My First Year at Medical School
Medical student, Agra, reflects on her first year at Chester Medical School, from settling in to finding the right balance between studying and having fun.
Settling in
When the timetables were released, I took one look at the modules and thought ‘Will I be able to understand any of this?’ The answer is yes. Yes, I did. When I first started my BSc Biomedical Science degree at Chester Medical School, my nerves and excitement got the better of me. But I soon found that everybody is so helpful, and I knew I’d learn a lot here, which will go a long way in helping me with my future career.
From Lectures to Labs
At the beginning, I was nervous about attending lectures and getting to know the lecturers, but, looking back, there was no need to be. The study environment is great, and lectures run at a good pace. There’s a blend of lectures, seminars, computer workshops, labs and small circle workshops. The lecturers are approachable and friendly too, making it easier to ask questions whenever you need to.
Taking part in practical lab sessions is such a satisfying experience; the labs are well equipped and well kept. The lab staff guide you through the process, from how to handle a simple microscope to protein assays. I really enjoy applying my theoretical knowledge in practical sessions and having a visual of what’s going on; you feel like you’re working in a real lab from day one. It’s a very supportive learning environment.
Support from My Personal Academic Tutor
One thing I was pleasantly surprised by at the University of Chester is their Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) system. Each student is assigned a PAT from their area of study. The role of a PAT is to help students settle in, provide academic advice, guide students towards their career goals and promote mental wellbeing. My PAT has been my first point of contact throughout my first year. It’s reassuring to have a PAT; they genuinely care about your wellbeing and will help you stay on track to achieve your goals.
Study/Life Balance
There's a wide range of societies and student groups available here, where you can have fun, meet new people, and use these opportunities to boost your CV. As well as being a great way to meet people with similar interests and be active, joining a society means meeting students you may not have met otherwise. As a biomedical student, I was part of the Med-Ed Society, which was very interesting. And I did some volunteering too, as it was an amazing way to unwind after a busy day and just focus on something that’s bigger than myself. Here at Chester, we have a society for everyone whether you’re into sports clubs, Pokémon or Archaeology.
Careers and Employability
A notable service provided by Chester is their careers and employability service. I remember booking an appointment with one of the advisors because I had no idea how to progress career-wise. The advice I got was exceptional, making my life tons easier. The University provides many opportunities to help you further your career, from running undergraduate/postgraduate research days and Employer in the Foyer opportunities to TED talks. This service is quite remarkable as it helps you network with current professionals in your subject area(s), providing a valuable resource that can boost future career opportunities.
Looking Forward to My Second Year…
My first year was full of highs and lows, and unexpected challenges in all the best ways. University is a place of self-growth and learning. At the University of Chester, I have had the space to grow into my best self, explore different areas of my life – academic and personal – and take the first steps towards my future.
If you’re looking for a supportive learning environment and an exciting atmosphere to study Biomedical Science, or any other subject, then the University of Chester is the way to go!