Surviving Your First Week of Medical School: What to Expect and How to Thrive

Welcome to Medical School—Now What?

Your first week of medical school isn’t just another academic milestone—it’s the start of your journey toward becoming a physician. It’s exciting, overwhelming, and packed with expectations. Whether you’re walking onto campus with confidence or battling imposter syndrome, knowing what to expect can help you feel more grounded during those early days.

At Go Elective, we’ve mentored hundreds of students on their path to medical school. Here’s what to expect—and how to stay focused—during your very first week.

Expect to Feel Like You’re in Over Your Head (It’s Normal)

Everyone around you may look composed, but trust us—everyone is overwhelmed during week one. From navigating unfamiliar buildings to adjusting to a deluge of information, it’s natural to feel like you’re playing catch-up before you even begin. The truth? Every med student feels this way.

Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on small wins—getting to class on time, completing your first reading, or introducing yourself to a peer.

Expect to Hear a Lot of Terms You Don’t Understand

Medical school is like learning a new language—literally. From Day 1, you'll be bombarded with terms, acronyms, and abbreviations that sound like alphabet soup. Don’t let that intimidate you.

• Don’t be afraid to ask what something means
• Jot down terms and look them up later
• Form a study group to decode complex material together

Everyone starts at zero. You're not behind—you’re just beginning.

Expect to Ask for Directions (And a Lot of Help)

Whether it’s finding your anatomy lab or figuring out how to log into your course portal, you will have questions—and that’s a good thing. Medical school is collaborative, not competitive. The students who succeed aren’t afraid to ask for help when they need it.

And remember: your faculty and peers want you to succeed. Never hesitate to ask for clarification or assistance.

Expect to Feel Unprepared (Even If You Studied All Summer)

Even with flashcards, MCAT prep, and summer coursework, the volume and pace of medical school content will hit hard. It’s impossible to be fully prepared—and that’s okay.

• Avoid comparing your prep or grades to classmates
• Focus on understanding, not perfection
• Pace yourself—you’re running a marathon, not a sprint

Pro tip: If you’re looking for early clinical exposure to help you feel more prepared, Go Elective’s shadowing programs are ideal for students looking to build confidence before or during medical school.

Expect Friends and Family to Think You Know Everything

Once you start med school, you’ll be surprised by how many people ask for your “professional opinion” on their symptoms. But remember—you’re still learning.

Be honest: “I’m not a doctor yet, but I’m happy to help you find someone who is.” Be patient, and don’t feel pressured to diagnose anyone. Your role right now is to learn.

Expect to Crave Community

You’ll probably walk onto campus not knowing anyone. That’s totally normal. Between lectures and labs, it’s easy to feel isolated—even when surrounded by people.

Seek out connection:

• Join clubs, interest groups, or student organizations
• Introduce yourself to the student sitting next to you
• Attend orientation events when possible

Friendships in med school often start organically. Be open—and give it time.

Expect to Want Every Medical Textbook Ever Printed

When surrounded by other ambitious students, it’s easy to feel like you need every textbook, review book, and reference guide available. But here’s the truth:

• You won’t have time to read every book
• Your syllabus will guide what you truly need
• Stick to the required and recommended resources

If a topic genuinely interests you, feel free to explore. But don’t buy out the bookstore during week one.

Expect Your First Week to Fly By

With so much new information, orientation sessions, and introductions, your first week will go by in a blur. Be kind to yourself, get rest, and keep perspective.

You’re not expected to master it all in one week. Focus on showing up, staying curious, and remembering why you started this journey in the first place.

Final Thoughts: You Belong Here

Your first week of medical school might be one of the most intense, transformative weeks of your life—but you’re not alone. Every doctor you admire stood exactly where you are now, full of nerves and questions.

At Go Elective, we believe in preparing students for real-world success in healthcare. If you're looking for immersive clinical shadowing or global health experiences to build your confidence before or during medical school, explore our programs abroad. They offer the kind of mentorship, cultural insight, and hands-on exposure that stays with you far beyond the first week.

And above all—believe in yourself. You’ve earned your seat. You’re going to do great.

Article Details

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 11, 2025