RUSM New Student Welcome Guide

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RUSM New Student Welcome Guide

New Student Welcome Guide—Barbados 1

Welcome

Welcome to the island of Barbados and your new home!

We are excited to help welcome you to the island and to Ross University School of Medicine! Your Peer Mentors and Campus Life team are here to help you settle in and acclimate to life on the island of Barbados and navigate the start of your journey to medicine. This guide will help you get accustomed to the Villages at Coverley and the island, and set yourself up for a successful and smooth Orientation Week. We hope you take advantage of the events and activities to learn about Barbados life and culture, settle into your new living space, and meet your colleagues and mentors. If you need any help or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Peer Mentor or Campus Life staff member, we’re here to help you!

Office of Campus Life

New Student Welcome Guide—Barbados 1
Packing List & What to Bring .......................................... 3 Arrival at the Airport 4 RUSM Housing Arrival ..................................................... 4 Your First Night at Coverley..................................... 5 Your First Full Day at Coverley ................................ 5 Getting Your Student ID 5 Shuttle Schedule....................................................... 5 General Tips for Island Life ..................................... 6 Mail & Shipping ................................................................. 6 Cost of Living .................................................................... 7 Shopping in Barbados...................................................... 8 Grocery Shopping..................................................... 8 Farmers Markets & Produce ................................... 8 Home Goods ............................................................. 9 Hair Salons/Spas 9 Pharmacies & Health Stores.................................. 10 Delivery Services ............................................................ 10 Phones, Communication, and Sim Cards .................... 10 Currency & Money in Barbados .................................... 11 Transportation on Island 11 Pets on Barbados ........................................................... 12 Children and Schools in Barbados ............................... 12 Healthcare ....................................................................... 13 Aetna Student Health Insurance 13 Staying Safe on Island ................................................... 14 Villages at Coverley ........................................................ 15 Maps ................................................................... 16–17 Things to do in Barbados 18 White Coat Services ....................................................... 18 Important Contacts ......................................................... 19
Table of Contents

BARBADOS PACKING LIST

Must Haves

 Queen/Double XL size bedding

 Pillow

 Laptop/iPad

 Extra chargers

 Towels

 Bath mat

 School supplies

 Green and blue scrubs

 Professional attire

 Medications (1 semester supply)

 Reusable water bottle

 Noise-cancelling head phones

 Command hooks & strips

 Over-the-door shoe organizer

 Toiletries (1 semester supply)

 Jacket or sweater for campus

 Umbrella

 Combination lock for locker

 Laundry bag/hamper

 Expo markers

Good to Have

 Memory foam pillow

 Rain jacket

 Collapsible storage cubes

 Favorite school supplies (pens, post-its, notebooks, etc.)

 Over-the-door hooks

 Shower caddy/rack

 Personal hygiene products

 Small coffee maker

 Small blender

 Favorite coffee/tea

 Favorite non-perishable food/snacks

 Water filter jug (Brita)

 Curtains

 Extra hangers

 Casual clothing/workout clothes

 Sneakers

 Favorite cooking spices

 Reusable shopping bags

 Small first aid kit

If You Have Room

 Extra snacks!

 Clothes iron/steamer

 Yoga mat

 Pictures/personal items from home

 Throw Pillows

 Posters/wall decor

 Small desk fan

 Favorite protein powder

 Extra cash

 Portable speaker

 Swimsuit/beach towel

 Allergy medication

 Mattress topper

 Sunscreen and insect repellent

 Flashlight/batteries

 Surge protectors

 Favorite coffee/tea

 Waterproof bag/backpack cover

 Specialty kitchen supplies

Packing Lists

Advice from Peer Mentors

• Pack your favorite snacks, foods, and spices from home.

• You don’t need that many clothes! Most students are very casual. Bring 1-2 professional outfits for clinical skills activities and your White Coat Ceremony. Everything else should be comfortable.

• Bring a hoodie or jacket—it gets cold on campus!

• If you have certain brands you prefer to use, bring those with you. They may be hard to find here.

