Get real advice, tips, and answers from Howard Med students themselves. Everything we wish we knew — now here for you

Welcome Future Bison Physicians

Where do you want to start?

Choose a topic below to explore real tips and advice — from housing to academics to finding your community. Click on any area to learn more!

🏡 Housing
🚍 Transportation
🔬 Research
📚 Academics
🧳 Packing & Prep
🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏽 Student Life
💙 Advice & Support

🏡 Housing & Transportation

Where you live — and how you get around — can make a huge difference in your M1 experience. Here’s real advice from students who’ve been through it.

  • Here are housing options mentioned by current students:

    • Slowe/Carver Apartments (Ledroit Park)

    • The Burton (NoMa)

    • Reverb

    • The Highline (Hyattsville)

    • Plaza Towers (Hyattsville)

    • Vie Towers (Hyattsville)

    • Cloisters Apartments (NE DC)

    • Atlantic Plumbing

    • Private house rentals (various neighborhoods)

    • Sherman Avenue

    • Mount Pleasant

    • Navy Yard

    • Takoma Park / Hyattsville

    • Near U Street

    • Living at home with family

    🔹 Slowe, The Burton, and Reverb were some of the most commonly mentioned buildings.
    🔹 Hyattsville and Ledroit Park came up frequently for affordability and access to campus.

    ➡️ Most students lived in NE DC, Hyattsville, or areas along Metro-accessible lines. A few chose to commute from home or rented with friends.

    • “It’s worth spending more to get a place you actually like — you’ll be happier.”

    • “Know your priorities: safety, price, commute, or size.”

    • “Start looking in April or May to lock in better rates.”

    • “Consider if you’ll need parking, Metro access, or a gym nearby.”

    • “If living with family is an option, that can save you a lot.”

    ➡️ Students emphasized balancing price, distance, and mental well-being. The earlier you start your search, the better your options.

  • Here’s how students said they got around:

    • Car

    • Walking

    • Metro (Green and Red Line)

    • Bus

    • Lyft / Uber

    • Capital Bikeshare

    • E-bike or motorcycle

    🔹 Car and Metro were the most commonly used methods.
    🔹 Walking and Bikeshare were common for students who lived close.
    🔹 Some commuted from family homes using cars or Metro.

    ➡️ Most students mix methods based on location — walking, biking, and Metro are common if you’re nearby, but a car helps with flexibility.

    🛤️ Metro & Public Transit

    Many students at Howard University College of Medicine rely on the Washington Metro (WMATA) for daily commuting. The Metro system offers extensive coverage throughout the DC area, making it a convenient option for getting to and from campus, clinical sites, or exploring the city.

    Monthly Unlimited Pass:
    Students often purchase the Monthly Unlimited Pass, which provides unlimited rides on Metrorail and Metrobus. Prices range from $72 to $216 depending on distance.
    🔗 Buy or manage a Monthly Pass

    Student Discounts:
    WMATA offers the U-Pass Program, which provides unlimited rides at a flat discounted rate for full-time students — but participation depends on your institution.
    🔗 Check Student Discount Eligibility

    SmarTrip Card:
    You’ll need a SmarTrip card (physical or mobile) to ride the Metro or bus system.
    🔗 Learn more about SmarTrip

    Metro is a popular choice for students living throughout DC because it’s reliable, affordable, and often faster than trying to drive or park near campus.

  • “You can survive without one — but it definitely helps.”
    “Having a car is convenient but comes with parking stress.”
    “If you live far or need flexibility, get one. If you’re close, you’re fine.”
    “I used Lyft most of the time and only borrowed a car when I needed to.”

    🔹 Students were split: some said they managed fine without a car, while others recommended it for peace of mind.
    🔹 The biggest deciding factor is your commute — not the curriculum.

    ➡️ If you can avoid driving daily, do it. But if you’re farther out or hate waiting on the Metro, a car may be worth it.

  • Yes! If you're a full-time student in DC, you may qualify for a Reciprocity Parking Permit, which allows you to keep your out-of-state plates while legally parking in DC.

    📝 Requirements:

    • Full-time enrollment at a DC school (must provide a registrar’s letter)

    • Valid out-of-state driver's license and registration in your name

    • Proof of insurance (matching your registration)

    • Proof of DC address (e.g. lease, utility bill)

    📅 Permit Info:

    • Initial Fee: ~$338

    • Valid for: 1 year

    • Renewable annually in person or online

    • DC DMV locations we recommend:

      • ✅ Benning Ridge DMV

      • ✅ Georgetown DMV

      • 🚫 Avoid: Rhode Island Ave & Southwest Service Centers (longer waits, less student-friendly)

    🕓 Not ready yet?
    You can apply for a Temporary Reciprocity Permit (valid for 6 months) while getting your documentation in order (e.g. switching insurance or registration into your name). This is non-renewable.

