International MB ChB student profile: Ming
Ming is a third year medical student from Malaysia. Before coming to the UK she completed a Bachelor's degree in Medical Sciences at IMU (International Medical University), which partners with Warwick Medical School, and then transferred into the second year of the MB ChB . Here, she tells us more about her experience of studying medicine in the UK, what she's most enjoyed about it so far and her advice for other international applicants.
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Why did you decide to study medicine at Warwick Medical School?
It is a prestigious university and has a systematic academic curriculum, according to reviews and rankings. I heard that medical training in the UK is great. I'm hoping to get an opportunity to train here once I finish medical school.
How did you find the transition to life and study in the UK?
I was homesick for a week or two upon arrival since it was my first time being so far away from home. But after making some friends and getting to know the local area, it's a beautiful place.
I especially like Coventry since it's quiet and has a lot of nature left in it compared to the other cities. It reminds me of my hometown as I live near the mountains rather than the main city. I also got to experience the four seasons and the sky still being sunny at 9.00pm, which was wild!
Study wise, I needed the whole duration of AC1 to be comfortable with the study method here. It's really great that the uni made the transition at this time before placements began, since AC1 is basically a recap for the local students as well, so we get to learn together.
How have you found the MB ChB so far and how have you found your overall Warwick experience as an international student?
It's great, but I notice that they really emphasise self-study and being an independent learner. So being disciplined is quite important, if not you'll fall behind.
I personally found it nerve-wrecking to make friends since I transferred from IMU into the second year of the MB ChB. Everyone in the cohort had already formed their own circle of friends in first year, and you can feel like an intruder almost! Luckily, the student ambassador I was assigned to was so kind and helpful, and she was there for me while I slowly gained confidence in making new friends. Everyone I met was really sweet too! After that, uni days became fun, and it was also a great environment for studying as the students here are very studious.
My highlights in Warwick uni is their big library, their forest walk to Gibbet Hill (the life sciences/ medical campus) and also the mini Christmas market on central campus. The lights and decorations are so pretty!
Have you been involved in any extracurricular activities?
I tried the uni's string orchestra for a term last year. It was so much fun but I decided I needed more practice on sight-reading the sheet music first!
What tips do you have for other international applicants?
Stay strong, ask questions and be brave. Take your annual leaves to visit your family if you need to, because it really helps heal any mental/emotional fatigue and freshen you up for the academic modules ahead when you come back. Lastly, balance your day-to-day activities - just make sure to start early with studies, do it bit by bit and you'll be fine!