Essential Guide to Medical College: What to Buy and How to Prepare for a Smooth Journey

### 1. The Signature of Medical Students: The Apron

- Why It’s Important: The white apron represents your dedication and identity as a medical student. Treat it with respect!

- Where to Buy: Most colleges have shops where you can purchase aprons. You may even find custom options with engravings of your college name or your own name.

- How Many to Buy: Start with two aprons; if you’re in a hostel, having three ensures you always have a fresh one ready.

### 2. Stethoscope: A Medical Symbol

- First-Year Students: You don’t need an expensive stethoscope yet. A Microtone stethoscope (around 600–700 INR) is perfect for practice.

- Where to Buy: You can purchase stethoscopes at any medical store or online.

### 3. Scrubs and OT Dress

- Do You Need It in First Year? No. Since the first year focuses on subjects like physiology, anatomy, and biochemistry, you won’t be entering the operation theater (OT).

- Second-Year Students: Prepare to get scrubs as you’ll have OT postings.

### 4. Blood Pressure Apparatus

- Why You Need It: A sphygmomanometer is essential for physiology practicals and will be used throughout your medical studies.

- Practice Tip: Familiarize yourself with BP measurements; it’s a fundamental skill.

My recommendation

### 5. Bone Set for Anatomy

- What It Is: A collection of bones for studying anatomy, essential for understanding the human body.

- Where to Buy: You can get a plastic bone set from Amazon or a real one from seniors.

My recommendation

- Things to Consider: Check if the set is bilateral (both sides) and includes essential parts like the skull and sacrum.

### 6. Clothes and Dress Code

- Dress Code: Most Indian medical colleges enforce formal attire for first-year students. For boys, this means formal pants, shirts, and shoes. For girls, it’s typically salwar kameez or kurta.

- Why This Dress Code Exists: The formal dress code instills a sense of responsibility and professionalism, which is integral to a doctor’s role.

### 7. Non-Essentials to Consider

- Mobile Phone: A good phone with a solid battery and camera is essential. Opt for one that will last you at least five years.

- Headphones: Whether for studying or relaxation, a comfortable pair of headphones is a great investment.

- Speaker: Perfect for group activities or events where you want to socialize and create a lively atmosphere.

- iPad: A highly recommended device for college life. It can store e-books, and video lectures, and helps with note-taking. Consider getting an Apple Pencil to unlock full functionality.

- Laptop: For content creators or students wanting to work on projects, a MacBook is a solid choice due to its performance and portability.

### 8. Academic Resources

- Books:

- Biochemistry: Vasudevan is highly recommended for first-year students.

- Anatomy: Gray’s Anatomy for concept building and BD Chaurasia for university exams.

- Physiology: Guyton and Hall is a comprehensive book for physiology.

- Notebooks:

- Mistake Book: Track your mistakes and review them regularly. Use sections to organize each subject.

- Lecture Notes: Have one notebook per subject for taking lecture notes.

- Subscriptions: Kenhub offers detailed 3D anatomy diagrams and clinically oriented videos. It’s worth subscribing to for anatomy study.

### 9. Pre-College Preparation

- Study in Advance: Watch introductory lectures and get familiar with the basics.

- Spend Time with Family: Medical school may take you away from home for extended periods, so cherish these moments.

### 10. Embrace the Journey!

Medical school is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Approach it with a positive mindset, and remember that it’s more than a course – it’s a journey filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences.

Thank you for reading, and best of luck in your medical journey!