MBChB Medicine pre-arrival information
We’re delighted that you’ll be joining us and are very much looking forward to welcoming you into our medical school community.
This page contains important information and instructions to help you prepare before your course begins. It’s essential that you work your way through everything carefully to ensure a smooth start to your studies.
If you have any questions about this process you can contact us at medical_student_affairs@sheffield.ac.uk.
Pre-arrival: self-directed tasks
These tasks are a part of your pre-arrival activities
Activity 1: 'Who Am I?' Activity
During welcome week and the first few weeks of term, 'who am I?' might be a question you ask yourself. Adjusting to new environments, new ways of working and new subjects can be overwhelming, and sometimes you might feel that you have 'lost' yourself. With this in mind, we think it's important that you take some time to think about this. We have two very short activities for you to complete:
- Activity 1a: Statement of Self
Write a short (no more than 250 words) 'statement of self', to include:
- a little bit about yourself
- where you're from
- why you chose medicine
- why you chose Sheffield
- what you're most excited by
- what may be challenging
Upload this into your ePortfolio on Minerva by Friday 26th September 2025. To do this, go into your ePortfolio, then click on Personal Documents -> Reflections and upload your document.
Email your Academic tutor (details will be provided to you following Welcome Week) to introduce yourself and confirm that you have uploaded your statement into your ePortfolio. Liaise with your tutor to organise your first meeting with them.
- Activity 1b: An Interesting Fact
Think of an interesting fact about yourself. Make it something individual - something you think makes you unique or makes you stand out! This could be anything from a hobby you have to a place you've visited or a situation you've been in. Keep this fact in mind and share it with your group during the group sessions later in the week.
- Activity 2: Professionalism Activity
You were asked to start this activity in your pre-arrival tasks above, but you will be expected to complete the remainder of this activity in your own time.
This activity should take you no more than two to three hours overall, but this time should be investing in thinking, researching and documenting what kind of doctor you might like to become and what it means to be a medical professional. This activity is intended for both your personal and professional development and will also be explored in your first meeting with your Academic tutor.
Read the following article written by an American medical student, Eric Keller:
What is professionalism and wellness in medical education?
Make some notes on Eric's perspective on professionalism. Consider the various aspects Eric mentions - which do you personally find the most interesting/compelling/scary/challenging?
Moving beyond the piece by Eric, spend some time researching and reading up on aspects of professionalism that you find most interesting. There are a lot of resources about professionalism - just do an online search. As you go along, please continue to jot down some notes as you learn more about these.
Pick one particular aspect of professionalism that you find personally relevant, interesting or challenging, and write about it in no more than 300 words. You should discuss why this particular aspect captivates you. We are not looking for a definition but for your personal reflections. Your interest may relate to volunteering or other personal experiences - that's up to you.
Upload the document into your ePortfolio by going to the Personal Documents area and looking for Reflections. The deadline for this is Friday 3 October 2025.
If you have any queries regarding this activity, contact medical_student_affairs@sheffield.ac.uk.
Your Welcome Week timetable
Your welcome week starts Monday 22 September.
Welcome Week is almost here, and we’re excited to share your timetable with you! Most sessions will take place in person, but some will be online.
You’re expected to take part in all sessions, whether they’re face-to-face or virtual.
Make sure you’re looking at the right timetable: A101 is only for Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) students only.
A101 Timetable - Graduate Entry
Accessing Minerva
Minerva is our online learning platform, where your tutors will share important messages, updates, and course materials. It’s essential that you get set up on Minerva so you don’t miss anything important.
Once you have completed your university registration activities, we'll be able to create you a Minerva account and profile. However if you do not yet have access, do not worry as the process of setting up your Minerva account can take time. You should be able to access the system prior to Welcome Week
To activate and access Minerva, please follow the steps below:
- Log in to your University MUSE account. This is to ensure you have gone through the Multi-Factor Authentication security barrier.
- Access Minerva via MUSE (once logged into MUSE, you can click on My Services at the top of the page and there should be a link to Minerva on the navigation bar that pops up).
- Change your password straight away. You can do this by clicking on your profile picture (a silhouette for now) at the top left of the screen.
- You can also add your mobile number to your MUSE account - this isn't mandatory but we do recommend it. This will allow us to send an SMS message to your phone. We will only contact you to communicate essential information such as lecture cancellations, but getting an SMS message will ensure you receive a physical notification. If you don't wish to add your mobile number, you can access the same information via the Minerva News feed, but will not be notified of this information in the same way.
Once you've followed these steps, you should be set up and good to go!
Watch the Minerva orientation video below for help and guidance on navigating the learning environment.
Small group allocation
We’ve planned a week full of chances to meet key staff, including our Dean, Professor Mark Strong, and our Programme Director, Professor Jennie Walsh.
There will be live Q&A sessions where you can ask questions, and small group sessions where you’ll get to meet other new students, as well as students from last year.
Please check the group session list on the webpage so you know which session you're in, and when and where it’s happening.
Note that these small group allocations are for Welcome Week only, group allocations for teaching will be released at a later date.
Please check back for small group allocations.
Your Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) appointment
During Welcome Week, you’ll be given time to complete your required Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please check the list to find your appointment details.
It’s very important that you attend your assigned time. If you can’t make it for any reason, please email s.marples@sheffield.ac.uk
The DBS check will only take about 5 minutes. If it overlaps with another session, just quietly leave to go to your appointment, then come back when you’re done.
Please check back for DBS appointments.
Introduction to digital learning
This short video for new phase 1 medical students to watch during welcome week highlights the main digital resources that you'll be using during your medical degree.
If you need help downloading Microsoft Office 365 to your personal device, visit the University's IT helpdesk page.
Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS)
Starting University is a great time to evaluate your support and learning needs, which is why we have arranged for time to be available for you to complete our Disability and Dyslexia Support Service QuickScan Screening Test. Completing this test is completely optional but is a good tool and resource to help with both giving you information about your individual learning style, while also suggesting some learning strategies and telling you whether you display any indicators of a specific learning difficulty.
Quick Scan Via Disability and Dyslexia Support Service
Medical Society (MedSoc)
MedSoc is a student-led society that represents over 2,000 medical students and we are here to make your time in Sheffield as fun as possible while also acting as the student voice to faculty and organising academic events.
We will be running a number of Q&A sessions on our Instagram as well as a few talks so be sure to join the official MedSoc run 2025 Freshers Group chat and follow our Instagram to stay updated. You can join these groups using the link below:
Please note that the below groups and social media channels are run by MedSoc and therefore are not moderated or monitored by the University.
WhatsApp Group Link (For all students)
WhatsApp Group Link for Graduate entry (GEM) students only
Freshwing 2025
MedSoc has also created a magazine packed with everything you need to know as a new student!
It’s a fun read put together by your fellow students, from handy accommodation tips to the best spots for a night out.
Kidderminster Bursary information
Have you lived or worked in the Wyre Forest area within the last 10 years? You may be eligible for additional funding — find out more below.
Contacts
You'll also find a list of key contacts in the Medical School once you log in to Minerva (see above).