• Pack a bed tent if you prefer to sleep with one. They are hard to find on island.

• Pack prescription medications in your carry-on.

• Sunscreen, contact solution, over-the-counter medications, insect repellent, hair care, and skin care items are expensive here. It’s good to bring a semester’s worth with you.

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Arrival at the Airport

Airport Code: BGI

Airport Website: https://www.gaia.bb/

IMMIGRATION FORM

You can complete your arrival form online before your departure or once your flight lands at one of the kiosks before you see the Immigration Officers.

LUGGAGE & PORTER SERVICES

Once you clear Immigration, you’ll go to Baggage Claim. Here, you will see workers called “Red Caps” who can help you with your luggage if you’d like. You will need cash (either USD or BDS) to pay them, they are not free!

TRANSPORTATION TO HOUSING

Once you have your bags, you will go through Customs and exit the airport. As a new student, you will look for our RUSM Representatives who will guide you to the RUSM Shuttles to Coverley. Transportation is provided for new students living in RUSM Housing from the airport. Transportation to and from the airport after your first semester arrival should utilize local taxis.

For those living off campus, or returning students, you can request a Taxi from the airport Taxi Rank as you exit customs. We recommend having cash for taxis, as most do not accept cards. We do not have Uber/Lyft available on the island.

RUSM Housing Arrival

• RUSM Shuttles will bring you to your housing assignment along with your luggage. A Peer Mentor or member of the Housing Team will meet you to help you get inside your new home and settle in. A welcome bag will be provided.

• You will receive two keys: Your front door key and your bedroom key. If you lock yourself out at any time, contact Security (Whatsapp: 246-627-8011).

• The red switch in the living room is for your hot water heater. Typically, the solar panel on your roof will heat your water, but if it has been rainy or cloudy, flip the switch on to warm up the water. Keep this switch off normally, as it adds to your electric bill.

• The red switch by your stove will turn your stove/oven on

• The WiFi router in the living room will have the network and password (WPA Key)

• If you need to submit any maintenance requests: StarRez Housing Portal or email Housing@rossu.edu

• You may feel lonely the first couple of days if your roommates are upper semester students who are away for the semester break. They should be arriving the weekend before classes begin.

New Student Welcome Guide—Barbados 4

Your First Night in Coverley

ADVICE FROM PEER MENTORS

• Make sure your room is clean and your bed is made—anything else you can do the next day. You’ll be here for a while, so take the first night easy and just make sure you’re comfortable—no need to do everything tonight!

• Set up your bed and worry about the rest later. Try focusing on getting a good night’s sleep and making your bed comfortable.

• The first night can be jarring. It’s a completely new place and you’ll feel out of your comfort zone—that’s ok! Take a deep breath and know you have a ton of support around you!

• Don’t be afraid to ask some upper-semester students where things are, what their favorite spots are, etc. It’s a lot harder to figure everything out for yourself, so why not start interacting with your new peers early.

• Walk around with roommates or a buddy or friend you meet on the plane or bus ride over.

• Best way is to walk to the square. When you take the bus to campus, keep an eye out for the neighborhood names so you can see where all the neighborhoods are.

Your First Full Day

ADVICE FROM PEER MENTORS

• Unpack and clean your room, organize everything! It’ll get things started, clean room=clear mind!

• Go to Massy to get all your essentials if you have time, unpack your suitcase as soon as you can, make it comfy and to your liking

• Hit up the mall for things you need in the house or head to Copacabana and enjoy the beach!

• Take some time to unpack and settle in. Take your day slow—see if you can grab your roommates, friends, people you just met, or anyone really and go to the Square for lunch. Just sit, talk, eat, and enjoy the island breeze. Taking some time to settle and getting acclimated to island life can be a great way to start your experience here!

• Attend the Welcome Week trips and tours. Keep a look out for Ross emails. Always lots of activities to be part of during the semester.

Getting Your RUSM Student ID

RUSM Student ID: Be sure to submit your ID photo prior to coming to Barbados:

1. Take a head shot meeting the Student ID Photo Requirements

2. Rename the JPEG photo as student ID without @ symbol—Example: 00291234.jpg

3. Email the photo as a JPEG attachment to bbrusmIDPhoto@rossu.edu

4. Watch for an email if the photo does not meet specification

5. Please allow up to 2 business days for your ID to be printed, once your photo is confirmed to meet the requirements.

RUSM Shuttles

RUSM Bus Stops & Schedule: The main RUSM Shuttle Stop is next to the sports field and in front of Admin Building 2. There is also a shuttle stop in front of the entrance to Guava. You’ll need your Student ID to access the shuttles. The shuttle schedule is on the RUSM SAFE App.

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General Tips for Island Life

• Moving to an island is stressful! It’s ok to go through the stages of culture shock so give yourself time to settle in and feel comfortable here. Take advantage of the welcome week activities to explore the island and meet new friends.

• The cost of living is higher here than most areas in the U.S. Learn to utilize a budget, meal prep, and manage your money.

• Your air conditioner and clothes dryer pull the most electricity!

• Turn your AC off when you’re not at home. During the cooler months (December–March, keep your windows open and night for the breeze instead of using the AC, if you feel safe to do so and have screens on your windows)

• Hang your clothes on a drying rack instead of using the dryer.

• Leave home before 7:00AM to avoid traffic

• Lock your doors! Barbados is a safe place, but it’s a good practice to keep your doors locked.

• Many shops and stores close early or are closed completely on Sundays, and everything shuts down on bank holidays. Schedule your shopping around this!

• Save money on groceries by buying local products: local lettuce, breadfruit, bananas, pumpkin, butternut squash, okra, sweet potatoes, and other veggies not imported are cheaper than buying imported items.

• Island time is a real thing. Life is at a slower pace here. Practice patience.

• Keep an open mind and a positive attitude. Perspective is key to having a good experience here.

Mail & Shipping

SHIPPING TO COVERLEY ADDRESS:

Example: Your Name

123 Coconut Villa West Villages at Coverley, Christ Church Barbados, W.I. BB17091

SHIPPING OPTIONS:

Direct to Door

• DHL

• FedEx

• https://www.sendmybag.com/

• https://www.bajanpack.com/

• https://cargobgi.com/

• CIF Express

Sending via USPS will result in you going to the local post office to collect your package and pay customs on the contents.

SENDING BARRELS?

• Tropical Shipping

• Laparkan

CUSTOMS BROKERS

Chadd Blackman

Phone: (246) 844-9499

Codgie’s Customs Services

Phone: (246) 844-9499/230-4312

Ron’s Services

Phone: (246) 424-9791/231-2603

Michael Greaves Associates

Phone: (246) 426-2417

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Cost of Living

Typical Grocery Items (shopped from Massy Stores in Villages at Coverley as of February 2023)

New Student Welcome Guide—Barbados 7 Item Price in BDS Price in USD Milk (Pinehill, 1 liter) $6.69 $3.34 Bottled Water (5 liter) $8.39 $4.10 Orange Juice (1 liter) $7.65 $3.82 Loaf of White Bread $4.75 $2.37 White Rice (1750kg) $6.65 $3.32 Dozen Eggs $8.09 $4.04 Local Cheese (cheddar block 1lb) $8.16 $4.08 Shredded Cheese (8oz) $14.19 $7.09 Cheerios Cereal (340g) $19.59 $9.79 Coca-Cola (500ml bottle) $2.29 $1.14 Halal Half Chicken $14.89 $7.44 Chicken Drumsticks (1lb) $9.84 $4.92 Apples (Gala, small) $0.59 $0.29 Bananas (1lb) $1.60 $0.80 Oranges (Florida, 1) $1.05 $0.52 Strawberries (16 oz, imported) $16.99 $8.49 Tomatoes (local, 1kg) $7.99 $3.99 Cucumbers (local, 1kg) $8.29 $4.14 Potatoes (Idaho, 5lb bag) $10.99 $5.49 Lettuce (local) $3.99 $1.99 Onions (1kg) $4.49 $2.24 Spaghetti $2.89 $1.44 Butter (Salted, 227g) $11.55 $5.77 Item Price in BDS Price in USD Canned Diced Tomatoes (400g) $4.09 $2.04 Canned Corn (15oz) $2.99 $1.49 Canned Black Beans (15oz) $4.89 $2.44 Kraft Mac & Cheese $3.89 $1.94 Almond Milk (Blue Diamond, unsweetened, 32oz) $8.99 $4.49 Flour (2kg) $6.35 $3.17 Sugar (1kg) $4.55 $2.27 Bertolli Olive Oil (500ml) $22.79 $11.39 Red Baron Pepperoni Pizza (566g) $25.29 $12.64 Bacon (200g) $12.55 $6.27 Eggo Frozen Waffles (10ct) $12.09 $6.04 Beyond Meat Burger (400g) $19.99 $9.99 Paper Towels (store brand) $3.35 $1.67 White Cloud Bath Tissue Ultra Soft 4pk $6.49 $3.24 Dove Soap Sensitive Skin (2ct bars) $6.89 $3.44 Tide liquid detergent (46oz) $29.99 $14.99 Tide Pods (35ct) $39.99 $19.99 Tresemme Shampoo (28oz) $13.29 $6.64 Colgate Total Toothpaste (4.8oz) $10.55 $5.27

Shopping in Barbados

Grocery Stores Location Information Location

Massy Stores

Coverley, Sky Mall (and several others across the island)

Popular Discounts Supermarket

Kendall Hill, Christ Church

Pricesmart

Warrens, St. Michael

Information

Large chain of grocery stores in Barbados, sell local and international brands. Tip: Look for local brands to save money as well as the UK Waitrose brand which is similar to our store brands in the U.S.

Close to Coverley with shuttles operating some weekends. Large discount supermarket with a kitchen supply store upstairs.

Bulk store similar to Costco/Sam’s Club. Membership required ($40US/year). Great for buying small appliances, cleaning supplies and food in bulk. Does deliver, but cost and wait time vary (and delivery windows are not always accurate)

Cost U Less

Welches, St. Thomas

Bulk store with no membership required. Imported US Produce and great store for vegan/vegetarian products, small appliances, cleaning and laundry supplies, pet food, coffee, and U.S. brand snacks.

Clifton Market

Worthing, Christ Church

Great specialty market for quality meats and seafood, vegetarian/vegan products, local and imported produce, Kosher foods, and international spices and sauces.

Farmer Markets & Produce

Cheapside Market

Brighton Farmers Market

Holder’s Hill Market

Location

Bridgetown

Brighton Plantation, St. George

Holders Hill, St. James

Information

Saturdays, 6:30-10:00AM Great spot for breakfast & souvenir shopping

Sundays, 9:00AM-2:00PM great for veggies, specialty foods, fresh fish, local products, souvenirs.

Pelican Produce Online Produce delivery! Shop online, free delivery with orders of $50BDS or more

New
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Student Welcome Guide—Barbados

Shopping in Barbados (continued)

Home Goods

Location

DoItBest Sheraton Mall

Information

Barbados’ version of Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Bedding, bath supplies, kitchen, organization & storage. Inside Sheraton Mall. Bring your RUSM ID for a student discount!

Carter’s Wildey, St. Michael

Kooyman Kendall Hill, Christ Church

Massy Home Sheraton Mall

Abed’s Sheraton Mall

Kitchen, bathroom, and organization items. You can shop online and they deliver

Similar to Lowe’s/Home Depot but a good selection of storage/organization products, home decor, outdoor/patio items, lamps, and kitchen/bath products

Kitchen, Bath, Fans, Appliances

Curtains, home decor, rugs

Sleep Rite Culloden Rd, St. Michael Mattress toppers

Promotech Sheraton Mall

iShop Sheraton Mall

Hair Salons & Spas

Location

HAIR SALONS

Zena & Co

Bexx Hair

SPAS

Karma Spa

Fresh Nest Spa

Coverley

Sunset Crest, St. James

Computer Chairs, computers, computer accessories

Computer Chairs, computers, computer accessories

Information

Internationally trained stylists

AVEDA Trained stylist (the best on island!)

