This year in particular has been a challenge due to Covid. Academically I have been well supported as I’m part of a small cohort but I have not really had the opportunity for many other aspects of university life. This hasn’t been a massive problem for me as it’s my fourth year so I already have an established group of friends etc but for younger years it must have been a challenge

Facilities vary greatly between sites. The South Kensington campus clearly gets most of the monetary input which is evident from the gym, labs etc. The teaching building at CX hospital has a very nice lecture theatre and some recently renovated tutorial spaces but in terms of extra facilities like social shared spaces and gym there is much development needed

We all have a personal tutor with whom we have to have regular meetings but it often feels like a tick box. I do recognise I’m not the best at sharing things or trusting someone soon into meeting them so this set up may not be the best for me. The student union has a variety of roles to promote personal health which I think is helpful as it ensures a student perspective

I’m currently in my BSc year doing Global Health where we have a much smaller cohort of about 33 people and there is amazing 1 on 1 support throughout. Due to Covid, apart from the first week which was in person so we would get to know each other the whole course has been conducted remotely but it hasn’t taken away from any of the group discussions, debates and interactions - I still feel very well supported and engaged. In terms of the first few years they were mostly lecturer based all delivered in person in large lecture theatres. There were occasional small group tutorials although the tutors often changed so it was difficult to develop a close academic relationship with anyone which diminished the degree of support felt. However, I did have two particular tutors in first year who we saw on a regular basis that were excellent in terms of their support and insight although they weren’t full time members of the faculty of medicine so although very helpful and knowledgeable in their areas, could not help with further course support. Saying this I believe that if you needed it support would not be too difficult to find but I personally would find it difficult to know who to reach out to. When it comes to clinical years there is great variation, the GP placements especially vary greatly in quality of teaching and student engagement. Within hospitals there is more regulation but still students who feel they’ve got a better or worse deal depending on where they’re placed

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As a medical student our path is different from many other degrees but I’m still aware of many career fairs and support that exists

Excellent course with great tutors and a supportive faculty. the course is blended, including clinical contact from year one, and the teaching is very thorough and relevant. Clinical skills training also begins from term 1.

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