Adventures of a medical student
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Update
I passed the theory test. I kind of made it seem worse in my head than it was. I know people at the test centre were doing UCAT which took me back a bit; having to wear a face mask for it must have been interesting though. I’m glad I got it sorted although my parents kind of told me they hoped I’d fail so that I could experience failure although personally I say I do fail things and know there is plenty of opportunities to do that still
I passed the theory test. I kind of made it seem worse in my head than it was. I know people at the test centre were doing UCAT which took me back a bit; having to wear a face mask for it must have been interesting though. I’m glad I got it sorted although my parents kind of told me they hoped I’d fail so that I could experience failure although personally I say I do fail things and know there is plenty of opportunities to do that still
(edited 3 years ago)
Original post by DGeorge13
Update
I passed the theory test. I kind of made it seem worse in my head than it was. I know people at the test centre were doing UCAT which took me back a bit; having to wear a face mask for it must have been interesting though. I’m glad I got it sorted although my parents kind of told me they hoped I’d fail so that I could experience failure although personally I say I do fail things and know there is plenty of opportunities to do that still
I passed the theory test. I kind of made it seem worse in my head than it was. I know people at the test centre were doing UCAT which took me back a bit; having to wear a face mask for it must have been interesting though. I’m glad I got it sorted although my parents kind of told me they hoped I’d fail so that I could experience failure although personally I say I do fail things and know there is plenty of opportunities to do that still
How right you are and what a strange thing for your parents to say.Well done anyway on passing!
Original post by Scotney
How right you are and what a strange thing for your parents to say.Well done anyway on passing!
Thank you so much _ I'm not really sure where they were coming from
twenty three days until I move in...
Uni Admin Stuff
I managed to register as a student this morning so I guess that was productive. I had to contact the faculty though as my tutor at college had told me I did not need to bother putting my middle name on UCAS - I did need it but luckily it was really easy to sort. I Sorted my email and accounts but don't really know what I'm doing to be fair I'm basically just making it up as I go along. I filled in a few forms and filed away the essential paperwork in a safe place and also registered with the GP and went through my budget with my dad which was really useful. Excitingly, I took my photo for my student card - I don't really like it much but then I never like photos I take of myself and it is better than my sixth for ID so I guess I shouldn't really complain.
I still have to do a bit of the registration the other end and sort out accommodation payments and change my voting address or at least work out what I'm doing with it but those shouldn't take too long.
Buying things for uni
I have now purchased most things - I just need a few pictures to make my room look nice and then I have everything. I feel guilty about people buying things for me but I suppose it is a part of life and they won't do so again so I shouldn't moan. I also need basic stationary but luckily I live really close to town so can pick some up without much hassle.
Other things
I have an eye test this week and a flu jab next week and then I think that's all the admin things done apart from actually applying for the DBS check (I've already filed the relevant documents). My last driving lesson before uni is a mock test so I can see whether I will take it in Easter or Summer next year - I was pretty close to passing this year despite Coronavirus which would have been ideal but these things happen...
My attempt at the Clarendon way was hilarious! I can report that I walked more of it with my grandparents 10 years ago than I managed at the weekend despite walking 13 miles ( we were going to stop about this distance in anyway for the first part). My dad said he could map read - not a skill he passed on to me - so I printed it for him and we set off. We got to Salisbury and I suggested we looked for the landmark at the start and confirmed it with a post or something but he insisted it would be favourable to ask the cathedral car park security man. We ended up walking about 11 miles down country lanes with no pavement and national speed limit trying to re-find the route and ended up stopping in a village in the middle of nowhere and being picked up! I've said it may be best to stick to the way-marked circular 5 counties cycle path at the minute...
Uni Admin Stuff
I managed to register as a student this morning so I guess that was productive. I had to contact the faculty though as my tutor at college had told me I did not need to bother putting my middle name on UCAS - I did need it but luckily it was really easy to sort. I Sorted my email and accounts but don't really know what I'm doing to be fair I'm basically just making it up as I go along. I filled in a few forms and filed away the essential paperwork in a safe place and also registered with the GP and went through my budget with my dad which was really useful. Excitingly, I took my photo for my student card - I don't really like it much but then I never like photos I take of myself and it is better than my sixth for ID so I guess I shouldn't really complain.
I still have to do a bit of the registration the other end and sort out accommodation payments and change my voting address or at least work out what I'm doing with it but those shouldn't take too long.
Buying things for uni
I have now purchased most things - I just need a few pictures to make my room look nice and then I have everything. I feel guilty about people buying things for me but I suppose it is a part of life and they won't do so again so I shouldn't moan. I also need basic stationary but luckily I live really close to town so can pick some up without much hassle.
Other things
I have an eye test this week and a flu jab next week and then I think that's all the admin things done apart from actually applying for the DBS check (I've already filed the relevant documents). My last driving lesson before uni is a mock test so I can see whether I will take it in Easter or Summer next year - I was pretty close to passing this year despite Coronavirus which would have been ideal but these things happen...
My attempt at the Clarendon way was hilarious! I can report that I walked more of it with my grandparents 10 years ago than I managed at the weekend despite walking 13 miles ( we were going to stop about this distance in anyway for the first part). My dad said he could map read - not a skill he passed on to me - so I printed it for him and we set off. We got to Salisbury and I suggested we looked for the landmark at the start and confirmed it with a post or something but he insisted it would be favourable to ask the cathedral car park security man. We ended up walking about 11 miles down country lanes with no pavement and national speed limit trying to re-find the route and ended up stopping in a village in the middle of nowhere and being picked up! I've said it may be best to stick to the way-marked circular 5 counties cycle path at the minute...
