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Student Profiles

Jo VealJo Veal

Veterinary Gateway Programme

Umaymah HewittSince a very young age I have wanted to be a vet but as my A-level predictions did not match those asked for by most vet schools, my course choices were limited. The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) was at the time of applying for a higher education course, the only university to offer the Veterinary Gateway Programme. Therefore, the Gateway course for me was the way to achieve my goal of starting a veterinary degree. I had never imagined I would be studying at a university with such an excellent reputation world wide, but during my time at the RVC I have realised that my choice in higher education course has given much more than just studying to become a vet. My expectations of life at Vet School have been well exceeded at the RVC, and I have experiences and memories that will stick with me for life.

The most things that I enjoy about the RVC is that the staff and lectures here really are friendly and helpful, I think that it’s reflected by the fact that the staff here are passionate about their jobs, most of which are experts in their field of teaching. The small campus and student intake fortify the sense of a mini community. Lecturers recognise you as a person and not just one of the crowds.

I found the workload for the Gateway Programme in parts, heavier than that of the veterinary medicine course. It is not intended to be an easy year, but on to help you personally achieve a level of understanding to survive it on the veterinary medicine course. I commonly had, what seemed a never ending pile of work, but the content of the course was so interesting, this always encouraged me to achieve. Without a strong determination to do well I think the work would have been a lot more challenging. 

The Gateway Programme is considered to be the first year of a six year degree to qualify as a veterinary surgeon, and that is exactly what it is. I loved the fact that as soon as we started studying I was learning things that were veterinary related such as locomotion and evolution of animals, embryology and paracitology which was such a breath of fresh air after the likes of chemistry and maths at A-Level.

The best thing for me was the varied style of teaching. No one week was spent confined to a room in lectures. We were taught through a series of styles including practical classes in the lab, directed study in small groups, presentations, private study for reading, dissections and live animal sessions to put into practise the theory we had been taught in lectures.

In my Gateway cohort there were only 20 students (compared to the veterinary medicine course, which averages around 190 students per year). This really helped us all bond as a group and also have a fantastic rapport with the lecturers. The small group size allowed us to be taken to various places outside of the RVC where we were able to see how the theory we were being taught can be applied in the real world.  We were taken to Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium during our locomotion module, visited to the National History and Science museums whilst studying evolution and numerous trips to London zoo throughout the year, which were always great fun.

I really enjoyed lambing during the Easter vacation in my Gateway year as this was something completely new to me. Previously, I’d never set foot on a sheep farm, so I was quite apprehensive of what the farmer would expect of me, and whether I would be able to make my way through the day without asking too many stupid questions!  I never imagined I would be left alone on the farm to lamb 300 ewes, and make it to the end of the day eager to start the next! As a vet student at the RVC I have found that I have been able to undertake placements that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to.

Needless to say I learnt more on that placement about the running of a working farm then anything I could have learnt in a lecture hall. The farmer was happy that I had no previous experience because he could teach me the ways and methods he used to run his farm. I loved the responsibility and challenges associated with the lambing season so much, I have been back to the farm every year since, each time gaining in my own confidence and that of the farmers.

I think the RVC has the determination to be on top of its game and keep the history of its royal past very much in the future. There are many new developments happening in and around the Hawkshead campus, which I should hopefully be able to benefit from in the future.

When reaching higher education there is a big emphasis on self-learning. Every student has a tutor who is an academic member of staff and they act as the first point of call for any matter or personal issue that affects you whilst studying at the RVC. I have been impressed by the amount of student support available ranging from learning support, financial help, and welfare issues and there is even a college Chapman and councillor. I know that if I need help it is there for me. It is a great relief to know that you are not on your own and that the RVC are concerned for the wellbeing of the students, not just the academic progress of each student.

In my first year in London I lived in Mary Brancker House, a student hall 20 minutes walk from campus. The initial thought of living in a flat of 6 other vet students, let alone the whole building, worried me that I would end up living breathing and eating vet school 24/7, but that was not the case in the slightest. Walking to campus with not just one or two of your friends but 50+ other vet students is quite an unusual sight. The best thing is that when there are any RVC social events nearly everyone in the halls will go so, there is always someone around to go out with, or watch a DVD or even to help each other studying when exams loom.

I enjoyed staying at Mary Brancker house in my first year so much that my flatmates and I decided to stay there for our second year. Here I also applied to be a house warden so I was also able to help myself financially without compromising on my studying during term time.

The RVC student union and sports clubs do a fantastic job of keeping the social calendar full. Sports teams are a great way to keep fit and meet people from a range of years at the RVC and they are also responsible for some of the best socials! I have joined the rowing team, which can be great fun even for those completely new to the sport like me.

I love the fact that in London there is always something to see or do and if it’s not happening around Camden, you only need to take a bus ride to Oxford Street of a few stops on the tube to find it. I particularly love going to the west end to the theatre, where you can get some fantastic student or on the day deals to see top west end shows which can be fantastic nights out. Life in London is very busy and even though I have seen a lot there is still so many things to do before I leave. In a way that is its draw back. With so many distractions you have to be very disciplined! Although at the RVC the motto of work hard, play harder couldn’t ring more true, and London is a great place to play hard. London gives great and new experiences; it’s a fantastic place.   

My experiences at the RVC have opened my eyes to a multitude of pathways I could follow after graduating. One which really interests me is working with giraffes and elephants in the wild, an interest that has been stimulated whilst at the RVC. I would love to do some work abroad but can see myself starting off in small animal practice in the UK as this is where I have most of my experience.

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