I am enjoying my time at the university so far. It is a very supportive environment created by the staff and is reflected by the students as well. Medicine is a very difficult and competitive course, and I cant imagine not having this supportive environment around me. Despite this, the question about value of money raises an important issue, especially for me as an international student. I have not felt this year has been a good value for money given that we could not access all the facilities at the university as we normally would. In addition, much work has been converted to online (which i understand is throughout the country) but has put more pressure on students. Nevertheless, I do believe that UoM is a safe environment to be in even in this situation, especially with a difficult course

As a medical student, I haven't had much trouble in this aspect. Before the pandemic, we had career fairs, and the university encouraged us to attend and speak to doctors from all specialities very early in our medical career. We also have a set amount of 1-day placements that the university organises for medical students yearly (3 per semester). The only point i would raise is with the recent changes in the point-system for medical graduates matching at various hospitals for foundation years, the university has not supported the concern students raised about this.

Currently, during the COVID-19 era, almost all teaching is online. Lectures (weekly 6 or 7 x1hr) are pre-recorded and uploaded to the portal online where you can complete them at your own pace. Teaching is given context through weekly Problem-Based Learning session (2x1hr-1.5hr) in small groups, where we discuss a patient case related to the week's theme of lectures (which currently is conducted over zoom). We have weekly face-to-face anatomy sessions (30 mins) where we get to examine prosections and cadavers. Semesters 2 and 3 include Physiology and Pharmacology Laboratory Sessions (weekly 1x1hr) where we practice injections, blood pressure recordings, cranial nerve examination etc. And finally, Consultation Skills Learning Centre offers blended learning including online practice of patient communication with simulated patients (weekly 1x1hr) and occasional on-campus physical examination teaching (1.5hr).

14

Limited access to facilities during the pandemic, but generally its always clean and that has become even more apparent during the pandemic. There are alcohol wipes and hand sanitizers everywhere. Students are expected to wipe down the used area after use, and generally everyone is compliant. Lots of library spaces and computers available throughout the university's libraries. Toilets are available all around, and accessibility is considered by the university in terms of providing elevators, ramps etc.

From personal experience, our faculty provides great support to students and make time to speak to students about any issues they are facing and not just educational issues. They are very invested in student well-being and make an effort to help students achieve well. Mental health support is heavily advertised in so many university and faculty emails. The service itself is very informal and helpful, they are very observant and pick up issues well, and they make an effort to follow-up.

No

Plenty of opportunities available throughout the course itself and medical and non medical societies to join. Great mix of international students and postgrad too. Problem based learning has been helpful for the lifelong approach to learning.

15