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Edinburgh Vet students-Anything and Everything?

I'm a Canadian student looking into pursuing my vetmed studies at Edinburgh in the GEP. I've already got most of my Animal Biology degree.

Unfortunately being from overseas, it's very difficult for me to get a feel for the school, the program, the city...
I'm most interested in Large/Equine work, possible exotics. But mixed practice would be interesting.

So anything anyone can tell me about the school would be great!
(living expenses, testing methods, practical work...)

I've also heard rumors that all the classes are soon going to be held out in the Easter Bush facility.. Is this good or bad? What is it like? Would we be better off living out there if that's the case? Pictures or videos would be very appreciated!

Thanks!! :smile:

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Reply 1
I'll try and tell you what I can but as someone from England I've only ever visited Edinburgh once and that was for the open day. While I was there they gave us a great day of guided tours round all the facilities and the stuff at Easter Bush is really impressive. They said that half way through our first year (2009 start) everything will have moved over there and I think its probably a good thing really as the Summerhall place seemed a bit too cramped and falling apart (although a nice characterful old building). They didn't really say anything about where to live, in fact accomodation was one of the dubious points as they only have enough halls for 50% of the students apparently and the rest get self-catered flats, so its worth checking that out, I need to to :s-smilie:
It was all impressive enough for me to apply there. Got a good vibe from the city, walking between train station, hotel and university. If you can you should come over and look round though, see whether its right for you.
Reply 2

If everything is being moved out there that raises a few questions.. That would mean you would be spending little to no time in Edinburgh. So the residence halls you're referring to our out in Easter Bush?

And is a car required in that case? Since it seems to be out in the middle of nowhere so getting groceries and things would be tricky...
If so, international students are going to have a hell of a time...
Hey,
I don't study vet med (saw this come up on the main feed) but I'm a student at Edinburgh Uni, so I can answer the more pratical/non course specific parts of your questions.

The vet med school is moving to Easter Bush, yes. However, I wouldn't reccommend living there. Edinburgh has a really good public transport network, and last year there were huge campaigns to get free shuttle busses to and from George Square (the main university area) to Easter Bush for the vet students. I don't know whether this is definitley going to happen as I'm not in Edinburgh this year, but it was certainly a huge discussion point in the last student elections. Even if they don't put on a free bus you can buy a travel card pretty cheaply and use that to get there.

Apparently Easter Bush is very specialist and has great facilities, so will be better than Summer Hall in that respect because its on a street corner and very small. But in terms of living, you'd be way better off being in the city centre and then going out there for classes. The science students have to do this to for Kings Buildings so you wouldn't be the only person in your friendship group who had to get a bus somewhere for classes. I don't even think they have any university halls out there, unless they will be building some new ones, so unless you went private (not reccommended in first year as the uni accommodation is fine, and you don't know the system) you wouldn't be able to live there anyway.

Do not have a car in Edinburgh, what ever you do. The city isn't very car friendly as it is old and has lots of one way streets, meaning it would take you longer to get to certain places by car than it would to walk there. Parking is very expensive as you have to apply for a residents permit from the council and then park it on a certain zone on the street. Hardly any students have a car as there isn't a need for one, if you live in the city everything is within walking distance and if you need it, there is a great bus network. You can also get the supermarkets to deliver to your flat for free if you need a lot of shopping at once.

TheBiscuit
They didn't really say anything about where to live, in fact accomodation was one of the dubious points as they only have enough halls for 50% of the students apparently and the rest get self-catered flats, so its worth checking that out, I need to to


I think you misunderstood what they were saying. The university has enough accommodation for everyone, 50% of it is in catered halls (Pollock) and 50% is in self catered flats which are owned by the university, and are in big blocks of all students etc like at any other university. If you put Edinburgh as your firm you are guarenteed accommodation.

If you want to know anything about Edinburgh just PM me.. as I said, I'm not a vet student so I don't know about the course, but I know a lot about the city/university in general :smile:
Reply 4

Thanks oxymoronic! (I take it you're an arts student:wink: )

All of that makes sense, I didn't realize there was public transit to out there. Free shuttle buses would be amazing! To any Edi 5th year vet student out there, does that still work for the clinical year(rotations)?

As for the city itself, is it expensive living-wise (compared to Glascow, London...)? Are there good student hangouts (coffee shops, pubs..)?
Reply 5
a friend of mine went to see friends in Edinburgh and according to her is substatially more expensive than Glasgow.
Reply 6
oxymoronic


Apparently Easter Bush is very specialist and has great facilities,


I wasn't able to go to the open day, so could anybody tell me what they are particularly well known for/ specialists in? thanks x
Issy when you go for your interview they leave leaflets on the table in the waiting area about the school and the facilities. I've got some info here for reference from their website (it will be easier here I think then looking it up.)

