Prepare for the First Day of Medical School

With college graduation complete and medical school starting soon, you may be anxious in the days leading up to your first class. First, take a moment to savor your accomplishments.

Then , relax. Everyone has fears and trepidation.

Your preparation in all areas of life outside of medical school -- home, health and spirituality -- is the key to success. Here are some tips to help prepare for the first day and ease your anxiety.

[Know your priorities to balance personal life and medical school.]

Before moving:

-- Visit friends and family members whom you may not be able to spend time with in the coming months.

-- If you are moving to a new city for medical school, ask friends and family for contacts who live there. It's always comforting to have a friendly face in a new locale.

These contacts may provide a welcome break -- such as a comforting meal, a home away from home during the holidays or a connection to social and civic events -- from the rigors of medical school.

-- Whether you are moving far away or just down the street, remember to change your address. Some important information is still delivered via snail mail. Go online and submit your forwarding address to the post office.

-- Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy that is also near your new residenc e . If you have a complicated medical history, request copies of old medical records for your new physician.

[Read about theways medical school is different from college.]

-- Assess your laptop for space and speed. Back up all important data to make way for new information.

-- Explore your spiritual support options. If you are already part of a spiritual community and are moving away, inquire with the leadership about recommendations and referrals in your new location.

Upon arrival:

-- If moving to a new city, arrive early to get the lay of the land. Find a grocery store, hair salon or barbershop, bank, cleaners, etc.

-- Storage permitting, buy in bulk your daily items, such as toilet paper, personal hygiene supplies, toothpaste, soap, haircare products and laundry detergent.

-- Contact your school's parking office early to ensure you have the necessary documents to secure a parking pass. For on-street city parking, find out if you need a city-issued parking sticker to avoid parking tickets.

Learn from my folly: My first year in medical school, I received $500 in parking tickets from expired meters and parking beyond the posted limit.

[Avoid thesecommon mistakes as a first-year medical student.]

-- Check the school's gym schedule for classes, intramural opportunities and workout options. Exercise is a great stress management technique.

Remember, you are not alone with pre-first day jitters and the great unknown of medical school. Focus on creating a space in your new environment that is conducive to learning and acts as a respite from the stress of academics. Seek opportunities -- exercise, meditation or music -- to disconnect from everyday stressors, if only for a few moments.

Sylvia E. Morris received her M.D. from Georgetown University School of Medicine and Master's in Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. A former assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine, she is currently an independent health care consultant and a community health advocate. Find her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.