Starting nursing school is a big milestone and it often comes with a mix of excitement, pressure, and questions you didn’t know you had. You’ll be learning a wealth of new material, adapting to your academic routine, and getting your first glimpse of life in the field of healthcare. It’s a challenge, but also the beginning of a career built on purpose.
Whether you’re pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), this guide will walk you through what to expect in your first year of nursing school so you can learn with confidence.
Your First Semester of Nursing School: What It’s Like
In nursing school, your first semester lays the foundation for everything that follows. From orientation to your first exams, you’ll be adjusting to a new academic pace. You’ll also meet your professors, review program expectations, and start forming connections with classmates — many of whom may become your go-to study partners.
During orientation, you’ll walk through the curriculum, lab requirements, and safety procedures for your clinicals. Once classes begin, your schedule will fill quickly with lectures, introductory labs, and assigned readings.
There’s a learning curve, especially as you adjust to new terminology. It may feel overwhelming at first, but this is where you establish your routine and where your clinical competence begins to grow.
Should You Buy Anything Before Starting Nursing School?
Yes, but keep it simple at first. It can be tempting to buy everything you think you might need, but starting with the essentials is the smartest approach. As you progress through your program, you can always add more based on what your instructors recommend.
Here are five things you need to have on hand during your first year in nursing school:
- Stethoscope: Pick a stethoscope that’s reliable and comfortable, as you’ll be using it often during labs and clinicals.
- School-approved scrubs and supportive shoes: It’s a smart idea to pick up comfortable shoes when you start nursing school, but always check your program’s requirements before you buy anything. At WCU, students are required to purchase WCU-specific uniforms.
- Planner or calendar app: Use a physical calendar or an app to keep track of due dates, exams, and clinical hours so you can stay organized throughout the semester.
- Flashcards/index cards: Flashcards or index cards can make it easier for you to memorize clinical terms, medications, and procedures. Schools like WCU offer and encourage technology-forward study materials such as Quizlets and other online study guides.
- Compression socks: Long days on your feet can take a toll, and these help improve circulation and reduce fatigue.
Starting with these essentials means you’ll be well-prepared to begin your first semester without overspending or overpacking.
What Do You Learn in Your First Year of Nursing School?
During your first year, you’ll lay the groundwork for everything that comes next. Most of your courses will focus on the science behind nursing, helping you understand why the body works the way it does and what happens when it doesn’t.
While every nursing program is different, your curriculum will generally include:
- Anatomy and Physiology (typically part of general education)
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Health Assessment
- Mental Health or Psychiatric Nursing
- Nutrition in Health and Disease
- Pharmacology and Pathophysiology
Many programs also introduce topics like medical ethics, patient communication, and documentation early on, so you can start developing the habits and mindset of a professional nurse from day one.
How Are Classes Scheduled and Structured?
Most nursing programs follow a structured, but intensive, weekly schedule that includes lectures, labs, clinicals, and study time. Your days will also vary: some will be packed with back-to-back classes, while others will give you more flexibility.
In a typical week, you can expect:
- Classroom lectures two to four times per week
- Skills or simulation labs and clinicals once or twice a week
- Independent study sessions or group work
Lectures may take place in larger classrooms or smaller, seminar-style settings, while labs are usually more hands-on and done in smaller groups. Case-based learning is also common, especially in preparation for National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) questions. The pace can be intense, so having a reliable planner or scheduling tool will make a big difference in staying organized.
When Do You Start Clinical Rotations?
In most programs, you’ll begin clinical rotations in your second semester, but some schools may introduce you to a clinical setting even earlier. At WCU, students begin their clinicals in the first term once they complete general education courses. This is when everything “clicks,” where lectures, textbooks, and simulations finally start to make sense.
Remember that while these fast-paced experiences can be demanding, they can be one of the most rewarding parts of your first year. Your clinical rotations are also the perfect time to start exploring which areas of nursing best fit your future.
Is the First Year of Nursing School Hard?
The first year of nursing school can be both academically and emotionally demanding. You may find yourself constantly adjusting to a faster pace, a larger volume of material, and a new level of responsibility — both in the classroom and in clinical settings.
Success depends not only on how much time you spend studying, but also on how well you manage your schedule, apply new information, and care for your overall well-being. That’s why building strong habits early in your education is so important. With the right approach, you can consistently handle the demands of your program and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Tips for Your First Year in Nursing School
Your first year will challenge you to stay focused, organized, and tenacious, but a few smart strategies can help you confidently stay on track. Here are some practical tips to guide you through your program:
Set Clear Goals
Define what success looks like to you. Whether it’s maintaining a specific GPA, mastering clinical skills, or preparing for a long-term specialty, setting measurable goals helps guide your daily priorities.
Also, make sure the goals you set are realistic, as setting the bar too high too quickly can lead to burnout.
