1. It's a combination of both. The curriculum is mainly systems based, but we do have some aspects of problem based learning. This semester we're learning about cardio, resp, and renal but we have some labs in which we're given patient problems that we have to address and discuss among a group.
2. It's not necessary, but it would make things a lot more convenient. That or you should try to find housemates who have cars. A number of classmates and I go to local grocery stores together on a weekly basis.
3. There are lots of students who do research on campus. You have a faculty mentor and that's an easy way to ask about research opportunities that they or other faculty members they know may be doing!