As you enter your first year of medical school, you’ll need to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. You’ll be expected to take in a lot of information in a short period of time, and that requires discipline and focus. Thankfully, knowing what to expect during the first year of medical school, also called M1 or MS1, can help ease your transition into your medical school program.
What Does the First Year of Medical School Look Like?
With its vast amounts of complex information and fast-paced lectures, many students describe the beginning of M1 as being like drinking from a fire hose. This year aims to quickly develop your understanding of the human body and the fundamentals of medicine, so you’re prepared for your clinicals. During M1, you’ll focus heavily on topics like human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology, and pathology.
This year will contain a mix of classroom lectures and labs. Typically, medical students don’t begin interacting with patients until their clinical rotations in year three. However, depending on the program, you may begin supervised patient interactions as early as the first week of your first year.
How to Prepare for Your First Year of Medical School
Once you’re accepted into medical school, you’ll want to complete any remaining paperwork and take action to secure funding, such as loans and grants. This is also the time to find housing for the next four years.
If you haven’t already established a solid study routine, you’ll want to put one into place. Block out time each day to read, research, and prepare for the coursework ahead. You can experiment with your routine to find what works best for you.
Make sure to prioritize self-care practices and a healthy sleep schedule before starting med school. Establishing these habits early can make it easier to maintain them throughout your studies.
A few weeks before your program begins, consider purchasing your textbooks and other required materials as soon as you get your syllabus. This gives you time to skim the material and better understand what you can expect to cover on your first day of class.
As a first-year medical student, you’ll have plenty on your plate, and starting off on the right foot can increase your chance of success.
For more medical school preparation tips, check out our video covering the details: What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Medical School.
How Much Do Medical Students Actually Study?
On average, M1 students devote 30 to 40 hours a week to studying. This can vary based on your specific program, course load, exam schedules, and other factors. To avoid falling behind in your studies, we recommend treating your medical school program as a full-time job.
How to Prepare for Medical School Exams
The intensity of medical school exams may surprise you as an M1 student. In fact, it’s common for M1 students to fail their first tests as they’re still adjusting to the rigors of their program. Don’t panic if this should happen to you.
Taking clear notes during lectures, reviewing recorded materials, and creating and sticking to a study schedule can help you prepare for upcoming exams. You could even join a study group or review previously graded coursework and quizzes.
Start Your Medical Journey Strong With AUC
Many former medical students will tell you the first year is the hardest. Once you’ve adjusted to the demands of medical school — including the fast pace and dense material — you’ll be one step closer to earning your MD degree. Remember, remaining flexible and adaptable can help you thrive in medical school and beyond.
You’ll face many challenges as a first-year medical student, including a heavy course load, complex subject matter, and a shortage of free time, but the results are worth it for many.
At the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC), we immerse our students in their medical education from their first day of class. As an AUC student, you’ll deepen your understanding of anatomy through cadaver labs and gain confidence making a diagnosis through high-fidelity simulation labs and supervised patient interactions.
Spending your preclinical studies at AUC can help you build the medical, professional, and personal skills to provide compassionate and appropriate care for your future patients.
Ready to start preparing for your medical career on the stunning island of Sint Maarten? Contact us for more information, or apply today!
