New Orleans home with hanging baskets of ferns and flowers

Living in New Orleans

Scratch below the surface and you'll discover there is much more to New Orleans than meets the eye.

Life in New Orleans

A city like no other. A clinical experience you'll never forget.

When you spend the final two years of your medical degree at Ochsner Health, you’ll live and study in New Orleans, Louisiana — one of America’s most distinctive and culturally rich cities.

Here, medicine meets music, history meets innovation, and students from across the country (and the world) come together to learn, live, and celebrate life in a city known for its resilience and soul.

You’ll join a regional community of more than 50,000 students and train at one of the nation’s leading health systems, gaining hands-on clinical experience while enjoying all that this vibrant city has to offer.

Few cities capture the imagination like New Orleans does. Known for its Southern hospitality, colorful neighborhoods, and world-famous cuisine, it’s a place that blends old-world charm with modern energy.

The city’s economy is anchored by healthcare, education, port logistics, and creative industries, offering plenty of opportunities for community engagement and volunteering.

From the music-filled streets of the French Quarter to the peaceful parks along the Mississippi River, every corner of New Orleans tells a story. You’ll find inspiration not just in the classroom and clinic, but in the rhythm of the city itself.

Explore things to do in New Orleans.

Weather and climate

New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate with long, warm summers and short, mild winters.

Summer (May–September): Highs average around 90°F (32°C), with plenty of sunshine and the occasional summer storm.
Winter (December–February): Temperatures range from 44–62°F (7–17°C), perfect for outdoor festivals and exploring the city.
Rain: Expect regular rainfall in summer, often as tropical afternoon showers.
Snow: Extremely rare, though locals still talk about the few “White Christmases” that have occurred.

Sports

New Orleans is a city that lives and breathes sports. Whether you’re cheering for the New Orleans Saints (NFL), Pelicans (NBA), or joining a local fun run at City Park, there’s always a game (or a reason to celebrate) nearby.

Arts and music

This is the birthplace of jazz, and live music is everywhere, from street corners in the French Quarter to intimate local bars. The city’s creative heartbeat also extends to theater, dance, film, and visual arts, giving students endless opportunities to unwind and connect with culture.

Recreation and outdoors

Outdoor life is a way of life here. City Park, Audubon Park, and the Lafitte Greenway offer perfect spots for walking, cycling, or studying under century-old oak trees. Paddleboard on Bayou St. John, kayak along the Mississippi, or join a local fitness group. New Orleanians know how to balance hard work with good living.

Events

Few cities celebrate life like New Orleans. With hundreds of festivals each year, there’s always something happening. From Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest to neighborhood food fairs, art walks, and cultural parades, you’ll experience a community that knows how to come together and celebrate diversity, creativity, and joy.

Accommodation

Having a comfortable place to call home makes all the difference during your clinical years.

Most UQ-Ochsner students live within 10–20 minutes of Ochsner Medical Center, with popular areas including Uptown, Mid-City, Lakeview, and the Warehouse District. Housing options range from private apartments and shared houses to short-term rentals and furnished units.

Websites such as College Student Apartments and Apartments.com are great starting points.

For detailed suburb profiles, neighborhood tips, transport options, and student housing advice, explore the OMSA Student Guide — your go-to resource for settling into life in New Orleans.

Row of colorful shotgun houses in New Orleans

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