NEW STUDENT
GUIDE
02
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
06
BOOKS & LAPTOPS
08
WHAT TO BRING
14
CAMPUS LIFE
18
LIVING IN ANTIGUA
22
FINANCE
26
HEALTH
28
AROUND THE ISLAND
WELCOME! We’re sure that you’ve had some exciting moments in your life, but we’re willing to bet that starting medical school is at least in your top five, if not number one. You’re likely to have a ton of questions about what to bring, where to find the things you need, what there is to do when you’re not studying, where to take visitors, and practical information for your day-to-day life in Antigua. We’ve covered all of those bases and a few more in this guide. Hope you find it helpful as you get used to your new surroundings.
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Before You Arrive
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE Travel and Housing Checklist
We can’t wait for you to get here! Before you can enroll, make sure you’ve taken care of each item on this list.
SEAT DEPOSIT AUA will hold your seat for up to 14 days without a seat deposit. To confirm your seat in the AUA College of Medicine class, submit your $500 deposit today through the app portal: app.auamed.org. Candidates who submit a deposit after 14 days are not guaranteed a seat. Scholarship awards also expire after this period.
HOUSING DEPOSIT New Pre-Clinical Sciences I students are required to live in University housing for their first semester in Antigua. Housing is assigned on a first-deposited basis. Submit your $750 housing deposit now from your application portal, even if you are unsure what housing options you prefer. You can save $250 by submitting your seat and housing deposits together (for a total of $1000) within one week of the date on your acceptance letter.
HOUSING & TRANSPORTATION FORM Pick your top three housing choices. For more information on different housing options, visit our housing webpage: auamed.org/student-life/ housing or read our printable housing guide. Fill out your preferences in the housing form on the app portal.
2 | APP PORTAL: app.auamed.org
FLIGHT PLAN AND STUDENT TRAVEL FORM A round-trip airline ticket is required to enter Antigua. Check the academic calendar for important dates including, arrival dates for Basic Sciences 1-4, Global MD, and BSIC Intersession students: auamed.org/academiccalendar. After booking your flight, enter your flight information into our Student Travel Form, which you can also find through the app portal.
PASSPORT AND VISA Upload a photo or scan of your passport’s information page to the app portal. You must bring one extra passport photo. US and Canadian citizens need a valid passport to enter Antigua and reenter their home country. US green card holders need to have a passport from their country of origin and their US green card to enter Antigua. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the expected date of travel. Antigua does not require an entry visa for US or Canadian citizens. All green holders can apply for the their visa upon arrival. Non-US citizens and non-Canadian citizens should check with the Antiguan and Barbudan Consulate for visa requirements: immigration.gov.ag.
IMMUNIZATION RECORD FORM This form must be filled out and signed by your physician: auamed.org/ immunization-form. You must then upload the form through the app portal. Make sure it’s been signed by your physician before you upload it, and please retain an additional copy of your immunization records. You will need it when you begin your clinical rotations, and we cannot return your original form to you once you submit it. Here is a link to the form guidelines. ONLINE REGISTRATION The online registration process is an easy one. Visit portal.auamed.org and enter the username and password that has been provided to you by email. If you haven’t received the email, contact servicedesk@auamed.net to request it. Once you sign in, you’ll be redirected to Pre-Clinical Sciences registration and follow the prompts from there. Please note that you need to disable pop-up blockers for the registration to work. In addition to registering for classes, you will also be able to register for Student Housing. If you have a hold, you will not be able to register. Reach out to the department that placed the hold and they may be able to lift it for you.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK (CBC) Your CBC is due no later than 30 days prior to the first day of classes. You can obtain a CBC from Integrascan.com or your local precinct. If you obtain a CBC from your local precinct, it must be in a location where you’ve resided within the last six months of your first day of classes. You will be asked to provide a new CBC prior to your third and fifth semesters. Please note: All AUA students must submit a CBC in order to register for courses.