    ❗Important Notes:

    • If you live in Georgetown, you cannot use a Reciprocity Permit due to local ANC rules.

    • This permit does not exempt you from normal DC parking regulations — read all street signs carefully to avoid being ticketed or towed.

    • Street cleaning is strict: move your car Mondays and Tuesdays if parking in residential areas without a garage.

    📎 Always check the official DC DMV website for the most up-to-date info:
    🔗 dmv.dc.gov/service/reciprocity-permits

  • If you're bringing a car to Howard, here are the most commonly used parking options near the College of Medicine and Howard University Hospital:

    🎓 Student Permit Parking

    • Banneker South Lot
      📍 2345 Sherman Ave NW
      💰 $680/year (Fall + Spring)
      ✅ Most popular among students due to its proximity to the College of Medicine.

    • Drew Lot
      📍 511 Harvard St NW
      💰 $680/year
      🚶‍♂️ Slightly farther but still walkable.

    • Howard Center Lot
      📍 2235 8th St NW
      💰 $10/day or $200/month (credit card only)
      ✅ Available for daily or monthly parking.

    Note: Student permits expire May 31st each year. Registration is typically offered in April and January. Most parking passes do not start until classes do. Be mindful of the gap between the summer pass and semester/yearly pass.

    🏥 Daily & Visitor Parking

    • Howard University Hospital Lot
      📍 2041 Georgia Ave NW
      💰 $7/day
      ✅ Closest to the hospital; ideal for clinical rotations.

    • North End Shaw Parking Garage
      📍 2112 8th St NW
      💰 $6/day
      🚶‍♂️ Approximately a 5-minute walk to campus.

    • Lallo Park
      📍 2031 8th St NW
      💰 $20/day
      🚶‍♂️ Short walk to the College of Medicine.

    • Progression Place Garage
      📍 633 T St NW
      💰 $16/day
      🚶‍♂️ About a 10-minute walk to campus.

    • DCUSA Garage
      📍 3155 Hiatt Pl NW
      💰 $3/day
      🚶‍♂️ Approximately a 15-minute walk; economical option.

    🚗 Residential Parking Tips

    • Street Parking:
      If you live in a residential area without a garage, you'll rely on street parking. Be aware of street cleaning schedules, typically on Mondays and Tuesdays. Move your car accordingly to avoid fines or towing.

    • Read Street Signs:
      Always read street signs before parking. Restrictions can vary by block and time of day.

    🔗 Additional Resources

    • Always read street signs before parking. Restrictions can vary by block and time of day.

    • Street Cleaning: Scheduled weekly; parking is prohibited during these times. Check local signs for specific days and hours.

    • Residential Parking Permits (RPP): If you have a Reciprocity Permit and live on a zoned street, you may be eligible for an RPP for an additional fee.

    • Towing: DC enforces parking regulations strictly. Illegally parked cars are subject to fines and towing.

    • “DC street parking is brutal — read every sign twice.”

    • “Pay attention to red zones, street cleaning days, and residential permits.”

    • “There’s no guaranteed parking near campus — you’ll need to hunt.”

    • “Budget for parking tickets (seriously).”

    • “Capital Bikeshare is underrated. It saves time and money.”

    • “Metro is okay but unreliable — give yourself extra time.”

    • “South Banneker is the safest option because there is a security guard and police driving through every so often.”

    • “Purchase on-campus parking only if you plan on being on campus often! If you don’t come that often, HU Center lot is more affordable.”

    • “Make sure to always turn your mirrors in”

    🔹 Multiple students warned about street parking tickets and confusing signs.
    🔹 If you bring a car, you’ll need to be constantly alert about where you park.

    ➡️ Most students agree: the easiest transportation setup is walking or biking. But if you’re driving, get familiar with DC parking rules early.

  • Popular study resources mentioned:

    • Shawn’s Anki deck (very commonly used)

    • Bootcamp (especially for Biochem and Physiology)

    • Ninja Nerd

    • Lectures + self-made Anki decks

    • ChatGPT (trained for exam-style prompts)

    • Osmosis (particularly for Physio and Biochem)

    🔹 Shawn’s deck and Bootcamp were the most frequently used.
    🔹 Many students created their own cards and supplemented lectures with outside content.

    ➡️ Most students used a hybrid of school lectures, Anki, and trusted online platforms.

