I would get the cheapest Littman Lightweight you can get. I have seen many students lose their stethoscopes or use one of the nurses and find they like that particular one better than their own....
I take adderall. I struggled my first semester, but I went and saw my Dr. and we talked about my lack of focus and memory. My grades have improved and I retain the material much better
Student loans...it helps to have a spouse with a decent income...budget...you have to suck it up for a couple of years, but it should be worth it. Try to save as much as you can prior to school to...