Getting Settled - Tips from an Alum

Tips for living at and around Yale

Written by

Agata Bloswick (Summer Alum from 2011, and Summer Seminar Leader in 2018 and 2019)

Who wishes you the best!

with additions by other Alums & Lori Bruce

Introduction to US Culture ​

Some basic considerations will help you to quickly adjust to life during your stay at Yale. The following will help get you started, from feeling comfortable in the local urban environment to finding convenient shops for your everyday personal needs.

Laugh!

Any time you enter a new environment, especially if it involves adapting to a new culture, can cause a degree of uncertainty and hesitation. It’s helpful to be open to new experiences, to be patient and observant, and even to laugh at yourself from time to time to relieve the stress that can come from any clumsy cultural confusion. This is as important to understand for Americans as it is for those coming from outside the USA, as the Yale experience brings together students and professionals from all over the world.

Engage!

US students can serve as ambassadors for American culture, while at the same time benefiting from new perspectives. Sometimes it can be challenging to discover that people from other parts of the world have totally opposite points of view on a particular issue, but that’s all part of the program here at Yale. Little things can present obstacles, like someone not speaking perfect English or having a heavy accent, but that’s where US students can help to facilitate communication by actively engaging in the discussion to encourage better understanding on all sides.

Informalities

American culture is inherently diverse, coming from a long history of immigration and overlapping of different traditions. As much as this might lead to confusion, it also means that American culture is generally relaxed about its social norms and day-to-day interactions. Americans are not overly formal in ordinary circumstances, and try to put each other at ease with casual language and polite expressions.

An informal “Hi, how’s it going?” may be perfectly acceptable between complete strangers to reduce the awkwardness of sharing a ride in an elevator. In America, this is not a serious question, but a simple greeting to which people typically respond “good” or “fine, thanks.”

Formalities

In more formal settings – a job interview, a discussion with the police – a more respectful approach is a better way to start, but even then, a friendly smile can help to ease the stress for everyone. Americans smile a lot, particularly when making a request – for example, when placing an order at a restaurant or arriving at the cash register after waiting in a line. All that smiling just makes people’s everyday experiences a little easier, and can help to put everyone in a better mood even on a bad day.

Offer to Help!

Americans also appreciate volunteers, so offering to help someone can quickly make you their hero for the day. It’s a good way to fit in and make friends. At the same time, no one expects you to put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Be Alert

Always be alert of suspicious situations or places where you might not want to be alone. Sometimes it’s better to go places with a friend or in a group. If something doesn’t feel right or a tense situation develops, try to stay calm and avoid escalating the tension, call for help if it is needed, and return to a safer environment as soon as possible.

Be on Time!

In the US, lectures and classes start on time.  Showing up late is considered impolite, and if you are late, you may be perceived to not care about the program, and your evaluations may be affected.  Do try to always be a few minutes early for morning lecture and all other required events.

Table of Contents

1)      Introduction to the program

2)      Getting to Yale

3)      Getting started on the program – registration upon arrival, classes selection

4)      Daily life’s necessities (shopping, eating directory)

5)      What to bring with you

6)      Getting the most out of your stay at Yale

7)      Safety first!

Introduction to the program

History

The Institute began as a Summer Internship Program in 2003 as a response to many requests from Yale’s undergraduate students for more educational opportunities in the field of bioethics. The original program involved students in the intellectual life of the Bioethics Center, and gave them opportunities to join in the work of the Center by assisting in editing Center publications and in planning the Center’s study groups’ activities for the following academic year. In subsequent years the program ceased to be an internship as it took on an increasingly academic cast, now consisting largely of lectures and intensive seminars; and has grown to include participants from universities all around America and the world.

