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The Positive Peers Podcast
The Positive Peers Podcast
KCL Positive Peers have made a podcast highlighting their first year experiences! Check it out:
In this episode, the Positive Peers will talk about their experiences as first year students at university. Each peer comes from a background with different experiences, expectations and viewpoints on university. We hope that this candid talk brings a few laughs but also helps answer your questions about what it is like to start this new and sometimes challenging phase of life.
GDSA
Beth, 4th year MedicineKCL Marrow GDSA
I lived in Great Dover Street for 3 years so I know it inside out. I clearly didn’t mind it (otherwise I wouldn’t have stayed for 3 years 😂). It’s close enough to Guys, Waterloo, and Denmark Hill to walk and I often braved the 45 min walk to strand, but mainly because the tube is horrendous! The Accommodation itself is basic but fine and as long as you keep it clean and bring some homely things, it’s a really nice place to live. The on-site gym is mega useful and is the only reason I actually went to the gym. Talk to the staff there and get to know them, they’re friendly and once they know you they might help you out a bit more if you need it.
What Motivates You?
AnonymousKCL ObGynWhat Motivates You?
University can be the best time ever, but that doesn’t mean it’s always going to be that way. Find what motivates you, work as much as you want to but remember that living in constant stress isn’t worth it. Hanging with friends, playing sports or music and exploring London are just as much part of the university experience.
To live out or not to live out?
Shenelle, Intercalating Medicine KCL Endocrinology SocietyTo live out or not to live out?
Despite being from London, I was certain I wanted to live out - that was, until I got my letter from King's Residences to say that I'd been allocated Stratford One. I was so disappointed, since already I live in East London, there didn't seem to be much point in moving into halls that were 10 minutes away from home! On the last day before move-in, I decided to go for it - you only get to do 1st year and living out once. I'm so glad I did because some of my closest friends now are people I met in halls, and I really enjoyed the independence and freedom that came with living out. I even ended up getting a room switch to Great Dover Street Apartments (after a couple of emails and phone calls to King's Residences), which was closer to Guy's Campus and much more convenient, so don't be afraid to get in contact with the residences team if you are having any issues!
ID
Gisela KCL St John Ambulance SocietyID
Never forget your ID at home, they’ll turn you away especially at Guys Campus! Also Guy’s bar sells pretty good food 😆
Be open to everyone
Brooke Sheerin, 3rd year Child Nursing KCL Nursing and Midwifery Society Be open to everyone
I started my first year at university in 2018 and am now going into my last year at King’s. The most common advice you will hear from others will be to join different societies or sports teams! I definitely will reiterate that as I made lots of my friends through a sports team! I was new to the sport when I began so don’t let that stop you from joining any, beginners are always welcomed! It also gave me the opportunity to exercise and get out of central London - which brings me to my next tip; explore the city your university is in! You do not need to stress about making friends immediately or not getting along with your flatmates - all relationships take time and you’ll constantly be meeting new people! Talk to people, be open to everyone, and don’t close off your social circle as soon as you find your “friendship group” - always be open to making new friends.
What do you want to specialise in?
Aqib Chowdhury, Intercalating Medicine KCL Crohn's and Colitis SocietyWhat do you want to specialise in?
So, as medics this is the one question we get asked constantly (especially from doctors who want you to chose their specialty). Whilst there are a few people who know exactly what they want to do and work towards that, which is great, most either don’t know or they change their minds constantly (like me). So my advise for first year medics is to not get stressed if you’re still unsure or have no clue at all. You’re not falling behind, you’re just allowing yourself to enjoy and consider a variety of specialities; try to enjoy lectures (& in the future placements) and you can figure out what you want to do as you go along (or suddenly realise you want to specialise in something). Enjoy the journey, enjoy learning and definitely don’t stress over this unnecessarily!
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