  • “Learn how you study best — don’t just copy others.”
    “Make time to review the same material over a few days.”
    “Be flexible. If something isn’t working, change it early.”
    “You can do this — but you have to stay consistent.”

    🔹 The biggest theme: it takes time to figure out your groove, and that’s okay.

    ➡️ Be proactive, adaptable, and patient with yourself — success in M1 is all about steady strategy.

  • “The MC blocks were manageable. Spring hit a lot harder.”
    “The workload picked up fast midway through the year.”
    “It felt like a lot all at once, but pacing helped.”

    🔹 Fall (MC blocks) was generally described as manageable.
    🔹 Spring (SF blocks) was noted as more content-heavy and fast-paced.

    ➡️ Expect things to ramp up after winter break — staying organized early helps.

  • Howard Med uses a Pass/Fail/Honors grading system during pre-clinical years (M1–M2):

    • Honors: 85% and above

    • Pass: 70–84%

    • Fail: Below 70%

    During clinical clerkships (M3–M4), students are evaluated on a four-tier scale:

    • Honors

    • High Pass

    • Pass

    • Fail

    “It’s fair and gives you flexibility.”
    “You can aim high, but there’s also space to just pass and recharge.”
    “It’s low pressure compared to a traditional letter-grade system.”

    🔹 Most students described the system as balanced, and appreciated having the option to prioritize learning without the pressure of traditional grading curves.

    🗣 Student advice: Focus on passing first and learning how to study effectively in med school. If you get Honors, that’s great — but it’s not the end goal. Clinical clerkships are where academic performance really starts to matter for residency.

    ➡️ The grading system gives you room to breathe — use that space to build good habits, not burn out chasing perfection.

  • Based on survey responses:

    • 67% — Very early (within the first semester)

    • 27% — Mid-year (spring semester)

    • 6% — Other timing (varied by program or placement)

    🔹 Most students reported seeing clinical settings within their first semester.
    🔹 Exact timing may vary depending on curriculum year and programs like pipeline or service-learning.

    ➡️ Expect early exposure to patients — often within the first few months of M1.

  • “Ms. Anderson’s office helped with connecting me to help.”
    “I found support through upperclassmen and MedStars.”
    “There are resources — you just have to be the one to reach out.”

    🔹 Students mentioned informal mentoring, MedStars, and peer guidance more than formal tutoring.
    🔹 A few said they didn’t use the support services but were glad they existed.

    ➡️ There are academic support options — but most students emphasized peer support and self-advocacy.

📚 Academics and Study Tips

Med school is a different kind of academic challenge — and first year is a learning curve. Here's what students used, what they wish they knew, and how they managed the grind.

🔬 Research, Extracurriculars, and Opportunities

Howard offers so much outside the classroom — research, leadership, extracurriculars. Here's how students found opportunities and got involved.

  • “Reaching out to professors with overlapping interests.”
    “Through the VPs of Research and Dr. Stubbs.”
    “Networking and asking around.”

    🔹 Most students said research opportunities don’t fall in your lap — you have to ask, email, or connect with the right people.
    🔹 Several recommended reaching out directly to faculty or going through student leaders who handle research resources.

    ➡️ Be proactive. Use your class VPs of Research, and don’t be afraid to cold email faculty you align with.

    🔗 Click here to view the Research Opportunities Sheet
    (Link provided by the class — includes recommended     labs, mentors, and programs.)

  • “Summer research through Stanford or Harvard.”
    “Mount Sinai.”
    “There’s a sheet with a bunch — ask upperclassmen.”
    “Reach out to Dr. Stubbs early.”
    “Start looking during first semester if you want a summer position.”

    🔹 Dr. Stubbs and your student VPs of Research were the most commonly mentioned connections.
    🔹 Some students looked outside Howard for funded summer research (Harvard, Stanford, Sinai, etc).

    ➡️ Start early, talk to upperclassmen, and explore both in-house and external summer research opportunities.

    • SNMA (Student National Medical Association)

    • LMSA (Latino Medical Student Association)

    • Specialty interest groups (Pediatrics, Surgery, OB/GYN, etc.)

    • Sports clubs (e.g., soccer)

    • The Wellness Committee

    • Faith-based groups

    • Student Interest Groups (SIGs)

    “SNMA, LMSA, and the SIGs are everywhere — easy to plug in.”
    “There’s a club or committee for everyone.”

    🔹 Students consistently recommended joining at least one interest group or service org early on.

    ➡️ Whether you're into advocacy, specialty exploration, or community service — there’s space for you.

  • “Very easy if you’re active about it.”
    “Put yourself out there early — that’s when most stuff gets filled.”
    “Leadership is easy to find. Projects depend more on what you want to do.”
    “If you care, it shows — people will bring you in.”

