There’s no shortage of tasks before med school officially starts. In the past few weeks, I finalized my financial aid, registered for classes, and submitted all the required paperwork—immunizations, background checks, everything. My program also hosts pre-orientation sessions every Tuesday in July. These have helped ease nerves and answer many questions.
To stay on track, I keep a separate to-do list just for med school. I aim to check off one or two items each week. Some tasks, like registering for classes, took longer because I had to figure out which system to use. Luckily, current first-year students (P1s) have been very helpful. They show us where things are and give tips on what to bring.
My program uses CastleBranch for immunizations and background checks. Honestly, it’s not very user-friendly. Before uploading anything, read your school’s requirements carefully. I’ve seen classmates retake tests or resubmit papers because they missed details. Finding immunization records can take time, so I recommend contacting your primary care provider early. CastleBranch also has strict upload rules, so don’t wait until the last minute to finish this task. It will save you a lot of stress
Packing for my move to Chicago hasn’t been easy. Midwest weather can change quickly. I’m packing basics plus some winter clothes, just in case winter comes early and I want to make it to Thanksgiving comfortably. They don’t call Chicago the Windy City for nothing! One good thing is that my school schedule is preset, so I don’t need a huge wardrobe. Most days will be spent at school, studying, and maybe exploring the city on weekends. Like college, no one really cares what you wear in med school—comfort is king.