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Before You Arrive
Immigration & Travel Information
PASSPORT US citizens need a valid passport to enter Antigua and re-enter the United States. Canadian citizens also need a valid passport to enter Antigua and re-enter Canada. Citizens of other countries need to have a passport from their country of origin and a US green card if they reside in the United States. Passport applications can be obtained from your local passport office or U.S. post office. U.S. students can find complete details at travel.state.gov. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the expected date of travel. Antigua does not require an entry visa for U.S. or Canadian citizens. Please check with the Antiguan and Barbudan Consulate for visa requirements if you are a citizen of another country.
IMMIGRATION LETTER We will email you an immigration letter once you complete the Student Travel Form on the app portal. Please print out the immigration letter and carry it with you, along with your passport and acceptance letter when you arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua. For more information on student visas and immigration requirements, please visit immigration.gov.ag.
SPOUSE TRAVEL Students who plan to bring their spouses to Antigua are required to bring their notarized marriage license certificates with them. This document may need to be presented to the Immigration Department to procure visas or extend a stay in Antigua.
FAMILY EMPLOYMENT Non-residents who wish to work in Antigua require work permits. AUA does not hire spouses or family members of students to work on campus or in housing facilities.
DRIVER’S LICENSE If you wish to rent a vehicle, you will need to present a valid foreign driver’s license to the authorities and purchase a temporary local license at a cost of ECD $50/ USD $20. International driver’s licenses are NOT valid. See the Living in Antigua section for more information.
4 | APP PORTAL: app.auamed.org
AIR TRAVEL To enter Antigua, it is necessary to have a round-trip ticket. The sooner you make your airline reservations, the less expensive your ticket may be. There are direct flights from the US to Antigua out of Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy, Toronto Pearson, and London Gatwick airports. The carriers with the most frequent service to Antigua are American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and United Airlines. The following airlines currently serve Antigua: AIRLINE
DEPARTING FROM
RESERVATION PHONE
Air Canada West Jet American British Airways Delta JetBlue United Virgin Atlantic
North America North America North America Europe North America North America North America Europe
1-888-247-2262 1-888-937-8538 1-800-433-7300 1-800-247-9297 1-800-221-1212 1-800-538-2583 1-800-231-0856 1-800-862-8621
LUGGAGE Make sure all your bags are labeled with your name, flight destination, and campus address. Check with your airline prior to departure regarding baggage restrictions. Most international air carriers limit you to two pieces of checked luggage, one carryon, and one personal bag, but be sure to confirm this directly with the airline. A fee may be imposed if you exceed the size and weight limits given.
SHIPPING If your luggage exceeds the airline’s allowance, you might consider using air cargo as an alternative. You can ship extra belongings via airfreight or mail. When sending any belongings or possessions to Antigua, please make certain you contact the shipping company to obtain shipping specifications. You will need a complete, written inventory of every item you are shipping to Antigua along with an original invoice of all new purchases or a document listing the estimated value of personal belongings to present to Antiguan customs officials. You do not need this information for carry-on items. To facilitate transport, ship items to the address below: American University of Antigua College of Medicine ATTN: [Student’s Full Name] University Park Jabberwock Beach Road P.O. Box W-1451 Coolidge, Antigua
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SHIPPING Please note that with the need to cover duties and customs broker fees, it is usually more affordable to buy what you need on the island. SHIPPING COMPANIES 1.DHL – Please visit the website: https://www.dhl.com/en.html 2.FedEx - Please visit the website: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/home.html 3.Laparkan - Please visit the website: https://laparkan.com/ 4.D&J Forwarders and Tours – Please contact Super Dave on WhatsApp (268) 779-0919, (268) 728-0773 or (268) 7269133 or email: dore.dave@gmail.com (Only service from New York and Miami)
PETS Please visit abconsulate.nyc/traveling-with-pets for information on traveling with pets.
