It’s no secret that medical school isn’t easy. The road to graduation is long and challenging. One of the biggest questions most people ask is, “Do you have any free time?”.
It is a common stereotype among many people that medical students do not have enough time to have fun.
But is it really true? Let’s find out!
Currently, I’m a third-year medical student pursuing my MBBS degree in India. 🇮🇳
As of right now, my college schedule is usually from nine in the morning until four in the evening. There are times when we can leave a little early when there is a let-off.
Let’s talk about free time.
Although medical students spend a substantial amount of time attending classes, doing hospital rotations, studying or taking notes, there is still sufficient free time to relax and enjoy themselves.
While 1st and 2nd-year medical students do have a heavy load of academics and studying, they still have a fair amount of free time to relax and enjoy extracurricular activities. In contrast, a heavier load of studies and added hospital duties reduces the free time for 3rd and 4th-year medical students.
In general, medical students have less free time than their counterparts in other fields like engineering or commerce. 😔
How to make the most of your free time?
After college gets over, medical students have at least five to six hours left in the day. This time is often underutilized by medical students. ⏳
It is common for medical students not to study properly throughout the year and cram everything right before exams. This is especially bad because you become extremely busy preparing for the entire year’s portions.
Having a consistent daily routine of studying for 1-2 hours will prove extremely beneficial later when exams are approaching.
I try my best to study for 1-2 hours every day and the rest of my free time is spent with friends and family. Being a student in medical school doesn’t mean giving up your social life.
To avoid getting too lazy and gaining weight, I regularly go out for jogging in the park, usually in the mornings before college. Additionally, I enjoy reading, watching movies or TV shows, and shopping online.
My thoughts
MBBS students spend a lot of time studying compared to students in other fields. In fact, a lot more. Nevertheless, that does not mean they do not have a life! Whatever time they get, they enjoy it to the fullest.
Medical students are just like everyone else and they enjoy doing the things they are passionate about in their spare time.
I feel free time is something each medical student has to find for themselves.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!
There is sufficient free time that is open to medical students. You just need to learn how to make the most out of your free time.
Medical school requires a lot of hard work but it’s also one of the most rewarding professional careers that I know.
If you are interested in a career in medicine I would say go for it!