It may feel like summer just started. But, if you’re heading off to medical school this fall, it’s the perfect time to make sure you have all the items and supplies you’ll need to be successful in your first year. Medical school can be demanding and arduous, so having the right tools will help you ace your classes and prepare yourself for a rewarding career in the medical field. Take a look at our list of must-have items as you’re prepping for medical school.

Stethoscope

Stethoscopes are a clear must-have for students heading off to medical school. Depending on your program, you might start to use your stethoscope within the first few weeks of classes.

Make sure you’re choosing a trusted brand and model that you can rely on. Plus, having one is typically a requirement for most medical schools. So, shop around to find one that fits your clinical needs and is high-quality.

Scrubs

You will also likely need your own set of scrubs, as most medical schools will not provide them for you. You’ll wear these to labs and clinicals, so you want a pair that’s high-quality and comfortable so they last. If you can, you may even want to buy a few sets to ensure you always have clean scrubs available.

Laptop or Tablet

You’ll need a reliable tablet or laptop for note taking, accessing online resources, and studying in medical school. While this is probably the most expensive item on the list, investing in a nice one from the start can last you throughout your entire medical school journey. When you’re shopping around for a device, look for one that has sufficient processing power, good storage capacity, and a comfortable keyboard for extended use.

Comfortable Shoes

During medical school, you’ll be on your feet–a lot. Whether you’re making presentations at a conference or going through clinicals, having a comfortable pair of shoes can make all the difference in the world. Invest in a nice pair of sneakers to go with your scrubs for labs and practicals, and a nice pair of comfortable dress shoes for more formal med-school occasions.

Noise Canceling Headphones

You never know when you’re going to need to do some last-minute studying, so carrying a nice pair of noise-canceling headphones with you at all times means you’ll be able to find deep focus no matter where you are. You can find some nice pairs at affordable prices, so you don’t necessarily have to splurge. But, these can be a game changer for all study sessions.

Nice Bag or Backpack

When you’re in medical school and you head out in the morning, you’re likely in for a long day. You may need to pack your scrubs with you, your laptop, books, lunch, pens and highlighters, a stethoscope, headphones, and more. Get yourself a nice bag or backpack that will be comfortable to carry around all day, and is big enough to hold everything you need for the day.