Introduction

Entering medical school is an exciting yet challenging time, especially for first-year students. Balancing a demanding curriculum with personal well-being can feel overwhelming. To help navigate this journey, we’ve compiled key advice for M1 students. By adopting these pieces of advice, M1 students can achieve a balanced and fulfilling medical school experience.

Extracurriculars

Slow and steady: Choosing from the vast array of extracurricular opportunities can be overwhelming. It is important to strike a balance between academics and other activities without burning yourself out. Ensure you have enough time for each extracurricular to maximize your experience and involvement. You will be extremely busy, so our advice for M1 students is to limit yourself to one or two extracurriculars, at least until you settle into the rhythm of med school. Utilize summers for any research, traveling, and jobs you don’t have time for during the school year.

Incorporating regular exercise and a healthy diet: This vital advice will help you navigate the intense demands of medical school. Physical activity boosts energy levels, enhances concentration, and reduces stress, making it easier to tackle the heavy academic workload. Whether it's a quick jog, a yoga session, or a gym workout, finding time to move is essential for optimal performance. Equally important is maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support overall well-being. Prioritize meals with lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while staying hydrated. This combination of exercise and proper nutrition fosters both physical and mental resilience, which is crucial for thriving in medical school.

Make time for music: Listening to and creating music challenges the brain to improve auditory processing. Whether you are an auditory learner or not, music can boost memory and linguistic processing, making it easier to recall course material and helpful tools like mnemonic devices. Incorporating music provides a refreshing mental break and enhances cognitive functions. Embracing music in your daily life offers a creative and effective way to support your studies as a new med student.

Study habits

Discover your preferred learning style early on—whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic—to tailor study methods effectively. For example, visual learners can utilize diagrams while auditory learners should leverage mnemonics. On the other hand, kinesthetic learners should engage with physical anatomical models. By adopting proactive study habits and embracing a balanced approach, M1 students can lay a solid foundation for medical school and optimize their learning experience. 

Here are some additional pieces of med school study advice:

• Utilize active learning techniques such as concept mapping and self-testing to reinforce understanding.

• Avoid cramming by establishing a consistent study schedule and breaking down material into manageable chunks.

• Prioritize reviewing lectures both before and after class to enhance retention.

• Engage with peers for collaborative learning and seek clarification from professors promptly.

In the classroom

Get to know your professors: This is essential for all first-year med students to take advantage of networking opportunities. Visit office hours early in the course period to introduce yourself, express enthusiasm for the course, and ask questions. Spending more time with your favorite professors will help you access their network and receive more guidance. This is one of the best ways to open the door to new career and research opportunities.

Pursue areas of interest outside of medicine: Med students must carve out time for passions outside of medicine. Playing an instrument, practicing a sport, or engaging in artistic pursuits can provide a mental break. These interests serve as a healthy outlet for stress and foster a well-rounded personality. They also cultivate skills like creativity, teamwork, and resilience, which are invaluable in the medical field. Maintaining hobbies outside of medicine helps build a balanced lifestyle and prevents burnout. It also keeps you connected with a broader community. Incorporating this holistic approach as an M1 student can make you a more empathetic and well-rounded physician.

Online

Explore online study tools and resources: There are countless apps and websites that aim to boost exam scores for medical students. Some of our favorites are…

• Learvo.com → Access a medical mnemonic library with 400+ mnemonic devices or generate your own with the personalized mnemonic device generator! 

• Khan Academy → Watch free lessons to increase your confidence with MCAT concepts!

• r/Learvo, r/Mcat, and r/premed Reddit online communities → Get genuine advice from others along your path! These are efficient places to answer your questions, help others, and relate to your peers!

• @Learvo_Learning, @medical_siblings, @medschoolbro on Instagram, and @Learvo on TikTok → Connect with content creators and contribute to online conversations via comments, likes, and DMs. These are great places for weekly med school tips and memes!

Conclusion

Navigating the first year of medical school requires careful balancing of academic demands with personal well-being. Embrace the excitement of new opportunities while also allowing yourself the time to adjust and find your rhythm. By thoughtfully selecting extracurriculars, forging connections with professors, and leveraging online resources, you’ll cultivate a rich, rewarding experience that prepares you for the future. Don’t underestimate the power of mnemonics and creative learning methods; they can transform your study habits and enhance retention. Remember, the goal is to grow both as a medical professional and as an individual. Taking these steps will not only help you thrive in medical school but also lay a strong foundation for your future career.