First year of mbbs is a time when we are completely lost.
Like, we don’t have even the slightest idea about what is happening unless there is someone to guide us.
I still remember my first year- I was totally lost.
But slowly with time, we get used to the life in medical college.
Still a little help won’t hurt, right?
In this post, I’ve made a list of all things that medical students are required to buy for their first year mbbs course.
These are all essentials, so don’t forget to add these items to your college checklist!
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Mbbs first year requirements for medical students
1. Apron/White coat
Aah… the dream finally coming true!
The one thing that you’ve wanted to wear from the time you were a little kid, is in fact an essential.
You need to wear your lab coat/ Apron to your practicals, clinical postings and exams.
Every medical college has its own rules, however, all of them are more or less the same.
Make sure you get at least 2 coats because you’ll be busy and laundry won’t be on the top of your list.
Usually colleges provide their medical students with coats, so you don’t have to worry about buying them.
(Make sure to ask your college if that’s the case and if not, you can buy a pair yourself)
2. Bone set
A bone set is going to be your study buddy throughout the year!
Buying a brand new set can be expensive.
But you can get the whole set from your seniors for much reasonable prices.
You can hand it down to the next first-years when you are done for a fair price, so start searching as soon as your classes begin.
Make sure it has all the bones and you get a study pal for yourself!
3. Textbooks
Is learning Medicine ever complete without the textbooks?
It is better if you have all the required books at your side before the course starts.
If you don’t know which textbooks to buy, I have a post on all the essential textbooks needed for first year Mbbs here.
4. Stethoscope
Again, the dream coming true!
It’s a different feeling when you get a brand new stethoscope in your first year.
(Ooh goosebumps!)
So, getting the best one is a must.
Littmann classic III is preferred among students, and trust me, they do make the best ones for us 😇.
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5. Dissection set
Your college might provide you with a dissection set, but make sure to ask them if you should buy it elsewhere.
It has dissecting knife handle with its blade, scissors, and forceps.
You’ll be dissecting cadavers with these equipments in the MBBS first year.
Never be shy to step forward and do the dissection once you get it!
6. Colour pencils for Histology
You’ll need colour pencils for all the first year subjects, especially anatomy.
For histology, you need eosin (pink) and haematoxylin (violet) color pencils.
It’s recommended to buy Steadtler’s pencils.
7. Pen torch
A pen torch will come handy towards the end of first year (2nd semester) for your physiology practicals.
It’s used for examinations involving the eyes, so make sure to buy the appropriate one.
8. Thermometer
Nowadays digital thermometers are popular, I know.
Although we don’t use it much, it’s good to have a mercury thermometer with us.
Sometimes you need them for physiology practicals.
9. Measuring tape
You’ll need this for anatomy and physiology.
For anatomy, it’s for learning the surface marking of important structures- you’ll learn to locate some important internal structures on the body and mark them.
In the case of physiology too, you might want to take some measurements.
10. Reflex hammer
It’s our tool of pride, medico.
You can’t go to wards without this sticking at some awkward angle from your pocket 😂.
By the end of first year, you need this one for physiology clinical examinations.
And if you are looking for the best deal out there, Smart Medical Buyer have an all-in-one medical diagnostic kit specific for medical students so that you won’t have to buy every instrument separately.
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The kit includes:
- 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope – Black
- Rossmax Arm Type Aneroid BP Monitor Sphygmomanometer
- Diagnostic LED Penlight/Flashlight for Nurses & Doctors
- Tuning Fork Set of 4 – 128 Hz, 256 Hz, 512 Hz, 1024 Hz
- Multipurpose Knee/ Percussion Hammer
- Tourniquet Belt – Pack of 2
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11. Gloves
Yet another essential for a medical student.
Don’t buy gloves that are too loose or too tight. You should be comfortable wearing them.
12. Lancet
These are for your hematology experiments in Physiology lab practicals.
Spoiler alert: you’re supposed to prick yourself to draw blood, champ!
13. Backpack
Don’t you need a perfect bag to stash all these instruments away?
I always get backpacks with a lot of pockets, so that I can find something without having to take everything out.
A durable backpack can go a long way especially when you are a medical student. So, buy a good bag.
Dress code in medical colleges
I know this is not a ‘thing’, but I felt like I should include something about dress code in medical colleges.
I don’t think it’s a written rule in many colleges but you have to follow a dress code when you are in college.
Some colleges have a fixed uniform for their students. Some don’t.
In either case, you have to dress appropriately.
Male students should wear formal shirts and pants (tucked in) with formal shoes.
Ladies shouldn’t overdo their appearance as well.
You are a medical student- your looks can speak volumes about your character.
Choose your wardrobe according to the community you are residing in. Follow any religious requirements if you follow them.
Dress in neat, clean clothes and look presentable. Accessorize with a warm, humble smile.
Just remember that less is more.
That’s it! I hope I’ve managed to include every thing a medical student need for first-year MBBS.
If you feel like I’ve missed something, hit me up with an email or let me know in the comments below.
Happy learning, little doctor!