I have made some amazing friends, mainly in my halls, with their wonderful eclectic mix of personalities, medics are fab, and definitely fun to go out with, but I ended up spending a lot more time with my halls friends rather then becoming a "medic-medic" and closing off my friendship group.
Tips for anyone starting Medicine in a few weeks (or University generally):
- I have been through two freshers, and I promise you that talking to everyone you meet, regardless if they are/ aren't like your "bessie mates from home" will help you no end. You will make friends with people you never thought you would, and will ultimately find some beautiful gems of people.
- Work out that "study-party" balance later in October. Use the first few weeks to make friends; go to every event, attend all the society tasters, take up that invitation for coffee or to go Irish dancing, you really don't need to be working hard at this point I promise.
- Medicine is actually a lot more work then most degrees. Lecturers and course leaders will drum this into you, you will attend numerous talks on looking after your mental health and stress, but no-one really listens until Summer term when you are trapped in lectures and revision and everyone else is done and frolicking in the sun. Don't resent it, we have a guaranteed job at the end of this, the quicker you accept you have to work harder and longer then everyone else, the quicker you stop complaining about it and people won't be annoyed at you. Look after other medics, get your work done, and try to not compare timetables with a History of Art student.
- Attendance is important. I know this better than most as I had to spend part of August stuck in a village GP due to missing placement. ATTEND MY GOD ATTEND. It makes sure you get to know everyone on your course, feel psychologically involved, and it is a lot less stressful round exam time if you have a complete set of notes... I know it will be tempting to skip lectures, and sleep in, especially if you are on the routine and habits of an Arts student, but you are not an Arts student and you will be responsible for serious decisions and responsibilities soon. So man/ woman up, set a lot of alarms around your room, and you'll get use to it petal I promise.
- Try not to get too stressed. You are doing enough work and you were good enough to get in. If you attend most things, complete the work that's requested of you (keen beans do extra and there is no shame in that but also not much necessity) you will be fine. Medics are notoriously stress pots, but try your very best to not fall into this - you know the drill, eat healthy, exercise, have outside activities, make lists and get help when you need it.