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Books & Laptops
BOOKS & LAPTOPS
What the Library Provides Put your wallet away! All book and reading material costs are included in your tuition. Any reading required for a particular class will be available to you via Blackboard, AUA’s online course management system. You’ll have easy access to links, lectures, videos, and PowerPoint presentations, and you will receive links to supplemental texts as well. You’ll also find print copies of each of the required and recommended books put on reserve at the AUA Library. In addition, hundreds of other ebooks, ejournals, and medical knowledge databases are now available to you on and off campus via your AUA NetID. 7 | APP PORTAL: app.auamed.org
Minimum Specifications WINDOWS
SPECIFICATIONS
Processor Operating System Memory (RAM) Storage Graphics Card Screen Webcam Microphone Microsoft Office Suite Browser (NBME Exams) Wireless Connectivity Warranty Virus Protection Software
Intel Core i5 Processor (AMD A6) Windows 10 (recommended Windows 10 Home or Pro) 8 GB 256 GB (recommended 512 GB) 512 MB video memory 13” or larger Integrated or external HD Webcam 720P or higher Integrated microphone or external Office 365 Available from Campus IT Microsoft Edge Chromium / Safari 9 or higher 802.11n (recommended 802.11 AC) 4 years parts and labor Antivirus software such as McAfee, Norton
APPLE
SPECIFICATIONS
Processor Operating System Memory (RAM) Storage Graphics Card Screen Webcam Microphone Microsoft Office Suite Browser (NBME Exams) Wireless Connectivity Warranty Virus Protection Software
Intel Core i5 Processor Mac OS 10.14 Sierra or higher 8 GB (recommended 16GB) 256 GB (recommended 512 GB) 512 MB video memory 13” or larger Integrated or external HD Webcam 720P or higher Integrated microphone or external Office 365 Available from Campus IT Safari 9 or higher / Google Chrome / Mozilla Firefox 802.11n (recommended 802.11 AC) AppleCare 3 years parts and labor Antivirus software such as McAfee, Norton
An iPad or a tablet is not an acceptable substitute for a computer.
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What to Bring
WHAT TO BRING
Suggested Packing Checklist Don’t you hate feeling like you forgot something but you just can’t remember what it was or where you left it? Here’s a comprehensive list of items you should be sure to bring.
Carry-On Items o Passport Current and with a minimum sixmonth validity
o AUA immigration letter o AUA acceptance letter o AUA housing assignment letter with housing address o VISA Please see requirements in the Before You Arrive section.
o Driver’s license
o Debit/credit cards (with a travel notice)
o Headphones
o Health care provider card o Cash In case you can’t immediately access an ATM or use a credit card.
o Personal medications o Prescription/reading eyeglasses o Contact lens solution and case o Cell phone and charger o Medical stethoscope Littman 2 or similar model
o Blood pressure cuff Manual
o Reflex hammer Babinski type or similar
School Supplies
o Pen torch
All school supplies are available for purchase on campus, but feel free to pack extras in your luggage if you have room.
o Eye charts
Keeler medical pen torch or similar
o Tuning forks 128 Hz and 512 Hz
o Wristwatch with seconds Digital or analog, for taking pulse
o First aid textbook and recommend organ systems, and clinical science o Basic School supplies
o Windows laptop/Apple MacBook and/or tablet o Surge protector strip with 5–7 outlets
Technology
o Router
Please be sure to review requirements in the Books & Laptops section.
o Extra chargers for all electronics
o Spare batteries o External hard drive o String lights/ small lamps / extra lights o VPN subscription AUA New Student Guide 2019 | 10
What to Wear SEMESTER 1 Basic Life Support ■ Scrubs (top and bottom, solid colors) ■ Proper footwear (closed toe and heel) Foundations of Medicine ■ No sandals ■ A clean, white laboratory coat (short thigh length) ■ Professional dress: ▪ Males: Shirt, slacks, and conventional shoes or loafers. A tie may be appropriate for official functions. ▪ Females: The options are more varied but should be regarded as conservative. Human Structure & Function Anatomy Lab Small Group ■ Scrubs (top and bottom, solid colors) ■ Proper footwear (closed toe and heel) Small-Group Teaching ■ Professional dress (see below): ▪ Males: A shirt, slacks, conventional shoes or loafers, and clean, white laboratory coat (short). A tie may be appropriate for official functions. ▪ Females: The options are more varied but should be regarded as conservative. A clean, white laboratory coat (short) is required.
