7 Study Tips for University from a Medical Student
Medical school often presents a massive mountain of material, most of which you're expected to know in a short amount of time. This can be extremely daunting, and one question often overshadows all others: “How am I supposed to get all of this into my head?”
I've definitely been in this situation multiple times and know how overwhelmed and demotivated you can feel in these moments. Therefore, I'm happy to share a few tips that have helped me conquer huge amounts of material while still paying attention to my mental health; if you neglect this, you'll often quickly lose the energy and stamina for studying. Studying is a marathon, not a sprint!
Tip #1 Divide the material into small parts
It's best to start by roughly skimming through all your materials to estimate how many topics you can divide the material into and roughly how much content each topic has. This way, you can divide the big picture into smaller chunks that are much easier to conquer and that you can work your way through step by step.
If you still don't know where to start: most textbooks have put some thought into the order of the topics, so: usually just start with the first topic, the rest pretty much always builds on it.
Tip #2 Create a study plan
Personally, I can't do anything without a study plan. It brings structure to everyday life and gives you the feeling that you have your success in your hands and know exactly:if I follow the plan, I will definitely be finished by the deadline.
If possible: build in a few buffer days and some review days before the final deadline, this gives you extra security in case something comes up or if you just can't concentrate on a particular day. The study plan is also not a rigid structure. It can be changed at any time during execution. It is important, however, that you maintain the rough framework so that you can be sure to finish the material.
Tip #3 Quiz each other
Studying with fellow students is much more fun and it no longer feels as tedious as sitting alone in front of the book.Coordinate with 2-3 friends about when you'll study what, so you can discuss topics after a study day, clarify uncertainties for each other, and above all, coordinate with each other.
This way you see where your strengths and weaknesses lie and can therefore firstly adjust your study plan again and repeat the topics that didn't go so well, and secondly, take a breather when you see that the learning has actually achieved something in some areas. Furthermore, answering questions and discussing solidifies knowledge immensely!
Tip #4 Visualize Progress
You often have the feeling that you haven't achieved anything at all and the mountain simply isn't getting any smaller. That's why it's important tovisualize your progress and keep it in mind . With the learning plan, for example, this worked well for me, as I always checked off the topics I had completed.
Every time I could check something off, it was a kind of mini-triumph and I knew that I had already taken a small step in the right direction. After a few days, you see how many topics you have already completed and realize that all the work is actually paying off.
Tip #5 Set Learning-Free Times
Extremely important! No one can keep up with learning 24/7 in the long run. Set a time at which you will stop learning at the latest,take a break in the evening and do something you enjoy and that offers a balance : work out at the gym, go out for a nice meal with friends, or relax on the couch with your friends and your favorite series.
Sometimes take an afternoon off to do something enjoyable. You don't need to feel guilty for doing something other than eating, sleeping, and studying. The latter can be done for a few days, but in the long run it will drain you extremely and your study time will be much less efficient, which in turn will drain you even more, and so you get into a vicious cycle. After all, we are still humans and not machines, and humans cannot work around the clock.
Tip #6 Don't lose sight of the big picture
Especially in the preclinical phase, it often happens that while memorizing loudly, you think to yourself at some point: "Why am I actually doing this to myself?" Rarely do you have the feeling that you can actually use all the knowledge you are cramming into your head concretely in the medical profession.
I cannot currently assess whether this knowledge will be needed later. However, I can say that no course of study is easy, and medical school, in particular, always requires a great deal of ambition, as it constantly feels like obstacles are being placed in your path. So, if you're in a phase where you're thinking: What's the point of all this?Remember the ultimate goal you want to achieve: becoming a doctor .
On the way there, you often have to bite the bullet, but in the end, it's worth it because you can pursue the profession you truly want. Specifically, the colored boxes in the textbooks that establish the clinical connections are always helpful to me. This also allows you to become more fascinated by the topic. And if all that doesn't help, here's the clinicians' favorite saying: After the Physikum (pre-clinical exams), everything will be better!
Tip #7 Enjoy the time
Even if it's sometimes stressful and you have to study a lot. You should tryto enjoy every single second . Have fun with fellow students, go out, or just do great things that you've always wanted to do.
During your studies, you have so many freedoms, like nowhere else. Enjoy the time when you are so young and energetic and don't take your studies too seriously.
How did you like the article? Were you able to take something away for yourself? Feel free to write it in the comments.
Kind regards,
Your medical student
@studymedizin_