1. Stress Less
Your first few weeks at Manchester Dental School may seem pretty overwhelming, but you’ll get into the swing of things sure enough. Every assignment, big or small, may seem like the end of the world, but you will get used to the amount of work needed for EBL assessments and mock exams. You should make sure that you are dedicating enough time for your work, but please make sure you don’t stress over anything, chances are you’re not the only one. You can always ask an older year for advice and don’t be afraid to email lecturers for subject clarity. Ask any senior years and they will all say they spent too much time fretting over the little things in first year, so relax, take it easy and be proud of yourself for getting into dental school!
2. Do As Much As Possible
Now you’ve settled in, you’re probably basking in the joy from having a few days off every week! As tempting as it may be to stay in and have your next dose of Netflix, make sure you use your time wisely. Join societies, stay active and look up ways to volunteer with the university. Not only do these things make for a great addition to your CV, but you’ll also get to meet a lot more people that may not be directly in your circle. Keeping yourself busy during your time off will help you manage time better in regards to work for university as well as give you a more rounded experience. So why not try that sport you’ve always wanted to have a go at, or learn a new language or skill, there are so many things on offer at Manchester, you are sure to find something that suits you!
3. Know You’re Not Alone
Moving to university can be difficult, you’ve got new surroundings, new friends and a whole lot of work. It’s important to know that you are never alone and you’re probably not the only one struggling. The university has a lot of support on offer and you can always use the MUDRSoc to help you find your way. Make sure your Year Lead is aware if you are having any issues and Students’ Union has many great services too! If you need help budgeting the student loan that’s burning a hole in your pocket, or need to talk to someone confidentially, the faculty and SU are both great places to start. Otherwise, talk to your Peer Mentor and they will put you in contact with further help. Don’t forget that the MUDRSoc will be running revision sessions this year to help you all feel better about sitting your first exams!
4. Explore The City
You are lucky enough to study in one of the greatest cities in the world! Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or have just moved to the city, there’s no better time to be in Manchester than when you’re a student. Food lovers are spoilt for choice with Manchester’s diverse cuisine scene and those culture-vultures among you will always find a new exhibition in town. From Thursday Lates at The Whitworth to the quaint cafes of the Northern Quarter, there is always somewhere new to go. Plenty of famous music, comedic and dramatic acts visit Manchester on their tours and the lively football scene here is one of Manchester’s greatest assets. In order to really experience life at university, you’ve got to know your surroundings, and if you need any personal recommendations, let us know!
5. Know Your Resources
These first few weeks, you may feel like you know nothing! But don’t worry, using the right resources to help you, will make your work so much easier. For anatomy, using the right places to fill in the workbook before classes is ideal and using the Acland’s videos before and after the sessions are incredibly valuable to help your overall understanding and preparation for the spotter. The NHS website is a great place to start with EBL related diseases and then look further for more understanding on a physiological level in Martini’s. Clinical skills can be made easier by looking over information before and after your class and practice as much as you can during! Knowing if lectures are clinical or bioscience based can also be useful when preparing for your MCQ and SAP examinations, as each takes a slightly different approach. Make sure to let us know if you are having difficulty finding particular resources!