Transitioning to medical school: The intersection of mental health and time management

Objectives: Time management is essential for medical students, especially during the transition from secondary school to the demanding environment of medical education. This phase is marked by increased academic workload, unfamiliar surroundings, and peer pressures, making effective time allocation vital. Research consistently shows a positive correlation between good time management and academic success. Poor habits such as cramming and excessive social media use are linked to lower performance, while structured study techniques and self-assessment enhance outcomes. Learning styles, such as deep and strategic learning, along with peer support and organized environments, further impact academic effectiveness. This study aims to explore time management behaviors among 1 st -year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students and contribute evidence-based insights to guide National Medical Commission policies for undergraduate education. Materials and Methods: Two sets of 1 st year MBBS students were recruited. Before the first professional classes began, students in the first set (pre-group; n = 77) were invited to complete a survey aimed at evaluating their stressors and time management domains. The second group of students (post-group; n = 80) was enlisted following their first midterm examination. Results: Significant difference in the microplanning ( P = 0.0059), macroplanning ( P = 0.0255), use of an application for the time management (p = 0.0026), checking of the E-mail ( P = 0.0053), screen time per day ( P = 0.0043), and targets set per day and per week ( P = 0.0113 and P = 0.0332, respectively) was observed in the pre- and post-groups. Conclusion: This study illuminates the significant shifts in time management practices among 1 st -year MBBS students as they adapt to the demands of medical school. The results highlight the critical role of well-structured time management in reducing stress, improving academic outcomes, and enhancing overall well-being.