One of the most pleasurable ventures for students in a hostel is the social life that comes from sharing the living space with peers. For some, this social life makes their journey through academia worth all the hardships. However, it is imperative not to get carried away and neglect other responsibilities like academics and internships. Here’s how to balance social life and academics in hostels, especially when medical internships are involved.
An internship is a glimpse into their careers for most medical students. They get hands-on experience working in the medical industry. However, these internships along with other academic commitments should be well balanced with one’s personal interests to uphold a healthy approach through the journey.
The following are a few tips:
Know the demands of the internship
Some internships, though rewarding, can be taxing, leading to a compromise on other responsibilities of the student, like their academics. It’s useful to know the scope and time requirements of the internship and schedule the day accordingly, giving sufficient time to academics and social life. With the internship demanding long working hours, exhaustion, and time limitations, the problems in balancing social life and academics in hostels are often solved with effective scheduling.
Do not neglect academics
Often, when a medical student lands an internship, they are too glamourized by the exposure, leading to a belief that their future is set, and unintentionally or otherwise, begin neglecting their academics. This mindset must be avoided, and one’s academics must always hold top priority throughout their student life.
Do not abandon your social life
Balancing social life and academics in hostels is an art that becomes especially challenging when an internship is acquired. Even though, objectively seen, it’s the academics that call for a higher priority, social life too is essential for a healthy mind to go about tackling those responsibilities. You don’t want all work and no play. It’s useful to unwind and recharge your batteries with your peers.
Self-care to manage stress
The more relaxed the mindset you have while handling these responsibilities, the more clarity you will have to make the best decisions. This clarity must not be taken for granted. Stress is every hard worker’s enemy and must be minimized at all times.
The following is a list of tips to keep in mind
(a) Use breaks wisely
(b) Plan study sessions effectively
(c) Make use of peer-learning
(d) Qualitative socializing over quantity
(e) Socialize with study groups
(f) Learn to say ‘no’ to peers
(g) Eat healthy
(h) Rest well
(i) Exercise
(j) Seek support when needed
The best thing for a medical student to get started with their careers is an internship, but don’t let this internship blind you from both, your social life as well as your academics. It’s all about the balance.
S’ Residences is equipped with all facilities that allow medical interns to balance academics and social life without succumbing to the pressure and demands of either, allowing for the perfect balance as stated above. We understand the importance of balance and we encourage it among all our residents.