Life Planning: Vet School Edition

I think it goes without saying – life is stressful. Now, add studying veterinary medicine to the mix! Life is really stressful! As students, we have our regular lectures, labs, practical placements, along with the never-ending study. You usually find us in the dark corners of the library studying, working, or a combination of both if we can. But what about everything in life outside of working towards our dream of becoming a veterinarian? 

I am sure you’re often asked, “What are your plans after graduation?” I would be willing to bet your answer relates typically to either what internship or further study you want to do, or what kind of job you would like upon completion. Our self-identity lies within being a vet student for 4-5 years, and we often forget that there is more to us than that title. 

In my four years at vet school thus far, I have managed to plan my engagement party (and now my wedding) and various other events, participate and hold executive positions in several clubs, work part-time at 2-3 different jobs, and participate in a handful of other extracurriculars. I’m an international student, so not only do I have to maintain my relationships with friends and my partner here, but I also have to manage my relationships with friends and family in my home country with a 13 hour time difference. I often get asked, “How do you do it all?”, and let’s be honest, sometimes I ask myself that.

Here are my top 5 tips to keeping on top of all the other stuff while we’re keeping our head above water with our studies:

ORGANIZATION – it is essential for your schedule and getting everyone fit in. Find what method works best for you – I keep a paper planner that I color code based on the type of entry (uni, work, social, etc.). However, there are some fantastic apps, computer-based planners, desk planners, etc. So, find a method of planning that suits you, stick to it, and enter everything! Input meetings, lecture/lab times, events, etc. Being organized will give you a better idea of what you have on that day/week and how to plan accordingly. 

PRIORITIZE – you must be able to see the difference between things you need to do (i.e., study for that exam tomorrow) or things you want to do (like sit down and watch Netflix with my cat). By all means, it is super important to prioritize yourself and your mental health – but if you’ve had a super social Monday and Tuesday – the rest of the week might need to focus on your studies instead! It’s hard for me to turn off my wedding brain and turn on my study brain, especially when my mind is mush about the cardiovascular system! In my case, I only look at wedding stuff if I have finished reviewing all my lectures for the day; it’s my reward for focusing on uni-related things.

DEADLINES/LISTS – we deal with these in vet school – but have you ever set yourself one outside of it? Set yourself a deadline on when you want to get things done; it will (hopefully) motivate you to get items completed! I often find making a to-do list for the day/week helps me stay on top of everything. Be realistic with yourself when you’re setting these – otherwise, if you can’t meet the deadline, it can make you feel more guilty or disappointed. 

BREAK IT UP – if you have a big task, break it down into smaller sections, which are more achievable over a period of time. You’ll find yourself to be more productive by doing this instead of tackling a massive feat at once. For example, if I am planning an event for a club, I will do a small task for that event each day until my deadline – whether that be creating an advertisement or arranging a venue. You can accomplish a lot more if you work in small segments rather than getting bogged down in the bulk of it! 

LEARN TO SAY NO – this is something I struggle with. You cannot do everything, even if you’re the most organized, on-top-of-it student. Sometimes you are going to have to turn down a shift at work to focus on studies or say no to a party invitation to spend time with your family. You are under no obligation to attend every social event, every work shift, or every family outing. And by no means should you feel guilty about this! 

 So those are my tips! A busy life is unavoidable for most of us, but hopefully, this helps you get on top of that growing to-do list!

Nicole Rutledge is a fourth-year veterinary student at Murdoch University in Western Australia. Orignially from Texas, she moved overseas for vet school and plans on staying after she graduates. Her interests are in emergency medicine, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and FIV management. Outside of vet school, Nicole enjoys writing, sewing, and cooking.