Advice for Joining Students

Advice for Joining Students

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Here are some tips from the RCSI Bahrain team to help you make a positive start.

Medical school is a period of intellectual and personal growth. You are not expected to know everything at the start; you are expected to remain curious, engaged and willing to learn.

Regular, focused study is more effective than last-minute revision. Create a realistic weekly routine that includes lectures, practical sessions, independent study, revision and rest.

Aim to connect basic sciences with clinical practice. Ask yourself how anatomical, physiological and pathological knowledge will influence patient care.

Test yourself frequently through practice questions, diagrams, concept maps, peer teaching and spaced repetition. Simply rereading notes is rarely sufficient.

Anatomy laboratories, clinical skills sessions and small-group teaching provide experiences that cannot be fully replaced by textbooks or recordings. Preparation will help you gain maximum benefit.

If you are struggling academically or personally, contact your tutors, course coordinators or student support services promptly. Asking for help is a sign of maturity and professionalism.

Medicine is a team profession. Support your classmates, share knowledge responsibly and learn to communicate respectfully with people from different backgrounds.

Maintain regular sleep, physical activity, healthy nutrition and time for family, friends and personal interests. Your wellbeing is essential for effective learning and future patient care.

Every student has different strengths, experiences and learning styles. Focus on steady improvement rather than comparing your progress with others.

Be punctual, prepared, respectful and accountable. Maintain confidentiality and behave appropriately in classrooms, laboratories, clinical settings and online spaces.

Learn to listen carefully, explain ideas clearly and receive feedback constructively. Effective communication is as important as scientific knowledge.

Digital resources and artificial intelligence can support learning, but they should not replace critical thinking. Verify information using reliable academic and clinical sources.

Feedback is intended to support your development. Consider it carefully, identify practical areas for improvement and monitor your progress.

Maintain notes, learning objectives, reflections, achievements and relevant certificates. This will support future assessments and professional development.

Medicine does not always provide immediate or simple answers. Learn to evaluate evidence, recognise the limits of your knowledge and make thoughtful decisions.

The volume of information may sometimes feel overwhelming. Keep in mind that your knowledge, skills and conduct will eventually affect the lives of patients and their families.

Medical school is demanding, but it is also filled with opportunities for discovery, friendship, service and personal growth. Take pride in your progress and celebrate important milestones.

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Registration Documents

Registration
Documents

To complete you registration, you must submit all required documents.
The Registry team will review your documents during Orientation Day

Home / Orientation / Registration Documents

Submitting Documents on Orientation Day

The Registry team will review your documents and guide you to the next registration station.

Already Submitted?

If you have previously submitted all required documents to the Admissions Office, the Registry team will verify your submission and you can proceed to the next registration station.

Bringing Documents on Orientation Day?

If you have not yet submitted your documents, you may bring the complete set of required documents with you on Orientation Day and submit them to the Registry team. Once your documents have been received, you can proceed to the next registration station.

Only Some of the Required Documents?

Partial document submissions cannot be accepted. If you are unable to provide the complete set of required documents, you will be asked to sign a declaration confirming when you will submit the outstanding documents. After completing the declaration, you may continue with the remaining Orientation Day activities.

No Documents?

If you arrive without your required documents, you will be asked to sign a declaration committing to submit the complete set of documents by an agreed deadline. This will allow you to continue with Orientation Day while giving you a final opportunity to complete your registration requirements.

Document Submission Deadlines

If you sign a declaration, you must submit all outstanding documents by the applicable deadline below:

Government High School Graduates

Immediate submission is required.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Graduates

Documents must be submitted by October.

A-Level
Graduates

Documents must be submitted by November.

Important: Failure to submit all required documents by the applicable deadline may delay the completion of your registration.

What documents are required?

To register with RCSI Bahrain and the Higher Education Council (HEC), you will need to submit:

Original education documents:
High school (and college, if required) transcripts and certificates attested with the appropriate stamps.

Need Help?
Email: medicinebahrain@rcsi.com | nursingbahrain@rcsi.com
Don't hesitate to seek assistance!