Why choose Veterinary Medicine at The University of Edinburgh?
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, established in 1823, was the first veterinary school in Scotland and the second to be established in the UK.
We were ranked top in the UK for Veterinary Science by the Guardian University Guide 2006.
We were awarded the highest possible rating of ‘excellent’ in the most recent Teaching Quality Assessment, and our research was rated at levels of international excellence (5) in the last national assessment excercise.
We were awarded unconditional accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association, which permits our graduates to practice in North America.
We are investing in a new £37 million purpose-built Vet School, which has been designed to support top-class veterinary education in the 21st century, and will open in 2009.

Our facilities
Most of the preclinical teaching is within the historic buildings of Summerhall, close to Edinburgh’s beautiful city centre. Clinical teaching is done at the Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, where the Hospital for Small Animals (the most up-to-date facility in Europe), the state-of-the-art Large Animal Hospital and the Large and Small Animal Practices are situated. The picturesque Bush Estate is an easy 10km journey from the centre of the city and nestles at the foot of the Pentland Hills. Farm animal teaching is based at Langhill Farm, around 2km from Easter Bush. The School provides veterinary services to Edinburgh Zoo, allowing excellent opportunities for students to become involved in observational studies on animal behaviour. There are also strong links with projects on African wildlife through our Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine, and undergraduate students interested in such research are encouraged to participate in these projects. Our own unique Exotics and Wildlife Service, within the Hospital for Small Animals, provides first-hand experience of dealing with pets such as rabbits and tortoises, as well as wildlife native to the UK.


What will I study?
The courses within the five-year BVM&S programme are taken by all students with additional opportunities for elective study in particular areas of interest. The curriculum is aligned to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS) Day One Skills.

Year 1: You will study courses which cover normal cellular function and basic cellular pathology, integrated anatomy and physiology and animal husbandry, health and welfare. This will provide an understanding of the structure and function of the animal body, animal management, welfare and husbandry practices.
Year 2: courses continue the theme of integrated anatomy and physiology including clinical examples where appropriate. Animal husbandry, health and welfare continue and you will also study the cellular and tissue changes in disease including inflammation, host immune mechanisms and bacterial, viral, parasitic and mycotic diseases.
Year 3: Integrated anatomy and physiology now links further with study of the pathological basis of disease on a systems basis. In addition, you will study introductory surgery, diagnostic imaging and pharmacology leading on to an integrated clinical module focusing on the diagnosis and management of diseases in the dog and the cat.
Year 4: Integrated clinical modules continue in Year 4 with courses on farm animals, equines and exotics.
Year 5: Under the supervision of international experts in their respective fields, you will undertake clinical rotations which fully integrate you into the veterinary healthcare team for maximum practical experience.
Students keep a personal and professional development portfolio throughout the five years to record transferable skills aspects of the course and experiences during extramural studies. A vertical thread of teaching in animal husbandry, health, welfare and food safety runs through the curriculum.

Extramural studies
The RCVS requires all veterinary students to undertake 38 weeks of extramural studies where you will participate in a wide range of different veterinary-related activities at home and abroad during the vacation periods. You will be allowed to tailor some of your extramural experience to your own particular interests.

Electives
The course includes elective options where a range of opportunities are available. During this time you will have the opportunity to work with international experts and gain in-depth experience in an area of your choice. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a clinical or laboratory-based research elective in your first or second summer vacation.

Intercalated degrees
The University of Edinburgh and its associated institutes are at the forefront of animal disease, and pain management research in the UK and abroad. If you have a special interest in mechanisms of animal disease you can suspend your veterinary studies for a year, after completion of your second year, and take a BSc (Vet Sci) honours degree. This course consists of one year of advanced study in one of the following disciplines: Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Veterinary Biomedical Sciences or Microbiology & Infection. You may, with permission, attend intercalated degree courses at the other UK veterinary establishments and/or in other parts of the University of Edinburgh. For exceptional candidates, there is also the alternative possibility of a one-year MSc by research after the third year, and even the possibility of doing an intercalated three-year PhD. Students can also enrol in the prestigious taught MSc in Animal Welfare and Behaviour or the new MSc in Equine Science


(seein as the op was from Canada - lovely place btw!)

North American applicants
The School already has a substantial number of North Americans on-course and intends to significantly increase the number of places which it has available over the next five years in response to the recognised shortage of places in US schools. All North American graduate applications should be made through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS).


