4 College Tips for New Med School Students
After four years of undergrad and the stress of applying to medical school, you are finally embarking on your next big step towards becoming a doctor. But what worked for you in undergrad, may not work for you in medical school. You may want to create a game plan on how to make the most out of your next couple of years in order to propel yourself into your career in medicine.
1. Do Not Compare Yourself to Others
The very first thing you should focus on is not focusing on your peers’ accomplishments and habits. What works for them, will not necessarily work for you. You have also worked ridiculously hard to make sure that you got to where you are, so do not be surprised when you find that your peers have done the exact same. No matter where you end up ranking among your fellow students, you should focus on doing your best and passing your classes. You do not know what they may be dealing with like student loans or personal hardships, so it is best if you focus on your own work and not worry about theirs.
2. Build Healthy Habits
Medical school can be overwhelming but that is no excuse for not taking care of yourself. Make sure that you eat healthy meals that are comprised of lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. If you are short on time or running late, make sure to prep or stock healthy on-the-go meals and snacks so you are not tempted to buy fast food or eat from vending machines. It can become difficult to get enough sleep with all of your responsibilities pulling you in different directions, but you should prioritize getting enough sleep every night. If you do not sleep enough, you could be making yourself susceptible to sickness and disease. Not sleeping can also make you less efficient when learning and remembering material and increase your stress levels. You can build healthy habits early on that you can rely on when school starts to be overwhelming.
3. Get to Know Staff and Older Med Students
Staff and administration have seen students like you come ad go and therefore know the tips and tricks that can help you succeed. Not only can they help you with questions, but they can also offer some support on your hard days.
Older med students have been exactly where you are right now which is why you want to be on their good side. They will have knowledge concerning classes and professors that is invaluable. They can give you insight into specific course systems, practicals, what mistakes to avoid, and even where everyone hangs out.
4. Prioritize Your Mental Health
It is not a secret that medical school is tough, but keeping your stress levels down and your mood high can make all the difference. Stress can seriously affect your immune system, making you vulnerable to illness, but also make you inefficient when working. Take the time to reach out if you need to talk to someone about your stress. You can talk to a friend or family member or seek out a mental health professional that can help you out.
Before the stress starts to get so bad that you can barely function, take a break to do something that has nothing to do with med school. Set time aside to do the things that you love and actually do them. Exercise daily or at least three to four times a week. Have a self-care night where you watch your favorite television shows or movies. Go out with friends to see a show. Socializing with your fellow students can allow you a time where you can blow off some steam with people who understand the stress you are under while also building relationships that can be beneficial in school.
Medical school may seem to be impossible at times, but if you have made it this far, you can make it through with some support and self-compassion.
