How to Survive Your First Year of Medical School

The first year of medical school is unlike any academic experience you have had before. The volume of information, the pace, and the expectations can feel overwhelming. But thousands of students get through it every year—and you will too. Here are 15 essential tips to help you thrive during MS1.

1. Accept That You Cannot Learn Everything

This is the hardest lesson for high-achieving students. In undergrad, you could master every detail. In medical school, you need to prioritize ruthlessly. Focus on understanding core concepts and high-yield information. Perfectionism will burn you out.

2. Find Your Study Method Early

Experiment with different approaches in your first few weeks. What worked in undergrad may not work now. Try active recall, spaced repetition, concept mapping, and group study. Once you find what works, commit to it.

Modern tools can accelerate this process. Platforms like MedSchool Companion let you upload your lecture materials and generate custom quizzes, helping you test different study approaches quickly.

3. Attend (or Do Not Attend) Strategically

Some lectures are essential. Others are better watched at 2x speed or skipped entirely in favor of outside resources. Pay attention to which professors add value beyond the slides and which do not. Your time is precious.

4. Build Relationships with Classmates

Your classmates are your greatest resource. They are going through the same thing, and collaboration beats isolation. Form study groups, share resources, and support each other. These relationships often last your entire career.

5. Establish a Sustainable Routine

Cramming does not work in medical school. You need consistent, daily effort. Build a routine that includes:

• Fixed wake and sleep times
• Dedicated study blocks
• Regular meals
• Exercise or movement
• Time for relationships and hobbies

6. Prioritize Sleep

Sleep is not optional. Memory consolidation happens during sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation impairs learning, judgment, and mental health. Aim for 7-8 hours consistently. You will learn more in 10 focused hours after good sleep than 14 exhausted hours.

7. Exercise Regularly

Exercise improves cognitive function, reduces stress, and prevents the health problems that come from sitting all day. Even 20-30 minutes of walking counts. Schedule it like any other commitment.

8. Use Multiple Learning Modalities

Do not just read. Watch videos, do practice questions, teach concepts to others, and listen to podcasts during commutes. Different modalities reinforce learning and prevent fatigue.

Tools like MedSchool Companion can convert your notes into audio podcasts, letting you learn during exercise, cooking, or commuting—times that would otherwise be lost.

9. Start Questions Early

Do not wait until you feel ready to start practice questions. Begin from day one. Questions expose what you do not know and teach you how material is tested. They are the most efficient form of studying.

10. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Medical school has high rates of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Know the warning signs. Use your school's counseling services without shame. Talk to friends and family. Seek help early if you are struggling.

11. Stay Connected to Your Why

When things get hard—and they will—remember why you chose medicine. Keep reminders of your purpose visible. Connect with patients or physicians who inspire you. Purpose sustains motivation when willpower fails.

12. Learn to Say No

Medical school offers endless opportunities: research, clubs, volunteering, leadership positions. You cannot do everything. Choose a few things that matter most and protect your time for studying, rest, and relationships.

13. Do Not Compare Yourself to Others

There will always be someone who seems to study less and know more. Comparison is toxic. Focus on your own progress and your own path. Everyone has different backgrounds, learning styles, and strengths.

14. Build Good Habits Now

The habits you build in first year will carry through your entire medical career. This includes study habits, self-care routines, and professional behaviors. Invest time in getting them right early.

15. Use Technology Wisely

Technology can be a powerful ally or a constant distraction. Use apps that block social media during study time. Leverage AI-powered study tools like MedSchool Companion to study more efficiently. But set boundaries—not every moment needs to be filled with screen time.

The First Exam

Your first medical school exam will likely be a shock. Scores that would have been excellent in undergrad may be average or below. This is normal. The learning curve is steep, and everyone adjusts. Do not let early setbacks define your trajectory.

Finding Your Community

Beyond academics, first year is about finding where you belong. Join interest groups that excite you. Attend social events even when you feel like studying. These connections make the hard times bearable and the good times better.

Looking Ahead

First year feels endless while you are in it, but it passes quickly. The knowledge you build now becomes the foundation for everything that follows. Trust the process, take care of yourself, and remember: every physician you admire was once exactly where you are now.

You have what it takes. Now go prove it.