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Pre-Arrival Checklist

Pre-Arrival Checklist

You can scan the QR code to submit your infectious disease screening and immunisations report. If you’re unable to scan the QR code, Please click here.

Please visit the Link for more details

If you need assistance with the ID card please email fmhelpdesk@rcsi-mub.com

Student Health Insurance:

Visa:

Accommodation:

Please confirm your accommodation choice:

Important Note: delays in submitting your online registration request will impact your start date for the new academic term.

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Buddy Programme

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Buddy Programme

All new students are supported by a Buddy, an older RCSI student who acts as a friendly guide during the first academic year.

  • Students will be contacted by their Buddy before arriving in Bahrain
  • Once on campus, Buddies will continue to provide advice and support

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Reading Lists and Library Resources

Home / Orientation / Reading Lists and Library Resources

Reading Lists and Library Resources

MCP

Recommended Reading List

Foundation Year

Recommended Reading List

Year 1

Recommended Reading List

Important Advice on Textbooks

WAIT BEFORE YOU BUY!

Academic staff strongly advise students NOT to purchase textbooks before arrival.

✔ Review recommended books in the library first

✔ Compare writing styles and formats

✔ Purchase books only once they identify those that best suit their learning style

This helps ensure informed decisions and avoid unnecessary purchases.

Library and Learning Resources Centre

The Library and Learning Resources Centre offer a wide range of books and academic resources selected by faculty members to support your studies.

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Admissions Webinars

Admissions webinars

Join our expert-led webinars to learn more about studying at RCSI Medical
University of Bahrain, our programmes, the application process, and life on campus!

Home / Admissions Webinars

Upcoming Webinars

UPCOMING
Student Experience Session

Join current students for a live Q&A and hear about their experiences at RCSI Bahrain.

Register Interest for Future Webinars

Let us know you are interested and we will notify you about our upcoming webinars.

Past Webinars

Hear directly from current students and learn from their experiences.

Discover your next steps as an offer holder at RCSI Medical University of Bahrain.

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Pre-Arrival Orientation Sessions

Pre-Arrival
Orientation Sessions

Helping you settle smoothly into university and life in Bahrain.

Home / Orientation / Pre-Arrival Orientation Sessions

Upcoming Sessions

UPCOMING

International Students:

Out and About in Bahrain (Student-led)

Discover life in Bahrain through the experiences and insights of current students.

Past Webinars

Discover everything you need to know about visas, accommodation, and preparing for your arrival.

Hear from current students about their experiences at RCSI Bahrain and gain insights and tips from their student journey. 

Learn about the key requirements and documents needed to complete your registration.

Discover life in Bahrain through the experiences and insights of current students.

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Orientation Schedules and Registration

Orientation Schedules
and Registration

Everything you need to know before arrival, during orientation, and throughout your registration process.

Home / Orientation / Orientation Schedules and Registration

Your Essential First Step at RCSI Bahrain

Attendance at Orientation is mandatory for all new students. Orientation is an essential part of starting your journey at RCSI Bahrain. It is designed to help you settle into university life, complete your registration, and prepare for the academic year ahead.
Each academic programme has specific orientation and registration dates, which all students are required to attend.

Plan Your Arrival

International students are strongly encouraged to arrive in Bahrain a few days before the start of their orientation. This will allow you sufficient time to: 

  • Finalise your accommodation 
  • Complete your visa and Smart Card processes 
  • Explore the campus and the local area 
  • Settle in and prepare for the start of university 

Please refer to the orientation dates below when planning your travel. 

Orientation Dates

Programme Orientation and Registration Days Classes Start Date
Nursing Year 1
Tuesday 1st – Thursday 3rd of September
Sunday 6th of September
Medical Commencement Programme (MCP)
Wednesday 9th – Thursday 10th of September
Sunday 13th of September
Year 1-5 Year Medicine
Monday 14th – Tuesday 15th of September
Sunday 20th of September
Foundation Year – 6 Year Medicine
Tuesday 15th – Thursday 17th of September
Sunday 20th of September

Orientation Schedules

Programme-specific schedules will be available closer to orientation:

Registration and Document Submissions 

As part of Orientation Week, all students will be allocated a registration timeslot (please refer to the orientation schedules for details). During this session, you will complete your registration process. 

