This is an excellent question and one that I’m sure most of you have. The answer is going to be different for each person. I do, however, have a few pieces of advice.
- Have Fun. Trust me, do it. Go on a trip, play sports, skydive, try the spiciest sauce in the country, read, or do anything else you enjoy.
- Don’t Study (looking at you, gunners). Put your textbooks down and stop worrying about how to get ahead before classes start. The reality is that your first semester is, in large part, for you to get used to the workload and to figure out which strategies work for you. Everyone will be on the same playing field in the spring when scores really begin to count (i.e. Honors). Don’t worry, though, the curriculum is indeed Pass/Fail.
- Relax. Do not stress. You have officially been accepted into an excellent medical school, and you should be proud of this accomplishment. Celebrate with friends and family, hang by the pool with your UABSOM gear, or read a good book snuggled up with your puppy (or kitten).
- Find Housing/Roommates. This one is important because you need a place to live. Although I don’t think it’s technically stated in the rule book, you shouldn’t be living on the streets. Moving in before orientation is ideal, but Fundamentals doesn’t start for a few weeks after orientation so don’t stress if you can’t move in super early. Please refer to the Google Spreadsheet pinned on the UASOM Class of 2021 Facebook page or the housing article in last month’s issue of Vital Signs.
- Visit Birmingham. This one is cool so you can get used to the place you’ll call home for at least the next two years. Some of you may already be at home in Birmingham, but for others, Interview Day may be the first time you have ever even been to the great state of Alabama. If you can, come check it out!
- Admitted Student Checklist. Try not to put this off. The health clearance is usually the trickiest part, but get your titers, shots, and insurance all set up ASAP. The vaccines will sneak up on you so knock it out now. Yes, now. Get off your couch and go get this taken care of, or else! Seriously though, if you don’t get this done you can’t attend school next year, and you’ll never forgive yourself.
- Finances. Finances are stressful, we get that. That’s why Mrs. Theresa Millender is here for you. Listen to Mrs. Millender, she is a finance guru. If you do what she says, you will be in good shape. She is very receptive to questions, so call her or email her with any that you have.
- Be Open to Change. Medical school is full of unique personalities that may be different than you’re used to. Be open to getting to know your classmates. Everyone in medical school is intelligent and has varying experiences. You’ll never find out about the cool traditions, experiences, or talents of your classmates if you don’t make the effort to get to know them!
- Think About Your Values. This one may not be something you think about often. However, medical school comes with a unique set of challenges, and I personally think it’s beneficial to be grounded in your core values along the way. Write them down so you can remind yourself of them later. Pray, meditate, reflect, or do anything else that will help mentally prepare you for the next year.
I know not all of these is feasible for everyone. However, this will be the last free summer for many of you, because you will likely be caught up in other things next summer (i.e. research, mission trips, shadowing, working, etc.). Again, these are all bits of advice I feel are worthwhile; they won’t be for everyone. I also know that everyone will have questions at some point this summer so don’t be afraid to ask! Enjoy your summer, we’re excited to meet you all in July!
Alex Peña
Orientation Leader, Class of 2020
alexp@uab.edu