Arriving at Lancaster on move-in day I was simultaneously very excited and very nervous . Upon arrival at my college we were greeted with friendly reps who showed me to my new room. I felt very out of my depth and it didn’t feel real moving away from home for the first time, but quickly my flat mates and college reps helped me settle in within hours, all my fears and nerves about moving to university were gone!
For me Freshers Week was a very memorable week. Every night my college hosted a different themed event – ranging from Casino Royale fancy dress to a UV paint party. A highlight for me was the university campus bar crawl as we got to see every college bar and meet so many new people. It was fun getting to know my flat mates and becoming friendly with lots of people in my own college and the other colleges on campus. There were all sorts of events going on during Freshers Week – medical and extra curricular. I went to the Freshers fair midweek, which was great, and I got to check out many of the societies the university has to offer – there are so many it was hard to choose what I might like to join!
My first clinical skills session at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary education centre was daunting not just for myself, but also for my classmates – we didn’t know what to expect because it felt like ‘real doctor stuff’ and it was only our first week! It turned out to be a lot of fun, alongside being a necessary educational part of the course, and it is now something I always look forward to on a weekly basis. Keeping it simple and basic we were taught the globally used Ayliffe hand washing technique – something we will need to use for the rest of our careers. We thought we knew how to wash our hands, but we were wrong! The essentials of personal protective equipment and correct waste disposal were also discussed.
The entire first year class were invited to attend the Medics Society Freshers ball. To put a twist on the event it had a masquerade theme. Everyone donned their best suits and dresses and enjoyed a lovely meal, getting to celebrate surviving our very first week of medical school! Many medical students from other year groups also attended which was great, they imparted some brilliant advice and were eager to meet all of the first year students. The ball was an amazing way to meet my classmates outside of the lecture room environment.
I am so glad I chose to study at Lancaster – I’ve had a brilliant start and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings!