**Samuel Merritt ABSN Summer 2011**

[thebread]

So, who applied?

[bubbles313]

hey everyone- hope all is doing well with the matriculation process! i was just randomly on SMURF today and went into class registration. looks like our schedule is up! exciting to know where we're going to be at for the first few months

[nemao]

Hi Everyone!

I'll be starting in the Oakland ASBN program at SMU this May. I can't believe it took me this

long to discover this website! I feel like I've been on a lonely alien planet, but suddenly

found survivors belonging to the same ship!! I love that there's a chance to meet

others in my cohort before the program starts. I've connected with 3 others in our program

and they are really great!! In fact, we're planning on have a potluck one of these days and

would love to extend the invitation to others in the group. All SMU campuses welcome!

Does any know of any threads that are specific to the 2011 Oakland ASBN?

Also, if anyone needs help (or moral support) in the financial aid process please let me

know! I'm not an expert by any means, but I've just gone through the bulk of

the process (with the FAFSA, securing federal aid, and applying for the Wells Fargo

MedCAP loan.) It was so intimidating and confusing at first, but my overwhelming relief at

being done translates into a desire to help anyone else going through the process.

It's great to hear that there are parents of young kids among us. I have a daughter who is 5yrs.

I look forward to meeting you all in May, if not sooner. :)

~Nicki Mao

[bubbles313]

hi nicki congratulations! i also will be attending the oakland cohort and one of our fellow classmates have created a facebook page for us!

Samuel Merritt University - ABSN Oakland - Class of 2012

search the above title!

btw. did anyone notice on the start dates that we received in an email a while back that the san mateo campus and sf campus gets a "welcome event" or the "mandatory lunch and learn" on top of the student orientation? oakland doesn't have anything like that aside from the orientation lol. but anyway. good luck everyone!

[nemao]

thank you, bubbles! i joined the facebook page and i'm trying to guess which one of the 4 members is you. :)

i'll see you soon, on facebook!

[mrbeebs]

FYI for the San Mateo cohort, orientation was two days for us. The first day is admin stuff and badges. The second day was meet & greet. You will meet staff and students from the previous cohort. You will have the opportunity to ask all the questions you want.

[mrbeebs]

For those planning on commuting from the sacramento valley, you may want to seriously think that over. The ABSN program is VERY intense and it will take most of your time. Adding 4+ hours of commute round trip will take more of your time. Consider moving closer like the east bay. It is cheaper than around SF.

[tiss]

I know that am going to be renting a place, but not sure where. Looking for cheaper place to rent from. Any tip?

[bubbles313]

As mr beebs suggested, the eastbay is much cheaper than sf and san Mateo area... Hayward or San leandro are decent places to live and cheaper than the rest of the bay area... The only thing is if u go to San Mateo campus u have to cross the San Mateo bridge which cost $4 or $5 each time (at least u guys get free parking lol) and that bridge gets really traffic during rush hours! From Hayward I say it's a good 30 min away. With traffic it could go up to 45 or an hour on it's worst times... And as someone mentioned in earlier posts, craigslist is the best place to search- jus mk sure they have legit realtor names on the post.. Good luck :)

[mrbeebs]

Moving closer to campus is definitely something you should think about. However, clinicals are another thing. You will be assigned to hospitals in your second month or so and these hospitals can be close or far from your house. My first clinical site was only 10 minutes away but my second one will be about an hour away.

[tiss]

Do they let the students know their clinical site for the entire program?. That would be very helpful when looking for a place to rent

[mrbeebs]

You will be notified of your clinical site anywhere from 2-4 weeks before you actually start. Most of the students in my cohort who don't live around here chose to relocate closer to the campus. Don't find a place based on your clinical site because like I said before, you will be assigned to different hospitals which may or may not be close to your home.

[tiss]

Thanks for the heads up, will found a place near the school.