Original post by DGeorge13
twenty three days until I move in...
Uni Admin Stuff
I managed to register as a student this morning so I guess that was productive. I had to contact the faculty though as my tutor at college had told me I did not need to bother putting my middle name on UCAS - I did need it but luckily it was really easy to sort. I Sorted my email and accounts but don't really know what I'm doing to be fair I'm basically just making it up as I go along. I filled in a few forms and filed away the essential paperwork in a safe place and also registered with the GP and went through my budget with my dad which was really useful. Excitingly, I took my photo for my student card - I don't really like it much but then I never like photos I take of myself and it is better than my sixth for ID so I guess I shouldn't really complain.
I still have to do a bit of the registration the other end and sort out accommodation payments and change my voting address or at least work out what I'm doing with it but those shouldn't take too long.
Buying things for uni
I have now purchased most things - I just need a few pictures to make my room look nice and then I have everything. I feel guilty about people buying things for me but I suppose it is a part of life and they won't do so again so I shouldn't moan. I also need basic stationary but luckily I live really close to town so can pick some up without much hassle.
Other things
I have an eye test this week and a flu jab next week and then I think that's all the admin things done apart from actually applying for the DBS check (I've already filed the relevant documents). My last driving lesson before uni is a mock test so I can see whether I will take it in Easter or Summer next year - I was pretty close to passing this year despite Coronavirus which would have been ideal but these things happen...
My attempt at the Clarendon way was hilarious! I can report that I walked more of it with my grandparents 10 years ago than I managed at the weekend despite walking 13 miles ( we were going to stop about this distance in anyway for the first part). My dad said he could map read - not a skill he passed on to me - so I printed it for him and we set off. We got to Salisbury and I suggested we looked for the landmark at the start and confirmed it with a post or something but he insisted it would be favourable to ask the cathedral car park security man. We ended up walking about 11 miles down country lanes with no pavement and national speed limit trying to re-find the route and ended up stopping in a village in the middle of nowhere and being picked up! I've said it may be best to stick to the way-marked circular 5 counties cycle path at the minute...
Uni Admin Stuff
I managed to register as a student this morning so I guess that was productive. I had to contact the faculty though as my tutor at college had told me I did not need to bother putting my middle name on UCAS - I did need it but luckily it was really easy to sort. I Sorted my email and accounts but don't really know what I'm doing to be fair I'm basically just making it up as I go along. I filled in a few forms and filed away the essential paperwork in a safe place and also registered with the GP and went through my budget with my dad which was really useful. Excitingly, I took my photo for my student card - I don't really like it much but then I never like photos I take of myself and it is better than my sixth for ID so I guess I shouldn't really complain.
I still have to do a bit of the registration the other end and sort out accommodation payments and change my voting address or at least work out what I'm doing with it but those shouldn't take too long.
Buying things for uni
I have now purchased most things - I just need a few pictures to make my room look nice and then I have everything. I feel guilty about people buying things for me but I suppose it is a part of life and they won't do so again so I shouldn't moan. I also need basic stationary but luckily I live really close to town so can pick some up without much hassle.
Other things
I have an eye test this week and a flu jab next week and then I think that's all the admin things done apart from actually applying for the DBS check (I've already filed the relevant documents). My last driving lesson before uni is a mock test so I can see whether I will take it in Easter or Summer next year - I was pretty close to passing this year despite Coronavirus which would have been ideal but these things happen...
My attempt at the Clarendon way was hilarious! I can report that I walked more of it with my grandparents 10 years ago than I managed at the weekend despite walking 13 miles ( we were going to stop about this distance in anyway for the first part). My dad said he could map read - not a skill he passed on to me - so I printed it for him and we set off. We got to Salisbury and I suggested we looked for the landmark at the start and confirmed it with a post or something but he insisted it would be favourable to ask the cathedral car park security man. We ended up walking about 11 miles down country lanes with no pavement and national speed limit trying to re-find the route and ended up stopping in a village in the middle of nowhere and being picked up! I've said it may be best to stick to the way-marked circular 5 counties cycle path at the minute...
That all sounds so exciting! Good luck for your first year!
Original post by theJoyfulGeek
That all sounds so exciting! Good luck for your first year!
Thank you so much
Original post by DGeorge13
Update
I passed the theory test. I kind of made it seem worse in my head than it was. I know people at the test centre were doing UCAT which took me back a bit; having to wear a face mask for it must have been interesting though. I’m glad I got it sorted although my parents kind of told me they hoped I’d fail so that I could experience failure although personally I say I do fail things and know there is plenty of opportunities to do that still
I passed the theory test. I kind of made it seem worse in my head than it was. I know people at the test centre were doing UCAT which took me back a bit; having to wear a face mask for it must have been interesting though. I’m glad I got it sorted although my parents kind of told me they hoped I’d fail so that I could experience failure although personally I say I do fail things and know there is plenty of opportunities to do that still
Congrats on passing the theory. I sort of get what they mean. True character is never determined by success but by failure and the ability to bounce back. I remember my son being disappointed after UCAT because of band 4 SJT but am very proud of the way he strategised to ultimately apply to 4 very good universities. I think he applied to better universities than his original choices.
