Things to Buy Apart from Books to Study in First Year MBBS

Hello future doctors. We all know the essentials of college and hostel life, it is similar to any other college. But there are some extra things that you will need for MBBS.

Honestly, I hadn’t brought all these things on time either. So, here’s the list of all the stuff that I had to buy last minute in college. Some of these are going to make you very happy.

Here’s a comprehensive list of things to buy apart from books to study in your first year of MBBS.

1. Stethoscope

• Importance: Your first stethoscope! You will need one for physiology class, where you will be taught auscultation. It is an important part of systemic examination, along with other techniques, which are: inspection, palpation and percussion. You will feel like a real doctor in Physiology First Year.
• Tip: Get a cheap one. Even if you have a Littmann, try to not use it in the first year. Trust me, you will understand why I am saying this later on.

2. Apron (White Coat)

• Importance: The dream! Your own white coat! Wearing an apron is mandatory during practical classes and dissection labs. It is also compulsory during lectures in some colleges. Told you, the real doctor feels.
• Tip: Choose a comfortable, easy-to-wash fabric. Choose an airy one too. Don’t go for a very thick, good quality apron. Instead buy thin, flimsy fabrics, retire and buy again. You will be working the whole day in summers. Thick ones will make you feel irritated and restless.

3. Dissection Kit

• Importance: You will be performing dissection on cadavers in Anatomy. Most colleges make it compulsory to have a dissection kit. You won’t be allowed into the Dissection Hall until you have one. 
• Contents: A scalpel, blade, straight forceps, curved forceps, and scissors. Rest can be borrowed and used.
• Tip: You can buy a second hand dissection kit from seniors too, just make sure that it has the mentioned contents.

4. Paintbrush for Neuroanatomy Dissection

• Importance: A fine paintbrush is needed in neuroanatomy dissection to clean delicate structures and nerves without causing damage. 
• Tip: Do not forget to carry a paint brush during the practical exam. You will be scored low if you use a pair of forceps to show the structures in a brain section.

5. Lab Gloves

• Importance: You will be required to wear a pair of gloves during dissection. It is mandatory.
• Tip: Stock up on good latex gloves. Make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after discarding the gloves. 

6. Hammer and Torch

• Importance: You will need a hammer to elicit deep tendon reflexes in Physiology. A torch is also needed to examine the eyes in Physiology.
• Tip: You can form a group of 3-4 students and get a set even if it is not compulsory in your college. The hammer and torch set might be needed for practice before exams. Also, some colleges have strict rules about bringing your own hammers and troches during practical exams.

7. Test Tube Holder

• Importance: The Biochemistry department might ask you to buy a test tube holder for yourself. It will mostly not be a compulsion.
• Tip: I would suggest just getting one. It’s cheap. Better to have your own test tube holder than to wait to use the one that has been allotted to 15+ students.

8. Hematoxylin and Eosin (HnE) Pencil

• Importance: Very important to have. Histology will make you draw hundreds of H & E diagrams throughout the year. H & E is a common stain used for tissue samples. You will have to observe the slide under the microscope and then draw what you see. You will get these at any stationary close to your college. Or, you can buy these while buying your medical books.
• Tip: Someone is going to borrow your set and then misplace them or you might just lose them somewhere. So, you might probably need more than one set of H & E pencils. 

9. Calculator

• Importance: Biochemistry expects some basic calculations. You might be asked to buy a calculator in some colleges while others might ask you to perform the calculations mentally.
• Tip: Ask around, see if you need one before investing in it. Also, buy a cheap one if needed.

7. Journals 

• Importance: You will be asked to maintain a journal for each subject throughout the year. In Maharashtra, we use the MUHS journals. In other states, the respective state publications might be used.
• Tip: Wait for instructions before buying the journal. Professors will tell you what you need to buy.

8. Notebooks

• Importance: First year is extremely strict. Some professors might monitor you and see if you are taking down notes. Having a notebook is a must. Regardless of the professor, I would say that taking notes is a good habit. It will help you keep in touch with writing. You will be writing some really long papers in MBBS, so be prepared.
• Tip: Try to maintain different notebooks for different subjects. It will help you find stuff easily.

9. Comfortable Shoes and a Water Bottle

• Importance: You really need a good pair. Don’t underestimate this. You will be on your feet for long hours, especially during practicals and clinical rounds. You will feel your feet ache and your throat dry up all the time.
• Tip: Invest in a pair of good quality, supportive shoes. Try to get a good brand of sports shoes. Also, get a 2L water bottle. There might not be a lot of water filters around college.

10. An iPad

• Importance: This is not a necessity, it is just a recommendation. It will help you save a lot of money on expensive books and notebooks. It is a one time investment.
• Tip: Get the cheapest model but get good storage. There’s not a lot of difference in the basic model, air and pro, especially in case of the features relevant to students.

Conclusion

Starting your first year in medical college requires more than just textbooks. Get the right things at the right time to feel like you belong. The feeling of alienness is very common in first year. You have just left home, the reality of your dream coming true is just hitting you, but then the syllabus feels like a big jump from the NEET phase. It is a rollercoaster of emotions.

Remember to enjoy the small things. Remember to celebrate your first stethoscope and white coat. All these memories will be very sacred to you later in your life. Welcome to the world of medicine, dear friend!