Other than my Freshmen Acad Survival Guide that you may read here, I made this separate blog post about things like how to commute to PLM, where (and what) to eat, what to purchase, and other frequently asked questions.
NOTE: You may send additional questions in my ask box! Don’t be shy!
The Pamantasan is located in Intramuros, Manila aka The Walled CIty. If you are coming from Malate or Ermita area, the best way is to take a PIER 15 jeep, as these jeepneys are the only ones that would pass by the round table. If you are a little late and there are no Pier 15 jeepneys around, you may ride any jeep to Luneta. From there, it would take you around 5 min to PLM.
If you are from the north, ride any Mabini jeep. The same goes for those who take off at Lawton and Manila City Hall. They all pass by the curve known as ‘round table’.
Check this blog post for more detailed instructions.
Where to rent a condo/dorm?
There are dormitories inside Intramuros and some are relatively cheap compared to those in Malate or Ermita area. Here are some links you may find useful:
Dormitories inside Intramuros
Dormitories and Condo/Apartment units in Ermita and Malate area
Most people I know live here:
Cityland at Bocobo St. (Two buildings at Bocobo St.)
Grand Adriatico Residences
If you have time to roam around Manila, you will find lots of options for places to rent. I think it’s better that see them yourself so you would know if you would be comfty living (and studying) there.
Do we need to wear uniform on the first day of class?
No, it is not required, but you may do so if you want. The College gives a 2 month time allowance for students to get their uniform tailored. Some of us get excited but I think of this time as the only time I get to wear casual clothes to med school. So everyday becomes an #OOTD day. Haha! We also had fun one time in class so we had a theme for each day, i.e. Monday: Animal prints, Tuesday: formal wear, Wednesday: Pink (mean girls!), and so on. :) Just remember to follow the dress code.
The cafeteria at PLM is currently under renovation but no worries because there are a lot of choices for you outside the Pamantasan. You may eat at Manila Bulletin, Faustina’s, Yvan Navy, the good old 7-eleven, Ministop or Family Mart, and several other ihaw-ihaw kainan around Intramuros. If you have a longer break you may go to SM Manila or Robinsons Ermita. You may also bring baon and eat at the Student’s Lounge at the college.
I believe that books are meant to be read at home, so you may not bring them to school anymore unless you are strong enough to carry them. So for everyday, regular class, you need a pen (blue or black ink) and a pencil, a notebook or a notepad at least for notes, printed transes (for reference), atlas (for anatomy), tablet is optional (more convenient for carrying ebooks and transes), yellow pad (precut 1/4 sheets are helpful!), highlighters. Do not forget your IDs/registration forms!
“I have no friends in my batch. What do I do?”
Make new ones! I had no friends in our batch too before med school started. I knew some upperclassmen because my ex back then was a second year student. But for our batch, I started from zero friends. It is pretty exciting getting to know new people again. Be kind and make new friends for your batchmates (and classmates, most especially) would be your companion in this endeavor. The load becomes so much easier if you carry it with other people. :)
“Should I join organizations/frat/soro?”
For this, please remember: Be responsible for you choices.
You are a med student first, do not forget that.
If you must join an organization, be sure that you are joining because you believe in their ideals, their principles, and you have something to contribute. PLEASE DO NOT JOIN out of ‘utang na loob because they helped me get in PLM’ or because they promised you better grades or they have special notes. These are forms of cheating, if you think about it. There are no special notes. There is no key to better grades but hard work and perseverance. There is no secret shortcut formula to med school. The transes, samplexes, and other notes were all made by upperclassmen and are the results of the effort of the whole batch so I don’t think they should be restricted by organizations. I, for one, am willing to give you these notes. Your ates and kuyas are willing to help you.
On other note, joining organizations may help you destress and let some steam out when the going gets tough. Orgs give you the chance to meet new people and share ideas with them while having fun at the same time.
You may also join sports such as basket ball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, football, and many others and represent PLM CM in sports fests. Or if you have dancing and singing skills, you may join the college dance corps and chorale, the Medthrob and Heralds, respectively.
But then again, do not lose your focus.
“Should I be worried that my premed course is not med-school related?”
Everyone is welcome in med school (as long as you took the required number of units per subject hehe) so you shouldn’t be worried that your premed is not Nursing or Public Health or Med Tech. You were accepted in the college so that means you have a potential to become a great doctor. It really depends on how you will handle things. I know someone who was really nervous because her premed was not a science course but through hard work she was able to pass and even get good grades.
Again, be responsible for your choices! Haha. As long as you maintain a healthy relationship and it doesn’t ruin your grades, go lang! :)
What are your study habits?
In med school we have one motto: do not sleep until you know much. Never, ever go to bed without reading at least a page of a trans or a book. If you are really tired, try to wake up at least 30 mins earlier so you have time to browse your notes. If you are tamad in college (like me) it has to change. From now on until the rest of your life, you will read and study.
I sometimes (EMPHASIS ON SOMETIMES HAHA) read in advance (about a week) before the exams. This helps me review better so that when the exam dates are near all I have to do is recall.
I do reverse study, too. Wtf is that? Here is an illustration. For example, the schedule goes like this: Monday - Exam 1, Tuesday - Exam 2, ...... Friday - Exam 5. A week before, I would study for Subject 5 first, followed by subject 4, 3, 2, and 1. So that when the weekend comes, I would be studying for the subjects I would be taking the exam the next day. Better recalls.
I also time myself when I read. For example, I would read for 25 mins straight, then I would rest for 5 mins. If after 2 hours I was able to do this, I would take a 30 min break and do whatever I want. It’s like positive conditioning yourself.
Whenever I feel sleepy, I study outside and buy expensive coffee so I will feel guilty and be forced to study (hahaha, I know). Works for me!
But then again, study habits will depend on you. You have been through college and by now you should have known what works for you. You may also study in groups, but be sure to do this after all of you have read at least once. If not, you’ll end up in daldalan lang (drawn from experience).
That’s it! I hope I helped you guys. Keep the questions coming! My askbox/email is open! :)