To ensure a smooth registration, please review the Pre-arrival Checklist, which outlines the required documents and registration requirements. We recommend preparing these before travelling to Bahrain. 

Where students are divided into registration groups, details of your allocated group will be shared closer to the orientation dates. Until then, all students should plan to arrive in Bahrain based on the orientation dates above. 

ID Cards and Laptop Collection 

Once you have completed your registration, you will receive your Student ID card and University laptop. (Please note that laptops are provided to all students except those enrolled in the MCP programme.) 

REMINDER: Bring a backup device until laptop is issued.

Timetables

  • Timetables are published on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
  • An academic timetable covering the initial period of your programme will be emailed to you before your first week
  • Once registered, students can view and manage their timetable directly on the VLE

Registration Process

Step 1
Group Allocation

Students will be divided into small registration groups (colour tracks).

Step 2
Assigned Schedule

Each group will receive a specific registration day and time slot.

Step 3
Check Your Email

Your registration details will be sent closer to Orientation. Monitor your email. 

Step 4
Required Documents

Bring all required hard-copy attested documents. 

Step 5
Final Submission

All fully attested documents must be submitted on your registration day.

Documents are outlined in:

  • Your Offer Letter
  • Admissions Office Instructions

Required Documents:

  • Accepted: Originals only
  • Not Accepted: Emails or scanned copies

What Happens During Orientation?

Attend Your Sessions

Compulsory orientation and induction

Compelete Registration

Finalize academic and adminstrative tasks

University Transition

Receive guidance for university life

Access Your Resources

Learn how to use university tools

Participate Activities

Engage in group and cohort events

Some orientation content may be delivered online prior to arrival on campus. Students should regularly check their RCSI email for updates and instructions.

Full details of orientation activities and the academic and non-academic timetables for the first two weeks will be shared closer to the start of the semester.

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Important Registration Requirements

Important Registration
Requirements

Complete essential forms and documents before registration and orientation to ensure a smooth start.

Home / Orientation / Important Registration Requirements

Please review the following pages before attending orientation and registration on campus and make sure you complete the necessary forms and prepare the required documents as indicated. 

Student ID Card

Complete the form to request a student ID card.

Medical Insurance

Learn more about the health insurance scheme provided by RCSI Bahrain.

Mandatory Attestation of…

Learn about the process of attestation of transcripts and certificates.

Medical Screening &…

All students joining RCSI Bahrain are required to submit an Infectious Disease…

Learning Communities Survey

Learn more about the grouping process of Year1 For MED YEAR 1…

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Complete essential tasks and requirements before arriving to ensure a smooth start.

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Learning Communities Survey

Learning Communities Survey

Home / Orientation / Important Registration Requirements / Learning Communities Survey

For MED YEAR 1 (5 year programme) students only

In preparation for Year 1, we would like to provide you with the option to be grouped with one other student whom you may know.

As you may already know, for the Year 1 Medicine programme, students will be grouped into 4 Learning Communities.  Each Learning Community will have a total of 4 subgroups and it’s in these subgroups; you will live your RCSI journey.

Please complete the this form, if you would like to be grouped with 1 x other student for Year 1. 
Please note that groups will be auto assigned across the 4 x Year 1 learning communities, so if you do not wish to be grouped with a particular friend or family member, you are not required to complete this form. 

Unfortunately, we are only able to facilitate one grouping request per student. (Unfortunately, we are unable to consider requests for larger groupings). 

We would kindly ask that 1 x representative submit this request on behalf of both students to be grouped together.  So, we would be grateful if you can work together to facilitate this. 

This form will close on Thursday 3rd September 2026.  (Any requests past this deadline will not be accepted). 

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