Take
advantage of students who've gone before. Track
down an alumnus of your undergrad school who's a year ahead. Alternatively,
many schools have formalized big sib programs - they've got the
low-down on your first year. They'll tell you which courses are
bears, which profs are bores, and how to study for specific tests.
Forming a relationship with a big sib is also helpful for subsequent
years.
Have
fun. This applies to what you're studying and what you're
doing outside of class work. Enjoy what you study - find ways
of making studying fun. Get a study group together, make flashcards
for pharmacology, work medical
crossword puzzles, or do whatever you can to make the material
less dry.
Equally
(if not more) important, keep active outside of class. Third
year of med school isn't the end of your life outside of medicine,
but it sure does change your lifestyle. Take advantage of first
and second years - get out hiking, play basketball, learn to fence
(you know you've always wanted to). The physical activity will
be a good break from the books, and you'll come back refreshed
and ready to rumble.