Nineteen days until I move in...
Uni Admin
I received an email from the university faculty about how things are going to work - it is really nice to vaguely have an idea of things although obviously with the pandemic situation things could still change... We are currently being told there will be 1 or 2 in person things a week and then around 5 live sessions to attend online with discussion and then 1 or 2 things a day to do in our own time. I'm hoping that we get the timetable relatively soon - the email suggested this would be the case; I'm really curious to see it as the prospect of actually having things to learn after so long is going to be really exciting.
I have a rough idea of topics for the first teaching block - in a bit more detail than before I applied although I think I realise I had basically found out most things then even if actually knowing I'm going to learn it is more exciting. This made me start thinking about how I am actually going to learn because in truth I haven't really done much recently - I was kind of taking the view that my lack of work for a couple of months (I tried to hold out with casual reading of notes until my exams would have been over) was not too dissimilar to things that previous cohorts would have done so I wouldn't be too disadvantaged; this was until my sister started sixth form and I realised quite how much I seem to have forgotten which worries me not because I remember finding a levels that difficult in terms of content most of the time but just because it has led me to doubt that I am actually that capable at much. I am also trying to work out how I will actually organise myself at uni and how I will organise my notes - the only thing I've really decided is that I am going to have to type my notes (my writing is definitely readable but it is also tiny and takes more effort to read than I want for my notes that I need to try and learn) and then print it because I definitely prefer hard copies. I'm not too sure how I will file it so don't really know how many files to buy to start with - I'm thinking four to begin with but I am really not too sure! I also have to buy basic stationary which I am so excited for as I love buying it and it has genuinely been one of my favourite parts of the school year. I'm going to have a planner but that is nothing new as all through sixth form I had a paper planner (I actually don't know of anyone else that did but I really could not function without one).
Currently we don't have access to a reading list although a lot of things online suggest that textbooks aren't necessarily the best for medical school - part of me doesn't feel great about the fact that notes and textbooks may not be the most efficient way but part of me is relieved as I do like a good set of flashcards. I definitely feel it will be trial and error.
Life
I've basically bought everything now apart from stationary, cleaning products and shoes that fit the placement dress code - although the first terms placements are digital it would be easier to just get them now and although most of my shoes would be acceptable ( I really basically dress in work shoes as they are just practical) the shoes I own are really tired and I definitely made a poor choice to use them for all the extra walking I did in lockdown so they just don't seem smart enough anymore. After this I will have to pack everything which is currently on my landing and will hopefully fit into a reasonable amount of boxes.
My eye test is complete and it was a massive disappointment in truth. They said my eyes were fine and my reading is better than 20/20 but then also told me I will be very lucky if I don't need glasses within the next couple of years given that most people in my family have needed glasses at that age and that apparently I am a tiny bit short sighted - I hadn't noticed before but now I have convinced myself I am. I actually don't mind the idea of wearing glasses but it's just something else I'm going to have to buy.
I finished off my budget and talked it through with my dad and he actually seemed quite surprised at the fact I had somehow incorporated a lot of things he would have considered separately to my budget within it and he had also forgotten that I am still going to need to eat when I'm at home so if I'm going to be self sufficient that actually equates to 52 weeks not the roughly 32 or so of my course! The budget took me about a day on an Excel spreadsheet but I am really pleased it is done because whilst my parents thought it would be sensible to budget for things term by term I ended up just doing the whole year and so just need to print it and put it at the front of my budget notebook which is then going to be divided into different sections.
My aunt gave me some money for finishing exams and I don't really know what to use it for as I realised that if I buy books there is a high chance I will not have time to read them because when I'm studying these sort of things fall a bit by the wayside in favour of doing things with people in my free time and the blanket I decided to make may also go this way too (it is currently about 30% done).
Things I am nervous about
Even though I am really excited about uni I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about anything.
Mainly it is
- Having to be completely responsible for myself (I don't really know what I'm doing and make most of it up as I go)
- The course being too hard and me not being smart enough
- Making friends especially due to Coronavirus (I'm willing to give plenty of things a go but personally nothing beats in person socialising)
- Getting put in local lockdown
- Guidance changing so I can't come home at Christmas and socially distance in the attic room
Things I am looking forward to
- I am so excited to start the course because I haven't learned many new things in a while
- Meeting new people
- Having new experiences
- Being able to explore somewhere I don't know
- The fact that I definitely think I picked the right uni for me on balance (my parents agree with me on this)
Uni Admin
I received an email from the university faculty about how things are going to work - it is really nice to vaguely have an idea of things although obviously with the pandemic situation things could still change... We are currently being told there will be 1 or 2 in person things a week and then around 5 live sessions to attend online with discussion and then 1 or 2 things a day to do in our own time. I'm hoping that we get the timetable relatively soon - the email suggested this would be the case; I'm really curious to see it as the prospect of actually having things to learn after so long is going to be really exciting.