Yale’s Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics offers a unique 2-month-long intensive summer program for American and international undergraduate and graduate students (and others) from varying disciplines who are interested in learning more about bioethics. In 2017 the program will run from June 1 through July 22. Participants attend a series of morning lectures surveying the field of bioethics; attend intensive seminars on special topics such as care for the dying, bioethics and law, bioethics and literature, technology and ethics, public health ethics, and more; attend discussion groups; and participate in visits to bioethics-related institutions including The Hastings Center. All participants will be expected to do assigned readings and to do weekly written assignments in connection with each seminar they take. Each participant writes an original research paper, and creates a poster version of that paper for public presentation at the end of the program. Participants are usually in residence on the Yale campus, and can sometimes find part-time work on the Yale campus or in the area.  

Lectures and seminars will often be presented by scholars from Yale and other universities and institutions (see the list of lecturers and seminars below). Lecture and seminar attendance is compulsory, and required reading assignments will be distributed. A series of small-group seminars will be offered in both June and July, to help students achieve deeper understanding of selected issues. Students can usually sign up for their choice of two to four seminars per month, and will write a paper for each seminar. 

Culminating Poster Sessions. One goal of the summer program is to provide participants with the opportunity to research and write a major paper on a selected topic in bioethics, and to summarize that paper in the formal poster format used at national biomedical and medical meetings. Participants will be expected to write a paper on a bioethics topic of their choice to be handed in near the end of the program. Additionally, they will be required to create and present the paper in poster format at an end-of-program poster session. 

Getting to Yale

Here are some tips.  Please also see the information on the student page.

By plane:

The New Haven airport (HVN) is the closest airport to the city and campus. Once there, an Uber or taxi can take you to campus.  Uber is usually cheaper, but you will need to download the app to your phone.  

If you arrive at any of the New York City airports, the easiest way for you to get to New Haven is by train from Grand Central Terminal.

By train:

All days of the week, there is a train from Grand Central Terminal in New York City to New Haven Union Station. It leaves almost every half hour, and the travel time should take approximately 2h.

Getting around Yale

The easiest way to travel around the campus is with a Yale Shuttle, which provides transportation between the University and the New Haven train stations for students, faculty and staff. Once you have been given your student’s ID for the summer, you will be able to use it anytime. http://to.yale.edu/shuttle

Yale shuttle apps are available on the official Yale website. You can see the routes and live tracking of the buses around the campus. Check out the details at http://yale.transloc.com/info/mobile

Getting started– registration upon arrival, classes selection

Registration:

Upon your arrival at the campus, make sure to check in at the Yale Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics at 238 Prospect Street. Students’ assistants will support you in getting your Yale ID, contacting the international office, and anything else you need to begin.

Course schedule:

The first days of the program will be called “the foundations” and will cover the basics of ethical theory along with the history of bioethics and the main principles and theories. Starting on June 12, there will be a daily morning lecture and an afternoon seminar. Fridays will be a day of “small group” experiences with an advisor. Most of the required activities will be Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm, so you’re free to plan most of your weekends however you choose, but remember Saturday July 22 is a required date.

Detailed schedule and seminar selection will be shared with you before the program starts.

Daily life’s necessities (shopping, eating directory)

Internet

There is a “Yale Guest” network, but there is also EduRoam if your university offers it for you.

Groceries & Essentials

Depending on where your accommodation is located (on- or off-campus), you will need to eat! Most of the accommodation options offer a kitchen, and cooking with your friends may become one of the best ways to get to know your international group. For cooking ingredients, try the stores:  

• Stop&Shop (big supermarket), 150 Whalley Ave, New Haven
• Elm City Market
• Hong Kong Grocery for fresh produce/Asian cooking ingredients - at 71 Whitney Ave, New Haven
• CitiSeed Farmers Markets & Wooster Square for farm fresh produce, cheeses, and breads;
• the little shop at Caseus for good quality cheeses from all over the world (Caseus is also a restaurant, but pricey) 
• Good Nature Market (15 Broadway and 44 Whitney Ave) (Food, hot sandwiches, a buffet, and a mini grocery store! Open 24 hours!)
• Nica’s Market (603 Orange St)
• Yale Health (55 Lock St) (drug store)
• Walgreens (88 York St) (drug store, select food, toiletries)
• Walgreens (1415 Chapel St) (drug store, select food, toiletries)
• Walgreens (436 Whalley Ave) (drug store, select food, toiletries)
• CVS (215 Whalley Ave) (drug store)

