Welcome to your first year! If you have already made the decision regarding your dream field of study and completed all the university recruitment formalities – a new, unique chapter lies ahead of you, full of challenges, fascinating discoveries, and new experiences! To make this start as successful as possible, proper preparation is key. We encourage you to check whether all the necessary tasks on your preparation list have been ticked off.
It's time to start a new chapter and discover the secrets of medicine. Let's go through this together, step by step!
University Matters
Inauguration and Integration
Information about your assigned student group is usually sent via email after you are admitted to the university. However, it is worth checking the specific procedures of your institution – some require visiting the dean's office and signing up for a specific group individually. It’s also a great idea to check social media platforms like Facebook, where students create year-group and class-group pages. This is the perfect place for virtual integration, exchanging information, and meeting new people. It is great to know who you will be walking your academic path with for the next few years before the very first day of class.
Right before classes officially start, inauguration meetings are organized at the university. These provide a unique opportunity for an official welcome and getting to know your academic group and other students in your year. During the first meeting, a group staroste class representative is often elected. This person plays a major role in organizing your group's student life. Students will also need to elect a year class representative – someone responsible for representing the entire year to academic teachers, faculty management, and university authorities.
Some Student Governments also organize special orientation trips, known as "zero camps", aimed at student integration. This is the perfect time to meet new peers even before teaching classes begin. Such trips usually take place in September, and participants can enjoy various workshops, training sessions, courses, and integration games. It can be a wonderful adventure before the intensive time at the university, as well as a solid foundation for building future relationships with other students.
New Surroundings
Before your first day at the university, it is worth exploring the campus and the locations where your classes will take place. This will help you navigate key spots on the student map with ease and make the beginning of the semester feel much less mysterious. A good practice is also to familiarize yourself with the available commuting options so you can arrive at the university stress-free. Check public transport availability and schedules (keeping in mind that timetables can change depending on whether it is holiday season or the academic term).
If you plan to commute using your own means of transport, find out where the car parking spaces, bicycle racks, and bike paths are located. Knowing these details ahead of time will help you avoid unnecessary stress on your way to class.
Class Schedule and Preparation for First Classes
Take a look at your class schedule – it is usually published on the official university website. It is also worth reviewing the requirements for individual classes. This information can be found in the syllabus (a treasure trove of information about the course) available on the university website or in materials posted by the Department running the specific class.
There might be a need to prepare in advance for your first meeting with a given subject or instructor – doing so will help you avoid any unexpected surprises, such as an entry quiz. Being well-oriented regarding the required materials and expectations will definitely make your participation in classes more effective.
Student ID Card
After being admitted to the university, you need to pay the fee for your student ID card, which is collected in October. Often, these matters are handled by the group staroste, who picks up the ID cards from the dean's office and distributes them to the students in their group.
Medical Examinations
Remember to get your medical check-ups done and submit the necessary documentation. Every student qualified for admission will receive a referral for an occupational medicine examination. Students are also required to document their vaccination against Hepatitis B (3 doses) and testing for Salmonella/Shigella carrier status.
University Systems
Log into the university systems (some universities use a so-called "virtual dean's office") and your student email inbox. In case remote classes become necessary, it is also worth logging into apps like Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
Tuition Fees
If you are starting part-time or evening studies , find out the deadline for your first tuition payment.
Shortly after the semester starts, registration for extra activities may also take place – electives, physical education (PE), or foreign language classes. Usually, this registration happens online, so follow all announcements closely.
Study Aids
Every university uses different textbooks – check which literature is required at yours. Textbooks can often be bought second-hand, borrowed from the library, or purchased at a medical bookstore.
However, the most efficient option is to use our platform, Medcourses, where you will find courses that compile information from all the literature required for the state final examination taken after medical school. Check out our offer of Basic Science Courses, which we have prepared specifically for first-year medical students.
Housing Matters
One of the most important steps on your new journey is finding a suitable place to live. Logistically, this is no easy task, especially in a city you don't know yet. This stage can bring a lot of joy, but also some stress, which is why we have prepared a guide for you on where you can and should live during medical school. Together, we will walk through the most important steps, strategies, and tips to help you find the perfect place for yourself.
We will start this task by understanding your needs and preferences – from location to budget. It is important to determine your financial capabilities and how you want to live right from the start. Do you prefer living alone, or would you rather live with roommates with whom you will share the charms of student life? Take a look at the different accommodation options – from student dormitories to private rentals – listing the pros and cons of each.
Once you decide how you want to live, find out which neighborhoods have the most convenient locations and good transport connections to the places where your university classes will be held. If you opt for a private rental, finding an apartment near a student dormitory can be a good choice.
If you choose to live in a student dorm, now is a good time to check what documents you need to submit an application for a room. On the other hand, if you lean towards private renting, start searching for listings via classified ad portals and social media groups. Remember to visit the place in person before signing a contract to check the technical condition of the apartment and its compliance with the advertisement. If everything is in order, read the contract carefully. Sign it only after analyzing it and resolving any doubts.
Student Starter Kit
For anatomy classes, you will absolutely need an anatomy lab coat, a change of shoes, a protective medical cap, anatomical tweezers, and disposable gloves. Before histology classes, it is worth getting a blank notebook (with white pages) and colored pencils. You can find more about the student starter kit for the first year of medical school in our article.
Last, But Not Least
City Card: If you plan to commute to the university by bus, metro, or tram, it is worth getting a city card – it allows you to avoid having to buy a ticket every single time, and thus saves you a lot of money. 💸 It is therefore both a convenient and cost-effective option. Your student ID card can usually also serve as a carrier for long-term tickets, functioning similarly to a city card.
Library Card: Depending on the university, it may also be necessary to get a library card, which authorizes you to borrow books from the university library. Find out at your library whether your student ID can double as a library card.
After-Class Activities: If you like to spend your time actively after classes, it is worth exploring the available options in your future neighborhood. It might be beneficial to buy a gym membership, a pool pass, or sign up for other sports activities.
Scholarships: Students can apply for the rector's scholarship, sports scholarships, and other financial aid benefits, such as social scholarships, scholarships for people with disabilities, or emergency grants. You can learn more about university scholarships from this article.
Summary
Preparing everything necessary before starting medical school can cause a lot of stress. Remembering the most important steps is not easy, especially when it comes to looking for a future place to live or orienting yourself in a brand-new university reality.
-cropped.svg?t=1769138316){kind=logo}