A Pre-Med’s Study Essentials

Shoutout to all of the pre-med students out there! I thought it’d be fun to do a quick post sharing some of my study essentials.

A plan

What’s the focus of the day? Are you going to need your calculator? I normally plan out my study days using to-do lists. When I’m making these lists, I have my planner beside me where I can see the things that I went over in class that week or that I have yet to cover. You don’t want to go into your study sessions blind-sighted, you know?

Class Material

Okay, so you have your plan, right? Do you think you’re gonna need the textbooks to study for that class? Bring them. Do you have a printed version of the lectures? Bring them. What about the math worksheets that are dripping with practice problems? Yes, bring them too.  If you’re studying outside of your dorm, make sure you’re prepared. Heck, you should even bring your syllabus just in case you’re planning to read ahead.

Read more about my Journey to Medicine here

Earphones

Sometimes professors may embed videos in their lecture slides, so earphones are important for optimum focus. Other times, the lecture slides can be a bit dense and Khan Academy may have to be of some assistance. Lastly, if the subject allows, I’m definitely listening to music.

iPad

The more screens the better. I use my iPad to pull up lecture slides, this allows my laptop to be used for something else.

Phone

Staying in the dorm? Turn it on Do Not Disturb or put it (far) away. Elsewhere? Do Not Disturb will do, but make sure you check for missed calls/texts during your periodic study breaks for good measure.

Laptop

I was considering leaving this off the list because it’s a given, but it’s just too important. I know libraries are equipped with computers, but there’s nothing like having your own.

Med School Parodies and Vlogs

Are you serious? Yes, I’m serious. I’m one of those people that have to study for five hours straight before they’re actually satisfied with themselves, so the medical school parodies/vlogs are important to give me a little more motivation.

Snacks

Have you ever sat in the library to study and worried that you didn’t bring enough snacks? No? Okay, maybe no one’s as dramatic as I am… I accept that. Still, I think snacks are essential for any study session. Here are a few of my must-haves:

1. Water
2. Pretzels
3. Snap Peas (a new fave)
4. Hard Candy (for a little wake-me-up)