Meet Roy Sim, a final year BVSc Veterinary Science: Accelerated Graduate Entry programme student, from Malaysia. We caught up with Roy to find out why he decided to come to Bristol, what he enjoyed most about being part of the Veterinary School and what he has planned for the future:
Why did you choose to study at Bristol?
I chose Bristol for the location, the multi-cultural mix of people, the art, the atmosphere and the reputation of the vet school. The vet school provided me with invaluable experiences and teaching. It’s a tough journey to get into vet school and a challenging journey getting through vet school, having sign-posted resources and coursemates who understand really helped. The teaching staff are enthusiastic about you succeeding, and they are lovely. It's also a great city to live in and well located from other cities such as Cardiff or London.
What have you enjoyed most about your time here?
Meeting new people, trying new foods, and learning about new cultures. I also enjoyed sharing my own culture and foods with the different communities I’ve found. There is so much to do here, and great friendships to be made.
How has the university supported you during your time here?
I have been supported with personal tutors who have aided me with my veterinary journey. We have pre-arranged meetings throughout the year to have a casual chat about our university experience, any worries we might have, or general advice. They also supported me when I was looking to secure job offers in my final year. Moreover, they responded very quickly to all my enquires. Sign-posted resources and university-provided counselling services were helpful provisions as well.
What are your plans after you graduate? How do you feel the course has helped you achieve your goals?
I have just accepted a new graduate position in a Welsh hospital! I am excited as it’s a hospital with certificate holders in surgery and medicine, meaning I can accelerate my learning as a fresh graduate in my favourite topics, whilst pursuing a certificate myself.
The Case-based learning was well suited to my learning style, and discussing cases in early years with specialists and veteran veterinarians closed the gap between being a vet student and veterinarian, it's very practical teaching. I specifically remembered taking advantage of rotation cases and teachings to practice surgeries and procedures that have served me well in job interviews and offers. For example, I performed my own ultrasound-guided cystocentesis, castrations and lumpectomies and received lovely feedback.
All the teaching staff want you to succeed, take advantage of their enthusiasm to ask your questions, advice etc. The RVNs and ACAs are wealth of knowledge and skills, and absolute gems to be around.
What would you say to someone thinking of studying at Bristol?
Bristol is such a great place to live in! It’s got great food places, plenty of events year-round, social sports events to join, festivals to go to, and great pubs at every corner. You'll meet so many different folks and make friends with people similar to or wildly different from you. My advice is to let people surprise you - you may make lifelong friends and perhaps even family. Try hanging out with folks from different courses, from outside the halls etc. I started my vet course at the age of 30, and I was still discovering new things about myself in Bristol. Make full use of everything Bristol Vet School provides to your advantage, and book early for both non-clinical and clinical EMS - you might get to return to your favourite clinic often and who knows, perhaps be offered a job!