Med School Supplies – Photo by Ani Kolleshi on Unsplash

First things first – congratulations on getting into medical school. This was no easy task, so make sure you take a moment to appreciate all the hard work you’ve done to get here.

Of course, the hard work is only just starting, and you need to arm yourself well if you want to continue your success streak. With that in mind, here are seven essential med school supplies to organize before your first class:

1. Your own diagnostic set

Diagnostic sets are invaluable tools that are worth getting comfortable with as soon as possible. These tools give you the foundational information you need to assess a patient’s vital signs before delving deeper into the specifics of their symptoms and what the causes might be. The sooner you can get your hands on a good quality diagnostic kit and wrap your head around how each item functions, the better.

2. Tools of the trade

Depending on the diagnostic kit you go for, you may also need to pick up some of the following to ensure you have all the basics covered:

A stethoscope and case
A tendon hammer
A blood pressure kit (sphygmomanometer)
A first aid book
An anatomy atlas
A sturdy, compartmentalized bag for all your supplies

Arranging all these med school supplies ahead of time will help you ensure you get the highest quality tools and accessories.

Med School Supplies – Photo by Diane Serik on Unsplash

3. Scrubs

Scrubs are non-negotiable for med students, so it’s essential that you have at least two sets before the start of the semester. You may be able to purchase them directly from your school. If not, there will be specifications on the school’s website detailing the design requirements. Try them on before buying to make sure you have a good fit, and once you get them home, wear them around for a bit to get comfortable in them.

4. A diary or planning app

It’s tough getting into med school for a reason – the course load is heavy, as are the demands. For this reason, you need to have a fool-proof organizational system in place before your first day of classes. You need a one-stop app or diary for your schedules, appointments, and assessment due dates.

Consult with your planner every morning and update anything that needs adjusting. It’s worth getting used to this habit before you start class so it’s already second nature once the pressure is on.

5. The relevant citation manuals

Each faculty of a university follows specific citation styles, and each citation style has a manual detailing its rules. Find out which citation manual your department uses and either get a physical copy or download the digital version. This will be your bible for all written assessments, so it’s a good idea to have it on hand now, rather than waiting until you’re under exam stress.

6. Noise-canceling headphones

Whether you’re living on campus, in a sharehouse, or at home, you’ll likely find yourself surrounded by people who aren’t under the same amount of pressure that you are as a med student. Noise-canceling headphones are a life-saver, reducing your stress by blocking distracting sounds, and ensuring you don’t end up furious at anyone.

7. Clothes and shoes designed for supreme comfort

You will be on your feet a lot throughout the course of your education, so it’s worth investing now in the most comfortable shoes you can find. While you’re at it, ensure you have a good rotation of outfits that aren’t going to make you feel uncomfortable or distracted.

Tick all these med school supplies off your checklist, and you’ll be ready to step seamlessly into the next chapter of your education.