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Clothing • All students will find it necessary to dress professionally an average of 2-3 times per week. • Wearing camouflage clothing is considered a misrepresentation of the military and is therefore not permitted by law in Antigua and Barbuda. Do not wear any attire with such pattern during your time on the island. o 3-5 sets of professional clothes
o Scrubs
Dress shirt, dress pants, and tie for men; dress, professional skirt, or dress pants and blouse for women
2 sets; any solid colors; no logos o Classroom clothes; hoodie/jacket/sweater Sure, you're on a tropical island, but our classrooms are sometimes chilly!
o 1 pair of dress shoes
What to Bring
Females: can be flats or low-heeled
o Sandals
o 1 pair of closed-toe and closed-heel shoes for labs Can be tennis shoes
o Swimwear, gym shoes and clothes o Extra dresspants Hard to replace here if something happens
o White Coat Short: length to hip
Health Care/Hygiene Most of these items are available on the island or you can pack them in your luggage if you have room. o Prescription medication and extra prescriptions if necessary
o Body wash/bars of soap o Shower slippers
o Hand sanitizer, disposable face mask
o Sunglasses
o Supplements / vitamins
o Sunscreen
o Feminine products
o First-aid kit
o Bug spray
o Hydroflask for water
o Thermometer
o Lubricating eye drops
o Mosquito / bug net
o Toothbrushes & toothpaste
o Extra contact lenses
o Protein powder
o Extra contact lens solution
o Vitamins
o Over-the-counter medications
o Razors(electric or extra blade for manuel) o Nail clippers/scissors
o Extra eyeglasses, prescription/reading
o Shampoo/conditioner
o Hair/skin care products As much as possible
12 | APP PORTAL: app.auamed.org
For those on special diets
Miscellaneous Items All listed items are available for purchase on island. Bedding is not supplied when you move into your housing unit. You may want to bring your essentials with you or buy them on the island. o Pillow In a vacuum-sealed bag
o Bedsheets, pillowcases, blankets, comforter In a vacuum-sealed bag
o Towels and washcloths o Kitchen towels o Shower curtain o Reusable water bottles o Water pitcher and filters o Eyeglass repair kit o Small lightweight umbrella o Flashlight o Command strips/hooks o Portable luggage scale o Small lightweight umbrella o Hats o Aloe vera o SPF
o Portable fan or USB fan
freshener(s) for the room
o Backpack
o Tide pods, Oxyclean pods
o Noise canceling ear plugs
o Beach bag
o Extra blanket for library
o Reusable shopping bags
o Sunglasses, hats, lanyard
o Wall clock, alarm
for ID card/keychain o Office chair cushion for studying at home o Crockpot slow cooker or instant pot
clock, wall calendar o Plug in night light o Lunchbag o Extension cord o Portable charger
o Shower caddy / hook
o Reusable straws/utensils
o Small blende
o Desk lamp, extra
o Coffee mug/flask, coffee o Small plastic tape measure o Seat cushion o Exercise equipment for stretching after
pens, highlighters, post its
o A running vest/belt for walking off campus at night o Plastic food storage containers
long hours of sitting
o 1 or 2 Glade solid
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Campus Life
CAMPUS LIFE
14 | APP PORTAL: app.auamed.org
Ways to Get Involved You are about to work insanely hard, but there’s way more going on at AUA than reading medical texts and taking copious notes. Get to know your classmates. Get to know the community. AUA student organizations are a great way to pursue your academic and personal interests, stay fit, and help others. JOIN ONE OR MORE OF THESE GROUPS: ■ African Diaspora Medical Association
■ Oncology Interest Group (OIG)
■ American Medical Student Association (AMSA) ■ AUA Ambassadors
■ Ophthalmology Club
■ AUA Asthma League ■ AUA Meditation Group
■ Pediatrics Club ■ Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity (PHIDE) ■ The Pulse
■ Catholic Medical Student Association (CMSA) ■ Christian Orthodox Student Association (COSA) ■ Cricket Club
■ Radiology Interest Group (RIG)
■ Doctors for Christ (DFC)
Community Outreach Programs
■ Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)
