Living Arrangements
From the moment you arrive, Ross is committed to making your stay in Dominica as comfortable as possible with a wide range of housing opportunities, support for families and more.
Questions?
We realize preparing for medical school on Dominica is bound to raise all sorts of questions about the university or island life. In addition to reading the information below, please contact the Office of Admissions with any questions at Admissions@RossU.edu or call 888-404-7677.
Arriving
Every Ross student is welcomed at the airport by Ross University officials and student greeters. They will accompany you and other students on the ride to your apartment or overnight accommodations. Along the way, the student greeter will provide current updates on orientation/registration, answer questions and provide information about living in Dominica. If you have pre-arranged housing, you will be taken to your apartment; if not, you will be taken to overnight accommodations arranged by the University. There is no charge for the transportation or the first night’s stay.
Housing
Ross students live on and off campus. There is a wide range of housing opportunities to meet any budget, including many housing locations within walking distance from the campus.
Apartment prices (per month) may range from $275.00 to $1000.00 plus (US), depending on the proximity of the apartment to the campus and the amenities offered. All apartments require one month’s security deposit. In most instances, the security deposit is equal to a month’s rent. Housing can be arranged prior to or after arriving on Dominica. Generally, housing arrangements are completed within a few days of your arrival.
Obtaining Housing Prior to Arrival
If you want to obtain housing prior to arrival on Dominica, you can access the University’s housing website and work with the Ross University School of Medicine Housing Department to arrange accommodations. You can view the available inventory/options and then speak with the Housing staff who are able to assist you, answer your questions and act as your liaison/contact with the landlords prior to your arrival on Dominica. The Housing staff will work with you on specific requests and match you up with potential roommates if you desire and provided they are available.
If you prefer to pre-arrange housing, landlords typically require a security deposit to secure the apartment. The security deposit must be in either a cashier’s check or an international money order, and should be made payable to the responsible landlord. The deposit must be sent by overnight courier to the address listed below.
Obtaining Housing after Arrival on Dominica
If you prefer, you may also select your housing after arriving on campus. The Housing Department conducts housing tours on a daily basis, weeks before and throughout orientation and registration week. Upon your arrival, you will be given a housing list to review. Again, the Housing staff is available to assist you, answer your questions and introduce you to the properties and landlords. They will work with you on specific requests and match you up with potential roommates if you desire and roommates are available.
Housing Office
Ross University School of Medicine
Picard
Portsmouth
Commonwealth of Dominica
West Indies
Ross University Housing Units Office: 767.255.6400
Bring Your Family
Students with families are welcome at Ross University School of Medicine. The university has a very active spouse’s club and an independent day school for children of faculty and enrolled students
Ross University Preparatory School is a traditional, independent day school for students in pre-k through 8th grades. Currently, the school can assist high school-aged children in their home school studies. The Preparatory School has incorporated an independent school curriculum, comparable to the best set of courses found in rigorous, quality private schools in the U.S. The school prides itself on that curriculum, its small classes, and on the quality of its faculty.
Students who are coming with family should keep in mind that Dominica’s laws will probably limit your spouse’s employment to a few specialized, on-campus jobs at our preparatory school, health clinic, bookstore, or learning center.
Bringing Your Pet
It is important to adhere to the regulations of the Commonwealth of Dominica when bringing your dog or cat with you. Dominica requires an import permit for dogs and cats to enter the country. Please carefully read and follow the guidelines.
While you may bring your pet with you to Dominica, please be aware that having your pet will limit your housing options. Many landlords do not allow pets or require an additional security deposit.
Bringing U.S. domestic pets to Dominica
Student Health
The Student Health Insurance plan covers Ross University medical students worldwide, including Dominica and the U.S., including emergency evacuation, due to serious illness or injury. All Ross University School of Medicine students are required to enroll in this plan or to provide proof of comparable insurance coverage.
The company that provides health insurance to students is The Chickering Group, an Aetna Company.
The health clinic provides urgent and primary care, as well as over-the-counter and prescription medications.
A trained counseling staff, including a psychiatrist and psychologists, is available to students who may be having difficulty dealing with the stress of attending medical school, or other personal problems.
Drug Policy
Ross University maintains a drug-free campus and workplace. This is consistent with the requirements of the Higher Education Act.
Campus Security
Ross University School of Medicine takes campus safety and security very seriously. In accordance with U.S. Department of Education requirements, information about security and safety practices, as well as campus crime statistics, are published annually. This information is distributed to current students and may be obtained, upon request, by any prospective student.
Ross University in Dominica employs a cadre of security officers to provide 24-hour security to the University, its students, and staff, at the Portsmouth Campus. There are 26 security officers employed full-time. All security officers have received in-house training, supplemented by formal training at the Dominica Police Training School. Thus, they are capable of providing a high level of professional service.
The Campus has had no major incidents related to bodily injury or drugs. By and large, most student security problems occur outside the Campus compound. Security is also provided for the Ross University Clinical Facility at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Roseau, which is used by students during their clinical assignments and clinical clerkships.
