OUM provides shared student housing close to the campus. The University is part of the National Health Complex in Apia, which also houses Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital, the medical school's primary teaching hospital. The rental homes each provide three to four bedrooms where students can live as a small community, cook, study, relax, socialize, and travel to and from campus together. While on campus, students have access to classrooms, the library (with study areas and a computer lab), and a kitchen where they can prepare meals - all air-conditioned. Students will typically spend 7 hours each day in structured learning on campus and in the hospital, with several additional hours spent in individual and small group study each evening.

Security

There are generally no safety concerns on-campus or off, though OUM does have a six-foot fence around its perimeter. Because the medical school is on the National Health Complex grounds, it must follow the same regulations. In particular, there is no smoking within the grounds, the gates are locked to cars at 6 pm, all guests should be off campus by 8 pm, and there are after-hours security guards, 6 pm to 6 am, 365 days a year. Noise also must be controlled after hours.

Free Time and Social Activities

Apia is the capital of Upolu, the larger of Samoa's two main islands. A city of nearly 40,000, Apia is the government base, the business commercial centre and the main national port. It has numerous shops and restaurants, plus a hand full of nightclubs and cultural amenities. OUM is in the village of Motootua, a suburb of Apia.

Samoa is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Students have opportunities during their spare time for swimming, hiking, snorkelling, diving, fishing, and more. Impromptu sporting activities typically take place daily around the dinner hour - volleyball at the court between OUM and the TTM nurses' residence; soccer and touch football at Maroon Boys Corner restaurant, about 100 meters from campus. There is also a gym located near campus with reasonable per visit and monthly fees, as well as a squash court is also located near campus. Rugby (Super 14) is well supported and followed in Samoa.

There are several internet cafes in town and a movie theatre. Movies are released in Samoa after the US premier dates but before Australia - and the theatre is air-conditioned. Television news generally includes Australian ABC news and NZ One News at 8 pm daily, if they aren't interrupted by Rugby Union telecasts.

Samoan culture is very traditional with a strong Christian element. It is important for visitors to respect local customs, especially when travelling to rural areas and when visiting villages. Many villages have an evening prayer service that lasts for about 20 minutes. There are about ten denominations in Apia, all within a 20-minute walking distance of campus. Service times are listed outside each church and a listing will be on campus, as well.