Part 1 - All about the University
Timestamps
Timetables at Tor Vergata Medschool?
As usual for Italian universities, there is a 2 semester system. Classes start a little later at Tor Vergata, in November, to allow for the IMAT scrolling which usually lasts until the end of January. This is followed by February exams. The 2nd semester lasts from March to May, followed by another set of exams in June and July. Days will last from 6 – 8 hours. For example 8am to 2pm classes in the first year, with each year having generally longer timetables.
What is the Clinical Experience like?
Clinical experience at Tor Vergata starts as early as your first year, which is mainly an environmental introduction to the hospital and to get a feel of it, such as to see how departments are organised. The 2nd year is somewhat similar, although with an increase in applied practical skills. By the 3rd year you will be more involved in the hospital, if you want more involvement, you can ask professors for time and they will try to provide it. The clinicals can massively overlap with exam preparation periods, so you will have to schedule yourself accordingly.
How do the Exams Work?
Exams are scheduled in February, June/July, September, and the extra Christmas and Easter sessions depending on the classes. As exams go, it’s a little different at Tor Vergata, all of them are oral exams, especially in the English courses. The small class sizes make it easy to examine every student in this way, and allow good amount of organisation for the exam.
Does Tor Vergata do Cadaver Dissections?
No, the same as the other universities.
What are the Average Tuition Fees?
Tor Vergata calculates their medical school tuition fees using the ISEE. Generally fees for medicine in Tor Vergata range from €200 Euro – €4500 Euro per annum, which can be paid via instalments.
What are the Scholarship Options?
Lazio offers scholarships to medical students based on family income, but the University can also offer a part-time work scheme. It consists of €1200 Euro for 150 hours input which can be in the library or other departments. Access is based on your grades and on your subject credits.
How much does Accommodation Cost?
CX Rome (Previously known as Campus X) is the primary source of accommodation for Tor Vergata students. The campus is situated around 15 minutes away from the university buildings, and only 30minutes from the centre of Rome. Starting from €415 Euro per month for a 12 month contract, it’s a little more expensive than renting privately; students spend around €3500 Euro per annum at Tor Vergata whereas somewhere like Bari students average around €2500 per annum. The accommodation is situated in a complex surrounded by a ‘green-belt area’ providing beautiful scenic Italian living. Accommodation also includes a lot of extra services; a shuttle bus to the university and hospital facilities, a large indoor/outdoor sports facility, and even an area for outdoor barbecues.
What resources does Tor Vergata provide for students?
The smaller classes and ease of access to professors make effective use of physical resources, books etc. Which though seeming developmentally limited are still just as effective. There is some use and access of online resources, but Tor Vergata hosts what is best described as a “super nice library” making the most of the assets and resources it has. You can see glimpses of it in our Tor Vergata Campus Tour!
Class Dynamics & Quality of Professors
Class sizes of around 30 in the first year is both the gift and the curse of Tor Vergata. Intimacy and communication thrive; though as years go on and less people make it through each year, or stop attending as many classes, resources and input can find itself spread thin. Generally the dynamic fosters collaboration. Close communication with professors, especially during exam scheduling season, is also encouraged.
Sports & Canteen Facilities
As for extra curricular facilities the cafeteria, university cafeteria, faculty cafeteria provide enough nutrition needs to have a course for every course. Furthermore access to the Mensa, and numerous sports facilities are available.
Teaching Facilities
Tor Vergata holds a pathological anatomy department in the hospital, that you can assist in later years. As well as an anatomy lab, multiple study labs and a microbiology lab. The professor are very available upon visit.
Why Study in Tor Vergata?
Being a more or less unknown University, people that are competitive might not find Tor Vergata so appealing. However it does still have an intense and heavy syllabus, with just as many opportunities as more competitive seeming alternatives. Tor Vergata suits someone who can relax and take control of their study without excess pressure from outside sources.
What language requirements and opportunities does Tor Vergata provide?
Fortunately, Tor Vergata provides Italian classes for the students. The aim is to have students with minimum B1 hopefully a B2 level of language qualification by the time they are enrolling in 3rd/4th year. Personally I would suggest learning Italian as soon as possible.
Different Activities for Students
A lot of socialising revolves around ‘campus life’. Different faculties and different peoples all around the same campus most of the time creates quite a vibrant social spectrum with a relaxed social scene.