Life in Barbados

White-sand beaches, sparkling seas, and historic buildings will be the setting for your daily life as a Ross Med student.

Barbados in the Sun

Life in Barbados

White-sand beaches, sparkling seas, and historic buildings will be the setting for your daily life as a Ross Med student.

Barbados in the Sun

Quick Facts About Barbados

History and Traditions

Settled first by Amerindians, then the Portuguese, and finally the English in the 1620s, Barbados gained full independence from Britain in 1966. The local culture is a distinct mixture of English, Scottish, Irish, and African heritages, evident in the island’s creole-inspired cuisine and the traditional music, a combination of Scottish fife and African drum. Most people on the island speak English.

Caves and Cliffs on a Coral Island

Barbados is known for its natural beauty—here, you can visit the cliffs at Bathsheba Beach, go spelunking in Harrison’s Cave, and see macaws and green monkeys at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. And don’t forget to explore the island’s “seven natural wonders."

City Life

Take a stroll through the white colonial buildings in Bridgetown as you visit the rum shops and sample the street food. Head down to the village of Oistins on Fridays for a fish fry that’s out of this world. And don’t forget to join in the celebrations during the colorful Crop Over Festival.

Island Weather

The average daily temperature on Barbados is about 80˚ F—with cooling, coastal northeast trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean. (In other words, ideal weather for snorkeling, surfing, or just taking a stroll.)

Around The Island

Island Life

Named for the bearded (barbado) fig trees once abundant on the island, Barbados is full of natural beauty, historic architecture, and a vibrant island culture. As a student, you’ll spend one-third of your Ross Med journey living on the island—and your island home will quickly become a familiar and fascinating backdrop to your medical school studies.

Dining and Food

You’ll have plenty of options when it comes to dining during your time on the island. While you can find many of your favorite brands and foods from home in the local grocery store, you can also grab a bite at local restaurants that serve up mouthwatering creole cuisine and fresh seafood.

 

Students dining together

Campus Cuisine

On campus, visit the LESC to fuel up at The Coffee Bean or Island Caterer’s Cafeteria—or take a short walk to Starbucks or Sky Mall for coffee, pizza, and Caribbean food.

Student Engagement podcast img

Local Fare

Explore restaurants featuring both local and international cuisine just steps from your front door in Coverley Square.

Food options

Be the Chef

A grocery store located at the Villages of Coverley carries a variety of brands as well as garden-fresh local produce and specialty products, including gluten-free, allergen-friendly, and organic options.

 

 

 

 

 

Students walking on beach

Shopping, Transportation, and Amenities

Whether you’re looking for a pharmacy, a haircut, places of worship, or places to shop, you’ll find a variety of services and amenities near the Ross Med campus.

  • Health and Wellness

    Ross Med students can visit the Coverley Medical Centre (Sandy Crest Clinic) or the Ross Med Wellness and Counseling Center for health appointments, and a pharmacy is located on campus for your convenience.

  • Services for Daily Life

    Banks, salons, dental clinics, and more are available nearby at the Villages of Coverley.

  • Island Transportation

    As a Ross Med student, you’ll have access to a free shuttle between campus and the Villages of Coverley, as well as other designated areas of the island. On campus, you can also find a parking garage with dedicated spaces for Ross Med students and staff.

Entertainment and Recreation

From history to hiking, snorkeling to sports—there’s no end to the ways you can enjoy life in Barbados outside the classroom.

  • Hiking and Cave Tours

    Whether you’re looking for a leisurely beach stroll, a serious hike in the cliffs, or a spelunking adventure in the local caves—there are plenty of ways to explore Barbados on foot.

  • Diving and Snorkeling

    Make a splash in the sparkling waters around this coral island with opportunities to dive and snorkel.

  • Sightseeing and History

    Barbados is steeped in historic and cultural sites. From botanical gardens to the Garrison Savannah Area—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—there’s plenty to learn and see.

  • Student Clubs and Intramural Sports

    From service to special interests, Ross Med supports a wide variety of student organizations, as well as intramural sports like basketball, flag football, soccer, tennis, and volleyball.

Ready To Join The Ross Med Community?