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Thread: My Veterinary Odyssey so far

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    At university in Hertfordshire, UK
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    4,944

    My Veterinary Odyssey so far

    And so it has begun.

    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!





    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):






    The cows:





    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.







    More coming...

    Zimbabwe 07/13


  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    At university in Hertfordshire, UK
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    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.


















    Some more of London coming up!

    Zimbabwe 07/13


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    At university in Hertfordshire, UK
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    Here's some pictures of a couple of the sights I've seen so far in London itself.

    Tower Bridge:



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



    Self explanatory!





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





    St Martin's







    Regent Street



    Couple more...

    Zimbabwe 07/13


  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2002
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    Ploss's Halfway House for Homeless Cats
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    18,311
    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%

    Rest In Peace Casey (Bubba Dude) Your paw print will remain on my heart forever. 12/02
    Mollie Rose, you were there for me through good times and in bad, from the beginning.Your passing will leave a hole in my heart.We will be together "One Fine Day". 1994-2009
    MooShoo,you left me too soon.I wasn't ready.Know that you were my soulmate and have left me broken hearted.I loved you like no other. 1999 - 2010See you again "ONE FINE DAY"
    Maya Linn, my heart is broken. The day your beautiful blue eyes went blind was the worst day of my life.I only wish I could've done something.I'll miss your "premium" purr and our little "conversations". 1997-2013 See you again "ONE FINE DAY"

    DO NOT BUY WHILE SHELTER ANIMALS DIE!!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    At university in Hertfordshire, UK
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    Here's a few of student life, with friends new and old.





















    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.

    Zimbabwe 07/13


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
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    West Milford, NJ
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    *GASP* Cyberdog
    `````````````````````````
    I love my furkid Neko!

    ^TAMA^ 8/24/00 - 4/27/12 Thank you for being in my life I love you always and forever


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    At university in Hertfordshire, UK
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    Thank you, Donna!

    @neko: It's quite something!!!

    Zimbabwe 07/13


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
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    Rural Eastern Ontario Canada
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    Looks like a wonderful place, Zara! You are obviously settling in very well. Good luck for the future!
    Lilith Cherry
    "
    "Love never claims, it ever gives. Love ever suffers, never resents, never revenges itself." -Mahatma Gandhi

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
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    Methuen, MA; USA
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    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!
    .

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    California
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    Wow, I just love your pictures. I always feel as if I was actually there.
    Our goal in life should be - to be as good a person as our dog thinks we are.

    Thank you for the siggy, Michelle!


    Cindy (Human) - Taz (RB Tabby) - Zoee (RB Australian Shepherd) - Paizly (Dilute Tortie) - Taggart (Aussie Mix) - Jax (Brown & White Tabby), - Zeplyn (Cattle Dog Mix)

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
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    SE USA
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    Awesome pictures! LOVED them all!!

    Special Needs Pets just leave bigger imprints on your heart!

  12. #12
    Thanks for sharing London with us! That's one place I would love to go! Best of luck with your schooling Zara!
    http://petoftheday.com/talk/signaturepics/sigpic9646_1.gif
    Forever in my heart...
    Casey.Ginger.Corey.Mandy.Sassy
    Lacey.Angel.Missy.Jake.Layla

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jun 2000
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    Windham, Vermont, USA
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    40,850
    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!
    I've Been Frosted

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    trenton, new jersey
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    7,867
    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?
    FIND A PURPOSE IN LIFE.....BE A BAD EXAMPLE

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Location
    Santa Paula, CA
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    27,648
    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.

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