· Do get to know people. Your classmates, Big Sib, advisors, professors, and others will become valuable sources of information and support. They might even become lifelong friends.
· Do realize early on that the 3rd, 6th, and 8th floors of the Armour Academic Center do not exist. Any errand you are sent on that involves these floors is clearly fictitious.
· Do wear your student ID at all times while at Rush University Medical Center. Students will need a valid I.D. card to use the Library, to shop in the Bookstore and to cash checks. I.D. cards may also be used as copy cards after being activated by the McCormick Educational Technology Center (METC) staff, Room 919. Lost or stolen I.D. cards must be reported and replaced, at a cost of $10.00. Your I.D. card allows you access to the METC computer labs (917 AAC) and the Student Lounge (984 AAC) after hours. Contact the Office of the Registrar for more information regarding I.D. cards or card policies. · Do take advantage of Rush’s tutors. All of us entered medical school with the misguided notion that you only need a tutor if you are having difficulty in a course. Everyone uses them. Not only do they provide an excellent review of material from class, but give you a great idea of what will be on the exam…and go to the practice practical they set up.
· Do follow your own learning style. It really doesn’t matter how you do it as long as you learn the material. You’ve been in school long enough to know how you learn best, so keep going with what works. FYI, classes are seldom mandatory.
· Do take advantage of Rush’s computer lab. The McCormick Educational Technology Center (METC) is located on the 9th floor of the Armour Academic Center. Your professors will place reserve materials here, such as laser discs and videos, and these are commonly used as visuals on the practical exams. Don’t make the mistake of thinking they are unimportant.
· Do learn to eat for free. There are countless meetings, seminars, and lectures held every day that provide free food. Check your email for announcements or just find that one guy (Figi) who always knows where the free food is.
· Do get involved. If medical school is providing you with a wealth of free time or you just loved to be involved, here is something to alleviate that problem. There are endless committees, projects, and organizations to participate in. Find out by, once again, checking your email on a regular basis. Usually free food is involved.
· Do attend the TGIF parties. About every month there is a TGIF party. Beer, wine, soda and food are provided for staff and students. This is an opportunity to diversify your social group and recognize that the professors are humans too. Plus it’s an opportunity to let loose and even meet some other schools…Nursing and OT students, oh my!
· Do take time for yourself. Medical school may consume a significant portion of your time, but don’t lose your zest for being social and doing the things which define you. Enjoy the bars on Taylor Street, play some poker or have a Grey’s Anatomy Party…
· Do explore the city. Chicago is a great city, but most of the “tourist trap” publications are marketing hype that attempt to funnel our sector of the demographic into the club scene. If that’s your bag, pick up a Reader or Chicago Scene and have at it. If not, hook up with a local classmate or ask your Big Sib about fun and interesting activities. There are countless cultural pursuits that don’t involve partying and some that do.
Don’t...
· Don’t worry if you fall behind. Because you will: It is one of the great and unyielding truths of your new reality. Study at your own pace, learn as you go along, and review material as much as possible. This may sound radical, but weekends at the library are a good time to catch up on what you’ve seen during the week. Know this: as much as you are reviewing and learning, everyone crams for finals.
· Don’t buy your books until you have talked to your Big Sib. Read the last statement again. Your Big Sib will tell you which books worked best for them and they may be different from the ones recommended by the course director. Also speak to other 2nd year students, and even try checking out someone else’s copy of a book first – everyone will have a different opinion and sometimes the book that one person uses to prop up their coffee table is the book that saved another person’s life (because med school books are quite thick and can even stop bullets if you happen to be wondering east on Taylor…). Your Big Sib might also be able to save you dollars by loaning or selling you their books from last year.
· Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Rush has many resources to help you - classmates, your Big Sib, your advisor, course directors, tutors, and the Student Counseling Center, to name a few. They’ll be happy to help, all you have to do is ask!
· Don’t socially isolate yourself. Seriously. Sure medical school is tough, but you need to take breaks occasionally and get away from the books. If you find yourself studying all day on Saturday, take the evening off and have a night on the town. If you find yourself locked in a room on the 9th floor until 2 am, try studying with a partner in the library next time. You can’t do this alone, so don’t try – you’ll be much happier!
· Don’t walk alone at night. Even if you are just heading to and from Center Court and have sweet skills, “like nun chuck skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills...”- there are some strange folk around at night. Have someone walk you to your car (even in the parking garage), or get a free ride from Rush Security (telephone 312-942-5678). If you are in Armour, use a wall phone and dial 2-5678 – everyone uses them and they’re used to picking up medical students at all hours.
· Don’t worry! There’s a stellar piece of advice. A better admonition would add “too much.” Stress is what helps you focus, but realize this: it is just work and devoting the time to learn will bear fruit now (passed exams) and dividends later (professional skill). We were all overwhelmed the first week and chomping at the bit to start classes…and worried about already falling behind. Everyone here has been drawn from a pool of overachievers and, as such, we tend to obsess about detail. Relax and breathe deeply. Getting in was the stressful and difficult portion; now you just have to learn.