I have a rough idea of topics for the first teaching block - in a bit more detail than before I applied although I think I realise I had basically found out most things then even if actually knowing I'm going to learn it is more exciting. This made me start thinking about how I am actually going to learn because in truth I haven't really done much recently - I was kind of taking the view that my lack of work for a couple of months (I tried to hold out with casual reading of notes until my exams would have been over) was not too dissimilar to things that previous cohorts would have done so I wouldn't be too disadvantaged; this was until my sister started sixth form and I realised quite how much I seem to have forgotten which worries me not because I remember finding a levels that difficult in terms of content most of the time but just because it has led me to doubt that I am actually that capable at much. I am also trying to work out how I will actually organise myself at uni and how I will organise my notes - the only thing I've really decided is that I am going to have to type my notes (my writing is definitely readable but it is also tiny and takes more effort to read than I want for my notes that I need to try and learn) and then print it because I definitely prefer hard copies. I'm not too sure how I will file it so don't really know how many files to buy to start with - I'm thinking four to begin with but I am really not too sure! I also have to buy basic stationary which I am so excited for as I love buying it and it has genuinely been one of my favourite parts of the school year. I'm going to have a planner but that is nothing new as all through sixth form I had a paper planner (I actually don't know of anyone else that did but I really could not function without one).
Currently we don't have access to a reading list although a lot of things online suggest that textbooks aren't necessarily the best for medical school - part of me doesn't feel great about the fact that notes and textbooks may not be the most efficient way but part of me is relieved as I do like a good set of flashcards. I definitely feel it will be trial and error.
Life
I've basically bought everything now apart from stationary, cleaning products and shoes that fit the placement dress code - although the first terms placements are digital it would be easier to just get them now and although most of my shoes would be acceptable ( I really basically dress in work shoes as they are just practical) the shoes I own are really tired and I definitely made a poor choice to use them for all the extra walking I did in lockdown so they just don't seem smart enough anymore. After this I will have to pack everything which is currently on my landing and will hopefully fit into a reasonable amount of boxes.
My eye test is complete and it was a massive disappointment in truth. They said my eyes were fine and my reading is better than 20/20 but then also told me I will be very lucky if I don't need glasses within the next couple of years given that most people in my family have needed glasses at that age and that apparently I am a tiny bit short sighted - I hadn't noticed before but now I have convinced myself I am. I actually don't mind the idea of wearing glasses but it's just something else I'm going to have to buy.
I finished off my budget and talked it through with my dad and he actually seemed quite surprised at the fact I had somehow incorporated a lot of things he would have considered separately to my budget within it and he had also forgotten that I am still going to need to eat when I'm at home so if I'm going to be self sufficient that actually equates to 52 weeks not the roughly 32 or so of my course! The budget took me about a day on an Excel spreadsheet but I am really pleased it is done because whilst my parents thought it would be sensible to budget for things term by term I ended up just doing the whole year and so just need to print it and put it at the front of my budget notebook which is then going to be divided into different sections.
My aunt gave me some money for finishing exams and I don't really know what to use it for as I realised that if I buy books there is a high chance I will not have time to read them because when I'm studying these sort of things fall a bit by the wayside in favour of doing things with people in my free time and the blanket I decided to make may also go this way too (it is currently about 30% done).
Things I am nervous about
Even though I am really excited about uni I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about anything.
Mainly it is
- Having to be completely responsible for myself (I don't really know what I'm doing and make most of it up as I go)
- The course being too hard and me not being smart enough
- Making friends especially due to Coronavirus (I'm willing to give plenty of things a go but personally nothing beats in person socialising)
- Getting put in local lockdown
- Guidance changing so I can't come home at Christmas and socially distance in the attic room
Things I am looking forward to
- I am so excited to start the course because I haven't learned many new things in a while
- Meeting new people
- Having new experiences
- Being able to explore somewhere I don't know
- The fact that I definitely think I picked the right uni for me on balance (my parents agree with me on this)
Original post by DGeorge13
Nineteen days until I move in...
Uni Admin
I received an email from the university faculty about how things are going to work - it is really nice to vaguely have an idea of things although obviously with the pandemic situation things could still change... We are currently being told there will be 1 or 2 in person things a week and then around 5 live sessions to attend online with discussion and then 1 or 2 things a day to do in our own time. I'm hoping that we get the timetable relatively soon - the email suggested this would be the case; I'm really curious to see it as the prospect of actually having things to learn after so long is going to be really exciting.
I have a rough idea of topics for the first teaching block - in a bit more detail than before I applied although I think I realise I had basically found out most things then even if actually knowing I'm going to learn it is more exciting. This made me start thinking about how I am actually going to learn because in truth I haven't really done much recently - I was kind of taking the view that my lack of work for a couple of months (I tried to hold out with casual reading of notes until my exams would have been over) was not too dissimilar to things that previous cohorts would have done so I wouldn't be too disadvantaged; this was until my sister started sixth form and I realised quite how much I seem to have forgotten which worries me not because I remember finding a levels that difficult in terms of content most of the time but just because it has led me to doubt that I am actually that capable at much. I am also trying to work out how I will actually organise myself at uni and how I will organise my notes - the only thing I've really decided is that I am going to have to type my notes (my writing is definitely readable but it is also tiny and takes more effort to read than I want for my notes that I need to try and learn) and then print it because I definitely prefer hard copies. I'm not too sure how I will file it so don't really know how many files to buy to start with - I'm thinking four to begin with but I am really not too sure! I also have to buy basic stationary which I am so excited for as I love buying it and it has genuinely been one of my favourite parts of the school year. I'm going to have a planner but that is nothing new as all through sixth form I had a paper planner (I actually don't know of anyone else that did but I really could not function without one).
Currently we don't have access to a reading list although a lot of things online suggest that textbooks aren't necessarily the best for medical school - part of me doesn't feel great about the fact that notes and textbooks may not be the most efficient way but part of me is relieved as I do like a good set of flashcards. I definitely feel it will be trial and error.
