What our students think

What do our students think?

It can be difficult to decide which university you want to attend, let alone which course you'd like to study. We have provided some questions and answers from RVC students so you can see what factors played a role in their decisions to study at the Royal Veterinary College.

Why did you apply to the RVC?
What were your first impressions of the RVC?
What do you particularly enjoy about studying at the RVC?
What do you like best about your course?
How are you coping with the workload?
How do you find living in or around London?
What is the nightlife like?
Do you have a part-time job?
What clubs or activities are you involved with?
If there was one thing you'd tell a prospective student, what is it?

Why did you apply to the RVC?

Hannah: I first decided to apply to the RVC because I was seduced by the history and gravitas of the institution. I was also keen on the split campus, the convenient commute back home and the size of student body. What really sealed the deal was my first visit to Hawkshead; the facilities were amazing and I couldn't wait to try them out.

Caragh: I came to the RVC with a passion for animal welfare and science. I chose the RVC for its veterinary-specific research, and because I wanted to have the opportunity to live in vibrant Camden.

Charlotte: I applied to the RVC because it is the only vet school in the UK that offers Veterinary Medicine as a course to graduate students for the same tuition fee cost as undergraduate students. The prospect of living and studying in London was also something that really appealed to me; London is such a diverse and cosmopolitan city and a really exciting place to be.

Lucy: I wanted to experience London and the science course encompassed a variety of modules that also allowed me to specialise further on in the course. I also liked the idea of having a campus in central London and one in the countryside.

Jenny: I applied to the RVC as it has a course specifically tailored towards graduates. Having already attained a degree I wanted a course that taught using directed learning as this works well for me. The graduate course that the RVC offer combines the first two years into one which is a great bonus!

What were your first impressions of the RVC?

Hannah: My first impressions of the RVC were those of an excited and terrified fresher. I enrolled on the BSc Veterinary Science (my first degree here)and vividly recall my anxiety about all the form signing and important student loan letters. Once I'd recovered from the initial shock I settled in really well. The first year of the course was very sociable and I have made some brilliant friends.

Caragh: My first impressions of the RVC were of a close knit community. I was impressed by the wide variety of support materials available. All lectures were recorded on an interactive programme ‘Blackboard’, and we were sorted into small groups with a private tutor in first and second year, who you could talk to about academic problems and about the university in general.

Lucy: I loved the Hawkshead Campus and how modern it looked. The halls of residence are nice and modern with an en suite.

Jenny: Both campuses have fantastic facilities and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

What do you particularly enjoy about studying at the RVC?

Hannah: Studying at the RVC is special because there is a great we're-in-this-together mentality amongst the students. Our yeargroup are very close and we have a great time studying and socialising which makes the whole process a lot of fun.

Charlotte: What I love most about studying at the RVC is the wide range of resources available for me to use; if I get bored of books I can head down to the anatomy museum in Camden and play with some bones.

Caragh: As a final year student on the BSc Veterinary Sciences, I particularly enjoy the research facilities and opportunities at the RVC.

Lucy: I like the variety of the modules and I liked being able to specialise from the 2nd year of the BSc in Veterinary Sciences.

Jenny: The directed learning approach that the RVC use provides us with really interactive interesting sessions and is especially useful in consolidating work. The lecturers are all very approachable and try their uttermost to make learning clinically relevant right from the beginning.

What do you like best about your course?

Hannah: I love the anatomy instruction we receive on the Accelerated BVetMed. The anatomy museum has a vast array of specimens to refer to and you get to dissect all the body systems yourselves in small groups. In addition to this there are brilliant demonstrators who really get you thinking about integrated structure and function. This helps you link up to your lectures and makes it even more fascinating.

Charlotte: I most enjoy the wide range of ways we are stimulated to learn on the Accelerated BVetMed – dissections, live-animal handling, directed learning sessions and lectures ensure that we never get bored and are always kept on our toes – a perfect way to prepare for careers as veterinary surgeons!

Caragh: The first two years of the BSc in Veterinary Science allowed me to develop a base of scientific knowledge, and introduced me to many fields of science that I had known little about. Also, the RVC is one of the top institutions for animal-related research and you are able to work closely on research projects with an expert in your field. It is great that I was able to conduct research independently, but with close support from my supervisor.

