My Veterinary Odyssey so far

[Miss Z]

And so it has begun. :D

I've been living at the Royal Veterinary College campus in London for just over two weeks, and now feel that I've pretty much settled into student life. It was such a big transition to move so far away from home and I still Skype my family most days (still nagging them to get their webcam up - I need to see Mercy's little furry face!), but I'm relishing the independence.

My course is great and I've already learned so much in my first week of lectures. My course is quite specialised and there's only a handful of people doing it - I'm studying Veterinary Medicine combined with Veterinary Bioscience. Basically, this means I tackle the necessary medical knowledge from a more scientific grounding, rather than just learning lots of details as vets on the straightforward BVetMed must do. In this first year, I devote my studies to bioscience, interspersed with some animal handling classes.

I've been studying form and function of many classes of animals and their evolutionary adaptations this week, in great detail. The first assignment really threw us in at the deep end when we were basically told to go away and find out about human evolution from apes, and why we are adapted to certain types of locomotion. This involves everything from looking and muscle and skeletal structure, bone length ratios, and shock absorbance to the skull... all of it was fascinating. Indeed, in this week I've already written up histology practicals, two essays, and given a presentation on the reproductive adaptations of parasitic wasps and cuckoos (yes, really!)

London is a wonderful place to be, particularly Camden where I am living. Everything is vibrant and no matter where you go, there's always something interesting going on. It can be an expensive place to live, particularly for a student, but so far I think I am budgeting OK.

I've met some really nice, like-minded people, but it has also been a great help to have visits from old friends too! Particularly my best friend from senior school who now lives round the corner from me - she is studying Fine Art at University College London.

Here are a few pictures from the past few weeks:

Firstly, my room and little ensuite! The bathroom is an 'aeroplane' bathroom - everything is squeezed into a little space, but I'm grateful I don't have to share!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs673.snc4/61382_476148576390_578121390_7162783_737644_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162784&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs668.snc4/60824_476148591390_578121390_7162784_3252767_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162784&id=578121390)

We have college animals on site too... it is vet school, after all! I suppose it partly makes up for the fact that our own pets cannot live with us on campus.

The ponies (who can be seen from my window):

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http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs337.ash2/61698_476148511390_578121390_7162781_2781014_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162784&id=578121390)
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs683.snc4/62315_476148406390_578121390_7162777_7624813_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162784&id=578121390)

The cows:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs323.ash2/60300_476148546390_578121390_7162782_1923415_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162784&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs067.snc4/34727_476148466390_578121390_7162779_1862204_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162784&id=578121390)

One of the cats, supposedly his name is Tigger. There is a second cat whom I haven't managed to photograph yet! Both of them will occasionally wander in through an open window and sit around in the flat. :)



[URL="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7246910&id=578121390"]http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs769.snc4/66936_480786136390_578121390_7246908_8022401_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7246908&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs092.ash2/37916_480786161390_578121390_7246910_2051708_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7246910&id=578121390)

More coming...

[Miss Z]

Here's a few of Camden. The town is eccentric and buzzing, but pretty friendly and has a certain charm of its own. Camden Lock market is unlike anything I've ever seen before - whatever you want cuisine-wise, fashion-wise, furnishing-wise, from whatever continent or culture, it's there.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs664.snc4/60453_476148641390_578121390_7162786_2350332_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162787&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs320.ash2/60048_476148836390_578121390_7162792_5299690_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162789&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs650.snc4/61019_476149171390_578121390_7162805_2004622_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162789&id=578121390)
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs709.snc4/62920_476149261390_578121390_7162807_6790628_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162789&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs318.ash2/59861_476149451390_578121390_7162813_8001561_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162789&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs690.snc4/63008_476150391390_578121390_7162820_6942699_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162789&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs677.snc4/61739_476150571390_578121390_7162825_2445150_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162789&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs358.ash2/63847_476150616390_578121390_7162828_4093686_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162789&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs341.ash2/62101_476150806390_578121390_7162833_3533687_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7162789&id=578121390)

Some more of London coming up!

