Life as a Medical Student in PGP
PGP—the “condo-like” hostel which is sometimes seen as the place to stay if you want to slack. True enough, the main difference between PGP and the other halls is that there are fewer hall activities, most of which residents are not obliged to attend. But this in fact affords you the freedom to choose what you want to do with the little free time you have as a medical student. For those who are active in non-school based activities, PGP is a good place to stay.
But don’t have the idea that it’s a completely boring place just because the activities are not compulsory. Most of the time there are some events going on, such as aerobics classes, International Students’ Night etc, which all are welcome to attend.
The style of living, though, is slightly different from the open-door culture of halls. Depending on who your cluster neighbours are, and how you choose to interact with them, you can find yourself pretty alone, or very chummy with your neighbours. This gives you ample privacy and time to study. But it also means that you have to make an effort to make friends with your neighbours and other medical students in PGP or you may turn into a recluse.
The rooms are comfortable, though some find it a tad too small. For those who are claustrophobia-prone, it may not be a good idea to study in your room for extended hours. Take the occasional break to use the gym or tennis courts. Those who enjoy cooking will find ample facilities in the kitchenette. As for those who can’t cook, the two food courts provide a variety of choices, some of which are quite good (try the cooked food stall in the air-conditioned food court).
Using two words to describe life at PGP, I’d say “choice” and “independence”.
Lee Yi Yong, M1 02/03