New medical students - tips to help you as you embark on this journey towards being a doctor

While enjoying your well-deserved summer, you're likely reaching a point of both excitement and nervousness as you anticipate your results and prepare to enter medical school!

We are here to give you some tips before you start medical school this september...

Sometimes you may be left thinking how you will cope with change, whether that is a new city, food, people, course and activities. You will be okay; it is how you want to do this journey that matters....

We felt the same when we started, and now having graduated what an amazing experience university was, both in the highs that were celebrated and the lows where we learnt life lessons.

Navigating medical school is a rewarding yet challenging journey. The pressure to excel academically, manage clinical responsibilities, and maintain personal well-being can feel overwhelming.

I want to share a guide filled with practical mental health support tools designed to help you thrive during this demanding time. I wish I had this before I started at Cardiff University.

While the journey is life changing, it is essential to remember that your health is MORE important as your academic achievements. Embracing this perspective can lead to a more fulfilling and successful experience.

Why do you need to put your well-being first?

Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially in the medical field.

Stress, anxiety, and burnout are common among medical students and professionals. Recognising this is the first step toward seeking help and using effective support tools.

The habits you form at medical school will carry you for years - so how you decide to manage your stress and anxiety, improve focus and productivity, building healthy habits and self care including diet and exercise, watching your alcohol intake and having healthy strategies to cope with emotional challenges is so important.

You are what you practise.

1. Time Management will save you stress

Managing your time well reduces stress.

There is time to eat, sleep, have fun, party, see family and friends and study.

It may feel sometimes like you have a million and one things to do but there is time, trust me, it's about how you have organised life

You will find out what works well for YOU, not what someone else is doing, YOU are also important to invest in and figure out what you NEED.

Prioritise the things that fill you up and you will find it easier to manage

Tools like Todoist, Trello, or simple planners help you prioritise tasks and avoid last-minute panic.

• Break down large assignments into smaller, manageable steps - what do they actually need to pass you?

  
  

• Set realistic goals for each study session - use AI to summarise notes and create revision sheets as you go along.

  
  

• Sometimes you will go to lectures and not understand everything first time, this is normal, have a way that you can take notes and look at them after.

  
  

• You do not have to take it all in everyday!

  
  

• Schedule regular breaks to recharge - I picked a few societies a week that were interesting like dance, something completely different from medicine and it was so nice to have the break.

  
  

2. Mindfulness?

Apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer offer guided meditations tailored for stress relief and focus. Even five minutes a day can make a difference.

I started doing this in 4th year before bed and it made a massive difference - I used sleep cast from Headspace (which is free for NHS professionals)

• Try a daily breathing exercise to reset your mind - research box breathing it does wonders!

• Use sleep stories to improve your rest.

• Go for a walk as a revision break to boost positivity.

  
  

3. Challenge yourself to exercise

Get exercise in from the beginning challenge yourself to do something physically active at least once a week - the easiest way to ensure this is joining a society as they tend to meet at least once a week or the gym if affordable!

If not then youtube is an amazing space to use in your room, anything even a walk or run each week built into a habit will be so important for your well-being.

• Take regular breaks to move your body.

• Try progressive muscle relaxation to ease tension.

  
  

4. Support your friends and seek mentoring

Connecting with others who understand your experience is invaluable so other medic friends but also make the effort to get to know other people from other courses too it adds so much value getting to meet different people :)

• Join study groups or peer support networks.

• Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement. Find a tutor or lecturer your interested in their teaching and ask them if they would be open to mentoring you.

• Share your feelings openly with trusted friends.

How do you access mental health support?

Finding the right support can feel daunting, but there are many resources available specifically for medical students. I encourage you to explore these options and reach out when you need help.

• University counselling services often provide free, confidential support.

• Student mental health organisations offer workshops and online resources like ours.

• Mental health line on 111 option 2 are available 24/7 for immediate assistance.

• Samaritans: Call 116 123 for confidential support, available 24/7

• PAPYRUS UK - a suicide prevention charity for people <35 years old for free and confidential support. Call 0300 102 2470 Text HOPE TO 88247 Email pat@​papyrus-​uk.​org

• Go and speak to the disability team as early as possible you have a confirmed or pending diagnosis for anything that can affect your education

  
  

You can find a comprehensive list of student mental health resources tailored for medical students in the UK. These resources are designed to support you through every stage of your education.

Join Mind Health for medical students movement

We are the only UK charity that soley supports medical student mental health and well-being. Our work is vital, but so is creating an environment where well-being is openly discussed and prioritised is at its core. Medical education should include teaching about mental health and self-care.

• Please ask and advocate for well-being workshops in your curriculum.

• Encourage open conversations about mental health among peers.

• Support initiatives that reduce stigma around seeking help - come to our talks :)

• Promote balance between study and personal life - you have one life, might as well enjoy it to the fullest.

  
  

By fostering a supportive culture, we can help future doctors develop resilience and compassion for themselves and others.

Prioritize your well-being and mental health

As you navigate the rigorous demands of medical school, it's crucial to prioritize your well-being.

I'll repeat again, it is essential to remember that your health is MORE important as your academic achievements. Embracing this perspective can lead to a more fulfilling and successful experience.

A healthy mind contributes to better patient care and professional satisfaction.

Remember, this journey is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about becoming a compassionate doctor. By valuing your mental health, you are setting the stage for a successful and impactful career in medicine.

Written by Dr Christine Muhota MBBCh BSc(Hons) FIoL FHEA PgDip (MedEd)

Trustee and co-founder Mind Health For Medical Student, ex-CEO.

Images from story set <a href="https://storyset.com/people">People illustrations by Storyset</a>