There is also this link specifically for Canadian applicants:

http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/country/north-america/canada/introduction

Ed. as a city is amazing! It is my favourite city. It's great for music (my interest :wink:) and shops etc. The question about transport above was mentioned. There is a bus that takes you from the centre past the uni buildings right out to the vet school. By that I mean 10m away!

As for accommodation...
http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/accommodation/introduction


Hope hat helps a little! x
Equivix
Thanks oxymoronic! (I take it you're an arts student:wink: )

All of that makes sense, I didn't realize there was public transit to out there. Free shuttle buses would be amazing! To any Edi 5th year vet student out there, does that still work for the clinical year(rotations)?

As for the city itself, is it expensive living-wise (compared to Glascow, London...)? Are there good student hangouts (coffee shops, pubs..)?


Yep, I'm an arts, well, social sciences student! I live in George Square.

Yeah... there is public transport to everywhere here, its not like the US/Canada where everything is much more spread out so you're reliant on a car. In Edinburgh you can walk everywhere as I said, although given you'd be at Easter Bush you'd need to get the bus there. But the transport network is extensive and you can get anywhere easily.

Compared to Glasgow, Edinburgh is much more expensive. We are a capital city and therefore costs for some things can be comparable to London. I know in my first year, accommodation at UCL was actually cheaper than in Edinburgh. I don't know if this is the case anymore though as I was a fresher in 2006. Rent is more expensive than in other cities - on the private market you're looking at anywhere between £300 and £350 a month excluding bills for a flat, so close to £400 once you've paid for your elecricity/internet/phone/gas etc. Rents are 12 month contracts meaning you'd have to pay your rent over the summer even if you were back in Canada, but due to Edinburgh fesitival it is fairly easy to sub let out your room to people wanting to stay up/visit here over the summer, and if you're sub renting to a non student you can generally charge more than your actual rent giving you a profit. However, once you know the city and where to go, it can be fairly reasonable in prices because lots of places do student discounts/student deals/special offer thursday or whatever, meaning you don't get caught up in the tourist traps. Edinburgh is the type of city where there are two cites: one for tourists and one for locals, and the two don't really overlap. It's just a case of knowing where to go, which you will learn from day one as there is loads of stuff in freshers week to advertise the good places. There is a fairly big bar/coffee shop culture here which is different to some British cities. It feels more European in that sense, as a lot of people go out to these types of places before heading to a club rather than a traditional pub. It feels more cultured than other cities which is also reflected in the types of clubs frequented by lots of Edinburgh University students on George Street. Basically there are a lot of clubs/venues which cater for students with money to spend, but there is also a more normal/cheaper area of the city for people who aren't into that too.

I really love Edinburgh - I fell in love from reading the prospectus, to coming up for a visit a year before I actually became a student here. I've been here for 2 years now and I still love it. It's like London but without all the crap, and therefore way nicer!
Reply 9
Equivix


All of that makes sense, I didn't realize there was public transit to out there. Free shuttle buses would be amazing! To any Edi 5th year vet student out there, does that still work for the clinical year(rotations)?




I am in my final year and have had a car in edinburgh for the last 3 1/2 years (admittedly my parallel parking is now incredible!) Yes you need a parking permit and yes it is relatively expensive but then that is the same for pretty much any city. In 2nd 3rd and 4th year i lived in the city and just drove out to bush each day (its only 6 miles) and even then we were out there every day so it is really only 1st and 2nd year that will be affected by the complete move out. there is a bus service- the public service is nearly impossible to get at the time you want and you CANNOT rely on the bus in final year as rotations mean that you can be at vet school until god knows what time (on internal medicine the other week i was lucky if i left before 7.30pm and had to be in for 8am) However even if you dont have a car enough other people will and you will be able to share lifts.

Edinburgh is a fantastic vet school and city (and thats coming from someone who hates cities!) and i have thoroughly enjoyed my time here (well except the exams, ICU stress etc etc etc). The new finished vet school is going to be amazing and in a lot of ways im really upset that i wont see it...however im also really glad to be able to say that i was one of the last years to be in summerhall.
Reply 10
messy
There is a bus service- the public service is nearly impossible to get at the time you want and you CANNOT rely on the bus in final year as rotations mean that you can be at vet school until god knows what time (on internal medicine the other week i was lucky if i left before 7.30pm and had to be in for 8am) However even if you dont have a car enough other people will and you will be able to share lifts.


