The University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS) campus has a vibrant atmosphere, evoking a collegial environment.  The students, faculty, and staff members are all dedicated to medical education. Faculty maintain open office hours to support students. Campus facilities, such as the library and Learning Resource Center, are open for extended periods to provide quiet study areas.

Traveling to St. Kitts

St. Kitts is located in the Eastern Caribbean. Renowned as a resort destination, St. Kitts is easily accessible from New York, Miami, Puerto Rico, and other major airports.

U.S. students are required to have a valid passport. Additionally, proof of sufficient funds and a return or onward passage might be required. When leaving St. Kitts, there is an airport departure tax of $22.00 U.S. (approximately $60.00 E.C.)

Upon arrival at the St. Kitts Airport, new students will be met by staff members from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

New Student Orientation

Students coming to the University of Medicine and Health Sciences for the first time attend New Student Orientation during their first week on campus. This gives new students time to acclimate to island life, connect with fellow classmates, and be introduced to the campus, academic programs, and student services.

Housing 

The University Housing Director assists students, faculty, and staff members in locating and securing appropriate housing accommodations. The Housing Department maintains a database of housing accommodations to fit every need and budget. Accepted students will be provided a password to access the database prior to matriculating at UMHS.  The database includes property descriptions, rental price, proximity to school, and amenities.  Photos often accompany the description.

Daily Needs

In many ways, St. Kitts offers much that is similar to the United States. There are supermarkets, restaurants, clubs, laundromats, public transportation, taxis, banks, and a movie theatre.

Weather

Although hot and tropical, St. Kitts weather is tempered by trade winds throughout the majority of the year.  Temperatures usually range between 78 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.  January to April are the driest periods of the year. Rainfall increases during the summer and near the end of the year. The average annual rainfall is about 50-80 inches per year. Hurricane season runs from August through October.

Currency 

The currency of St. Kitts is the Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar.  The official rate remains steady at approximately $2.7 EC dollars to one U.S. dollar.  Most businesses accept U.S. currency; however, you will receive change in EC dollars and the exchange rate may be slightly higher.

Banking

Banks in St. Kitts are open Monday through Thursday from 8am-2pm, Friday from 8am-4pm, and Saturday 8:30-11am.  Each bank provides 24-hour ATM services.  Cash from ATMs is in EC dollars.

Safety and Security

Student security is of great importance to the UMHS.  There is a security office on campus to assist with any questions or concerns.

Although according to the Ministry of Security in St. Kitts-Nevis, the islands are relatively crime-free, UMHS community members should exercise normal precautions by being aware of local surroundings and not leaving valuables unattended.

Support Services

Support services are provided to help counteract academic concerns, poor health, stress, or other problems that may negatively impact the educational process.

Academic Advising

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor to provide educational support and guidance when determining future career goals.

Health Care

All University students are required to maintain health insurance coverage.

There is a hospital in Basseterre, near the UMHS campus. There are also health clinics around the island. UMHS has a campus clinic, staffed by a nurse, who provides students and community members with care or referral for additional medical services.