First-Year Survival Guide
Learn from those who have been there, done that
Following a long tradition at the Boonshoft School of Medicine, the second-year students give you the scoop in their First-Year Survival Guide. Everything you'll ever want to know about your medical school experience at Wright State is contained in this one, fun-to-read document.
You'll learn the things you should have known, but nobody told you, information on getting textbooks and finding tutors, study tips, organizations and clubs, dealing with personal issues and much, much more.
Need info on local restaurants, fun things to do in the Dayton area, how to get to our seven teaching hospitals or where to find a good cup of coffee? It's all here.
Top 10 Things I Should Have Known But Nobody Told Me!*
- Money: Loan checks are almost never in on time, so please plan accordingly!
- Parking: A parking pass does not equate to a secured parking space. Medical students are not the only ones that park in front of White Hall; arrive before 8:30 a.m. to be safe.
- Tickets: Avoid getting wasteful parking fines; don’t park in the yellow spots until AFTER 4 p.m., and never in reserved/visitor spots.
- Shhhh: White Hall is not the only building with designated quiet areas — you can also go to Dunbar library, specifically 2nd and 3rd floor Annex areas.
- Tardiness: Driving Dayton gets frustrating; it is a small city, but there is a lot of construction and detours, even around our WSU campus. Beware: these will delay your commute, especially on exam days, so arrive at least 1 hour early!
- Recluse: Do not become studious hermits; give your brain a break. There are many extracurricular activities to explore; there will be many opportunities to do so throughout the year.
- Flab: If you don't start a regular exercise program and stick with it, you might as well call it quits. The courses change and so will your study times — to stay on track try keeping your workouts as scheduled as possible.
- Superstar: Life's not over if you don't get an A, life's not over if you don't get a B, life's not over if you feel you are sinking. Professors, Bigs, and free tutors are there to help you out. JUST ASK!
- Electives: Spring and summer electives come sooner than you realize. Talk to your Bigs to learn about their own elective experiences; start planning early and start saving your money if you decide to travel.
- Time: Being a medical student is about being responsible — stay on top of your work. If you get lazy, it will catch up to you! And remember that what works for one student, does not mean it will work for you — learn your study type and, ABOVE ALL, learn to manage your time.
*An excerpt from the Survival Guide
Last edited on 01/22/2024.