Thanks for your comment! So from what I understand, the majority of the senior students (4th/5th year) have a car? It's pretty much impossible to do it through public transportation? I would hate to be dependent or a burden to other students by car-pooling. But I guess shared gas money in an incentive.

How do the North American international students manage? Pretty sure you'd have to retake a drivers test and all of that, no?
Reply 11
A lot of people do have cars in 4th/5th year yes. I have no idea about North american students and licenses etc im afraid. I wouldnt worry too much about it (easy to say i know) no-one here seems to have a problem!:smile:
I'm a 4th Year Dick Vet student that entered the Uni via the Graduate Entry Program from the US. I'm happy to provide you with information to help you in your transition. Where Canada specific information is need I'll consult with my Canadian classmates. We have wonderfully help folks from BC and Ontario in my year.

LICENSING
As I'm sure you know the Uni of Edinburgh is AVMA approved. This enables any Dick Vet students to practice in North America upon:
1) graduation
2) successful completion of the NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam)
3) plus any additional criteria set up by your state/province.

The Dick Vet has recently set up a SCAVMA chapter (Student Chapter of the AVMA) to assist students with NAVLE prep, licensing, and No. American internship and scholarship opportunities. They are working on a web site with info on where to find the specific licensing info for each state/province.


DRIVING
I don't drive here. I don't really feel like I need to and it's not within my student budget to own and maintain a car in the UK. I live in the city (1 mile from the city center) and commute 30 min to Easter Bush (EB) via bus. The Uni provides a low cost bus between Summerhall and Easterbush several times a day. I rely on that and supplement transport with the two city bus routes that go out to EB.

http://www.lothianbuses.com/index2.php

The 15A goes from EB to the Westside of town.
The 67 goes from EB to the Eastside of town (Summerhall).

I've been happy with this arrangement. The only time I've wished I had a car when grocery shopping, but most of the major supermarkets will deliver for a minimal or no fee depending on the size of your order. This has completely eliminated my desire to get a car.

There is a City Car Share option available as well if you do want a car for around town trips or going to Costco or Ikea. The draw back is that you can only drive on a US license for 1 year after starting Uni, before needing to get a UK license. I'm not sure if the same is true for Canadians. I'll ask and post back.

Historically, students carpool to Uni in final year, which is great if someone in your rotation group has a car and is offering to carpool. The GEP program has brought more non-UK students to the Uni, which has increased the number of students without cars. The Uni has responded to the increased student demand for frequent reliable bus service to EB.

Hope this information is helpful.
Reply 13
SweetLenore
I'm a 4th Year Dick Vet student that entered the Uni via the Graduate Entry Program from the US. I'm happy to provide you with information to help you in your transition. Where Canada specific information is need I'll consult with my Canadian classmates. We have wonderfully help folks from BC and Ontario in my year.


Thank you!! I thought this thread had died.

Right now most of my concern is about financing, much less support is offered in terms of student loans in Canada it seems.

I have a few personal questions if you don't mind me asking. Feel free to decline :smile:

What do you think of the GEP program overall? Teaching methods, facilities, etc. Does the school seem supportive of students?

What is living in Edinburgh like? Why did you chose to go there instead of an other international school? Or why did you chose to go international over staying in the States?

Do you have any regrets/complaints about anything?

I'm trying to get a feel for everything, but it's so hard when it's overseas!
Reply 14
If I'm going to be living at Pollock Halls, what's the fastest way to get to EB? All google map gives are the 50min trips...are there possibly shorter routes?
Reply 15
I am a current 3rd year that did the GEP program last year, also from Canada and did my undergrad in animal bio at Guelph (as well as a masters).

Sounds like a lot has been covered but feel free to pm me if there is anything else. :smile:
Reply 16
Hi Im a Canadian High school student hoping to apply this summer :smile:

I was just wondering on average how much of the class comes directly out of High school? I wouldn't want to be the youngest and least prepared.

thanks!
Original post by glunt
Hi Im a Canadian High school student hoping to apply this summer :smile:

I was just wondering on average how much of the class comes directly out of High school? I wouldn't want to be the youngest and least prepared.

thanks!


Oh, plenty of people. I'm not a vet, but most of your classmates on the 5 year standard program will be either straight out of school or just coming in off of a gap year.

Since Scottish school semesters are weird, if we start university as soon as we leave school, we'll be 17 or 18 depending on what side of the year our birthday lies, so you'll definitely not be the youngest. That said, someone will be and I don't think it matters in the slightest!
Reply 18
Please try not to resurrect old threads. I've created a Q&A thread about Edinburgh here where you can ask any questions about studying here.
Reply 19
Thanks! Also, does anyone know why the semester dates are?


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