Life
I've basically bought everything now apart from stationary, cleaning products and shoes that fit the placement dress code - although the first terms placements are digital it would be easier to just get them now and although most of my shoes would be acceptable ( I really basically dress in work shoes as they are just practical) the shoes I own are really tired and I definitely made a poor choice to use them for all the extra walking I did in lockdown so they just don't seem smart enough anymore. After this I will have to pack everything which is currently on my landing and will hopefully fit into a reasonable amount of boxes.
My eye test is complete and it was a massive disappointment in truth. They said my eyes were fine and my reading is better than 20/20 but then also told me I will be very lucky if I don't need glasses within the next couple of years given that most people in my family have needed glasses at that age and that apparently I am a tiny bit short sighted - I hadn't noticed before but now I have convinced myself I am. I actually don't mind the idea of wearing glasses but it's just something else I'm going to have to buy.
I finished off my budget and talked it through with my dad and he actually seemed quite surprised at the fact I had somehow incorporated a lot of things he would have considered separately to my budget within it and he had also forgotten that I am still going to need to eat when I'm at home so if I'm going to be self sufficient that actually equates to 52 weeks not the roughly 32 or so of my course! The budget took me about a day on an Excel spreadsheet but I am really pleased it is done because whilst my parents thought it would be sensible to budget for things term by term I ended up just doing the whole year and so just need to print it and put it at the front of my budget notebook which is then going to be divided into different sections.
My aunt gave me some money for finishing exams and I don't really know what to use it for as I realised that if I buy books there is a high chance I will not have time to read them because when I'm studying these sort of things fall a bit by the wayside in favour of doing things with people in my free time and the blanket I decided to make may also go this way too (it is currently about 30% done).
Things I am nervous about
Even though I am really excited about uni I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about anything.
Mainly it is
- Having to be completely responsible for myself (I don't really know what I'm doing and make most of it up as I go)
- The course being too hard and me not being smart enough
- Making friends especially due to Coronavirus (I'm willing to give plenty of things a go but personally nothing beats in person socialising)
- Getting put in local lockdown
- Guidance changing so I can't come home at Christmas and socially distance in the attic room
Things I am looking forward to
- I am so excited to start the course because I haven't learned many new things in a while
- Meeting new people
- Having new experiences
- Being able to explore somewhere I don't know
- The fact that I definitely think I picked the right uni for me on balance (my parents agree with me on this)
Uni Admin
I received an email from the university faculty about how things are going to work - it is really nice to vaguely have an idea of things although obviously with the pandemic situation things could still change... We are currently being told there will be 1 or 2 in person things a week and then around 5 live sessions to attend online with discussion and then 1 or 2 things a day to do in our own time. I'm hoping that we get the timetable relatively soon - the email suggested this would be the case; I'm really curious to see it as the prospect of actually having things to learn after so long is going to be really exciting.
I have a rough idea of topics for the first teaching block - in a bit more detail than before I applied although I think I realise I had basically found out most things then even if actually knowing I'm going to learn it is more exciting. This made me start thinking about how I am actually going to learn because in truth I haven't really done much recently - I was kind of taking the view that my lack of work for a couple of months (I tried to hold out with casual reading of notes until my exams would have been over) was not too dissimilar to things that previous cohorts would have done so I wouldn't be too disadvantaged; this was until my sister started sixth form and I realised quite how much I seem to have forgotten which worries me not because I remember finding a levels that difficult in terms of content most of the time but just because it has led me to doubt that I am actually that capable at much. I am also trying to work out how I will actually organise myself at uni and how I will organise my notes - the only thing I've really decided is that I am going to have to type my notes (my writing is definitely readable but it is also tiny and takes more effort to read than I want for my notes that I need to try and learn) and then print it because I definitely prefer hard copies. I'm not too sure how I will file it so don't really know how many files to buy to start with - I'm thinking four to begin with but I am really not too sure! I also have to buy basic stationary which I am so excited for as I love buying it and it has genuinely been one of my favourite parts of the school year. I'm going to have a planner but that is nothing new as all through sixth form I had a paper planner (I actually don't know of anyone else that did but I really could not function without one).
Currently we don't have access to a reading list although a lot of things online suggest that textbooks aren't necessarily the best for medical school - part of me doesn't feel great about the fact that notes and textbooks may not be the most efficient way but part of me is relieved as I do like a good set of flashcards. I definitely feel it will be trial and error.
Life
I've basically bought everything now apart from stationary, cleaning products and shoes that fit the placement dress code - although the first terms placements are digital it would be easier to just get them now and although most of my shoes would be acceptable ( I really basically dress in work shoes as they are just practical) the shoes I own are really tired and I definitely made a poor choice to use them for all the extra walking I did in lockdown so they just don't seem smart enough anymore. After this I will have to pack everything which is currently on my landing and will hopefully fit into a reasonable amount of boxes.
My eye test is complete and it was a massive disappointment in truth. They said my eyes were fine and my reading is better than 20/20 but then also told me I will be very lucky if I don't need glasses within the next couple of years given that most people in my family have needed glasses at that age and that apparently I am a tiny bit short sighted - I hadn't noticed before but now I have convinced myself I am. I actually don't mind the idea of wearing glasses but it's just something else I'm going to have to buy.
