Life as an international Medical student

I am Manas, a medical student currently studying at the University of Birmingham. I’m ethnically Indian, but I was born and brought up in Dubai. I am always surrounded by people from different backgrounds as I grew up in a multicultural city, which I found to be the case with Birmingham as well.

When I first moved to the UK, I was a little anxious about adapting to a new curriculum and living away from home. But the support I received, both from staff and students, including seniors, made the transition so much easier. The tutors and student support team at the Medical School help with the new adaptation immensely, and the mentor system run by the Curriculum and Wellbeing Committee helps you feel guided right from the start about academics.

One of the things I appreciate most is the sense of belonging here. The Medical Society, MedSoc helps you to mingle with students from different courses and year groups. I was part of the MedSoc Tennis society which helped me connect with my course mates and I enjoyed their company at socials. Another society, I was involved with was the Teddy Bear Society which runs sessions at Primary Schools where you get the opportunity to teach healthcare basics to children. I also enjoyed meeting students from all over the world through study group sessions, which makes learning more collaborative and fun.

Medicine at Birmingham is challenging but deeply rewarding. From clinical skills sessions to patient interactions, it helped me to grow as a person and fit into my future role of becoming a doctor much better. Understanding different cultures and learning to care for people from all walks of life all helps in personal development. The University of Birmingham offers an incredibly welcoming environment where diversity is truly celebrated. It feels like a home away from home.