Although the weight off of my shoulders have mostly been lifted after getting into medical school, my to-do list is still pretty long. Just in case you all were wondering about some of the stuff that comes with medical school….I created a real-time to-do list that I have to complete and keep in mind before officially matriculating.
Agreement on Attendance. Upon Acceptance, you will need to sign some kind of contract that acknowledges that you accept the seat in which you were offered by school. This reserves your seat and holds you accountable for attending the medical school.
Electronic ID and School Email. Just like any school grade, you will need to do a list of things to receive/create and activate your new school ID and email address.
Immunizations. This depends on the school, of course, but some of the immunizations you need to submit include but are not limited to:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – approved for men and women
- Influenza (flu)
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) – 2 doses (required for international students)
- Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Bacterial Meningitis (if you’re 21 and under)
Background Check. Of course, this is a given. This is to make sure you are fit to be in a profession of integrity.
Drug Screen. The schools need to make sure that they are not putting any patients in danger by ensuring all students are in the right and sober state of mind. Most schools will require you to create an account with the screening service they partner with before you go in for a urine sample.
Health and Disability (if needed) Insurance. Each student must have some kind of health insurance, either with the school, which adds an extra amount towards your fees, or a private health insurance, which the student will have to provide proof for a waiver. Disability insurance is only needed for those who have legal disabilities.
ID Card. Taking a picture and physically picking up your official ID card, usually done on campus is of course required. Your ID card will be your token of entrance to virtually everything you do in medical school, from being able to attend class to being allowed to learn from physicians in the hospital.
Parking. Ah, parking. Yes, for those who are wondering, parking passes are still required and are still expensive if you plan on driving your car.
FAFSA. Medical school is not cheap, and most students take out loans, which requires signing up for FAFSA. Even if you do not need to take out loans but have a scholarship from the school, you would still most likely have to sign up for FAFSA.
Budgeting.
Bi-Yearly:
- Tuition & Fees
- Textbooks
- School Supplies
- Clothes
Monthly:
- Rent
- Insurance(s) (car, health)
- Bills (car, utilities, credit card, phone)
Bi-Weekly:
- Gas (transportation)
- Groceries
Miscellaneous
- Food (eating out)
- Allowance
Where’s the income coming from?
How much and when do you get paid?
How much do you have saved up?
Creating and up-keeping an Excel sheet is a very sensible way of budgeting.
Orientation. My orientation will be a week long, so I will be writing a different post once I finish orientation week.
Moving. If you do have to move, I suggest looking for your apartment at least 2 months in advance, especially if you are moving into a fairly busy city. This way you have more options as to amenities, pricing, and location.
- Apartment hunting
- Lease signing
- Furniture shopping and trading
Brief life update: I am getting ready to move to Austin in a week! Big changes are coming, and although it is overwhelming, I am ready to accept more blessings as I work hard to transition into my next chapter!
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
Once Upon A Pre-Med 