■ Antiguan Medical Clinic Initiative
■ Emergency Response Team (ERT)
■ Breast Friends Initiative
■ Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG)
■ Care Project
■ Fit Club
■ Diabetes Foot Care Initiative
■ AUA Football Club
■ Glaucoma & Eye Health Initiative
■ Global Medical Brigades (GMB)
■ International Stillbirth Alliance Convention
■ Hispanic Medical Students Association (HMSA) ■ HIV Community Outreach
■ Learning Disabilities Initiative
■ Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG) ■ Medical Humanities Club (MHC) ■ Muslim Student Association (MSA) ■ OB/GYN Interest Group (OBGIG)
■ Sports Medicine Physician Interest Group (SMPIG) ■ Student Government Association (SGA)
■ Pediatric Health Fair ■ Primary School Health Initiative ■ Radio Range Community Health Fair ■ Sickle Cell Anemia Initiative ■ Wellness Connection Project
Descriptions of these groups can be found on our website at auamed.org/student-life/ campus-life/student-organizations AUA New Student Guide | 15
Living in Antigua
LIVING IN ANTIGUA
16 | APP PORTAL: app.auamed.org
Housing All new Pre-Clinical Sciences I students are required to reside in universityselected housing facilities when they begin their studies in Antigua, unless given explicit permission to live elsewhere by the university. Housing selections are handled on a first-deposited, first-served basis contingent upon receipt of a $750 place-holder deposit and a completed Housing & Transportation Form. Now that we’ve gotten all that out of the way, please know that it’s incredibly important to us that you feel Antigua is home as you complete Basic Sciences and even when you come back to visit as an MD someday. That’s why we’ve personally chosen housing units that represent a full range of options, from a limited number of single-bedroom studios to twoand three-bedroom suites with a fully equipped kitchen, furnished living room, and dining area. They are divided into three groups, depending on amenities provided. AUA defines single rooms as bedrooms occupied by one person. Double rooms are bedrooms occupied by two persons. All AUA-selected housing comes with complimentary weekly housekeeping services. All students residing in AUA-selected housing need to bring or locally purchase their own linens, including pillows and towels. Most beds are queen size. Some are single and full size. Please confirm this when you receive your housing assignment. You may also choose to purchase personal property insurance from your preferred insurance provider. View our complete housing guide at auamed.org/student-life/housing AUA New Student Guide | 17
Internet, Cable, Cellular, & Electronics Townhouse Mega Store
CTV Entertainment Systems
Electronics
Cable Services
All Saints & American Road St. John’s (268) 481-3200
Corner High Street & Corn Alley P.O. Box 1536 St. John’s (268) 462-4224 customerserv-ice@ctv.ag
Living in Antigua
RadioShack ACT - Antigua Computer Technology
Flow
Computers, Internet, and Electronics
Cable Services and Internet
Market Street & Church St. St. John’s (268) 480-2351 actantigua.com
Corner of Market & Nevis Streets St. John’s (268) 562-1280 discoverflow.co
Courts Antigua & Barbuda
Digicel
Furniture, Appliances, Computers, Electronics
Cellular Services
Vivian Richards St. St. John’s (268) 484-1640 shopcourts.com
All Saints & American Road St. John’s (268) 736-1000 digicelantiguaandbarbuda.com
Karib Cable
Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA)
Cable Services
Long Street Box W1624 St. John’s (268) 481-1280
Fiber Internet
Corner of High St and Independence Ave St. John’s 611 http://www.apuainet.ag/
Transportation Don’t worry—we’ve made getting to campus and returning to your housing unit easy. We provide buses to transport students from housing to campus and back, and from campus to St. John’s Medical Centre and local clinics and back. This service is available at a cost of USD $450 per semester. Ten-trip passes are also available for $20 USD. Transportation is nonrefundable and cannot be prorated or transferred. Students may not trade or sell full semester transportation passes among themselves.