Sugar Bay Resort & Bougainvillea Beach Resort

Holetown, St. James

Massages, nail care, facials, skin treatments

Massages, nail care, waxing

New Student
Guide—Barbados 9
Welcome

Shopping in Barbados (continued)

Pharmacies & Health Stores

iMart

Nature’s Discount

Body Restoration

Location

Haggatt Hall (near LESC), Sheraton Mall

Sheraton Mall

Holetown, St. James

Delivery Services

RESTAURANT DELIVERY

• Hopscotch Fetch (similar to UberEats)

• Chefette (Barbados’ Fast Food)

• KFC

PURIFIED WATER

Glacial Pure

GROCERY DELIVERY

Information

Vitamins, protein powders, health foods

Health Food, Vitamins/Supplements, Eco-friendly products

• Pricewhirl: Add student membership to cart and purchase. You should receive an email with code for free delivery; code is non transferable. Minimum of $50 per store for free delivery

MEAL DELIVERY

• Tiny Foods

• Green Box Barbados: Vegan

• TreeHouse: Gluten Free

Phones, Communication, and SIM Cards

LOCAL CELL SERVICE

There are two main cell providers on island: Flow and Digicel. Both offer pre and post paid plans if you choose to get a local phone. A basic postpaid monthly plan including data is around $100BDS/month. If you want to have a local phone, make sure your cell phone is unlocked prior to arriving on island.

INTERNATIONAL PLANS

Check with your cellular provider for international phone plans.

COMMUNICATION ON ISLAND

WhatsApp is a great way to communicate locally and with those back home. It’s free and you can message and make calls on WiFi!

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Currency & Money in Barbados

Barbados has its own currency: the Barbados Dollar. It’s tied to the U.S. Dollar and is at a 2 for 1 exchange rate ($2 Barbados=$1 USD). US dollars are widely accepted on island and you do not need to exchange cash once you’re here.

Most stores and restaurants accept credit and debit cards. Visa and Mastercard are typically accepted. Rarely are Discover or American Express accepted here. Check with your bank for ATM fees/foreign exchange fees/international use before coming to the island. We recommend getting a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees (Chase Sapphire Preferred, most airline travel cards).

It’s always wise to have some cash on your person. Taxis, local vendors, and the porters at the airport usually only accept cash. We do not recommend bringing a large amount of cash with you. ATMS only dispense Barbados dollars.

Opening a bank account can be a difficult endeavor, but you can contact any of the local banks for guidance on the process. Most students do not open local bank accounts while here.

Transportation

ZR VANS & LOCAL BUSES

There’s not a convenient bus stop within Coverley for the bus routes, but most of the island is well connected through ZR vans (mini-buses) and the Barbados transit system. Bus fares are $3.50 one way (cash only). ZR Vans are white min-buses that have a maroon stripe down the side and their registration/license plates are ZR. Speaking of license plates, here’s a handy guide as to what the letters refer to on Bajan registration plates. Most of the letters refer to the parish the car is registered in.

TAXIS

Taxis are a popular way to get around in Barbados. There is a taxi rank at Coverley next to the gas station. Confirm your price in Barbados dollars before you get into a taxi. Many students find a taxi driver they like and will contact that driver via Whatsapp to schedule a service. Ask your peer mentor for advice!

RUSM SHUTTLE

The RUSM Shuttles go to and from campus and Coverley 7 days a week. Use the RUSM Safe App to see the daily shuttle schedule. The transportation coordinator will schedule shopping shuttles on the weekends during the semester. There are first come first serve.

RENTAL CARS

Some students choose to rent a car for their time here in Barbados. There are several companies to go through. We recommend ensuring they are licensed and insured. You’ll need to get a local driver’s license. We drive on the left side of the road here and use roundabouts instead of 4-way traffic lights. It can save money to split the cost of a rental car with some friends and share the car!

Rental Car Tips:

• Do your due diligence to find reputable companies.

