Some tips for starting university, from someone who has already done it
An important one here, obviously make sure you have applied to SFE for a tuition fee loan (if eligible) and maintenance loan, as well as any other financial support you could get. There may be other organisations you can apply to for financial help, especially if your circumstances mean you are able to get more financial support. You should also make sure you have accommodation sorted, whether or not this is in university halls, privately, or living with family. If you choose to live in halls you should check the deadline for submitting your application and make sure you get your application in early. Private accommodation generally you can sort out later and if you choose to live with family, obviously you don't need to do anything!
All medical schools will require new students to undertake an occupational health check - this may involve filling out an occupational health form/questionnaire and sharing your vaccination records with the medical school. They also require you to have certain vaccinations, some of which you will have had previously, but others which you may need to get before starting, such as for hepatitis b. Your specific medical school will send you details of any occupational health checks they will carry out and any vaccinations you will need. You will also be tested for HIV, hepatitis b, hepatits c and tuberculosis before you begin your studies.
You will also need an enhanced Disclosure and Barring service (DBS) check, which is basically a criminal record check. You will often need a DBS check for any role, voluntary or paid which involves working with vulnerable groups, including children, and studying medicine is no exception to this. When you go on clinical placements, NHS Trusts may also require you to show them your certificate before allowing you to start. An enhanced DBS check usually costs around £40, whilst you can register for the DBS update service (which allows you to keep renewing your DBS) for £13 a year. Again, your medical school will contact you with details regarding how to apply for a DBS check.
Consider everything you might need to buy or do before starting university. If you are living independently in halls, you may learn how to cook for example, and there might be several things you need to buy before moving in e.g. cooking utensils, bedding, furnishings, stationary, tech etc. If you are living at home then you may not need to buy anything. Look into all the university has to offer, in terms of clubs and societies and what there is around the university. Is it campus-based or is it within a city? You should also check out any savings you can get as a student - unidays offer discounts on various retailers, some banks might offer incentives for opening a student account. When I went to Manchester Santander were offering a four-year railcard for opening an account with them. Managing your finances will be important - you could consider looking into part-time jobs too.
Most medical schools will tell you what textbooks they recommend you buy and they will also have reading lists - so don't go buying every medicine textbook there is before you have even started! Not only will it cost you a fortnue, but it might not even be recommended by your medical school. In your introductory week, there may also be discounts available on anything you might need for your course - e.g. on stethoscopes, lab coats, books.
There is no doubt that going to university to study medicine is exciting but also demanding! With this in mind, enjoy your summer beforehand, because you may find yourself with less free time in the future. It can be a good opportunity to earn some money before term starts in September (please see my article on this too), but be sure to take some time to relax and recharge too! See friends, take a holiday, keep going with hobbies or try something new - either way, make sure you have some time off and look forward to starting medicine!
Posted by Nathan