As September comes around, so too does the time of year where students across the country begin their journey at their chosen universities. For the vast majority, not only does this represent their first foray into higher education but also their first time away from home for an extended period.
This is no less true for the new cohort of medical students and so, with that in mind, we asked three of our current students for their top tips on starting life at medical school.
Before arriving at university, the very first step is to pack your bags. While essentials such as clothing and toiletries (hopefully!) speak for themselves, what are some of our students’ top tips on what to bring with you?
Emma, Year 3: Your favourite fluffy blanket.
Harriet, intercalating: Photos! You normally have a pin board you can decorate with memories of friends and family. This makes your room feel more like home.
Ollie, Year 4: Although you can get them when you arrive - frozen vegetables will save your life. When I first started at BSMS, I practically never ate any fruit or vegetables and got sick quite a lot. Until I discovered that you can just chuck a handful of frozen veg into some pasta and suddenly you're healthy again!
Two medical students in their new accommodation
Once the blanket and photos are in place (and the frozen vegetables safely in the freezer), it’s time to explore what university has to offer. What are some of the main things our students advised new medical students to do during the much vaunted ‘Welcome Week’?
Emma: Try something new and meet as many new people as you can!
Harriet: Don't be afraid to step outside your box and try new things. Fresher's is all about meeting new people and finding new, exciting things to do. You don't have to commit to societies straight away, but you can go along and try new things out to see what works for you.
Ollie: Try and do anything and everything that interests you! There are so many amazing opportunities for things to get involved in and Freshers' week is the perfect time to do it. Sports and societies will all be having taster sessions throughout first term and I would definitely recommend trying something out you're interested in but have never done before. Although I am definitely biased, the Freshers week that MedSoc puts on just for BSMS students is incredible and would recommend going to as many of the events as you can - I still reminisce about mine with friends almost 5 years later.
A BSMS student climbing at Boulder Brighton
Finally, starting at medical school can be tricky to negotiate and present a big change for many people. As such, if our students could go back in time to give themselves one piece of advice before starting university, what would they say?
Emma: First year is the year to make as many social connections and try as many societies as possible.
Harriet: Don't be so nervous. This is a new exciting chapter of your life so be excited for it. Everyone else will also feel nervous not just you but be ready for an amazing part of your life.
Ollie: Don't stress about exams or rankings. Providing you are passing and are on trajectory to be a safe doctor then that's fantastic! In early lectures, one of the professors asks us "What do you call the person who finishes medical school ranked lowest in the year?" The answer is, of course, a doctor. Ranking is not reflective of how competent a doctor you will be and the most important thing is to work hard (but not too hard, particularly in Years 1 & 2...).
Year 1 students in the Anatomy Suite at BSMS