• Get the full name of the person with whom you are dealing.

• Review your contract to be fully aware of what are your responsibilities, and that of the vendor.

• Ensure you receive a copy of the signed contract.

• Make certain you receive all receipts that are correctly dated and with the correct amount.

• Check with peers to determine their experiences.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the Office of Safety and Security at 1-246-627-8010 or bbsecuritysupervisors@rossu.edu. We appreciate your attention to these details.

New Student Welcome Guide—Barbados 11
A St. Andrew B Bus CD Certified Diplomat E St. Peter G St. George H Hire (rental) L St. Lucy J St. John M St. Michael MP Government/Police O St. Joseph P St. Phillip S St. James T St. Thomas X Christ Church Z Taxi

Pets in Barbados

VET SERVICES

Central Veterinary Clinic

Best and most affordable vet services on island. Full-service vet and manages emergencies

Ministry of Agriculture (import/export permits)

Trinity Animal Clinic

KENNELS

Canine Camp

Woodbourne Kennels

GROOMERS

Cutting Edge Services

Ruff Cuts Barbados

Zen Dog Grooming

FOOD

Most grocery stores carry some U.S. brands of dog food. If you need specialty food, Spartan Animal Kingdom delivers and EquiVet (next to Central Vet) has a nice selection of specialty diet foods for dogs and cats.

Children and Schools in Barbados

Your time here in Barbados can be a great experience for your children if you choose to bring them with you while you’re in Semesters 1-5 on island. There are tons of extracurricular activities for children including sailing, surfing, paddle boarding, tennis, swimming, horseback riding, snorkeling, and more. Finding support on island is easy with the amazing community within the Ross Spouses Organization. We strongly encourage you to connect with them as you are planning to come to island to learn about what life is like for families here.

Most expats enroll their children in private schools or enroll them in online schools to stay on a U.S. or Canadian curriculum. The Barbados curriculum is similar to the UK education system.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Providence School

St. Winifred’s School

St. Luke’s Montessori Academy

Codrington School (International Baccalaureate program)

You can learn more about daycares and the public school system here: https://www.barbadoschildrendirectory.com

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Healthcare in Barbados

Clinics

Location

Information

Coverley Medical Centre Coverley Accepts AETNA student insurance, can help with COMPLIO medical compliance, standard urgent care clinic

Sandy Crest Medical Centre Sunset Crest, St. James Urgent care clinic

Elcourt Medical Clinic Maxwell, Christ Church Urgent care clinic, pharmacy on site

Urgent Care Mobile Mobile clinic, open 24/7

Hospitals

Location

Information

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Bridgetown Public Hospital

Bayview Hospital Bayville, St. Michael Private Hospital

Dental Care

Location

Information

Coverley Dental Coverley Book online: https://coverleydental.com/ book-an-appointment/

Studio Dental Haggatt Hall, St. Michael

South Coast Dental Maxwell, Christ Church

AETNA STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE

Aetna (enroll/waive/print ID): https://www.aetnastudenthealth.com/ Aetna Info: https://www.aetnastudenthealth.com/schools/rusm/pdbs2122.pdf

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Staying Safe on Island

NATURAL DISASTERS

Even though Barbados is located just on the outskirts of the hurricane belt of the Lesser Antilles, it is best to be prepared! Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June to the end of November. It is recommended to visit the following web sites where further information is available on ways to personally prepare, on hurricanes specifically, emergency preparedness and natural disasters in general.

Get prepared at: http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx

The US national hurricane centre at: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?atlc

The U.S. Embassy & Canadian High Commission recommends that you stay prepared during storm season.

Emergency Preparedness “go bags” should include:

• Important documents kept in a dry bag/ziplock bag

• Medication & First Aid Kit

• Bottled Water (1 gallon per person per day)

• Non-perishable food

• Flashlight/lantern/batteries

• Change of clothes

• Pet food/supplies if applicable

SAFETY TIPS

On the Beach/Sightseeing

• Marijuana is illegal, avoid persons who try to offer it or other illicit drugs to you

• Avoid walking or frequenting lonely beaches

• Do not leave cameras, cellular phones and other valuable items unattended

• Adhere to beach signs and follow the advice of lifeguards on duty

• When sightseeing, if you’re seeking help with directions, look for a police officer, a public employee (in uniform) or an official business place

• Avoid deserted/isolated areas. If you feel uneasy, leave the area.

