Optometry Students Tell All: What they wish they did different? Their best advice? Best places to eat around school? - Eyes on the Prize # 13

Hi everyone! My name is Grace, I’m a 2nd year (which feels super weird to say) at SUNY Optometry. If you’re new to my blog, welcome! I started this back in Feb 2021 to share about my faith, my life, financial literacy journey, and optometry school. I polled a few of my friends to ask them some questions about how the first year went for them!

If you’re from the Class of 2026 reading this, I want to tell you that school will be hard but you can do it. Ask for help from professors and your upper classmates. Join clubs. Get some sleep. You can do this!

Q1: What would you have done differently if you had to do 1st year again? 

Grace (Me):

I think I would’ve told myself that it’s okay if competencies don’t go perfectly as planned. I would have gotten an iPad earlier because I ended up switching out what I was using half way through my first semester. I would’ve also not done Anki cards because that personally didn’t work for me studying wise. I just didn’t have the discipline to make them and review flashcards everyday!

Serena: 

I would work on my study strategies! I spent a lot of 1st year trying to figure out a good way to study the immense amount of info we were learning and it was a lot of trial and error. I also would have loved to practice more, because you can never have enough practice! Maybe attend class in person more…

Oh yeah, lab (not CO) was inefficient for me. I wish I would have reviewed the material before the lab so that I could make the most of the time but it never seemed like there was time to look ahead because I was always playing catch up.

Cindy:

I would have started testing different study methods earlier in the year. I think I wanted the study guide method to work (and for some people, it does) but I eventually realized that I needed more recall in my studying, so I moved to RemNote, which is basically a combination of Notion (for the aesthetics) and Anki (for the spaced repetition and recall). The thing is that I switched study methods about two weeks before finals second semester, so there was no way that I would have been able to fit all semester (or both if it was a cumulative class) into those two weeks for every class. I’d say it’s better to be over prepared than under, so having multiple ways to study one class is better to figure out which one is best for the class. 

TLDR; assume that you don’t know how to study and try a bunch of methods earlier on before the workload accumulates. Also review the class material as soon as you can and don’t procrastinate as much as possible.

Amber:

If I redid first year I would’ve done a lot differently. One thing I regret especially first semester is that I didn’t take advantage of the tutoring sessions offered by the school. The year above us is really helpful and everyone should utilize the resources, even if you don’t think you need it. I also wish I would’ve done was understanding that just because it seems like everyone else is studying doesn’t mean you have to just to feel caught up. I would always feel ashamed when I saw others studying so I would force myself to as well just to feel productive. But this actually ended up hurting more than helping because it wasn’t productive studying. Once I got the hang of my schedule and studying on my own, I was able to feel much better and do much better overall. Don’t compare yourself to others, we are all here for a reason. 

Michael:

I would spend more time with family and friends out of school. In school there's always something to study for so you just have to set aside guilt free time for yourself.

Vanna:

What would you have done differently if you had to do 1st year again? 

Brain cell #1: should I get bubble tea? 

Brain cell #2: No, there’s food at home

 

*commutes home empty-handed and craves bubbles for a whole month* 

What I should do differently: get that bubble tea to cheer you up. Every week is a hard week. You deserve it. Truly.

Alicia: 

I would tell myself it’s good to take breaks, and make sure you do things that make you happy, whatever that means to you. Making time in your schedule to do that. I would try to do better in OT, because I didn’t do great on the fall final. 

I would make time to work out, not just for my physical being, but for my mental state as well. Asking for help is something I would have done differently, and ask for it earlier. 

Kat: 

I think I would have really tried to prioritize my mental health more. Optometry school is much more demanding than previous studies or work and it is going to take a lot of effort! So even though we are constantly hearing that we need to "eat our pancakes" (so true though-make it part of your outlook), it is key to make sure it's not your sole focus! Take that dinner break with friends, watch that movie, or take that nap-- it's okay! 

Q2: What is the best advice you could give an incoming 1st year?

Grace (Me):

Learn how to study effectively. It’s so different in graduate school. I literally had to learn how to study aka studying how to study. It takes time to find what works best for you, and there’s some great Youtube videos out there! I personally love writing out my own test questions to quiz myself, it’s super time consuming but by the time I’m taking my test it’s like my “second round” already and I can finish pretty fast!

Also, keep your notes organized! You’re gonna need them in the future again.

Serena: 

Optometry school is more than a full time job. You really have to dedicate urself 120%. Of course there is time to relax and enjoy yourself on weekends or breaks, but the learning can’t stop. The workload is overwhelming and u Don’t truly know what this means until u are actually faced with the situation, but its so important to stay on top of everything. Also knowing urself as a student and as a person and knowing ur limits.

Idk if this counts as another piece of advice lol but also talk to everyone and practice with everyone! Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Its a team effort and u should also get involved, make friends, have a good time.

Cindy: 

Do everything you want to try! Go to all the conferences, join all the clubs, participate in all the events, explore the city. I look at the upperclassmen and realize that in order for them to go to conferences, it’s much harder to take time off clinic than to go during first year. I also can try new things with less consequences now than when doctors expect you to know more i.e., vision therapy work-study helped me understand optometric theory and gave me a head start for clinical optometry too, as well as provided a networking opportunity with the VT doctors. Also, it’s okay to not get straight A’s, I feel like I learned more outside of the classroom than inside, and I definitely made more memories that way too. 

Amber:

The best advice I can give is to make friends with the upper years. It’s very helpful when it comes to lab competencies and just in general. Don’t be afraid to talk to people and reach out! Everyone is friendly at suny. 