Lucy: Being part of a lab when doing my dissertation in the 3rd year of the BSc Veterinary Science really gave you a feel as to what it is like being a scientist and doing research.

Jenny: The graduate course combines the first two years of the BVetMed degree. This is a great asset to the course as it means we can catch up on any areas that we are deficient on without having to repeat too much before starting the clinical years.

How are you coping with the workload?

Hannah: There is an awful lot of material to cover in the Accelerated BVetMed course, but it's manageable. I think on this course in particular you have to rely on yourself to use your time effectively and get things done. It is also very dependent upon your previous degree.

Caragh: The workload for the BSc course is big, but manageable. In final year you are able to choose two modules and a research project from a wide array of modules and topics. Different modules are scheduled for different times of the year, and you are able to schedule laboratory work privately with your supervisor. In this way, you are able to manage your workload as you like. Some people opt to have modules throughout the year, whilst doing your dissertation throughout the year.

Lucy: There is a lot to do in the final year, but I am still able to have a job and go out – I guess I have learnt to time manage.

Jenny: The workload is heavy however the RVC offer many sports and social activities so it is easy to balance work and play!

How do you find living in or around London?

Hannah: Living in London has been a real lifestyle change for me because I grew up in a comparitively small town by the seaside. It can be a bit intense at first if you're not used to it, but once you've found your 'niche' you can make London work for you and you really can't beat it for convenience.

Charlotte: Living in London is amazing – I’m from a rural area of Cornwall originally and thus moving to London initially seemed really daunting and yet exciting at the same time. There is always something to do when you need some time off studying, whether it’s a free trip to a museum or art gallery, a wander around one of the many parks, shopping on Oxford Street or sight-seeing.

Caragh: Living in London is brilliant. I spent the first two years of my BSc degree in London, and the final year in Potters Bar near the Hawkshead campus. RVC is part of ULU, the university of London union, and this means we have access to all of the ULU bars and clubs. Being a part of ULU was amazing as it meant we were able to integrate with students from many universities and courses. The array of clubs at ULU are also very impressive – I was able to participate in things I didn’t even know existed, such as canoe polo!

Lucy: I love living in Camden it is so central and you know wherever you are in London you are able to get home. This is also the cheapest way to live in London and it is a great experience to have.

What is the nightlife like?

Hannah: The nightlife in London is sensational. Whatever your particular tastes, from quiet and cultured through to the more extreme, there will be a venue or event to meet your requirements. Everything is really accessible too as there are nightbuses which operate all over London even when the tube has shut.

Charlotte: One night out in London will be completely different to another. There is so much to see and do, from a night-time spin on the London Eye, watching one of the many West End shows or visiting one of the many clubs.

Lucy: There is all sorts to do whether it is dinner, a film, a trip to the theatre or a club there is something for everyone!

Do you have a part-time job?

Hannah: I do have a part-time job, but it is extremely flexible and I can pick it up and drop it depending on what the course demands. I think that is really important, because aside from covering my basic financial needs (like paying the rent) I want to prioritise my studies.

Charlotte: Not anymore!

Caragh: No.

Lucy: Yes, I have had a job for the past 2 years but it is flexible and I am able to pick and choose when I work.

What clubs or activities are you involved with?

Hannah: I am a member of the RVC Mountaineering club. The RVC Mountaineers run weekend hiking, climbing and caving trips all over England throughout the year and they are a brilliant way to escape for a few days. In addition to this they visit the 'local' indoor climbing centre (The Castle) every Wednesday afternoon.

Caragh: I am a member of the RVC Mountaineering club too. I am also a member of the riding club, which offers subsidised riding lessons. For only £15 a lesson, this is pretty cheap for riding in London!

Lucy: There are lots of sports teams here and what the RVC don’t do, ULU do so there is plenty to choose from. I am involved in the netball team.

If there was one thing you'd tell a prospective student, what is it?

Hannah: If you decide to study at the RVC then really get stuck in. You're starting a whole different chapter in your life and with the RVC in particular, the more you put in, the more you get out of it!

Charlotte: If there was one thing I could say to a prospective student, I would say definitely apply to the RVC and definitely make sure you have fun when you get here. We do have to work really hard but we play even harder.

Lucy: Enjoy BSc Veterinary Science and make the most of it; It is a really good course and gives a very good science grounding, but as with most things - you only get out of it what you put in!

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