• Do not litter

• Avoid picking flora or disturb wildlife

• Keep a lookout for manchineel trees, they are very poisonous. Standing under one during a rain shower can cause skin blisters as the sap is very acidic. These trees are marked with a red circle.

When at public beaches, avoid holding on to ropes and buoys, as sea lice can cause skin rashes.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS IN BARBADOS

Ambulance: 511

Police: 211

Fire: 311

RUSM Security: Whatsapp: +1 246-627-8011

REGISTERING WITH YOUR EMBASSY

US Embassy: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Canadian High Commission: Registration of Canadians Abroad

Embassies & High Commissions in Barbados

General

• Avoid carrying large sums of cash

• Use Visa or debit cards where possible

• Make copies of original documents

• Save all emergency numbers on your cell phone

• Keep electronics, purses, backpacks, and other valuables hidden from view through home or car windows

• Keep doors locked at all times at your home/apartment

• The wearing of camouflage clothing or the carrying of any article containing the camouflage pattern is illegal in Barbados

• Report any safety or security incidents to Ross Security immediately!

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Villages at Coverley

The Villages at Coverley is home to RUSM Student Housing. You’ll find everything you need here from grocery shopping, the gym, health care, recreation, and the Office of Student Housing, the Office of Campus Life, and the Counseling & Wellness Center. The Villages are monitored by RUSM Security 24/7.

SHOPS & RESTAURANTS IN THE SQUARE

Happy Taco

Miso

Apsara Express

Pita Pizza

Raw Juice

Italia Coffee

Urban Kitchen/RBs/Chutney’s

Chicken Barn

Dragon House Chinese

BBQ House Korea Food

Chillz Delight

SERVICES:

Club Fitness: Gym membership included in your RUSM rent.

Massy Grocery Store (Pharmacy located inside the store)

Rubis Gas Station

ATM: CIBC First Caribbean

Zena & Co Hair Salon

Diana Loleta—The spa

Chateau La Chic (salon in Mango Village)

Executive Club Barbershop

Coverley Medical Centre

Coverley Dental Clinic

Coverley Diagnostic Radiology Services

Go Car Rentals

Pulse Barbados

RECREATION

The Villages at Coverley is home to a sports field, basketball court, road tennis & pickleball courts, a dog park, play areas for children, and space for running and walking within the Village to avoid going on the main roads. The Office of Campus Life and SGA host intramural sports each semester with leagues in soccer, basketball, volleyball, flag football and pickleball. We also have a music space with instruments students can practice/play with the RUSM Band, a running club, twice-weekly yoga classes, and other activities for you to enjoy here at Coverley.

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RUSM MAP OF COVERLEY

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RUSM STUDENT HOUSING

RUSM MAP OF COVERLEY

New Student Welcome Guide—Barbados 17

Things to Do in Barbados

BEACH CLUBS

Copacabana Beach Club: Carlisle Bay, Free chair and umbrella with student ID; $50 BBD includes $40 BBD for food and drink credit

The Boatyard: Carlisle Bay, free chair and umbrella with student ID; entry is $50 BBD as a credit to use at bar

Barbados Cruising Club, Carlisle Bay

Tiki Bar Hastings

Calma Beach Club Holetown

Bath Beach House East Coast, Guided hike, kayak tour, and Bajan lunch buffet

LAND ADVENTURE

Coco Hill Forest Hike

Welchman Hall Gully

Hunte’s Gardens

Flower Forest Botanical Garden

Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park: cave tours & adventure park

Off Road Fury: ATVs

St. Nicholas Abbey

Animal Flower Cave

Archery in the Gap

The Garrison Racetrack: horse racing

Sandy Turf Riding Stables (beach rides, lessons, dressage, and showjumping)