    🔹 Leadership opportunities are abundant and accessible — especially if you express interest early in M1.

    ➡️ If you’re passionate, getting involved is easy. Ask questions, volunteer, and follow up.

  • Student-recommended spots:

    • Cafe Unido (in The Wharf)

    • MELT Lounge (food + coffee)

    • The old library & computer room

    • Takoma Park

    • The HSL (when it's quiet)

    • Union Market

    • Home (for peace and quiet!)

    • Library annex or off-campus cafés

    🔹 Many students preferred off-campus study spots for fewer distractions.
    🔹 Café Unido and quiet lounges were among the top recommendations.

    ➡️ Explore a mix of on-campus and off-campus spots to find where you work best.

  • “The faculty truly want us to succeed.”
    “It’s a close-knit student body.”
    “There’s a strong sense of shared purpose here.”
    “Supportive peers, though sometimes administrative processes are slow.”

    🔹 Students highlighted the dedication of faculty and peer support.
    🔹 Community was generally described as tight-knit and mission-driven.

    ➡️ You’ll find a community that’s focused, supportive, and rooted in purpose.

  • “Schedule time off — take one full day a week to reset.”
    “Therapy is available for free through the university.”
    “Exercise regularly, even if just a walk.”
    “Don’t feel bad for needing rest — you’ll function better when you care for yourself.”

    🔹 Students emphasized rest, routine, and finding someone to talk to.
    🔹 Free mental health resources are available but may require seeking them out.

    ➡️ Staying well in med school takes effort — and it’s absolutely worth it.

  • Based on student responses:

    • 56% said it depends on the person and situation

    • 31% said no, it wasn’t manageable

    • 13% said yes, they were able to work or tutor

    “If you know your study style and have a plan, it’s possible.”
    “Tutoring a few hours a week was manageable for me.”
    “It depends on your background and how demanding your job is.”
    “Personally, I wouldn’t recommend working during M1.”

    🔹 Most students advised caution — it really depends on your time management, course load, and prior experience.

    ➡️ If you do choose to work, keep your hours minimal and flexible — school comes first.

  • “Budget carefully — even small expenses add up fast.”
    “Use your refund wisely. Pretend it’s half what it is.”
    “Track spending early — Mint or spreadsheets help.”
    “Living with roommates or at home can save a lot.”
    “Meal prep and use student discounts where you can.”

    🔹 Many students found DC more expensive than expected.
    🔹 Top tips included budgeting monthly, living with roommates, and minimizing takeout.

    ➡️ Planning ahead and budgeting realistically can make DC manageable — even on a student budget.

  • “The early clinical exposure.”
    “How small and connected the student body is.”
    “How quickly we were expected to be independent.”
    “The passion of the faculty — they really care.”
    “The volume of material — it came fast.”

    🔹 Students were most surprised by how personal the community felt — and how quickly school picked up.

    ➡️ Expect a close-knit environment — and a fast academic pace.

  • “Time management and adjusting to the pace.”
    “Balancing personal life and school.”
    “Staying motivated when things feel overwhelming.”
    “Managing expectations and imposter syndrome.”
    “Dealing with last-minute schedule changes.”

    🔹 Challenges were mostly internal — staying consistent, staying balanced, and staying confident.

    ➡️ It’s normal to struggle at times — building structure and community helps a lot.

  • “The sense of purpose — I’m here for a reason.”
    “The people. My classmates have become lifelong friends.”
    “The mission. You feel part of something bigger.”
    “Faculty really care about us as individuals.”
    “Serving communities that look like me.”

    🔹 The Howard community, legacy, and mission were the most cherished aspects.

    ➡️ Howard Med isn’t just school — it’s a community with purpose.

🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏽 Life at Howard Med

Life at HUCM is more than classes — it's community, balance, and finding your people. Here’s what students had to say about making the most of it.

🧳 What to Bring & How to Prepare

Don’t overthink it — here’s everything we actually used (and everything we didn’t). What to wear, what to pack, and what to leave behind. You’re good.

    • You'll need business casual attire for Sim Lab and Clinical Skills — usually worn under your white coat.

    • Women: consider comfortable, professional shoes — heels are fine, but comfort is key.

    • Men: dress shoes or loafers work well — again, comfort is important.

    • You can wear casual clothes to lectures (jeans, hoodies, sneakers — just be clean and presentable).

    🛍 Budget shopping tips:

    • Prime Thrift (6110 Georgia Ave NW, DC)

    • 2nd Avenue Thrift (Hyattsville, MD)

    • Unique Thrift Store (Silver Spring, MD)

    • Kohl’s — Subscribe for coupons!

