Slow and steady wins the race. Do not compare yourself to your classmates who have fallen into a comfortable study routine that they have been using for the past four-plus years. You took a break, so you need to give your mind some TLC before you can expect it to learn as quickly as it used to. Just focus on having a solid daily study routine. When I was working retail, I would use flashcards while waiting for customers to walk in.
As a vegan, finding others who share similar values enhances the experience and creates a sense of community, helping to reinforce personal beliefs and lifestyle choices.