway shows, athletic events, operas, ballets, etc. Your best, resource will be your classmates and upperclassmen. There’s plenty of time in the beginning for you to explore the city together, and many people will have lived in the city before and will love to share their favorite spots and activities. Also, check out www.nymag.com for the “Best of New York” and www.timeout.com/newyork to find out about upcoming events in the city, and also www.uppereast.com to find activities in the neighborhood. In addition, you can get free passes to the 92nd Street Y, which is accessible through MyGSocial (www.mygsocial.com).
Q: What kinds of student organizations are there at Sinai?
A: There are organizations that cover every possible interest (and if you want something that isn’t here, petition the Student Council to start your own club!). There are interest group organizations for most of the medical specialties and research areas, clubs that focus on international health, groups that fight for social justice, etc. There are also non-medicine related groups such as Sinai Arts, which puts on coffee houses, dramatic performances, and art shows. There are softball and soccer teams, and even a cooking club. It is not too difficult to find something that interests you. And, from the moment you arrive on campus, your email will be filled with announcements of club meetings offering free dinners to introduce you to their organizations.
Find mentors that remind you of why you came to Mount Sinai in the first place. If you start feeling really stressed or having trouble in school, do not hesitate to talk to someone.