Ape’s Hill Polo Club: Polo Lessons

E-Bike Tours

Sun Tours: Island Tours

Barbados Wildlife Reserve

Island Safari: Off-road island tours

Barbados Cricket Association

SEA ADVENTURE

Paddle Barbados

Barry’s Surf School

Tiami Catamaran Cruises

Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises

West Side Scuba Centre

Dive Barbados Blue

Kitesurfing

Snorkeling Tours

Pier One at Port St. Charles: Restaurant with pool and lounge deck on the sea

PEER MENTORS’ RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS

Cafe Luna: Miami Beach, upstairs from Little Arches Hotel

Worthing Square Food Truck Park: Worthing

Zen Sushi: Crane Hotel

Naru Sushi: Hastings

Artsplash Cafe: Breakfast, coffee, smoothies, Hastings

Cafe Sol: Mexican, St. Lawrence Gap

Tapas: Italian/seafood, Hastings

Rustic Chef: Limegrove Lifestyle Centre

Orange Street Grocer: Speightstown

Sea Shed: Mullins Beach

La Cabane: Batts Rock Beach

Bliss Cafe: St. Lawrence Gap

Blush Cafe: Sugar Bay Resort

The Seafood Shack: Worthing Beach

Champers: Fine Dining, Rockley Beach

6Mix Bar & Grill: Worthing

Fresko: Lanterns Mall

FRIENDS OR FAMILY VISITING? PEER MENTORS’ HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS

• Marriott: The Garrison

• Hilton: Needham’s Point

• Sugar Bay: All-inclusive

• Radisson Aquatica: Carlisle Bay

• Little Arches Boutique Hotel: Miami Beach

• Crane Resort, St. Phillip

WHITE COAT SERVICES (SERVICES ARE NOT VETTED BY RUSM, BUT ARE OPTIONS ON THE ISLAND)

Embroidery

• Cloudbase Embroidery +1 246-228-6744

• Embroidery Stop: https://embroiderystop.net/

Tailoring

• George N. Apparels (Foul Bay) +1 246-256-3849

• Jean Codrington +1 246-261-3621

Dry Cleaning

• SERMAC Dry Cleaning (Oistin’s) +1 246-428-7653

• Replacement White Coats: Office of Campus Life, $20USD/$40 BDS open Monday to Friday, 8:00-4:00 PM at Admin Building 1

New Student Welcome Guide—Barbados 18

Important Contacts & Support Information

Office Email/Phone Location

Housing Housing@rossu.edu

RUSM Security at Coverley

246-627-8011 (can contact via WhatsApp)

IT Help Desk BBRUSMITHelpDesk@rossu.edu

Campus Life

CampusLife@rossu.edu

Wellness & Counseling rusmwellnessandcounseling@ rossu.edu

246-627-7839

Student Care Advisors RUSMSCAteam@rossu.edu

Student Affairs

StudentAffairs@rossu.edu

Immigration Immigration@rossu.edu

Coverley, Admin Building 2

Coverley, Town Square

Coverley, Admin Building 1 & LESC

Coverley, Admin Building 1

Coverley, Admin Building 2

LESC, Student Affairs

LESC, Student Affairs

LESC, Student Affairs

Student ID Photos BBrusmIDphoto@rossu.edu IDs can be collected at the RUSM Security Office in the Coverley Town Square

Learning Communities

Our Learning Communities (LC’s) are designed with student success—leading to residency attainment—as the primary goal. This is achieved in two ways. First, by creating intentional interactions with key faculty, staff, and upper-level students that begins before you arrive on campus. There will be several opportunities for required and elective group and one-on-one meetings with your assigned Faculty Mentor, Student Care Advisor, and Peer Mentor to help you navigate your medical education. Within each LC students are also supported by ATL (learning specialists), Wellness Specialist, and Elected Student Leadership.

New Student Welcome Guide—Barbados 19
New Student Welcome Guide—Barbados 20 © 2023 Ross University School of Medicine. All rights reserved. @rossmedschool

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