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Making A Difference
Millie, 4th year Medicine KCL SFGH, Student MedAID London, KCL STAR Making A Difference
Most of us have probably stated in our medical school interviews at some point that we want to become a doctor to ‘make a difference’. Yet 3 months into first year, you’ll still be looking at biochemistry and anatomy (still super important) without any sign of patients or the famous ‘making a difference’.
My advice to new students regardless of your course is that if at times you feel lost in the theory and books and are searching for that impact, have a look into joining a volunteering, charitable or social action project. Being a student in London means you’re always surrounded by amazing organisations that are working to achieve social change on a local and global scale. There are many societies within King’s that run volunteering schemes such as STAR (Student Action for Refugees) as well as KCLSU Volunteering. Many of the academic societies also host inspiring events that provide you with a chance to learn about and get involved with social action issues – such as Students for Global Health (SfGH), Student MedAID London and UAEM (Universities Allied for Essential Medicines). Getting involved in these sorts of societies are a great opportunity to meet like-minded people from all courses and years, build your CV and to most importantly ‘make a difference’.
So Much Choice!
Jasmine, Intercalating Medicine KCL Paediatric Society So Much Choice!
KCL has so many societies - whether it's medical or academic-related, sports, cultural, or a skill/hobby, you're likely to find something you're interested in! It's also worth exploring new things so definitely take your time in the (virtual) Fresher's Fair.
For example, anyone can volunteer with children in our Paediatric Society - you don't even have to be a medical student or want to persue a career in Paeds. We have more details on our website but I would definitely recommend joining if you fancy teaching and/or playing with children!
Sport in the City
Caitlin Jackson, Liberal Arts BA, year 2KCL St John Ambulance Society Sport in the City
Definitely take advantage of the King’s College London BeActive programme! If you’re in student accommodation then you’re eligible for free and can go to all sorts of classes and open gym sessions. If you’re in other accommodation you can get a really discounted price - which in London is always important!
The programme gave me a chance to try loads of new things like boxing and yoga, which were really good for my well-being and mental health. Even if you don’t like sports, you can give it a go and try new things each week! The best thing is everything is controlled by you, which gives you some control over the somewhat chaotic uni lifestyle.
An integral part of my journey
SwaraKCL Women's Cricket Club & KCL Biomedical Sciences Society An integral part of my journey
I have been a part of the KCL Women’s Cricket Club ever since I joined KCL and it has been an integral part of my journey at KCL. Joining a sports society allows you to meet fellow students from a wide range of subject departments with whom you can develop a strong friendship with. Not only you can stay fit but your time at training will divert your mind away from any worries you might have or even sort it out. Most sports require teamwork which is a very essential skill to have and develop as it is useful almost everywhere you go.
I highly recommend joining a sports society!
The Fresher's Week Myth
Anonymous, 2nd Year Medicine GKT Music Society The Fresher's Week Myth
You're often told that Freshers is meant to be one of the best, most fun weeks of your life, but this wasn't the case for me. Moving into halls with no classes starting for at least a week and the only plans you had were an MSA run event at GB in the evening left me feeling a bit overwhelmed and aimless. It wasn't until I went to the first orchestra rehearsal at GKT Music Society that I started to feel settled into uni life. Simply being able to play my instrument in the orchestra brought back the sense of normality and structure in the week that I was so used to at school, and then when classes started, I felt more at ease and knew my uni experience had only just begun.
Conferences
Aahil Damani Students for Global Health KCL Conferences
Now that you are at medical school, get ready for 4/5/6 years of "what do you want to specialise in?" from family, friends and other medics. If (like me) you have no idea, conferences are one of the best ways (amongst others such as intercalation, scholarly projects, student selected components) to find out what you are passionate about. You get to hear from experts in their respective fields talk about ground-breaking research, the career path as well as network with other like-minded students. It can help identify (or eliminate) what you want to do when you are older.
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