Overview

Every year students have the same questions prior to matriculation at VCU. In the past, the M1 Survival Guide couldn't address some of these issues since M1s only received their packets at Orientation. However, the Wiki allows certain questions to be answered well ahead of the move to Richmond & arrival at the Egyptian Building.

Moving

Do I need a car?

• Depends on whether or not you have really kind, helpful friends. Richmond is not the most convenient city and does not have reliable public transportation. Getting groceries/shopping may take a lot more planning without a car, but VCU does have a free shuttle that runs to Whole Foods from the VCU campus once a week. You may also need a car for preceptor twice a month, but you can Zip Car, taxi, or rely on a friend.
  

How do I get my car to VA?

• Use an auto shipper of your choice, such as DAS or... ROAD TRIP!!
  

Do non-residents need to register their vehicles in VA?

• No! The VA DMV says students who are not working do not need to get a VA driver's license and do not need to register their vehicle in the state. In the eyes of the law, such students are considered visitors to the state.
  

Do non-residents need to buy VA auto insurance?

• It is recommended that you do, since coverage can be cheaper in VA and you will primarily drive your car in this state.
  

School

Do I need to dress up?

• No! For orientation week, only your photo with your white coat and your white coat ceremony require dressing up, unless the curriculum office emails you telling you there are other days when you should dress nicely. For the rest of the year, only PCM workshops and preceptor require professional attire (otherwise you can dress as you please for class, tests, etc.). Don't splurge just yet!

Do I need a diagnostic kit?

• Depends. The majority of students make it through all 4 years without a diagnostic kit. If you're going into a specialty where you'll want to be good at using the diagnostic kit, then buy one. You may find yourself at a preceptor site without oto/ophthalmoscopes, but most people won't need to pay for such expensive gear. The PCM office will loan out kits for standardized patient testing. They'll also loan out kits for portions of the neuro clerkship.

Do I need to buy all these books?

• No! Spare yourself the misery and wait to see which books you cannot live without. Ask your M2 family for recommendations or freebies. M2s will be happy to get rid of their materials at a discounted price, but don't necessarily buy unless the books will be helpful.

Do I need to buy a new laptop or smart phone?

• Smart phone—no. Laptop—probably. Save yourself some money if what you have works for you, but make sure your computer is compatible with the school's listed guidelines, or if you encounter technical problems, you may be told the problem is your laptop. With the new curriculum, all exams, TBLs, and quizzes are taken online, and most students use their computers in class. Also, if you need extra money from Financial Aid in order to purchase a laptop, they allot extra in the first year for this purpose but not in years 2-4. As for the phone, you won't be using any med apps your first two years. If you're happy with your phone, wait to see what Apple or Google or Microsoft come up with next!