Michael:

School can be a lot of fun at times (I really mean it!) and at other times you'll feel like your going to snap from all the pressure. Just know that these are normal reactions to being put in an abnormal situation. School life is temporary, so many if not all uncomfortable moments will pass too.

Vanna:

The best advice I could give? You can’t do this alone. 

When I study, I Zoom with Grace because it motivates me seeing her work so hard; if I have a question, we easily unmute ourselves and solve it together. During midterms or finals, I call my family and ask them to stay on the phone because it grounds me. For comps, I practice over and over with my classmates, while asking my Big and other upper years to show me their tips and tricks. Not once have I partaken this journey without someone helping me along the way, and I hope you do the same: ask questions; be curious; and don’t be afraid to reach out—you might serendipitously form life-long friendships.

Alicia: 

Not to get bogged down with the letter grades. It’s okay not to get an A, graduate school is tough. Just because you don’t get an A doesn’t mean you will be a bad doctor. If you fail a quiz or exam it is not the end of the world, it will be okay, it happens to all of us. 

Kat: 

I would say with your first year-- talk to your classmates! Don't be afraid to open up to them and talk about how school is making you feel!  I think we are all used to doing so well in undergrad studies or acceling at our jobs that struggling here can make you feel well less. The thing it took me a bit to realize is that we really all in the same boat! Open up to your our lab partner, your seat buddy, or those first friends you made in orientation! They are the ones who will understand and are likely feeling the same! Especially bc if you're anything like me talking to your parents or out of school friends, I would get "oh you're a good student, you'll do great". Well thanks but it's a struggle to get there-- you'll need people who can walk this journey with you!

Q3: Give us an unrelated to school life hack or tip

Grace (Me):

I got the Pret subscription which is 5 teas/coffees a day for $30/month. Considering how coffee can be $4-7 a cup, it’s definitely worth it if you’re a coffee lover like me!

Serena:

Here’s one: use dental floss to cut cakes

Cindy: 

Too Good To Go (cheap meals that help reduce food waste) and Matto ($2.50 any item coffee or pastry). I’m certainly not the one with the best deals but find the people who always know when something is free and become their friend haha jk but yes, there are quite a lot of free/cheap events or items, you just have to know where to look

Amber:

Unrelated school life hack is to apply for the fair fares metrocard! You’ll get half off fare prices and save a lot of money! I got the monthly passes and it would force me to go into school to study or practice in lab

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/fairfares/index.page

Michael:

If you take filtered water and double boil it, you'll create clear transparent ice. The second cook will get rid of any residual impurities and air bubbles leaving a pure ice cube. Looks great when making homemade ices and at parties🍹

Vanna:

This might be school-related(?)

Make sure you know how to wink with both your left and right eyes before starting optometry school. Sounds silly, but it seriously puts you ahead in learning a new skill! For comps, you’re NOT allowed to tape one eye down, so by covering your eye with one hand, changing the phoropter, going back to covering one eye, changing the phoropter… it eats up a LOT of time and you might not finish.

Alicia: 

Make friends

Kat: 

Utilize your commute time!! I would use that time to study note cards or read the text book and jam to music- I felt so much more productive and didn't stress as much for relaxing at home! So instead of zoning out on the commute - use it so you can relax where it matters ;) 

Also mb another tip -- make a little go back for the equipment you are going to use the most! Having everything ready to go in my locker was so nice instead of having to lug that case around 😉

Also idk if this would be important - but I would also be willing to chat with any students who are older/ returning after being out of school or those with a family trying to go back to school -- I know it would have been helpful for me to have that advice when I first started bc studying and home life is so different

Bonus Q: Best place to eat in the city/around school!

Grace (Me):

Tonchin -- Michelin ramen for $19 bucks? That’s a great deal for the city!

Serena:

I like Blue Maiz. It's a bit of a walk and it's basically like chipotle but they give you so much more.

Also free chips and salsa with yelp check in!

Cindy: 

Too Good To Go (cheap meals that help reduce food waste) and Matto ($2.50 any item coffee or pastry). I’m certainly not the one with the best deals but find the people who always know when something is free and become their friend haha jk but yes, there are quite a lot of free/cheap events or items, you just have to know where to look.

Amber:

Tsurutontan Udon and Sushi is good because it’s close to school and they have really cheap lunch deals and big portions!

Michael:

If you're looking for an upscale place within a 3 minute walk from school (to celebrate a friend's birthday or just finishing a hard semester) I would recommend Colbeh. Although they are famous for their Mediterranean cuisine, they still have something for everyone. If your looking for a dish under $10, then Tadik with Choresh Sabzi is a must!😋

Vanna:

Food recommendations: 

TONCHIN

⁃For a yummy bowl of ramen at a good value. There’s a weekday lunch special for $23

⁃Downside: VERY busy and space is small, so it gets pretty loud

Prince Tea House

⁃Very aesthetic, love their jasmine milk tea. Desserts are one-dimensional though and you get sick of it after a couple bites

Supermoon Bakehouse

⁃Their concept is unique in that they change their menu EVERY week, but they’re all the way in LES

⁃Their desserts use flavours that I normally think wouldn’t go well together, but ohhhh it goes well

McDonald’s

⁃$5 for 20 Nuggets, $1 Large fries… need I say more?

NOT MAMAN

⁃If you want banana bread, I will make it for you. I saw Maman on everyone’s insta story, and thought it must have been so delicious. I have never felt so betrayed and never ate anything so dry to the point that the food absorbed all the saliva in my mouth and I was left with the Sahara desert

Closing

Thank you for our lovely guest bloggers today for their thoughtful and insightful answers! I honestly learned so much from reading their answers, and I hope you did too!

Take a second to share this blog with any incoming first years if you think this would help :)

Best,

Grace