What to Expect in OT School

After waiting a couple of months to hear back from the schools you have applied to, you should have heard back from most of them. Got accepted? To at least one or more programs? You may have had a tough time deciding whether to accept, decline, or defer... but you finally made your choice. Congratulations!! All your hard work paid off.

Now that you have a little more time to relax and catch your breath, you are now thinking about what life would be like as an OT student. This is a brief survival guide based on my experiences... that could help you succeed when you begin graduate school career.

Reminders:  
- Fees: make sure all fees (i.e., deposit) are paid before you are enrolled
- Financial Aid: make sure all forms are filled out and are submitted on a timely basis
- Health/Immunizations: all health forms should be completed and up-to-date 
- Transcripts: all transcripts should be mailed from your school(s) to your program once you complete your course(s)

Before the program begins:
Open House: It is not required to attend Open House, but this is a good opportunity to meet some of the program's faculty and prospective classmates
My experience: I did attend Open House. My parents were kind enough to drive me, but we ended up getting lost... and I was half-an-hour late. Oh well!

Living Arrangements:  
- Commuters: Familiarize yourself with the public transportation routes and get a feel of how long it would take for you to travel during rush hour and off hours. This also applies to those of you who choose to drive, but you may have to decide whether you should pay for a parking spot or try your luck and find parking on your own.
- Dorm/Campus Housing: This is the ideal setting because it is usually close near where you'll take classes... and you'll have more time to study, sleep, and socialize with other students on campus. However, convenience does come at a cost. It would be wise to have a budget.
- Housing: If you decide not to get campus housing or you were unable to, you may be on your own in your search for an apartment. Give yourself plenty of time to find something that suits you, but do ask around. There will be other people who are in the same boat as you are. Consider cost, distance, and other factors. Again, have a clear budget!
My experience: I am a commuter, so I save on housing costs. However, it takes me an hour to get to and from school... No, I don't enjoy it at all.

Books: You may already know what your schedule would be like for the first semester, so there is a good chance that you can find out if you can get the names of the required textbooks you will need for the first semester.
Tip: Books are very expensive... so try to purchase them online as early as possible. If you can, get used copies that are in good condition.
Experience: I saved a good deal on my books by searching on DealOz and buying most of them from websites such as Amazon, textbooks.com.

Orientation: This may take one or more full days. You will be overloaded with information about the program, the courses you would be taking, financial aid, what is expected of you, etc. etc. etc. Also, you probably will be handed your new ID, lots of paperwork (i.e., schedule, student handbook, program's bulletin, etc.). Well, you and your classmates may be divided into groups and do an activity and get to know each other.
Tip: Be well rested. Even though there may be food, bring water and snacks. Also, carry a backpack or bring extra bags for all the extra stuff! Yeah... be open to just about anything!
Experience: Orientation took two full days. Honestly I only remember being exhausted! However, I met some students who were already enrolled in the program.

Coming Soon: Tips to Survive OT School!