18 | APP PORTAL: app.auamed.org
Temporary Driver’s License You can purchase a temporary license from the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board (ABTB) located at Herbert’s Road, Potters Village, Antigua. For more information call the ABTB at (268) 460-8300. You may also purchase a temporary driver’s license from the Car Rental Agency or Coolidge Police Station (268-4623185) at a cost of $50 ECD. You will need to present a valid passport along with a valid driver’s license from your home country. The temporary license is valid for three months only. You must get a new temporary license every three months or get a permanent license.
Permanent Driver’s License To apply for a permanent license, present your passport and a valid driver’s license at the ABTB, located at Herbert’s Road, Potters Village, Antigua. Your passport must have a stamp in it stating that you are an AUA student. You will need to pay $85 ECD for the license, and $365 ECD for the application and processing fees ($450 ECD total).
Emergency Resources Hey, anything can happen. It probably won’t, but keep these numbers handy just in case. Police, Fire, and Ambulance
911 or 999
Campus Police
(268) 764-7358
Hospital
(268) 484-2700
Emergency Room
(268) 484-2754
AUA Health Clinic
(268) 484-8900 ext. 1562
AUA Emergency Phone
(268) 764-0164
National Office of Disaster Service
(268) 562-1551 (268) 462-4206
Residential Services
(268)-764-0417 AUA New Student Guide | 19
Finance
FINANCE 20 | APP PORTAL: app.auamed.org
Money and Banking Popular Banks in Antigua
Students should arrive on the island with enough funding to cover living and personal expenses. These include food, cabs, and other costs. We recommend a budget of about US $2,000-$5,000 per student, per semester. You will need to bring money with you to cover your expenses before your financial aid arrives.
FirstCaribbean Int’l Old Parham Rd Cassada Gardens (268) 480-5000 cibcfcib.com
The safest way to deposit money into a bank account is with traveler’s checks, debit, or credit cards. A debit card that functions as a Visa or MasterCard is an excellent way to transfer money from an account in the US to your account in Antigua. It’s a good idea to set up a joint bank account that family members back home can contribute to and you can access with a debit card while you’re at AUA.
Royal Bank of Canada High Street St. John’s (268) 480-1150 rbcroyalbank.com Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank 1000 Airport Blvd. Coolidge, P.O. Box 315 St. John’s (268) 480-5300 ecabank.com
Wiring money takes a few days to clear and the fees are usually high. Personal checks can be deposited into your account but will not be available until the checks have cleared. This takes about three weeks. Students must present a passport and a matriculation letter from the registrar in order to open a bank account: registrar@auamed.org.
Exchange Rate as of February 2018 USD $1 =
ECD $2.70
ECD $1=
USD $0.37
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Student Financial Services & Bursar AUA is committed to making med school a rewarding and affordable experience for you.
US FEDERAL LOANS AUA College of Medicine is approved to participate in the US Federal Direct Loan Program. For more information, please contact a Student Financial Services representative at 877-666-9485 or StudentFinancialServices@auamed.org. Eligible students may receive financial aid up to the total cost of attendance.
CANADIAN FEDERAL LOANS AUA is approved by the Canadian Ministry of Education, allowing eligible students to receive Canadian federal loans, provincial loans, and federal grants. AUA can be found on the international Master Designation List (MDL) at j.mp/canadaloan. Our four-digit institutional code is: ZUCL The Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) offers loans, grants, and repayment assistance to full-time and part-time students seeking postsecondary education.
