This mat is large enough and thick enough to use long term. I've noticed it's starting to get some wear (small tears) from my toe nails at the bottom, but otherwise great. Brown color is not distracting.

My approach to Step 1 is to focus on practice questions and minimize the number of resources. Too many books will use up valuable time and cause frustration since you will not be able to get through every review book. Purchase all the necessary resources prior to your dedicated study time. Save the Uworld questions for your dedicated study time. If you want to do practice questions during second year, use another Qbank like USMLE Rx. Also, don't add class notes into First Aid. Much of what you learn is clinical and not relevant for Step 1. Next, figure out how much time you'll need to study. I recommend 5 weeks - shorter and you may feel rushed, longer and you will burn out. This will also leave you vacation time after the exam to relax before third year. Make a schedule and attempt to follow it. Get through First Aid three times and complete all of USMLE world and you will be set.