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International MB ChB student profile: Lauren

Lauren is a first year medical student from Australia. Before coming to Warwick, Lauren completed an undergraduate degree in Physiology and Italian and a Master's of Pharmacy before working in community and hospital pharmacy for several years. Here she tells us how she's settled into the course and how she's finding life in the UK.

Lauren
Why did you decide to study medicine at Warwick Medical School?

With hospital experience in Pharmacy I knew I wanted to do more and learn more and I'm excited to be a part of this journey at Warwick Medical School alongside my class mates.

I love to travel and explore the different opportunities that present themselves to me. As such, when I got the offer to come to Warwick, I knew I loved the course and wanted to travel the seas and fly to the North. I have already been lucky enough to see snow fall for the first time ever!

 

How did you find the transition to life and study in the UK?

I was lucky enough to study in the UK for a few months during the summer of 2019. However, going back to university full time and for a longer period has been a shock to the system - in a good way.

Learning to navigate and relearn how to study whilst getting to understand a new environment has been a fun challenge and I am lucky to feel the support and strength from family and friends (from Australia) and made new connections here in the UK with brilliant class mates.

 

How have you found the MB ChB so far and how have you found your overall Warwick experience as an international student?

The course so far has been a blast! Don't get me wrong, you need to put the time and effort into the course to truly enjoy and get out what you put in. Creating a social life, keeping up my hobbies and exploring the towns and nearby cities has been a lovely way to keep a balanced lifestyle.

WMS highlights so far have been hands-on clinical skills and getting to put into practice the anatomy we learn and see on platinated models. I know there are many more to come!

Have you been involved in any extracurricular activities?

Extracurricular activities have been a great help to unwind and relax after (or during) a busy day! Going to the gym, getting involved with on campus volunteering, being a part of a committee and being a part of the WMS hockey club have been an amazing way to balance the rigors of med school with physical and social interaction! It's fun and also another way to network and adjust to life in the UK.

 

What tips do you have for other international applicants?

Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally - moving away from home can be difficult, especially if you have no support around you. The professors, tutors and my class mates have made all the difference - the welcoming atmosphere at the university has made it easier to settle in. Take every opportunity you are given and enjoy the culture, extracurricular activities or simply engage with the local students and local communities to enrich your experience and it will also make you feel like you are part of the community, helping you feel more at home.