Below is a list of things I wish I had known before I started medical school. Hopefully, advice from the current students will help you feel less overwhelmed as you enter a new phase of life. – Isabella Mak
“I wish I had known before starting medical school that finding my rhythm in class and studying takes time and does not need to be perfected on day one! You do not need to spend time during the summer before starting and trying to figure out what is best for you. Fundamentals creates the perfect opportunity to try different methods and resources. The most important thing to do right now is make time to relax, have fun, and set healthy, sustainable habits!” -Ann Kay Alexander
"I wish I had known to trust that everything will be explained in due time. Right now, all you really need to worry about is relaxing, finding a place to live in Birmingham and finishing that Pre-matriculation Checklist. Everything you need to know will either be explained in Orientation or during your first few months here. So take a deep breath and enjoy your summer! Also, I'd definitely recommend going to the socials during Orientation. You don't need to go to each one, but go to the socials that sound enjoyable to you. They are a great way to meet your fellow classmates and you really don't need to be studying during that time anyway. Looking back, I wish I had gone to more socials so I could have met more people before the stress of the academic year began." -Jacob Coeur
“During the first two years of medical school you will be extremely busy studying for many hours but there will be some free time for you to continue investing time in hobbies that are important to you. There may not be as much time available as you’d like but it is great to fall back onto something familiar and enjoyable when things become overwhelming in medical school.” -Irina Gonzalez-Sigler