Finance
For more information on the Canadian Loan Program, please visit auamed.org/tuitionand-financial-aid.
HOW TO MAKE PAYMENTS Students who will NOT be applying for a student loan can settle their tuition, fees, rent, and other charges by using one of the following acceptable methods of payment: Students choosing to pay in full can use one of the payment methods below:
Wire Transfer Instructions: Beneficiary: American University of Antigua Bank: Citibank NY, New York, NY 10001 Beneficiary Account No.: 9941998184 Beneficiary ABA No.: 021000089 Beneficiary Swift Code: CITIUS33 For wires originating outside US Make sure your full name and student ID are included in the memo of the wire
Certified check or bank draft MADE PAYABLE TO AUA and mailed to: Manipal Education Americas, LLC 40 Wall Street, 10th Floor New York, NY 10005 Attention: Bursar Make sure to include your full name and student ID in the memo area on the check
ACH/Electronic Check OR International Funds Transfer (IFT – Foreign Students only) via CashNet: Go to CashNet link: https://commerce.cashnet.com/manipalpay Login Username: AUA Student ID Login Password: Last name (First letter UPPER case) + last four digits of student ID Example: John Smith ID 123456, password=Smith3456 For IFT, click on Pay in the Payment Center Box, then click on Checkout, choose "Foreign Currency" and follow the prompts.
TUITION PAYMENT PLANS: ■ Tuition Payment Plan participation is by request only. Email pmtplan@auamed.org and include student name and ID. ■ Past due balances must be paid in full before requests for new Tuition Payment Plans will be considered for approval. ■ Approvals are based on payment history, i.e., no late, rejected, or shorted payments and no previously cancelled payment plans. ■ First installments on new Tuition Payment Plans must be received on or before due dates published prior to each new term.
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HEALTH Health Clinic
Health
Health and Insurance All AUA students are required to have health insurance while actively enrolled. AUA provides students with a limited benefit injury and sickness plan administered by Cigna Health Insurance. Semi-annual premiums are $1100. Students are not required to purchase AUA UHC health insurance and may choose to opt out. Email insurance@auamed.org for more information or if you have any questions about coverage.
AUA has an on-campus clinic available to students. The clinic demonstrates the institution’s commitment to the welfare of the AUA community by providing convenient access to quality medical care. Available services include: ■ Routine medical care and screenings ■ Vaccinations ■ Electrocardiograms ■ Blood tests ■ Counseling services
Counseling Center 24 | APP PORTAL: app.auamed.org
AUA has dedicated couseling headed by Dr. Sonya Ford.
center
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AROUND THE ISLAND Everything You Need—Where to Go and What to Do in St. John’s and Around Antigua
Around the island
Great News! Antigua is a tropical island, not a deserted one. Not only will you find the vast majority of conveniences you enjoy at home, you’ll also find plenty of fun activities to keep you entertained on those rare moments when you’re not busy with your studies. They include sampling Antiguan cuisine at some of the many local restaurants, taking in unforgettable vistas, and having experiences that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Things to Do ■ Visit the best beaches: Green Island, Turners Beach, Jabberwock Beach ■ Go scuba diving & snorkeling at Jolly Harbour, Jolly Dive Center, Deep Bay, or Galleon Bay ■ Go sailing or take a boat tour with Wadadli Cats in English Harbour ■ Play soccer, cricket, tennis, basketball, or volleyball on campus ■ Hear a local steel band in Shirley Heights ■ Rent your dream mega-yacht in English Harbour ■ Visit a historical site: Nelson Dockyard