Eating Out

A great selection of places where you can go out to eat or hang out can be found on Whitney Avenue and on Chapel Street. Past favorite hangouts with students were Koffee? at 104 Audubon Street, and Book Trader Café at 1140 Chapel Street A.

-Maison Mathis makes great breakfast, especially belgian waffles! (304 Elm St)
-Thali Too is a great place for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike (65 Broadway)
-A popular burger place is Louis’ Lunch, home of the first hamburger in the United States! (261 Crown St)
-Another popular fast-food chain in America is Shake Shack (986 Chapel St)
-A popular hang out for past students has been Geronimo (271 Crown St)
-Visit Insomnia Cookies for a late-night treat! They deliver boxes of cookies to your door! (1143 Chapel St)
-Claire’s Corner Copia is a cafeteria style vegetarian spot (1000 Chapel St)
-Atticus Bookstore/Cafe is great for coffee and studying (1082 Chapel St)
-Blue State Coffee is a popular coffee chain in New Haven (84 Wall St & 276 York St)
-Arethusa’s (1020 Chapel St) or Ashley’s (280 York St) or Ben & Jerry’s (159 Temple St) are great for ice cream cravings!
-For breakfast pancakes, visit The Pantry, popular among Yale students (2 Mechanic St)
-Another popular place for past students is Choupette Creperie & Cafe (24 Whitney Ave)
-Visit any Dunkin Donuts chain for classic American donut! (54 Whitney Ave, 930 Chapel St, 770 Chapel St, 1179 Chapel St)
-For specialty donuts, visit the new Donut Crazy (290 York St)

Especially for our Aussie students, Coffee Pedaler (605 East Street) will offer you the best flat white (even though it is not on their menu).

If you’re in the mood for something Italian, check out Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana on 157 Wooster Street. The surrounding streets have a competing Little Italy menu.

Sustainable sushi is served at Miya’s Sushi (68 Howe Street), and it has been confirmed by past students that the waiters actually sing to celebrate a customer’s birthday!

The best lunches are always served in a relaxed atmosphere straight from various food trucks. Find your favorite one, as New Haven’s Food Truck scene is particularly noteworthy.

Coffee/tea for breakfast is offered at the Center for Bioethics – the program headquarters at 238 Prospect Street. Bring your food with you, and share a breakfast with your classmates.

Shopping

Chapel Street offers plenty of small shops where you can browse for favorite reads, knick-knacks, and clothing. On Broadway you can find some fashion label shops, as well as a big Barnes&Noble bookstore that offers not only books, but all of the other basic dorm necessities, as well as official Yale merchandise (make sure to ask for a discount with your Yale Student ID!).

Also, Merwin’s (1052 Chapel St.) has art supplies, and Knit New Haven (26 Whitney Ave) has yarn and arts projects, including drop-in sessions.

Museums

Yale Art Gallery and Yale Center for British Art are both world-class museums and they are free.

Bikes

Having a bike is a great way to get around.  We recommend the Bradley St. Co-op for a wide selection of used bikes which have been refurbished. 

What to bring with you?

When packing your bag, make sure to leave some room for the following items that you’ll find very useful during your stay.

