Day in the Life: Studying Medicine in Antigua

Key Takeaways

• AUAMED provides a clinically integrated education that challenges and positively transforms students. 
• Daily life includes early mornings, classes, practical labs, and evening study sessions. 
• AUAMED offers all the resources you need to succeed if you’re passionate about the profession. 

Medical school can sometimes seem like an unexplainable experience. The pressure, the pace, and the constant learning curve make it difficult to envision what life is actually like. That’s why hearing about a real student’s daily routine can be helpful. 

What’s it really like to study medicine in a place better known for tourism than textbooks? Antigua is a beautiful place, but it’s not just about vacation. The academic experience here can be truly life-changing. The peaceful setting, constant warmth, calm beaches, and smaller student body make the American University of Antigua a special place for me. 

In this blog, I am going to share what a typical day looks like for me as a medical student at AUA.  

Morning Routine and Classes

Mornings can usually set the tone for the rest of the day, especially in medical school. From the moment I wake up, it’s all about staying focused and making the most of my time. Here’s how my mornings usually go. 

Starting the day on campus

Like most students at AUA, my day begins early, with my alarm ringing between 5:30 and 6:00 AM. After waking up, there’s usually just enough time to shower, get dressed, and prepare for class. 

Breakfast is usually light and quick. I prefer making coffee at home using a small machine, such as a Keurig, since local cafés aren’t always convenient during the morning rush. 

By around 7:15 AM, I start heading to campus. While some students use the school shuttle or taxis, others who live on campus can walk to class since it’s just a three-minute walk. 

Campus entry is secure, as I have to check in using a university app and show my ID badge. Once inside, the environment is calm and organized. The academic facilities are modern and clean, and despite the warm weather, the early hours offer a fresh and quiet start before classes begin. 

Attending lectures and labs

Lectures begin at 8:00 AM and usually run until 12:30 PM, depending on the day’s schedule. AUA’s MD program follows a system-based curriculum, so we study organ systems (like musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, etc.) in an integrated way, pulling from anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

I came to AUA from another program that was mostly subject-based, and this structure has been more helpful for me, as everything is clinically related. Before applying, I made sure I met the medical school requirements, including the MCAT and academic background. 

Professors move through content quickly, but they’re approachable and willing to answer questions. Exams are NBME-style, which means we’re constantly applying what we learn in clinical contexts. My perspective on medicine has changed as a result of the professors’ emphasis on comprehension rather than memorization. 

Anatomy labs typically start in the early afternoon and last around 90 minutes. We come in ready to observe, handle models, and learn. The sessions are focused and hands-on and make textbook concepts feel more tangible. 

Midday Break and Study Habits

The midday break can make a big difference in staying focused for the rest of the day. After a busy morning of classes and labs, I use this time to review what I’ve learned, have lunch, and rest up. 

Lunch on campus or in Antigua

On days without lab, I use the time between lectures and afternoon activities to eat, reset, or even socialize with my peers. When I don’t have much time, I take something from the on-campus coffee cart, like an energy drink and a croissant. When there’s more time, I stop by the cafeteria or pick up local takeout from nearby places. 

It’s mostly during this time that we get to connect with classmates outside of academic pressure. Everyone has the same obstacles, and there’s a lovely support group where we discuss or joke about our days. 

Study sessions and library time

The second half of the day is where my discipline helps me succeed. If you’re just starting out, you may wonder how to study in medical school efficiently, especially when juggling anatomy, clinical practice, and review materials. I usually opt between studying in the library and at my apartment. 

When I’m stressed, I find that studying alone helps me focus, but when I’m having trouble with certain subjects, group study is especially helpful. Explaining things out loud to peers shows me what I need to review more. 

AUA supports us with a variety of resources, including recorded lectures, small group review sessions, weekly formative quizzes, and reels—which are practice questions developed by the faculty staff. My study technique is following the Pomodoro method, where I study for an hour, take a 10-minute break, and repeat the process. 

Afternoon Clinical Practice or Workshops

Afternoons are mostly reserved for hands-on learning. Whether it’s clinical practice or workshops, this is where all theoretical concepts start to connect, and all students develop their skills. 

