Aside from spending most of your time cooped up in lecture theatres, studying in the library or out on various EMS placements scattered across the country, how else can you make the most out of your time at vet school?
You will be pleasantly surprised to hear that vet school has a lot more to offer students than just late-night study sessions and countless examinations.
The nature of this course can often make us feel as though we have little room for any extra-curricular activities or can make us hesitate to take some time out of our busy study schedules to really explore what’s on offer outside of university.
Whilst studying for finals and keeping on top of lectures will always be a priority, that doesn’t mean you should close yourself off completely to the idea of stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring new things!
Attending Conferences
As a veterinary student, you can attend some of the industry’s most popular veterinary conferences for a hugely discounted rate.
To make things even BETTER, you can often volunteer to steward at these events and attend free of charge!
Not only does this technically count as ‘revision’, but it also serves as a fantastic way to network with other veterinary professionals from around the world.
You never know, maybe you will bump into your future employer!
Get Out & Explore
Despite having a pretty packed schedule for most of the year, it is still possible to find time in-between placements to do some exploring.
If you have a week free during summer, why not find some cheap flights and book a last-minute minibreak with friends?
If you don’t fancy jetting off across the globe during vet school, hop in the car or on the train and explore your local area. You will be sorry you never did it when you get to final year!
Social Media
Social media serves as a fantastic platform to connect with other veterinary professionals.
We all know that scrolling through TikTok or Instagram for hours on end can be a nightmare during exam season, but if used responsibly and in moderation, social media has a lot of benefits for vet students!
Not only can you share your vet school journey with thousands of other veterinary students out there, but you can also pick up some handy tips and tricks along the way, from studying tips to dealing with cases you may one day see whilst out on EMS!
Becoming a Student Representative
There are so many fantastic organisations out there, veterinary and non-veterinary related, that value student input and are actively looking for student representatives.
If you are passionate about a certain field of veterinary medicine, or interested in helping organise student-led events then keep an eye out for any opportunities that may crop up throughout the year and get involved!
There are SO many other ways you can maximise your time at vet school, but hopefully these suggestions can help you kick start your journey towards a newer and more exciting version of vet school!
