Getting Settled
Over the years, we have gathered a wide range of information to help incoming residents get settled into their new surroundings in the Department of Medicine and Syracuse, NY. Please view our resources below for more information about how to apply for a social security number, popular cell phone options for the area, and more.
We hope the information below will provide you with answers to some of your questions and point you in the right direction.
Our Graduate Medical Education (GME) Office and Internal Medicine Residency Program frequently use the Brightspace system to provide residents with courses and other useful materials.
Please use your Outlook account name as your username and your badge number as your password. If you do not have an Outlook account or a badge number, please sign in as "guest" in both the username and password fields.
Our top-notch Graduate Medical Education (GME) Office offers a wide range of services, helping both clinical and basic science departments alike.
The GME Office oversees mandatory compliance necessary for all training programs within the Department of Medicine. As an incoming resident, you have already had contact with them as they are responsible for all your incoming paperwork.
Learn more about the Graduate Medical Education Office.
As you arrive, buy a car, look for an apartment, or sign up for utilities, it is common for establishments to request a letter verifying your employment.
The typical letter will include salary information and will confirm dates of training on your current contract. If no fax or pick up information is provided, the letter will be mailed via US Mail to the name and address of the recipient provided.
In most cases, we can process the letter within 24-48 hours, and we ask that you be patient with the process.
If you do not already have one upon arrival in the United States, you are required to apply for a Social Security number (SSN). The SSN is a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents.
Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation purposes. It is also used as an individual identifier for the purpose of credit and financial transactions. You will need this for your paycheck, any credit application, and more, so it's best to make this a priority.
Visa Holders: You must see Sue Henderson-Kendrick at your earliest convenience upon arriving in the United States. You must sign a form, which is forwarded to ECFMG, then sent to SEVIS, to provide the appropriate clearance in the system, which will allow SSN to process a SSN application on your behalf. Without this clearance, you cannot apply for your SSN.
Once you have received clearance, or if you are not required to wait for clearance, please follow the process for applying for a Social Security Number.
For the Local Office Search: Enter the zip code 13210 in the form and click the "Locate" button. The resulting page will provide a map of Downtown Syracuse and show exactly where the Federal Building is located.
Please follow the link below to the NY State Department of Motor Vehicles. Due to the fact that each incoming intern will have an individual situation, we have provided the link to the page that best represents where most people can get the information they need. Some may need to transfer a current Driver's License from another state, some may need to apply for the first time for a Driver's License, and some may need to transfer from an International Driver's License. You should be able to find the information you need in this section.
If you need additional information, please browse around the site. You may also choose to visit or call one of the local DVM offices.
| County | Location | Hours | Phone |
| Onondaga | Syracuse Office NYSDMV Western Lights Plaza 4671 Onondaga Blvd. Syracuse, NY 13219 |
M – F, 8:30 – 4:00 Escort Vehicle Tests |
(518) 486-9786 |
| Onondaga | N. Syracuse Office NYSDMV 5801 E. Taft Rd. N. Syracuse, NY 13212 |
M – F, 8:30 – 6:00 Closed Fridays Enforcement 8:30 – 5:30 Conditional/Restricted License 8:30 – 5:30 Permit Test 8:30 – 5:30 CDL Test 8:30 – 3:00 Escort Vehicle Test 8:30 – 5:30 Oral Test (same time as corresponding test EXCEPT CDL) By Appointment Only |
(518) 486-9786 |
The main cellular phone carriers in the Upstate New York area are AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile. Each of them offers varying plans, phones, etc., and you will be provided with many opinions on each when you ask around. In the end, you will need to weigh what is most important to you.
Most of the carriers offer an employee discount if you use your upstate email address when you sign up.
NOTE: We are currently in the process of attempting to negotiate a program with Verizon Wireless in which they will waive the "down payment" that is typically associated with someone that has not already established a credit history or does not have an SSN (Social Security Number). We will provide updates as we get them.
Based on many reviews of the above 4 carriers, T-Mobile is the least preferred one due to call reception. While it may be the best option elsewhere, there tend to be more "dead zones" with this carrier than any other in this area.
We would like to offer some tips and advice for you regarding groceries, furniture, and shopping in general. Please note that many residents have offered suggestions, but the suggestions are not intended to mean that other venues not mentioned are in any way less desirable.
Groceries
Grocery shops in the area include:
- Asia Food Market
- Han's Oriental Supermarket
- India Bazaar of Syracuse
- Oasis Mediterranean Market
- Lombardi's Italian Market
- CNY Regional Farmers Market
As well as your traditional Wegmans, Price Chopper, Tops, etc.
If you want to purchase items in bulk form or in larger quantities, you may purchase a membership at BJ's Wholesale Club or Costco. You can also get additional member services at these clubs, such as reduced-price gasoline and more.
Furniture
There are some great, inexpensive choices for purchasing furniture in the area. First and foremost, ask around and watch yemailsails for sales from graduating house staff. Some of the best deals come from those that need to relocate and do not want the expense of moving their larger items.
Most of the larger local furniture retailers, such as Raymour & Flanigan, Dunk & Bright, China Towne, etc. have bargain areas or clearance centers. Some are part of the store, and some are in separate locations. For example, Raymour & Flanigan Syracuse Clearance Center is a separate location.
Keep in mind that many household items can be purchased at local department stores, such as JC Penney, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc. Another great bargain source is Marshalls or TJ Maxx, who offer name brands at a fraction of the cost. These places are great for accent furniture and housewares.
Shopping
There are many shopping centers within the immediate Syracuse area:
- Destiny USA
- Towne Center
- Shoppingtown Mall
- Great Northern Mall
For those that prefer outlet malls, you can make a trip to Waterloo Prime Outlet Mall, which is located about 45 minutes west on the Thruway in Waterloo.
