top of page
Incoming Student Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a stethoscope for year 1?
A. Yes! You'll be using a stethoscope for clinical skills sessions starting in your first unit. You can get whichever model and colour you'd like.
Q. Do I need scrubs for Year 1?
A. No. You can buy them if you'd like and many students do, but they are not necessary. If you find yourself in the hospital there are hospital issued scrubs you can use.
Q. What other supplies do I need?
A. A laptop compatible with the software NOSM uses for examinations. This information can be found here. The library has laptops available if yours does not meet the requirements for examinations. You can only use them up to two times before yours must have the appropriate capabilities.
Q. Should I be doing school work before September starts?
A. Most people do not.
Q. What does the school year look like for first years?
A. You will have 6 modules, each being approximately 6 weeks long (with some variation). Each block covers a different body system, aside from the first unit which is more general science content to get everybody on the same page. There are didactic lectures as well as small group learning. NOSM will provide you with a schedule for the whole year through Google Calendar.
Q. What are assessments like?
A. At the end of each module you write 3 exams. 2 of these are written on a Thursday, and the other the Friday the day after. 106 is the only module these dates often vary (Monday/Tuesday). NOSM has specific themes seen here. You write an exam on Themes 2, 3, and 5 on Thursday. Your other Thursday exam is called the P1SA Part One and tests Theme 4 content (foundations of medicine content). Friday is P1SA Part Two, also testing Theme 4 content however more lab focused.
Q. What is O-Week?
A. It's an introduction to get to know your class and the second years.
Q. Do I need a parking pass? Where do I get one?
A. Thunder Bay: NOSMU is located on Lakehead University's campus where parking is either pay per day or with a pass (a pass is cheaper and what the majority of students do). Many first years get a School Year Pass (Sept 1 - April 30). After they return from ICE Placement in first year (most of may) they get a monthly pass or pay daily. Lakehead parking information can be found here. Passes can be purchased online and picked up from security on Lakehead's campus.
Sudbury: Parking passes for the Sudbury campus are purchased from Laurentian University and can be purchased in person or through the phone. It is not mandatory that you have a parking pass, but most students find it makes things easier. The lot number for NOSM is lot #11.
Q. Do I get a locker?
A. Lockers are available on both campuses. More information will come from NOSM.
Q. Does NOSM provide health benefits.?
A. Yes. Information can be found here.
Q. What food is available on campus?
A. Thunder Bay: Food on campus is only what is offered on the Lakehead campus. There's a Subway, a pizza place, a Starbucks, and The Study is a popular coffee shop on campus. The Outpost also offers food. Most students bring their own lunch. We have a lounge with a fridge, microwave, and a Keurig.
Sudbury: Food on campus is only what is offered at the Laurentian campus. There is a Subway, Tim’s, and Quesada! Most students if they’re looking to go out they just drive somewhere! Many pack lunches and there’s a whole kitchen with microwave and Keurigs and fridges!
Updated June 2025.
bottom of page