There are indubitably tons of factors to consider when you are looking for a suitable medical school to pursue your medical education: the curriculum, the faculty, the campus, the student support services, accommodations, and much more. This exhaustive list becomes even more demanding when you’re considering international locations.
If you have decided to apply to Windsor University School of Medicine, your mind must be buzzing with questions about the surrounding area, which will be your new home for the next few years. Especially if you haven’t experienced island life before, moving to the paradise island of St. Kitts must be a monumental decision for you. From safety to accommodations, we have answered some of the most common questions we get asked about WUSOM and St. Kitts.
Read on to learn all about attending an accredited Caribbean medical school in one of the region’s safest destinations.
Most Common Questions About Living in St. Kitts
Where is St. Kitts?
Though you may be acquainted with some Caribbean islands, chances are you may not have heard of St. Kitts. Saint Kitts, officially the Federation of Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis, is an island country consisting of the twin islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis, both located in the West Indies, in the Leeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles. Positioned to the west of Antigua and Barbuda and south of Anguilla, the population of St. Kitts totals just over 48,400.
From canopied rainforests and volcanic beaches in the north to the colorful sounds of the city center and the smooth shores that lie southward, the island offers a tropical haven with stunning landscapes, a warm climate, and a rich cultural heritage.
When you choose to pursue your medical education at Windsor University School of Medicine, you get to be a part of St. Kitts’ vibrant community and stay in the heart of paradise. Your home, at least for the time being, will be a pastel-tinted architecture of the majestic true white and blue campus, a state-of-the-art multi-million-dollar campus that includes cutting-edge teaching facilities, labs, a library, a research institute, and much more.
How Safe Is St. Kitts?
It is normal to be concerned about your safety when traveling to a different country, but let us assure you that St. Kitts remains a safe, tourist-friendly place to live and study. The U.S. Department of State continues to rate Saint Kitts and Nevis at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions the lowest of the four advisory tiers the department uses, and the same rating it has held consistently. For context, the department’s four levels are
- Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
- Level 2: Exercise increased precautions
- Level 3: Reconsider travel
- Level 4: Do not travel
Recent independent safety data backs this up: St. Kitts and Nevis ranks among the safer nations in the Caribbean on international crime and safety indices, with reported homicide rates dropping significantly compared to prior years. The State Department still advises travelers to take the same everyday precautions they would in any major U.S. metropolitan area, staying alert in crowded tourist areas, avoiding isolated locations after dark, and being aware of their surroundings.
WUSOM also maintains its own professional Department of Public Safety (DPS) to help provide a secure environment for the campus community. The Director of Safety & Security oversees personal, property, and fire safety programs for the university, working in partnership with local law enforcement, business owners, and community groups. Security officers patrol university grounds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and are trained to handle a wide range of safety and security situations.
WUSOM is fully committed to the safety and well-being of its faculty, staff, students, and visitors. In the event of a significant emergency or a situation involving an immediate threat to health or safety on campus, the university will notify the university community right away through its internal phone system, electronic display bulletins, and other media outlets, unless doing so would compromise efforts to assist victims or contain the emergency. Students are also encouraged to enroll in the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time alerts and emergency assistance while abroad.
What Is the Weather Like in St. Kitts?
Average temperatures in St. Kitts range from 24ºC to 28ºC, with the hot, tropical climate nicely tempered by trade winds throughout most months. This pleasant tropical climate, combined with warm beaches and inviting seawater, makes Saint Kitts and Nevis a popular destination to study, forge friendships, and enjoy a host of activities both on and off campus. July through November is considered the Atlantic hurricane season, so students should stay aware of regional weather updates during those months, particularly around the rainier stretch from July through December, when average precipitation ranges between 150–250 mm per month.
What Are Accommodations Like in St. Kitts?
WUSOM provides safe and comfortable accommodation to medical students within a 20–25-minute drive of our St. Kitts campus and on the bus route. Students can also find suitable accommodations located close to campus. Apartments are fully furnished, so students typically only need to bring towels, cups, plates, personal items, and clothing.
Windsor University also has agreements with Royal St. Kitts Beach Hotel, Sugar Bay Resort, and Bird Rock Beach Hotel to provide housing and other facilities for students. Each bedroom is furnished with a bed, a desk with a chair, a television with cable TV, and a small refrigerator, while double-occupancy rooms include two beds. Amenities include restaurants, a gym, a study lounge, and a general kitchen, with regular cleaning services provided. The university also offers subsidized transportation for all students.
Do I Need a Car to Get Around the Island?
The simple answer is no. Not only does WUSOM provide subsidized transportation for all students to and from campus, but getting around the island without a car is also a breeze. St. Kitts has a budget-friendly and reliable public bus system that can take you to all the popular spots around the island. Just hop on, enjoy the scenic route, and call out “Stay here please!” when you’re ready to hop off.
The island is also teeming with taxis that can take you anywhere you desire, perfect for short trips, airport transfers, or a guided tour with a friendly local driver who knows the history and all the best spots. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, take leisurely walks through Basseterre, where you can explore local markets, shops, and waterfront areas. That said, some students prefer to purchase vehicles, and good deals on cars are typically easy to find since outgoing students are often looking to sell when it’s time for them to leave.
Start Your Beautiful Island Journey
While moving so far away from home can feel overwhelming, you can rest easy knowing that St. Kitts is a safe place to live, study, and unwind when you need a break from a rigorous curriculum. If you can picture yourself training at a St. Kitts medical school with a state-of-the-art campus, a supportive community, and a genuinely welcoming island as your backdrop, it’s time to take the next step.
Ready to begin your medical career on the island of St. Kitts? Apply to Windsor University School of Medicine and begin your MD journey in St. Kitts.
