Bread and circuses. Academic life at UCL

I am indeed very enthused by the course Biomedical sciences and by the academic life at UCL. Concerning the structure of the course, the first year is non-specific and offers a general knowledge of the medical related issues in order to give us basics of essential topics since we choose a specific stream in year two. The course covers several different topics, which sometimes link due to connections between life sciences. In term one, I had following subjects: Biochemistry and molecular biology covering the cell, proteins, enzymes and metabolisms, than pharmacology with basic drug mechanisms, anatomy, embryology, chemistry and physics for biologist and physiology looking into the processes in human body. In term two, I am focusing on genetics and cell biology.

Furthermore, I would like to mention two aspects of UCL academic life, which I find the most important since they are both based on professors’ personal approach: laboratory practicals and tutorials. While carrying out experiments, professors take care of a small group of students and together further explore topics covered in lectures. The tutorials are intense sessions with my tutor Dr Jonathan Fry who helps us understand difficult concepts and improve our soft skills.

The biggest difference between the academic life in Prague and UCL is the local diligence of all students, which might or might not be caused by the fact that English students have to pay a lot of money for their studies. UCL students spend majority of their time in the library, they study in the afternoons, in the evenings, they do not stop since the work is never-ending. School is the priority and is taken seriously and studying a lot is considered a virtue and does not make you a nerd. We study together in groups and is completely normal to invite a friend for an evening session in a library. I believe that for those who has not experienced UCL, it could seem a bit escalated, however, it is not, it is only a different approach. In the United Kingdom, it is not only important which degree you have, but also which grade you obtained.

Even though the work never ends and the stress of deadlines is omnipresent, one can find time for extracurricular activities in order to stay sane. This term, I became a member of the climbing society and if possible I spend my Wednesdays and Fridays in the climbing centre “Castle”. Not only is climbing a physically demanding sport, but also one has to think so he can find the easiest, most logical route. Further more, I attend the events organised by the Francophone society and the Dance society.

Moreover, I am currently an office and event volunteer in a charity specialised in Cystic fibrosis that is trying to raise awareness about this condition and gain more resources for its research.   I have also registered as a volunteer at the British Heart foundation and I will be helping at several events such as marathons and family evenings aiming to raise money for the cardiovascular diseases research.

Life at UCL is demanding. It is stressful, restless, however, every moment of our time here is worth it. I am enjoying the UCL experience in all means-, I have found amazing friends, I love my course and the London life which offers many opportunities starting with hundreds of art galleries, ending with diverse volunteering options. I am very grateful to The Kellner Family Foundation for making it possible for me to study at this unique environment.