  • Here’s what students actually used:

    • ✅ Scrubs (any color; cheap is fine — Walmart, Fabletics $15, Amazon)

    • ✅ Lab coat (get 2 if you can, reuseable preferred)

    • ✅ Closed-toe shoes (Crocs, sneakers — ones you don’t mind ruining)

    • ✅ Goggles (optional, for splash protection)

    • ✅ Hair bonnet/cap (especially helpful for braids/locs — the smell can linger)

    • ✅ Mask (optional — Vicks under the mask helps with formaldehyde smell)

    • ✅ Gloves — these are provided by the school

    💅 Nails: Long nails are okay for class, but short/natural nails are recommended for lab and required if you scrub into surgery or shadow.

  • DC has all four seasons — don’t underestimate the weather!

    • Get a good puffer jacket, warm boots, gloves, and thermals for winter.

    • Summers are humid — bring breathable clothes.

    • Fall and spring are beautiful but unpredictable — pack layers.

    ➡️ Prepare for snow, rain, sun, and wind all in one semester.

  • Nope — don’t buy a single book.

    There’s a shared student resource drive with PDFs of all the main textbooks (yes, even First Aid), plus access to Sketchy, Pathoma, and a ton more. Unless you personally prefer physical copies, you can save your money and wait.

    You’ll have everything you need once school starts — just focus on showing up rested and ready.

  • Most of what you’ll need will be provided or can be borrowed. Here’s what students actually recommend:

    🧷 Essentials:

    • Stethoscope (a great gift idea — consider getting it engraved or adding a clip)

    • Manual blood pressure cuff

    (Only buy the starred ones!)

    • ✅ Stethoscope (MUST-HAVE)

    • ✅ Manual BP cuff (optional but helpful)

    • ⭕ Reflex hammer – usually provided

    • ⭕ Tuning fork – rarely needed

    • ⭕ Penlight – handy but can wait

    • ⭕ Snellen eye chart – not necessary

    • ⭕ Otoscope/ophthalmoscope – unnecessary for now

    • ⭕ Pulse oximeter – unnecessary

    • ⭕ Sphygmomanometer case – optional

    • ⭕ Extra ID clips – may be useful later

    • ⭕ EKG calipers – not used during M1

    ➡️ In short: just bring a stethoscope and a good attitude. The rest will come later.

  • Yes — you’ll need a reliable laptop with a working camera for quizzes, exams, and virtual sessions. This is non-negotiable, so make sure your device is up to date and in good shape.

    An iPad is totally optional, but lots of students use one for annotating slides, drawing pathways, or using apps like Notability or GoodNotes. That said, plenty of people use a laptop + notebook combo or print out slides — it’s all about what works best for you.

    🧠 Pro tip: Use your first month of M1 to figure out your study style, then build your setup from there.

  • Absolutely not.
    You’ll have plenty to study starting Day 1 — there’s no need to start early.

    “Use your summer to sleep, rest, travel, and enjoy life. You’ll never get this time back — and you’ll be ready when it starts.”

If we could go back and tell ourselves one thing before starting M1... here’s what we’d say to you.

  • "You can do it — it is hard, but you can do it if you keep going."

    — Yusuf Ashktorab (M1)

  • "Figure out how you best study as soon as you can — then trust that process."

    — Jesse (M1)

  • "Be flexible, but trust what works! It’s so easy to crumble under resource overload and compare your studying to what everyone else is doing — but you know how you learn best. I felt and performed better using study methods that worked for me, rather than wasting time suffering through Anki just because it worked for others."

    — Nimi Oladapo (M1)

  • "Med school is challenging — but don’t forget how far you’ve come. Every morning when I walk to campus and see the Howard University Hospital sign, I smile, no matter what the day holds — a quiz, a long day, or even a test. I think about what it felt like to first get in, the nerves on my interview day, the waitlist stress during Second Look, or even me as a teenager dreaming of this moment in a white coat. And now — it all came true. It all worked out. Trust yourself, and trust the process."

    — Anshika Motiani (M1, STUCO Webmaster)

  • "It’s okay to struggle. Just don’t suffer alone. Ask for help."

    — Anonymous (M2)

  • "If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready."

    — Anonymous (M1)

  • "Good luck — and be serious. Show up like this matters."

    — Anonymous (M2)

  • "Take breaks. They help more than you think."

    — Anonymous (M2)

  • "Ask for help early. Don't wait till you're behind."

    — Anonymous (M1)

  • "Consistency > motivation. Build good habits early."

    — Anonymous (M2)