Things to buy/do before med school starts
Replying to this as an incoming MS1 and am curious/bored. I've already invested in a new macbook (per my school's requirements) and a standing desk that was gifted to me. Amongst the list of popular recommendations provided by current med students, I already have: an IPad, noise-cancelling headphones, an Anki remote, external desk monitor,
The following are what I am considering buying (feel free to de-influence):
- ergonomic chair (rlly want one, but the ones on amazon do not look comfy imo. i like pillows lol. if anyone has affordable recommendations, lmk!!)
- walking trackpad (60/40 on this. my apartment has a gym and I'm telling myself that I can just use the gym's treadmills and do anki while i walk lol)
- therapist? lol
need some more practical items that students found themselves randomly needing and relying on throughout the year
The following are what I am considering buying (feel free to de-influence):
- ergonomic chair (rlly want one, but the ones on amazon do not look comfy imo. i like pillows lol. if anyone has affordable recommendations, lmk!!)
- walking trackpad (60/40 on this. my apartment has a gym and I'm telling myself that I can just use the gym's treadmills and do anki while i walk lol)
- therapist? lol
need some more practical items that students found themselves randomly needing and relying on throughout the year
As an MS1, I'd recommend the following:
-Technology: New computer compliant with school requirements depending on the one you currently have, iPad/tablet w/ or w/o stylus (if that suits your fancy), a quality set of headphones. A home printer can also be nice.
-Software/Subscriptions: If you're going to do Anki, pay for Anking. You'll also need to pay for Anki to have it on your phone. I'd also recommend (though perhaps later on) looking into getting an AMBOSS subscription set up. ChatGPT plus is also a really nice have - can be useful as a supplementary study tool and help w/ digesting lectures
-Apartment: Airfryer and/or instant pot can be an absolute god send. I'd also recommend a microwave if your apartment doesn't have one, as well as a vacuum and mop. Would also recommend Tupperware and a lunch box (seriously) - meal prep will be your friend throughout med school
-Misc: Quality backpack, appropriate climate related clothes (i.e. jackets if it's cold, an umbrella/rain coat, etc.), and if you don't have one already, a credit card.
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For apartment:
Air fryer
stationary bike
Absolute best mattress and sheets you can afford
Air fryer
stationary bike
Absolute best mattress and sheets you can afford
Find out what your schools offer you. Some schools provide computer (the one I teach at provides each student with a Mac, when my daughter was in school, they gave her a Dell laptop and an iPad). My school also has accounts for Osmosis, Boards and Beyond, AMBOSS, Up to Date, etc for the students (makes me think why are teachers even needed).
Other ideas
Water kettle (boiling water for tea or coffee) if you like French press or other coffee making contraptions that aren't too pretentious (espresso/cappuccino unless you really want that)
Slow cooker (different from pressure cooker/instapot or rice cooker)
White noise machine
Water kettle (boiling water for tea or coffee) if you like French press or other coffee making contraptions that aren't too pretentious (espresso/cappuccino unless you really want that)
Slow cooker (different from pressure cooker/instapot or rice cooker)
White noise machine
nice tablet
good bedsheets
50 foot limestone monolith
anki remote
good bedsheets
50 foot limestone monolith
anki remote
D
deleted1192955
-iPad is an absolute must and stylus
-Comfortable backpack
-Staedtler markers for annotating FA
-Soft white light bulbs in order to prevent eye strain
-Comfortable pens that you can write with easily
-Portable chargers for your electronic devices
Hope that this helps!
-Comfortable backpack
-Staedtler markers for annotating FA
-Soft white light bulbs in order to prevent eye strain
-Comfortable pens that you can write with easily
-Portable chargers for your electronic devices
Hope that this helps!
Very comfortable dress shoes. Closed toes. Depending on where you live, reliable boots for rain/snow.
cerebellar
New Member
I am an M2 and I regret not buying a subscription to Boards and Beyond in my first year. While the narrator can be dull (which many people might not like) I found it to be helpful because he got right to the point and emphasized HY stuff/explained pathophysiology. Honestly, I wish I had sketchy earlier too, but it depends if you are a visual learner!