[Miss Z]

Here's some pictures of a couple of the sights I've seen so far in London itself.

Tower Bridge:

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/Miss_Z_rat_luver/P1040047.jpg?t=1286711958

The Odeon at Leicester Square - lots of film premieres happen here.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs031.snc4/33922_480784311390_578121390_7246789_7083677_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7246791&id=578121390)

Self explanatory!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs770.snc4/67008_480784516390_578121390_7246803_1057814_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7246803&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs766.snc4/66648_480784926390_578121390_7246829_3057367_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7246803&id=578121390)

Trafalgar Square, complete with an African celebration festival this weekend.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs054.ash2/36054_480784681390_578121390_7246814_4604142_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7246803&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs256.snc4/40115_480784766390_578121390_7246820_6781294_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7246803&id=578121390)

St Martin's

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs762.snc4/66203_480785066390_578121390_7246838_2784798_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7246803&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs386.snc4/44909_480785101390_578121390_7246841_3390092_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7246803&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs769.snc4/66908_480785131390_578121390_7246842_3719074_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7246803&id=578121390)

Regent Street

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs769.snc4/66989_480785321390_578121390_7246855_2624644_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7246803&id=578121390)

Couple more...

[moosmom]

Zara, you are a very lucky young lady to not only become a veterinarian, but the VIEWS from your flat are fabulous!

I'm jealous! I KNOW you'll do very well, sweetheart. I'm behind you 100%

[Miss Z]

Here's a few of student life, with friends new and old.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs007.ash2/33716_1644645478683_1313250767_1692620_137889_n.jp g (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=global&subj=578121390&pid=7162793&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs643.snc4/60301_1641869489285_1313250767_1688866_3720363_n.j pg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=global&subj=578121390&pid=7162793&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs621.snc4/58174_477558741390_578121390_7185724_7856646_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=global&subj=578121390&pid=7162793&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs704.snc4/62436_477558726390_578121390_7185723_4015339_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=global&subj=578121390&pid=7162793&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs684.snc4/62470_477558781390_578121390_7185726_2604469_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=global&subj=578121390&pid=7162793&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs708.snc4/62795_477559161390_578121390_7185751_8243133_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=global&subj=578121390&pid=7162793&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs733.snc4/65360_478631631390_578121390_7210544_7154732_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=global&subj=578121390&pid=7162793&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs021.ash2/34412_478632276390_578121390_7210570_207637_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=global&subj=578121390&pid=7162793&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs041.snc4/34404_480785876390_578121390_7246892_572844_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=global&subj=578121390&pid=7162793&id=578121390)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs021.ash2/34406_480785951390_578121390_7246898_2717332_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=global&subj=578121390&pid=7162793&id=578121390)

That's it for now! I'll update this thread periodically to let you know how I'm getting on with the workload, and of course living as a student. If anyone is ever in London, please do let me know, I would love to arrange to meet up with fellow PTers. Hope you all enjoyed.

[neko1]

*GASP* Cyberdog:love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Miss Z]

Thank you, Donna! :love:

@neko: It's quite something!!! :D

[Lilith Cherry]

Looks like a wonderful place, Zara! You are obviously settling in very well. Good luck for the future!

[Freedom]

Wonderful just to hear from you. The photos are a real bonus!

My vet has her BVetMed from there. One of the vet techs I've known for ages was married end of July and then off the newlyweds went, as she is now enrolled there!

Camden is a grand place to live for a few years. Best wishes!

[Taz_Zoee]

Wow, I just love your pictures. I always feel as if I was actually there. :)

[Laura's Babies]

Awesome pictures! LOVED them all!!

[chocolatepuppy]

Thanks for sharing London with us! That's one place I would love to go! Best of luck with your schooling Zara!:)

[Karen]

You have to change your "location" - you're not in Lancashire any more, that's for sure! I've visited London twice, and there's so much to see and do! How cool that you have the animals right outside your windows, do you sneak treats to the ponies? I would! ;)

[momcat]

Hi Zara,
I was in London several years ago and your pictures brought back some very happy memories. It's quite a city! If you have the chance (and the time) don't miss the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. There's just so much to see and do in London!

