Choosing a course
Choosing a course can be difficult because there are so many different courses available and there is often not enough time to look around all the universities you are interested in and spend time getting a feel for the place. It is useful to start looking at universities and courses well in advance of when you have to submit your final application. Take a look at prospectuses, websites and medical blogs, written by students, and narrow your choices down to a manageable number. you can then attend open days and visit the universities you are most interested in.
When you visit a university, make sure you make the most of your trip. Look around all the departments and facilities that interest you, get a feel for university life and take the opportunity to talk to lecturers and students about the course and the university. It is also a good idea to have a look around the town or city and ask about the training facilities on offer. As a medical student, you will spend a lot of your time on placement and this may make the difference when you come to choose a course. If you choose a larger, inner city university you may find that the training facilities are better than if you choose a university in a smaller town.
Getting onto a medicine course
Medicine is notoriously competitive. The number of people wanting to study medicine at university is increasing every year and getting good grades is no longer enough to secure a place on a degree programme. Almost all universities expect at least 2 A grades at A level and many expect straight A’s. In addition, it is important to make your UCAS application stand out from other candidates, so make sure you include information about additional talents and skills, interests, work experience and responsibilities. Make sure you prepare for your interview. Read through practice questions and rehearse being interviewed by your teachers, friends or relatives.
Life as a medical student
Medicine is the most intensive undergraduate degree programme. Unlike many degree programmes, which only require around 10 hours of formal study each week, medicine requires full-time study and you may be in lectures and seminars for around 30 hours a week. In addition to formal study, you will also be expected to do additional study and reading and you will be set assessments to complete throughout the year. Depending on the university you choose, you will also spend time in clinical settings learning practical skills and gaining experience. Some universities start this training from day one, while others leave it until much later in the course.
Life as a medical student is not easy and it can be difficult to juggle work and social life. However, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in university life and make the most of your students days.
