Studying MBBS in Nepal has become a preferred choice for Indian and international students due to its affordable fees, cultural similarities, English-medium education, and quality clinical exposure. Beyond academics, what truly defines the MBBS journey is the day-to-day routine that students follow – from waking up in their hostel rooms to attending hospital postings, lectures, labs, and study sessions.
This article provides a comprehensive look at the typical routine of an MBBS student in Nepal, focusing on how they balance hostel life, classes, hospital duties, and personal time. It offers future aspirants and parents a realistic picture of what life looks like during medical education in Nepal.
Most MBBS students in Nepal stay in hostel facilities provided by their universities. Hostels are usually located within or near the campus to reduce commuting time.
Wake-up Time – Students typically wake up around 6:00–6:30 AM.
Freshening Up – Hostels are equipped with bathrooms and essential amenities. Students quickly get ready in formal or semi-formal attire (often a white coat is required for clinical sessions).
Breakfast – Hostel mess serves basic breakfast items such as bread, eggs, paratha, tea, or porridge. Some students prepare light snacks on their own.
In most medical universities in Nepal, the academic block, labs, and teaching hospitals are situated on the same campus. This is highly convenient because:
Students save commuting time.
Emergency postings and night shifts are easier to manage.
Hostel-to-hospital distance is often within 5–10 minutes on foot.
In rare cases where hostels are located outside the main campus, shuttle buses or public transport options are available.
The MBBS course in Nepal is divided into:
Pre-clinical years (1st and 2nd year)
Para-clinical year (3rd year)
Clinical years (4th and 5th year)
Lectures – Subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, and Microbiology are taught.
Small Group Discussions – Professors conduct tutorial sessions where students interact in smaller groups.
Laboratory Sessions – Dissection halls, histology labs, and biochemistry labs form a crucial part of the early MBBS schedule.
Students return to the hostel mess or eat in the canteen. Lunch typically includes rice, dal, curry, and vegetables, similar to Indian and Nepali cuisine.
Practical classes such as physiology experiments, pathology specimen demonstrations, or microbiology labs.
Self-study time in the library for revising morning lectures.
By the third year onwards, students start their clinical rotations in teaching hospitals affiliated with their universities.
Ward Rounds – Students accompany professors and senior doctors to wards.
Case Taking – Students learn history taking, examination techniques, and diagnosis.
Outpatient Department (OPD) – Exposure to real patients in general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, and orthopedics.
Hands-On Learning – In later years, students may assist in minor procedures under supervision.
Usually at the hospital cafeteria, hostel mess, or packed lunch.
Specialized sessions in subjects like Community Medicine, Forensic Medicine, and Psychiatry.
Clinical demonstrations on specific medical cases.
After returning to the hostel, students revise notes, prepare case studies, and practice problem-based learning.
Life after classes is equally important for student well-being.
The hostel mess provides Indian-Nepali style dinner. Some students occasionally order food from local restaurants for variety.
Students often study in groups, discuss case histories, and prepare for next-day postings.
Watching movies, playing sports, or using the internet.
Calling family or connecting with friends in India.
Adequate sleep is essential, especially for clinical years where hospital duties can be demanding.
Weekends are slightly more relaxed:
Saturday – In Nepal, Saturday is usually the weekly holiday. Students spend the day catching up on assignments, laundry, and shopping for essentials.
Sunday – Often a half-day of classes or hospital duties.
Students may also use weekends for field visits, community postings, or attending seminars.
One of the key aspects of an MBBS routine in Nepal is balancing classroom learning with clinical practice.
Time Management is critical because students handle lectures, hospital postings, and self-study simultaneously.
Discipline is required to maintain punctuality since hospitals expect professional behavior from day one.
Adaptability helps students adjust to irregular schedules during emergency postings or night duties.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Wake up, freshen up |
| 6:30 AM | Breakfast in hostel mess |
| 7:30 AM | Walk to hospital/college |
| 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Lectures or hospital ward postings |
| 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch break |
| 1:00 – 4:00 PM | Practical classes / OPD clinics |
| 4:30 – 6:00 PM | Self-study / library |
| 6:30 – 7:30 PM | Sports or relaxation |
| 8:00 – 9:00 PM | Dinner |
| 9:00 – 11:00 PM | Group study / assignments |
| 11:00 PM onwards | Sleep |
Living in Nepal offers Indian students a familiar cultural environment.
Food is similar, reducing adjustment issues.
Festivals like Dashain and Tihar are celebrated, creating a homely atmosphere.
Language barrier is minimal, as Hindi and Nepali are mutually understandable, and English is widely used in academics.
Structured Learning – Balance of theory and practical.
Early Clinical Exposure – Direct patient interaction from the third year.
Time Efficiency – Proximity of hostel, campus, and hospital saves energy.
Community Feeling – Hostel life fosters friendships and group learning.
Skill Development – By the final year, students are well-prepared for internships.
Tight Schedules – Balancing study, hospital, and personal time can be exhausting.
Exam Pressure – Frequent internal assessments demand continuous preparation.
Limited Free Time – Leisure activities are often compromised.
Clinical Workload – Long hours in hospitals can be physically and mentally demanding.
The typical student routine from hostel to hospital in Nepal MBBS reflects the disciplined and structured lifestyle of medical aspirants. From early morning classes to late-night study sessions, students remain engaged in a cycle of learning, practicing, and revising.
With the convenience of campus hostels close to hospitals, students save commuting time and maximize learning opportunities. While the schedule is challenging, it builds the resilience, knowledge, and professionalism required in the medical field.
For Indian students considering MBBS in Nepal, understanding this routine provides a realistic view of what to expect – a life of hard work, dedication, and steady progress toward becoming a doctor.