Ira Kalra

Why did you apply to study Medicine at Birmingham?

I had gone to British Schools most of my life so the UK felt like home more than anywhere else did, and studying Medicine in a country with a Public Healthcare system is also amazing. I chose Birmingham because I feel like it's really got the best of both worlds being a stunning campus and student neighbourhood where everything is one place, but also being in a big multicultural city. I also love the structure of the medicine course having lots of clinical experiences and patient interactions. I think it sets us up really well for clinical years and being future doctors!

What does it feel like to be studying away from home?

Although I think it isn't possible to never be homesick or never miss my family, I can honestly say after a year and a half here I feel like I have two homes. My housemates are family and the UoB campus and 'Selly', feel like home. Having moved around regularly for most of my life, home has always been a weird concept, but I feel so lucky to have found a place like UoB to call home!

What has been your highlight as a student so far?

I love life at university. My favourite part of being a student at UoB is the community, getting to try so many new things in societies and meeting different people from so many different backgrounds. In my free time I like to go swimming and to the gym with my friends. I also love art and crafts with Artsoc and Hennasoc. This year, I am also part of the Waterpolo team which has been really fun!

What has your overall experience as a Medicine student been like so far?

I think I've grown so much in my time at University in so many ways - of course the intensity of a course like Medicine is a lot and I have had to completely reconsider how I learn. I feel challenged by the course, and I love how much variety there is, so it never feels samey or boring. I really enjoyed the last year in Medicine, especially the immunology and endocrinology modules. It's so interesting seeing how all the systems connect! I'm not sure what speciality I want to do yet, but I think Gender Affirmation Endocrinology or General Practice would be really rewarding.

What advice would you give to students thinking about studying Medicine?

I would say to try and enjoy all the craziness! Medicine is a super intense course as I'm sure is known, and it is easy to get buried in it all. However, if I step back for a second, I can appreciate how lucky I am to be able to learn everything we do, participate in all the opportunities there are across the university and the Medical School and get to live what I worked so hard to get to. So try and maintain all the excitement that got you to this point, appreciate the good parts in the tough ones and Medicine will be really rewarding!