The first month of medical school marks the beginning of a demanding yet rewarding journey. While the first week is full of excitement and orientation, the first month is about settling into a comfortable and sustainable rhythm, mastering time management, and building the habits that will carry you through your preclinical years.
If your first week of medical school went well, you have already found your bearings. Now, the first month is about securing your footing. By the end of this first month, you’ll want to feel not only comfortable in your new environment but also confident in your ability to handle the challenges ahead.
Here’s how you can make the most of your first month in medical school.
1 | Establish a Study Routine
In medical school, information overload is real, and the earlier you establish a study routine, the better. The first month is about experimenting with different learning strategies and optimizing your study schedule.
Spend the time figuring out if studying in the morning vs evening is more effective for you. Do you prefer premade flashcards or creating your own summaries? Do you prefer solo studying or studying in a group? Do you need to be in a library or can you study from home?
Play around with these variables until you find your most productive routine. And for most, what worked in undergrad will likely not cut it in medical school. The volume of material is sustainably larger and delivered at a much faster pace. For most people, you will likely need to reduce the number of times you go to the bars or how many episodes of Love Island you binge to make sure you do not fall behind.
Additionally, it’s crucial that you stay consistent. This is the real key to being successful in medical school. Even in your first month, study regularly, and give special attention to reducing distractions and forming this habit.
Cramming is a dangerous habit from undergrad that you will need to let go of, as it will only lead to burnout. Commit to daily or near-daily study sessions, even if they are shorter on some days.
Building this habit early will make the thousands of hours you will spend studying in the next couple of years more efficient and effective.
2 | Connect with Faculty and Mentors
Medical school isn’t just about what you—it’s also about who you know. In your first month, make an effort to meet some of your professors and career advisors. Get to know them not just as lecturers but as potential mentors.
Take the time to identify potential mentors early because great mentorship can be a game-changer in medical school. A good mentor can provide career advice, introduce you to research opportunities, and guide you towards residency programs.
In your first month, attend specialty interest group meetings, research presentations, or other events where you can develop your network.
Your academic advisor is there to help you navigate the trials of medical school. Early in your first month, schedule a meeting with them so you can discuss your goals. Whether you are already thinking about applying to some of the most competitive specialties or looking to learn more about a specialty that you have never heard of, they are a great asset to help you get connected with that department.
If you meet with your advisor and do not find them helpful—which happens to many students—reach out to upperclassmen who plan on applying in the same field as you.
3 | Build Your Support System
Your classmates will be your second family during medical school. Establishing strong relationships in your first month is key to building a robust support network that will carry you through the highs and lows of medical school. In my opinion, the best two ways to build a support system are by joining study groups and attending social events.
Considering the massive number of hours you will be studying throughout medical school, your study group will likely be the people you spend the majority of your time with. Because of this, find a few classmates who you share academic goals and study habits with. For example, people who want to get 100s on everything vs those who simply want to pass so that they can move on to more short-term pleasures.
Having friends who you can call the night before an exam to help you wrap your head around a complex topic or motivate you to stay on track is vital. They are your safety net, and if you fall, they will be the ones who will help you get back up.
Participate in as many social activities as you can, especially early on while you are building your support system! Medical school is long and challenging, so having classmates who you can unwind with after an exam makes a world of difference. Attend parties, join group chats, look for clubs that align with your interests, and find intramural sports teams.
Building these support systems in the first month ultimately pays back dividends throughout medical school.
The Foundation for Long-Term Success
Much like the first week of medical school, the first month will be over in the blink of an eye. It’s a month filled with new experiences, challenges, and opportunities. By establishing great study habits, figuring out what your rhythm looks like, connecting with mentors, and building a support network, you will set yourself up for long-term success.
This month is about learning how to adapt and thrive in a new environment. Take things one step at a time, ask for help when needed, and remember to celebrate small victories along the way. You’ve made it this far—trust that you belong here, and embrace the journey ahead.
After the first month, the first semester will be about getting involved with medical research, gaining extracurricular leadership, making plans for the summer, and learning what it takes to match into your dream specialty.
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