Early clinical exposure

One of the things that makes AUA stand out is how early students begin clinical training. From the first semester, we start ICM (Introduction to Clinical Medicine). These sessions help us practice essential skills like taking patient histories, performing physical exams, and thinking through differential diagnoses.  

For example, during my recent ICM sessions, I conducted a full cardiovascular exam on a standardized patient. Afterward, the faculty reviewed our technique, posture, and communication. The goal is to start developing clinical instincts, which may initially feel surreal and surprising. 

We also finish Basic Life Support (BLS) certification early in the program. It’s a hands-on aspect that slowly prepares us for clinical practice. These components make medicine feel less abstract and more like a profession that you actively work on. 

Student workshops or skills labs

Beyond ICM, here at AUA, we have other opportunities that develop our skills throughout the term. One of the most helpful workshops I attended was a suturing lab, where we practiced basic techniques or simulation pads under supervision. 

We have also had diagnostic case simulations where we work in small teams to assess a “patient,” decide on lab tests, and come up with treatment plans. 

Each workshop prepares us for clinical rotations, which start during the third year in the U.S., Canada, or the U.K., depending on your pathway. 

Evening Life in Antigua

Once classes finish, my days start to slow down around the evening. Evenings in Antigua offer a combination of rest, studying, and occasional time to enjoy the island around. Here’s what I usually do after a full day of medical school. 

Extracurriculars and student clubs

Outside academics, I sometimes take part in student-led activities. AUA has several student organizations that focus on initiating med school extracurricular activities. These range from surgical interest groups to global health teams that host events in the evenings. 

I once went to a guest lecture given by an alumnus who matched with an internal medicine program in New York. I also participated in a planning session for public health outreach. These experiences break up the academic intensity and remind me of the bigger picture. 

It may be difficult to fit everything into my schedule, but getting involved, even occasionally, helped me build networking skills. 

Our student body is relatively small, so it’s easier to connect with others. Even if we’re all busy, we have a shared sense of purpose. Often, you can find people organizing quick review sessions, informal meetups, or simply hanging out to check in on each other. 

Relaxing after a long day

By 6:00 or 7:00 PM, I usually head back to my apartment. Some evenings, I choose to spend that time going grocery shopping or picking up a quick dinner. On other nights, I immediately start reviewing notes or practicing questions, especially when exams are approaching. 

Living abroad has taught me how to budget, cook my own meals, and keep some comfort snacks around, especially protein bars. 

I try to study for another hour or two in the evening, depending on what deadlines I have coming up. I review lecture material, prepare for small group discussions, or work on practice questions. Around 10:30 or 11:00 PM, I try to start my pre-sleep routine. Resting is just as important as reviewing material. 

As a medical student, it takes time to strike a balance between maintaining your health and productivity. Sometimes, I enjoy watching a show or talking to a friend on a call. Other times, I choose to journal and sit outside. The quietness of the island at night helps me reset and reminds me of the reason I started this journey. 

Start Your Medicine Journey at AUAMED

Being a medical student anywhere in the world is far from easy. However, choosing universities that support you and prepare you for your residency is the right choice. For me, that place is AUAMED. 

The curriculum here is clinically oriented, the environment is supportive, and opportunities abound. If you’re committed to becoming a physician and willing to adapt to both personal and academic challenges, AUA offers the tools you need to succeed. 

Being here has challenged me in more ways than I could have imagined. But it has also helped me become more mature, develop resilience, and stay focused on my ultimate goal. If this fits within your expectations and becomes what you’ve been looking for, then AUA may be the opportunity you need. 

Explore AUA’s admissions process and take your first step toward your future by applying today! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a medical degree from AUAMED recognized in the U.S. or Canada?

Yes, AUA’s medical degree is recognized for U.S. and Canadian licensure, as it’s CAAM-HP accredited and ECFMG-eligible. 

Can international students work while studying in Antigua?

No, international students generally cannot work while studying in Antigua due to visa restrictions. 

How competitive is admission to AUAMED?

Admission is less competitive than in U.S. schools, but it still requires a strong academic background, a good MCAT score, and commitment.