1.       A more formal outfit for the final banquet (you’re welcome to dress casually – but professionally! - in the seminars and lectures)

2.       A light sweater (it tends to be cold in the lecture rooms with the air conditioning)

3.       Electric outlet adapter for any appliance you need (please google US voltage and plug type)

4.       Laptop and USB drive

5.       Reusable bottle for water – free filtered water is available at the Bioethics Center

6.       To go coffee/tea mug – for your breakfast drinks in the center

7.       A cotton/fabric shopping bag to avoid using disposable shopping bags

8.       Pocket money – it is difficult to assess how much you are going to spend during your stay, however please take into consideration your meal needs. An inexpensive lunch out in town is $7-15; salads and other healthy options are available in the “science tower” building but they are more like $6-9 per meal; cappuccino $4.50; loaf of bread an average of $3.30; boneless chicken breast about $10 per kilogram; milk $1 per liter.  

The center is encouraging a mindful Zero Waste lifestyle. Bringing your own reusable water bottle, a to-go mug, and a reusable shopping bag, you will help to cut down on the waste.

To cut down on waste, the center has also introduced a “minimal printout policy”!

Getting the most out of your stay at Yale (Alumni tips!)

The Sherwin B. Nuland Summer Institute in Bioethics  is a great opportunity to learn and grow, in both academically and personally. The program will allow you to meet people from different backgrounds, cultures, countries, and university majors. You will encounter them every day and have a chance to discuss your different points of view during and after classes.

To get the most out of the program, make sure to reply quickly once the seminars are available for you to choose. Pick the topics of interest to you in the seminars – those that you feel strongly about and where you feel you can contribute to the discussion, but equally those where you don’t have as much experience and want to challenge yourself. Approach the seminar and lecture leaders if you are interested in a discussion, ask additional questions, even consider asking if an additional meeting on the subject would be possible if you feel it deserves more attention. Be passionate about the topics you choose.

Start thinking about your final presentation early in the course of the program. Keep your presentation topic in mind when participating in the seminars and lectures.

Do not leave the research until the end, and make sure you plan your class workload in a way that will allow you to put sufficient time into the project. Yale has one of the best libraries in the world, so make the best use of it in addition to online resources.

The program is not just about the classes though. Spend time with your classmates – meet for breakfast or dinners, get to know each other. The two months you will spend together in this intensive course can result in lasting friendships despite geographical distances after the program is complete.

Plan your weekends – you are in the heart of the East coast. If your budget allows for travel, you are just a 2-hour train ride from New York city with its museums and galleries (take advantage of discounted tickets by showing your student ID!). Take MetroNorth train to NYC – it is cheaper than the Amtrak train.  New Haven also offers a lot of interesting places to go, and group jogging or picnics can also be fun and friendship building activities.

Safety first!

Yale University is located in an urban environment that brings with it some risks from criminal activity and personal safety issues to keep in mind. However, if you pay attention to basic rules, you will stay safe and be able to enjoy your stay.

Yale has a website dedicated to public safety, where they provide important tips:

https://your.yale.edu/community/public-safety/safety-tips

Use common sense. Try not to walk alone or appear distracted by wearing headphones or talking on your cell phone.

At night, always walk with a friend and use lighted pathways to navigate throughout the University.

Use the campus transportation services and security escorts where available.

If you see something, say something:

Report any questionable activity or crime right away.

Do not carry or display large amounts of money or jewelry.

If approached by someone demanding money, do not resist. Turn over the money, then call the police immediately.

Obey the law: Avoid illegal drugs and alcohol.

Identify visitors through a window or peephole before opening the door.

Request service people to show proper credentials before you let them into your apartment.

Never hesitate to contact the police if you have been a victim of a crime.

When well-lit areas are not available, use the campus transportation services and security escorts by calling 203-432-6330 or 203-432-WALK.

Yale also has a dedicated mobile phone app to help you stay safe through easy communication with the Yale Police:

https://your.yale.edu/community/public-safety/campus-safety-services/bulldog-mobile-livesafe-app

In closing

In closing, immerse yourself in the experience!  This is a special program – unlike any other in the world – and speaking on behalf of the alumni of the program, we can’t wait to get to know you and welcome you. 

With warmest wishes,

Agata