I finished off my budget and talked it through with my dad and he actually seemed quite surprised at the fact I had somehow incorporated a lot of things he would have considered separately to my budget within it and he had also forgotten that I am still going to need to eat when I'm at home so if I'm going to be self sufficient that actually equates to 52 weeks not the roughly 32 or so of my course! The budget took me about a day on an Excel spreadsheet but I am really pleased it is done because whilst my parents thought it would be sensible to budget for things term by term I ended up just doing the whole year and so just need to print it and put it at the front of my budget notebook which is then going to be divided into different sections.
My aunt gave me some money for finishing exams and I don't really know what to use it for as I realised that if I buy books there is a high chance I will not have time to read them because when I'm studying these sort of things fall a bit by the wayside in favour of doing things with people in my free time and the blanket I decided to make may also go this way too (it is currently about 30% done).
Things I am nervous about
Even though I am really excited about uni I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about anything.
Mainly it is
- Having to be completely responsible for myself (I don't really know what I'm doing and make most of it up as I go)
- The course being too hard and me not being smart enough
- Making friends especially due to Coronavirus (I'm willing to give plenty of things a go but personally nothing beats in person socialising)
- Getting put in local lockdown
- Guidance changing so I can't come home at Christmas and socially distance in the attic room
Things I am looking forward to
- I am so excited to start the course because I haven't learned many new things in a while
- Meeting new people
- Having new experiences
- Being able to explore somewhere I don't know
- The fact that I definitely think I picked the right uni for me on balance (my parents agree with me on this)
Don't worry about uni. You will really enjoy. I dropped my son over the weekend and he has taken to it like a duck to a pond. Made numerous friends and he is constantly out socialising. Yesterday he sent a whatsapp at 3:30 in the morning stating that he is going to sleep at that time and not to call him in the morning. Just go with the flow and you will be okay.
Original post by messy accountant
Don't worry about uni. You will really enjoy. I dropped my son over the weekend and he has taken to it like a duck to a pond. Made numerous friends and he is constantly out socialising. Yesterday he sent a whatsapp at 3:30 in the morning stating that he is going to sleep at that time and not to call him in the morning. Just go with the flow and you will be okay.
Yes they do tend to do that at the start. Hope you were not waiting up to make sure he was back safely!
Original post by Scotney
Yes they do tend to do that at the start. Hope you were not waiting up to make sure he was back safely!
No I didn't know he was out. I tend to call him first thing in the morning. I think he will prefer me calling in the evening.
Original post by messy accountant
No I didn't know he was out. I tend to call him first thing in the morning. I think he will prefer me calling in the evening.
I remember son going off to a Cambridge Summer school and me trying to call him and getting very similiar responses or 'I am fine but am going to bed. Please do not phone.' It is hard when they first go but we eventually settled on Saturday afternoons unless he was worried about something then 1.00am phone calls were fine apparently! I hope you are not missing him too much.
Don’t worry about the course. Medicine is highly addictive. Get a group of medics together and that’s all they want to talk about
Original post by Scotney
I remember son going off to a Cambridge Summer school and me trying to call him and getting very similiar responses or 'I am fine but am going to bed. Please do not phone.' It is hard when they first go but we eventually settled on Saturday afternoons unless he was worried about something then 1.00am phone calls were fine apparently! I hope you are not missing him too much.
i definitely miss him but so far he has been good. He calls everyday at 8 pm. I have also turned his room into my office so at least a bonus.
Update: somehow I actually go to uni this week...
I've been really busy recently and life doesn't really seem to be slowing down - in fact I would go as far as to say it is speeding up! I'm so glad I chose to wait before going to uni as while I have a bit less time to get sorted the other end, the recent coronavirus situation means I have really enjoyed spending every last minute with my family; whilst I understand why the measures are being taken, I'm absolutely terrified that I will not be allowed home once I get to uni - not so much a problem for term time but I was hoping to be allowed home at Christmas being a church attender. I've been seeing my grandma a lot as she is in our bubble and it has been so lovely as part of me is worried that due to restrictions I may never see her again as she is getting older...
This last week my plans are just to do as much as I can with my family I guess and enjoy being in my own bed with a view over the hills from the skylight.
Organisation
I've set up all my university accounts and been trying to work out what I've been meant to be doing with them all - I'm still trying to get my head around some of it in honesty. I've also completed my budget and planned my meals until December because I just thought doing it now would save me the time later - there is some flexibility but it definitely felt nice to get it all done even if now I just have to write up all the recipes I liked...
Somehow I've ended up with about three diaries for uni because that is basically what everyone decided to buy me as a well done present so I've been finding uses for them slowly I guess: a personal one, a fun one and an academic one.
My packing is all but done with only a few bits left to get ready and then it needs to be taken to the car - I must say I found it very strange to see all my possessions in bags ready to go!
Uni Stuff
I finally have my timetable and it looks really enjoyable and I honestly can't wait to get started with all the biomedical science aspects and also the more practise-based side of things (I'm sure I've missed something!) - this in between bit is probably the worst as there is apprehension building and not really any way to get rid of it or channel it into many things that are productive. The first module is a foundations unit which apparently bridges the gap between A level and degree which I most definitely need given that I have been following the advice from the offer holder day since when a levels would have ended and been doing nothing educational apart from family general knowledge quizzes on FaceTime everyday albeit I do have some memory of the various topics we covered. I hope I will be able to keep up but having downloaded the learning outcomes for the first term and realising there were so many pages of them - it is exciting and expected but seeing it in black and white was somewhat terrifying. I feel like I have completely forgotten how to learn and revise and I guess my biggest worry ( I know something shared with a lot of medical students ) is not being good enough and failing: I genuinely feel like they made a mistake in offering me a place and thought my a levels were a mistake too.
