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Student Profiles

Ben Stileman

BSc Bioveterinary Sciences
RVC Students' Union President 2007-2008

Ben StilemanI chose the RVC for two main reasons; not only does it have a campus smack in the centre of London in possibly the most famously vibrant area (Camden) but it is also the oldest and only independent veterinary college in the UK with the most diverse range of veterinary research-based courses.

I took Biology, Chemistry and Physics at A-level and dabbled in Maths and Philosophy.

The interview at the RVC was nowhere near as nerve-racking or intimidating as I had expected; it’s all about sticking by your principles when tackling any potentially controversial topics and not falling into the schoolboy error of saying what you believe the panel or interviewer will want to hear.

At the RVC, there are no social barriers between those on different courses allowing you to come into contact with those who may be covering the same topics from a different perspective (e.g. a clinical viewpoint) and the strong sense of community reaches beyond potential year group barriers. As far as studying is concerned we are always working in close proximity to leading researchers but at the same time are encouraged to thoughtfully question and suggest advances to the information being covered.

The RVC has a proud and strong college community (and by that I mean all staff and students alike) that increasingly encourages and embraces diversity of thought and expression, unusual for a scientific institution but fundamental in giving rise to graduates and a scientific community in touch with the outside world. You don’t feel like a number or a statistic but are treated and feel like an individual.

The course is aimed at encouraging and developing an enthusiasm for original and independent research which is wicked! It allows you to indulge any interests in specific areas as opposed to the ‘spoon-feeding’ approach employed by many universities. As a result my end-of-year research projects have been entirely cardiovascular based. Plus we are taught by lecturers who are at the forefront of their respective fields who have a genuine enthusiasm for the material, exposing us to the latest advances, findings and theories. And due to the nature of the College community they are never difficult to track down for a natter.

During my second year lab project I was given the opportunity to continue my research as part of a summer studentship which was an amazing experience that few institutions offer second year undergraduates. However I do have to say that the two week Marine Microbiology course on the Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland a group of us attended last August (alongside many other students from other University of London colleges) will never be forgotten, I do not believe the little seaside town of Millport will ever be the same!

On the social side, I have been part of both the Rowing and Football teams (and as with all RVC clubs and societies the social aspect is an integral part of the membership), the Student’s Union (both RVC and ULU) hosted many a party. Being part of the University of London allows access to most if not all of the affiliated college’s unions. Outside of university, I am a massive fan of live music (spanning all genres) and currently work part-time on the Xfm London street team, so naturally head to any gig and music venue from The Camden Palace (KOKO) to clubs such as The Egg, Fabric and even Ronnie Scott’s jazz club.

For a bumpkin from deepest darkest West Somerset I think I’m doing pretty well living in London, it is awesome! It really is a non-stop, culturally vibrant rollercoaster that never sleeps and has something on offer for every taste. I love exploring, getting lost and stumbling across an otherwise hidden gem…it is littered with galleries, music venues, cafes, historical sights and beautiful parks not to mention the number and diverse range of other Colleges and Universities. If it all gets too much the RVC has the benefit of the Hawkshead campus a short train journey away in the tranquil Hertfordshire countryside, definitely the best of both worlds!

Prior to my involvement in the Student’s Union I had been exploring the idea of cardiovascular research as a career. However over the last year I have realised a strong interest in the relationship between the veterinary profession and the rural (farming) community which I would like to follow up. The difficulty is that this course and the RVC in general provides an insight into so many potential opportunities it’s difficult to narrow it down!

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