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Medicine

Hello, I hope to be studying medicine in 2025. I was wondering how difficult is medicine really compared to a levels? Is it hard to pass? And how much free time do you get to do whatever you want? I heard that studying medicine means you have no social life and I’m hoping this isn’t true :/. I’m looking to study in a London university but any advice is helpful!
Hey there, thanks for posting a question in the Medicine forum. :biggrin:

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Megathreads
(Please read the first post, before then posting any further questions you have within that thread.)
The "Which Medical School Should I Apply To?" Uberthread
The Ultimate 'Am I Good Enough For Medicine?' Angst Thread
Medicine A-Level subjects queries
Work Experience and Voluntary Work

2024 Applicants :
Official Undergraduate Medicine 2024 Entry
Graduate Entry Medicine 2024 Entry
GAMSAT 2024 / 2025 entry discussions megathread
UCAT 2024 Entry Discussions Megathread
Medicine 2024 entry for resit / retake / gap year applicants
A100 Medicine for International Students 2024 Entry
Medicine Interview Discussion 2024 Entry
2024 entry A100 / A101 Medicine fastest and slowest offer senders
Medical Schools Index 2024 Entry

2025 Applicants :
Official Thread: (Undergraduate) Medicine 2025 entry
Official Thread: Graduate Entry Medicine 2025 Entry
GAMSAT 2025 / 2026 entry discussions megathread
UCAT 2025 Entry Discussions Megathread
Medicine 2025 entry for resit/ retake/ gap year applicants
A100 Medicine for International Students 2025 Entry
Medicine Interview Discussion 2025 Entry
2025 entry A100/ A101 Medicine fastest and slowest offer senders
Medical Schools Index 2025 Entry

Other application years:
Official Thread: (Undergraduate) Medicine 2026 entry
Official Thread: Graduate Entry Medicine 2026 Entry

Useful Articles:
GCSE Requirements for Medicine
Everything you need to know about the BMAT
Work Experience as a Graduate or Mature student
Medicine Personal Statement Advice
Medicine Personal Statement Advice (Graduate Entry)
Interview Frequently Asked Questions
MMI Medicine Interview Tips
What to do after an unsuccessful first application
Funding medicine as a second degree

For Community Feedback:
Medicine Community Feedback and Suggestions

If your query is answered by one of the Megathreads or articles linked above, and you would like us to close this thread for you, please reply to this thread with just the words "thank you". A member of our team will then get it locked.
Original post by Frizzle16523
Hello, I hope to be studying medicine in 2025. I was wondering how difficult is medicine really compared to a levels? Is it hard to pass? And how much free time do you get to do whatever you want? I heard that studying medicine means you have no social life and I’m hoping this isn’t true :/. I’m looking to study in a London university but any advice is helpful!

Hey!
I am in my second year of med school (not in London) and I love it. I wouldn't directly say it is harder than A-levels, I feel like there is just a lot more content to know. However, I find it way more interesting that A-levels, so I actually enjoying revising.
You do get less free time than in other courses, for instance I don't get reading weeks, but this may be different in other unis. Med school is all about balancing, I know people who went out multiple times a week, were in multiple societies and passed the year with really good marks. After a couple of weeks in med school you find your flow and you will do great.
Good luck for your A-levels and uni applications!
Original post by user894567
Hey!
I am in my second year of med school (not in London) and I love it. I wouldn't directly say it is harder than A-levels, I feel like there is just a lot more content to know. However, I find it way more interesting that A-levels, so I actually enjoying revising.
You do get less free time than in other courses, for instance I don't get reading weeks, but this may be different in other unis. Med school is all about balancing, I know people who went out multiple times a week, were in multiple societies and passed the year with really good marks. After a couple of weeks in med school you find your flow and you will do great.
Good luck for your A-levels and uni applications!

Thank you so much! That’s reassuring to hear :smile:
Original post by Frizzle16523
Hello, I hope to be studying medicine in 2025. I was wondering how difficult is medicine really compared to a levels? Is it hard to pass? And how much free time do you get to do whatever you want? I heard that studying medicine means you have no social life and I’m hoping this isn’t true :/. I’m looking to study in a London university but any advice is helpful!

Hey!

I'm a fifth year medical student and I wouldn't say the content is necessarily harder than a-levels, it Is more than the volume of content is a lot larger which means that it feels harder!

There is more to balance in terms of lectures, practical workshops and just adult life in general! I wouldn't let it put you off as it isn't impossible!

I hope this helps,
-Rebecca, UCLan

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