My course actually starts next week although we had some generic university online induction material to work through this week which I am working my way through. I can't quite believe it was a year ago that I sent off my application not actually thinking I would get anywhere with it, something I keep being reminded of with all the activity in the medicine forum. I think my biggest piece of advice to year 12/13 would be to look at module catalogues on uni websites to get a feel for the course structure and assessment after narrowing it down based on stats and be methodical about everything but keep calm and if in year 13 probably start thinking about interviews casually even though I'm not quite sure how I would have fared with an interview over Zoom as it seems to me to be even more stressful than sitting in the interview hall as at least then the only way out is to get through all the stations...
I've been really busy recently and life doesn't really seem to be slowing down - in fact I would go as far as to say it is speeding up! I'm so glad I chose to wait before going to uni as while I have a bit less time to get sorted the other end, the recent coronavirus situation means I have really enjoyed spending every last minute with my family; whilst I understand why the measures are being taken, I'm absolutely terrified that I will not be allowed home once I get to uni - not so much a problem for term time but I was hoping to be allowed home at Christmas being a church attender. I've been seeing my grandma a lot as she is in our bubble and it has been so lovely as part of me is worried that due to restrictions I may never see her again as she is getting older...
This last week my plans are just to do as much as I can with my family I guess and enjoy being in my own bed with a view over the hills from the skylight.
Organisation
I've set up all my university accounts and been trying to work out what I've been meant to be doing with them all - I'm still trying to get my head around some of it in honesty. I've also completed my budget and planned my meals until December because I just thought doing it now would save me the time later - there is some flexibility but it definitely felt nice to get it all done even if now I just have to write up all the recipes I liked...
Somehow I've ended up with about three diaries for uni because that is basically what everyone decided to buy me as a well done present so I've been finding uses for them slowly I guess: a personal one, a fun one and an academic one.
My packing is all but done with only a few bits left to get ready and then it needs to be taken to the car - I must say I found it very strange to see all my possessions in bags ready to go!
Uni Stuff
I finally have my timetable and it looks really enjoyable and I honestly can't wait to get started with all the biomedical science aspects and also the more practise-based side of things (I'm sure I've missed something!) - this in between bit is probably the worst as there is apprehension building and not really any way to get rid of it or channel it into many things that are productive. The first module is a foundations unit which apparently bridges the gap between A level and degree which I most definitely need given that I have been following the advice from the offer holder day since when a levels would have ended and been doing nothing educational apart from family general knowledge quizzes on FaceTime everyday albeit I do have some memory of the various topics we covered. I hope I will be able to keep up but having downloaded the learning outcomes for the first term and realising there were so many pages of them - it is exciting and expected but seeing it in black and white was somewhat terrifying. I feel like I have completely forgotten how to learn and revise and I guess my biggest worry ( I know something shared with a lot of medical students ) is not being good enough and failing: I genuinely feel like they made a mistake in offering me a place and thought my a levels were a mistake too.
My course actually starts next week although we had some generic university online induction material to work through this week which I am working my way through. I can't quite believe it was a year ago that I sent off my application not actually thinking I would get anywhere with it, something I keep being reminded of with all the activity in the medicine forum. I think my biggest piece of advice to year 12/13 would be to look at module catalogues on uni websites to get a feel for the course structure and assessment after narrowing it down based on stats and be methodical about everything but keep calm and if in year 13 probably start thinking about interviews casually even though I'm not quite sure how I would have fared with an interview over Zoom as it seems to me to be even more stressful than sitting in the interview hall as at least then the only way out is to get through all the stations...
You are an inspiration to us all. Show me one medical student who was never fazed by the amount of content to learn and they will be such a rarity I would have them stuffed and placed in a museum.
Original post by DGeorge13
Update: somehow I actually go to uni this week...
I've been really busy recently and life doesn't really seem to be slowing down - in fact I would go as far as to say it is speeding up! I'm so glad I chose to wait before going to uni as while I have a bit less time to get sorted the other end, the recent coronavirus situation means I have really enjoyed spending every last minute with my family; whilst I understand why the measures are being taken, I'm absolutely terrified that I will not be allowed home once I get to uni - not so much a problem for term time but I was hoping to be allowed home at Christmas being a church attender. I've been seeing my grandma a lot as she is in our bubble and it has been so lovely as part of me is worried that due to restrictions I may never see her again as she is getting older...
This last week my plans are just to do as much as I can with my family I guess and enjoy being in my own bed with a view over the hills from the skylight.
Organisation
I've set up all my university accounts and been trying to work out what I've been meant to be doing with them all - I'm still trying to get my head around some of it in honesty. I've also completed my budget and planned my meals until December because I just thought doing it now would save me the time later - there is some flexibility but it definitely felt nice to get it all done even if now I just have to write up all the recipes I liked...
Somehow I've ended up with about three diaries for uni because that is basically what everyone decided to buy me as a well done present so I've been finding uses for them slowly I guess: a personal one, a fun one and an academic one.
My packing is all but done with only a few bits left to get ready and then it needs to be taken to the car - I must say I found it very strange to see all my possessions in bags ready to go!
