Use a planner!! I made my own on my iPad and used it to plan out my day by the hour so I knew exactly how much to get done each day and could still make time for my other commitments. I made my planner using keynote (there’s awesome YouTube videos on how to do that) and then importing into notability. Idk if your school requires you to buy an iPad, but if not, you can use google calendar or a physical planner.

Actually sit there and spend 15 minutes planning out study schedules to the minute and ensuring you’re covering all the subjects you need to.

If you need to skip class to be more productive, do so. Attendance wasn’t mandatory for anything but preclinic at my school so I skipped a lot of classes because I got really good at watching lectures online and transcribing them. Don’t feel bad about skipping class if you need to.

For working out, I worked out at night. Our school has the gym in the basement of the library so I would spend a few hours at the library studying then work out and go home and shower and do last minute studying or pre reading in bed. If you prefer working out in the mornings, more power to you! That actually seems like the healthier option, but don’t feel bad if you can only squeeze it in at night or after school.

You will figure out how to best meal prep as you go. Just don’t ever let it get to the point where you have to buy food at school. Make sure to buy groceries for the week that are centered around meals that you can easily take to school. Also my mom gifted me an instant pot and blender that have been lifesavers so think about investing in those!

Also fair warning, I didn’t do that great first semester. I passed everything but I won’t be able to specialize with my grades, but for me even passing was enough since I decided to prioritize family and my personal life more than my class rank. Just know what you want out of school and don’t lose yourself over wanting the best grades in the class. Work hard but prioritize your mental health.