Good Eats OUR FAVORITES: ■ Breakfast: Garden Grill, Trade Winds ■ Pizza: La Bussola ■ Veggie Burger: Paro* ■ Sandwich: Subway* ■ Vegetarian Restaurant: Mama Lolly’s* ■ Burger, Salad, and Gelato: The Larder ■ Local Fish: Beachlimerz, Papa Zouk ■ Place for Parents to Pay: Cecilia’s, Le Bistro ■ Italian: La Bussola ■ Bar: You’ll figure that one out ■ Place to Get Fast Food at 2am (falafel anytime): Casanova ■ Coffee: Olive Branch* ■ Ice Cream: Fred’s Belgian Waffles and Ice Cream *Conveniently located on AUA campus
TOP-RATED PLACES TO EAT BY TRIP ADVISOR Catherine’s Café Plage: French cuisine Sheer Rocks: Caribbean/seafood Cecilia’s High Point Café: Eclectic bistro Le Bistro: French/continental cuisine Cloggy’s: Caribbean seafood C&C Wine Bar: Wine bar
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Welcoming Visitors Whether your parents, siblings, or friends are planning to visit you in Antigua, they’ll be able to find good accommodations, whatever their budget: ■ Carlisle Bay $$$$ ■ Jumby Bay $$$$ ■ Cocobay Resort $$$ ■ Pineapple Beach Club* $$$ ■ St James’s Club & Villas* $$$ ■ The Verandah Resort & Spa* $$$
■ Buccaneer Beach Club $$ ■ Trade Winds $$ ■ Halcyon Cove $ ■ Jolly Beach Resort & Spa* $ ■ Siboney Beach Club $
*Special rates are available to AUA students and their families at these hotels. Please note: although these discounted rates are available, AUA does not have a business relationship with Elite Island Resorts and cannot guarantee rates.
FOR RESERVATIONS AND RATE INFORMATION:
Around the island
■ (954) 333-8570 if calling from the US or (268) 460-8924 if calling from Antigua ■ corp-res@sjcantigua.com or corp-comments@sjcantigua.com
Taxi/Airport VC Bird International Airport is less than 40 minutes from any point on the island. ■ Barry Taxi and Tours: 268-724-9119 ■ Roger Taxi Tours: 268-764-6331
Car Rental Services ■ Avis: (268) 462-2840 ■ Hertz: (268) 481-4440 ■ Budget: (268)-561-6399 ■ Oakland Rent-a-Car & Taxi Services: (268) 462-3021; oaklandrental@hotmail.com
Supermarkets Epicurean Fine Foods & Pharmacy Epicurean Drive & Friar’s Hill Road St. John’s (268) 484-5400 First Choice Foods Anchorage Road St. John’s (268) 463-3663
Food/Grocery Delivery • • • • • • •
Chase Distributors – roomservice268@gmail.com Telephone & Whats app (268) 726-1114 or 7861114 Contact - Jamahl Chase Cospro – (268) 781-5403 Whats App ONLY Office: (268) 562-9090 AllMart – Local Marketplace App in Play Store PayMeal/Packed - download app, uses US cc and delivers from Epicurean Goddard Catering Group - is available for meal deliveries and pickup. To order, WhatsApp or call: 4648951 /email: colin.gordon@gcggroup.com. Brydens - place orders online, they deliver https://brydensantiguahomechef.com QuikServe - app for delivery from many local restaurants,https://www.quik-serve.com AUA New Student Guide | 29
A WORD BEFORE YOU GO
All of this may seem like a lot to digest, but we’re dedicated to making your transition to med school life as smooth as possible. On the AUA campus and throughout the AUA community you’ll find a warm support system of people who have been in your shoes and others who are in your shoes, all of them eager to lend you a hand if you feel a little lost at first. That feeling is entirely normal. AUA is here to help you achieve your dream of practicing medicine.
WE ARE HONORED TO CALL YOU AN AUA STUDENT AND WISH YOU THE BEST IN YOUR STUDIES!
WELCOME TO ANTIGUA! 30 | APP PORTAL: app.auamed.org
WELCOME TO AUA!
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