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Pre-arrival Checklist

Set yourself up for success with this handy list of action points. It is vital that you work through the following tasks prior to starting the programme.

Tasks at a glance

Task Deadline
1. Complete the Occupational Health questionnaire and let us know of any disabilities. As soon as possible.
2. Initiate the DBS Clearance process You will receive an email from Know Your People week commencing 1 September 2025. Please follow the instructions to activate your account.
3. Order your lab coat 15:00 on Tuesday 2 September

4. Order your scrubs

 17.00 on Monday 8 September
5. Pack a few student doctor essentials, including kit for a semester one field trip As you pack!
6. Work through the University’s checklist and complete your academic registration Start of term
7. Read through essential reading ahead of signing the MBChB Student agreement once term begins Start of term

Tasks in detail

1. Complete the Occupational Health Questionnaire

It is a requirement that the occupational health questionnaire is:

While it is unlikely, you may be called to Liverpool for Occupational Health Clearance prior to the start of the programme and it is important that you return the information promptly and do not wait until you register with a Liverpool GP.

Additionally, please note that while you may have worked in health care settings previously you will need to be cleared by the University’s occupational health service before being granted access to our clinical placements and having patient contact. We emphasise this to you as you may currently be working in a hospital setting, however clearance through our own occupational health service is non-negotiable.

Please ensure that you have completed your Occupational Health Questionnaire, including your vaccination history, and returned this directly to the University Occupational Health Department at ohadmin@liverpool.ac.uk.

If you are disabled, have an impairment, condition or access need which may require support or adjustments to be made during the course, please contact the School’s Wellbeing Team at wellbeing.mbchb@liverpool.ac.uk to share this information. Early disclosure will allow us to work in partnership with you to create a learning environment that is inclusive and responsive to your needs in accordance with the GMC’s Welcomed and Valued guidance. Your honesty and cooperation are key to ensuring we can provide the support you need to help you succeed throughout your medical training. If you are unsure whether you need to share your information or have questions about the support the University or School can offer, you can reach out to the Wellbeing Team who will be able to advise.

If you are disabled and have not already shared this with the University's Disability Team but wish to do so, please contact them by email at disteam@Liverpool.ac.uk.

2. Initiate the Disclosure and Barring Services Check

All medical students require enhanced clearance from the UK Disclosure and Barring Service or equivalent (e.g. Disclosure Scotland). First Advantage - Know Your People will be processing all DBS applications on our behalf.

You will receive an activation email from Know Your People, with the Subject: KnowYourPeople - Account Activation. On receipt of this email please act promptly to activate your account and follow the instructions to progress your application.

On completion of the process, you will receive a copy of your certificate, which you should store/file safely as copies will not be made available 93 days after issue and you may require use of this in the future. Due to data protection regulations the School of Medicine does not hold a copy.

Many medical students require further DBS checks throughout their studies for personal reasons and you may wish to consider if you want to register for the update service offered by DBS.

The university will monitor your online application progress and will be happy to assist you if you have any questions regarding your application at mbchbstu@liverpool.ac.uk.

3. Order your lab coat

The School provides you with a lab coat to be used in the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) during your anatomy teaching.

Lab coat size chart

Size XXS XS S M L XL XXL 3XL 4XL 5XL
Chest (cm) 72-76 80-88 92-96 100-104 108-112 116-124 128-132 136-140 144-148 152-160
Chest (inches) 28-30 32-34 36-38 40-41 42-44 46-48 50-52 54-55 56-58 60-64
  • Use this size chart to ensure you order the correct size Lab Coat. The size chart refers to chest measurements.
  • Complete the Lab Coat Order Form with the size lab coat you require.

Please ensure you place your order by 15.00 on Tuesday 2 September.

4. Order your scrubs

You will also be provided with scrubs for use in your Clinical Skills teaching sessions.

Scrubs size chart - Top

Size XS S M L XL 2XL 3XL
Chest (cm) 75-80 85-90 95-100 105-110 115-120 125-130 135-140
Chest (inches) 30-32 34-36 38-40 42-44 46-48 50-52 54-58

Scrubs size chart - Trousers

Size XS S M L XL 2XL 3XL
Waist (cm) 65-70 75-80 85-90 95-100 105-110 115-120 125-130
Waist (inches) 26-28 30-32 34-36 38-40 42-44 46-48 50-52
Outside leg (inches) 41 42 43.5 43.5 44 45 45.5
  • Refer to the size charts above to see which size scrubs you require. Sizes are given as an approximate and are very generously sized. Please use ‘XS, S, M etc’ sizing for both top and trousers when filling in the survey rather than clothes sizes.
  • Complete the Scrubs Order Form to order yours.

Please place your order by 17.00 on Monday 8 September. Students will receive their scrubs in time for their First Aid session.

5. Pack a few student essentials

You may be wondering if there are any essentials to include in your suitcase. A stethoscope isn’t especially necessary at this stage of your training, but we would definitely recommend -

  • A ‘simple’ calculator: i.e. a non-scientific one, that looks a little something like this. This is what you will be allowed to bring into your assessments.
  • A laptop or tablet: which is totally up to you but, you will need your own device to access online learning (we use the learning platform Canvas), participate in virtual teaching (e.g. on Microsoft Teams), for note taking during lectures, studying and much more.

As part of the MBChB curriculum, Year One doctors take part in a series of problem-solving activities during a field trip to the Altcar training camp near Formby in semester one.

6. Work through the University’s checklist and complete your academic registration

You will receive a checklist which includes step-by-step guidance to completing the University's academic registration process.

  • Step 1 is setting up your account with IT Services, which will give you access to the virtual learning platform, Canvas, in there you will find the The Liverpool Welcome module to help you get a head start before you join us.
  • Next, upload your photo for your student ID card by Friday 5 September. If you are a Home student you will pick up your ID card at the Student Doctor 101 session during Welcome Week. International students you will get yours from our Here to Help hub.

7. Read through essential reading ahead of signing the Student Agreement

The Student Agreement outlines the conditions of your training with us as a future doctor and you will be required to sign the agreement to state you accept these at the start of term.

The statement relates closely to the General Medical Council requirements so before you sign, please ensure that you have read the following GMC materials:

Should you have any queries related to the essential actions set out here, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Year 1 Team at yr1mbchb@liverpool.ac.uk.