Properly Manage Your Time
As a first-year nursing student, your schedule will fill up fast. Between lectures, labs, clinicals, and maybe even working full-time, you may quickly become overwhelmed. Create a routine that works for you and stick to it. Use planning tools like apps, calendars, whiteboards, or sticky notes to make sure you stay on track.
Get Enough Sleep
While you’re in nursing school, try not to cut corners on sleep. Pulling all-nighters might seem productive, but they’ll wear down your focus, memory, and mood. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night to ensure you perform at your best.
Plus, getting into a healthy sleep routine now will also make it easier to adjust to rotating shifts once you start working as a registered nurse.
Eat Healthy
It’s tempting to rely on caffeine and vending machine snacks, especially on busy days, but your nutrition directly affects how well you concentrate, retain information, and recover from stress.
Balanced meals help you stay energized and engaged during long lectures or clinical shifts. Regularly include fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains to support both your physical and mental health.
Exercise Consistently
You don’t have to have it down to a science, but exercise should be part of your routine. It’s proven that movement helps clear your head and boost your energy.
If you’re pressed for time, consider taking longer walks between classes or doing a stretching routine at home. Small efforts can go a long way in keeping you focused and balanced.
Plan Time to Decompress
Don’t wait until you’re at your limit to rest and enjoy your time off from school. Taking consistent breaks can help you recharge and support long-term motivation.
Try scheduling things on a daily or weekly basis, like watching your favorite show, catching a new movie, or enjoying lunch with a friend. Read more blog posts from our Decompression Session series for tips.
As a first-year nursing student, your schedule will fill up fast. Between lectures, labs, clinicals, and maybe even working full-time, you may quickly become overwhelmed. Create a routine that works for you and stick to it. Use planning tools like apps, calendars, whiteboards, or sticky notes to make sure you stay on track.
Get Enough Sleep
While you’re in nursing school, try not to cut corners on sleep. Pulling all-nighters might seem productive, but they’ll wear down your focus, memory, and mood. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night to ensure you perform at your best.
Plus, getting into a healthy sleep routine now will also make it easier to adjust to rotating shifts once you start working as a registered nurse.
Eat Healthy
It’s tempting to rely on caffeine and vending machine snacks, especially on busy days, but your nutrition directly affects how well you concentrate, retain information, and recover from stress.
Balanced meals help you stay energized and engaged during long lectures or clinical shifts. Regularly include fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains to support both your physical and mental health.
Exercise Consistently
You don’t have to have it down to a science, but exercise should be part of your routine. It’s proven that movement helps clear your head and boost your energy.
If you’re pressed for time, consider taking longer walks between classes or doing a stretching routine at home. Small efforts can go a long way in keeping you focused and balanced.
Plan Time to Decompress
Don’t wait until you’re at your limit to rest and enjoy your time off from school. Taking consistent breaks can help you recharge and support long-term motivation.
Try scheduling things on a daily or weekly basis, like watching your favorite show, catching a new movie, or enjoying lunch with a friend. Read more blog posts from our Decompression Session series for tips.
Network
Building relationships with peers, faculty, and clinical staff provides emotional support and future career opportunities. If you’re able to attend networking events or engage with student organizations, these experiences can be valuable throughout your career.
You never know who might help you land your first job or become your lifelong mentor.
Network
Building relationships with peers, faculty, and clinical staff provides emotional support and future career opportunities. If you’re able to attend networking events or engage with student organizations, these experiences can be valuable throughout your career.
You never know who might help you land your first job or become your lifelong mentor.
How to Choose a Nursing Program
Selecting the right nursing program means looking beyond the basics. While critical things like location and tuition costs all matter, the following factors can sometimes have a bigger impact on your experience and success than you might think:
- Accreditation from a recognized nursing board
- Clinical rotation opportunitiesand hospital partnerships
- Scheduling flexibility (daytime or weekend and evening options)
- Simulation labs to practice your nursing skills
- Support services such as tutoring or academic counseling
West Coast University is a great option if you’re looking for a program that combines academic support with practical training. WCU’s BSN program is designed to help support you as you balance school, work, and life — with dedicated faculty and hands-on clinical experience to help you grow your skills and confidence in the field. If you hope to eventually occupy a leadership role, a BSN can be an excellent stepping stone.
Start Your Nursing School Journey at West Coast University
Your first year of nursing school won’t be entirely easy — but it will be worth it. From classes and clinicals, you’ll learn a lot about the human body and more than you might expect about resilience.
If you’re ready to take the next step, West Coast University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing that is accredited, includes individualized NCLEX prep, and offers an Accelerated pace so you can graduate sooner.
Nursing school is the beginning of something big, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. You also don’t have to figure it all out alone. Schedule an information session at WCU today to see how you can quickly earn your nursing degree.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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