Your courses sound fascinating and not at all easy. But you're up to it and I'm absolutely sure you're going to do exceptionally well. It must be a real treat having the horses and cows right at your window. That kitty is adorable! Do they actually come in your room?

Please accept my very best wishes for your continued success with your studies. One more question, could Groucho be put on the waiting list for your veterinary services when you have your own practice?

[krazyaboutkatz]

Great pictures.:) I know you have a lot of hard work ahead of you but I'm sure you'll do well. Enjoy your stay in London.:)

[Catlady711]

Wow very cool! Must be neat having ponies right outside your window! :) The town sure looks like it has anything and everything. Thanks for posting the pix, I enjoyed looking at them.

[kitten645]

OMG I'm so jealous! I adore London and Camden. I bought a silver toast rack at the market there for five pounds and it was recently appraised at $325! I wouldn't sell it though since it has great memories for me!
Horses and Cows in Camden? Who knew? LOL! Trafalgar Square is my most single favorite place on earth. I want my ashes scattered there!
I'm hoping to visit again next year. I used to go a couple of times a year but haven't been since 2000! Very homesick.
Good luck with your studies. You are a very talented and smart girl and you'll do great!
:love:
Claudia & Calvin

[Marigold2]

Great pictures. What a wonderful and exciting and difficult time too with all the coursework, but enjoy this is a special time in your life.
I was in England 2 years ago and it is the most wonderful place on earth.
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. Sending you best wishes for much fun and not too much stress.
You look beautiful and young and it's as if the whole world is for you to take and make it your own.

[Sonia59]

Nice room. It looks very much like the French student rooms. And it is a chance you have it and did not have to find an apartment outside the campus.

Having the animals there is so great! I guess they must be very spoiled in a vet school :cool:

[Cataholic]

You, the photos, the descriptions given...amazing! What an exciting time, and thanks for sharing a glimpse of it with us. I wish you nothing but the best, and then some.

[Miss Z]

Wow, thank you all so much, everyone!


You have to change your "location" - you're not in Lancashire any more, that's for sure! I've visited London twice, and there's so much to see and do! How cool that you have the animals right outside your windows, do you sneak treats to the ponies? I would! ;)

Yup, the grey pony will stick it's head through the kitchen window and she's been slipped a carrot or two... ;) The cats don't have it quite so lucky, as I'm vegetarian!


That kitty is adorable! Do they actually come in your room?

Please accept my very best wishes for your continued success with your studies. One more question, could Groucho be put on the waiting list for your veterinary services when you have your own practice?

Tigger pops into our kitchen every now and then if the window's open but he's wary of rooms - probably best since we wouldn't want him getting accidentally locked in! It's lovely to have animals around when I miss Mercy so much.

Of course, I would be privileged to have Groucho on my list! :D

Thanks again everyone, the comments mean so much.

[Killearn Kitties]

I'm so glad you are enjoying your new adventure. It's great to be able to see your photos. :D

I was just in London about three weeks ago and went to Greenwich which I had never been to before. We had to wait five minutes or so until they cleared a film set away from road so we could all get through. I've since discovered that they were filming the fourth Pirates of the Carribean. So have you met Johnny Depp yet???

[Miss Z]

We've been trying to keep an eye on the London Evening Standard as to where they might be filming next. Word on the grape vine is somewhere around Regent Street!

I'm not doing so well on celebrity-watching I must admit! My friend has seen Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster at Camden Lock, as well as Tim from Junior Apprentice at a freshers' party, and Amy Winehouse has supposedly been seen out and about by a few people (she lives in Camden).

I *think* I've seen an ITV newsreader and camera crew rushing across Kings Cross Station, and I've attended a seminar given by the professor who presented 'Victorian Pharmacy', which was recently on BBC2. As yet that's as well as I've done on that front, although I am hopefully going to meet David Attenborough when he comes to Gower Street in November. I also plan on attending some film premieres (such as Harry Potter) at Leicester Square, I'll try to get photos for PT!