Uni Stuff
I finally have my timetable and it looks really enjoyable and I honestly can't wait to get started with all the biomedical science aspects and also the more practise-based side of things (I'm sure I've missed something!) - this in between bit is probably the worst as there is apprehension building and not really any way to get rid of it or channel it into many things that are productive. The first module is a foundations unit which apparently bridges the gap between A level and degree which I most definitely need given that I have been following the advice from the offer holder day since when a levels would have ended and been doing nothing educational apart from family general knowledge quizzes on FaceTime everyday albeit I do have some memory of the various topics we covered. I hope I will be able to keep up but having downloaded the learning outcomes for the first term and realising there were so many pages of them - it is exciting and expected but seeing it in black and white was somewhat terrifying. I feel like I have completely forgotten how to learn and revise and I guess my biggest worry ( I know something shared with a lot of medical students ) is not being good enough and failing: I genuinely feel like they made a mistake in offering me a place and thought my a levels were a mistake too.
My course actually starts next week although we had some generic university online induction material to work through this week which I am working my way through. I can't quite believe it was a year ago that I sent off my application not actually thinking I would get anywhere with it, something I keep being reminded of with all the activity in the medicine forum. I think my biggest piece of advice to year 12/13 would be to look at module catalogues on uni websites to get a feel for the course structure and assessment after narrowing it down based on stats and be methodical about everything but keep calm and if in year 13 probably start thinking about interviews casually even though I'm not quite sure how I would have fared with an interview over Zoom as it seems to me to be even more stressful than sitting in the interview hall as at least then the only way out is to get through all the stations...
I've been really busy recently and life doesn't really seem to be slowing down - in fact I would go as far as to say it is speeding up! I'm so glad I chose to wait before going to uni as while I have a bit less time to get sorted the other end, the recent coronavirus situation means I have really enjoyed spending every last minute with my family; whilst I understand why the measures are being taken, I'm absolutely terrified that I will not be allowed home once I get to uni - not so much a problem for term time but I was hoping to be allowed home at Christmas being a church attender. I've been seeing my grandma a lot as she is in our bubble and it has been so lovely as part of me is worried that due to restrictions I may never see her again as she is getting older...
This last week my plans are just to do as much as I can with my family I guess and enjoy being in my own bed with a view over the hills from the skylight.
Organisation
I've set up all my university accounts and been trying to work out what I've been meant to be doing with them all - I'm still trying to get my head around some of it in honesty. I've also completed my budget and planned my meals until December because I just thought doing it now would save me the time later - there is some flexibility but it definitely felt nice to get it all done even if now I just have to write up all the recipes I liked...
Somehow I've ended up with about three diaries for uni because that is basically what everyone decided to buy me as a well done present so I've been finding uses for them slowly I guess: a personal one, a fun one and an academic one.
My packing is all but done with only a few bits left to get ready and then it needs to be taken to the car - I must say I found it very strange to see all my possessions in bags ready to go!
Uni Stuff
I finally have my timetable and it looks really enjoyable and I honestly can't wait to get started with all the biomedical science aspects and also the more practise-based side of things (I'm sure I've missed something!) - this in between bit is probably the worst as there is apprehension building and not really any way to get rid of it or channel it into many things that are productive. The first module is a foundations unit which apparently bridges the gap between A level and degree which I most definitely need given that I have been following the advice from the offer holder day since when a levels would have ended and been doing nothing educational apart from family general knowledge quizzes on FaceTime everyday albeit I do have some memory of the various topics we covered. I hope I will be able to keep up but having downloaded the learning outcomes for the first term and realising there were so many pages of them - it is exciting and expected but seeing it in black and white was somewhat terrifying. I feel like I have completely forgotten how to learn and revise and I guess my biggest worry ( I know something shared with a lot of medical students ) is not being good enough and failing: I genuinely feel like they made a mistake in offering me a place and thought my a levels were a mistake too.
My course actually starts next week although we had some generic university online induction material to work through this week which I am working my way through. I can't quite believe it was a year ago that I sent off my application not actually thinking I would get anywhere with it, something I keep being reminded of with all the activity in the medicine forum. I think my biggest piece of advice to year 12/13 would be to look at module catalogues on uni websites to get a feel for the course structure and assessment after narrowing it down based on stats and be methodical about everything but keep calm and if in year 13 probably start thinking about interviews casually even though I'm not quite sure how I would have fared with an interview over Zoom as it seems to me to be even more stressful than sitting in the interview hall as at least then the only way out is to get through all the stations...
Good luck on your journey and enjoy each moment in becoming a doctor. Admittedly it is hard work but also you will make friends for life.
Original post by messy accountant
Good luck on your journey and enjoy each moment in becoming a doctor. Admittedly it is hard work but also you will make friends for life.
Thank you so much- definitely hard work. I hope I do make good friends all the medics I’ve known before seem to have done.
I made it to uni. So far it is going well. I’ve met some people and looked around a bit although the weather isn’t really conducive. My things are all organised and I’m ready to start I think although I don’t have anything until Tuesday
Original post by DGeorge13
I made it to uni. So far it is going well. I’ve met some people and looked around a bit although the weather isn’t really conducive. My things are all organised and I’m ready to start I think although I don’t have anything until Tuesday
Congratulations on starting uni at last. Weather is really dreadful to be sure but better tomorrow I think. Hopefully there will be some fresher events to get involved in soon. Good luck!
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