Hello, My mates intercalated, seamlessly, at London. They didn't agree that the atmosphere's the same- they said that there's a little nurse v vet misfeeling, the yerar groups aren't as small and cosy and a lack of social calender compared to liverpool and although they enjoyed the experience at rvc, were pleased to come back to the camararderie and closeness of home that is liverpool.
Everyone I know who is intercalating at liverpool at the moment is enjoying it, and they're still totally involved with the vet faculty and social things, we see them nearly every day. I think some of them see it as a welcome rest from vet sci for a year, leaving them refreshed to start clinical, some even attend vet lectures in their spare time to keep their hand in.
I really wouldn't worry yourself though, you decide whether or not to intercalate at the end of third year some peeps even changed their mind on the first day of lectures lol!!
In your preclinical years, just bear in mind that its an option and if your involved with something like horse breeding or conservation projects in your spare time, think of a worthy project that a charity etc may sponsor you for so you can do it in your intercalation year. usually its 3rd year dissertation projects that make people want to intercalate and you've got years yet before that stage.
Hope this helps