Pre-learning
It's an intense course, so appreciate any break you have...
...but maybe you're nervous if your background isn't a science, or you're just excited to get started, or it's been a while since University.
It may be a good idea to take the breather before September; spend time with friends and family, wrap up your job, enjoy your hobbies, and start the course refreshed and well-rested.
But, if you're particularly worried, or out of practice with studying or science, we do have some tips we hope will make you feel a little more prepared pre-WMS.
Learn how to learn!
Whether you're fresh out of undergrad or have been away for a while, one thing will truly prepare you for the intensity of studying medicine: investing time in study skills.
It doesn't matter what you studied before, honing these will prove incredibly valuable for the years ahead!
Here are a few YouTube playlists to get you started:
Ali Abdaal, Study ClubLink opens in a new window - Learning and revising for exams from a Cambridge-graduated doctor turned entrepreneur
Cajun Koi Academy, Study SkillsLink opens in a new window - Learning, studying, and organisation tips from US-based MD brothers (bonus of fun structure and animations)
Justin Sung, Studying and LearningLink opens in a new window - Comprehensive videos of varying depth on learning and study from a New Zealand doctor turned learning coach
Benjamin Keep, Study Tips and TricksLink opens in a new window - Bitesize sessions from a cognitive scientist specialising in learning and instruction
Bonus: Benjamin Keep, How Learning WorksLink opens in a new window - to understand the how, not just the what!
Do that pre-reading!
About a week after Offer Holder's Day you'll be sent a few lectures on the foundations of biomedicine - like cell structures and DNA.
Please do these! They'll really help you keep on top of the lectures when it's full speed - and it's still examinable content!
Crash CourseLink opens in a new window
A YouTube series, with Hank Green covering biology videos (his brother is a certain YA author...)
They won't go as advanced as you need, sure, but they're short, fun summaries to prep for CTB, anatomy, and physiology - and they're great for pre-lecture recaps!
MedGuide
Started in 2019 by WMS students Dr Daniel Mercer and Dr Jonathan Loomes-Vrdoljak, this free video series with 2500+ MCQs covers all WMS Themes. It's a scaffold to build your knowledge upon, with Pre-Med videosLink opens in a new window covering intros to plenty of anatomy.
Learn the lingo:
For a gentle introduction to the extensive new vocabulary you'll be learning, click this image-guide to common pre- and post-fixes.
