Lea Stundner

Year 1 BVM&S GEP from University of Middlesex – UK

Lea joined the R(D)SVS having gained her BSc in the UK and is originally from Austria.  

What made you decide to apply to The University of Edinburgh and The R(D)SVS after your BSc?

I applied to Edinburgh because it was one of the two universities which offered the GEP programme. I also applied because it was in Scotland and I enjoyed my trip to Scotland previously.

I went to an international school at home in Austria which is how I learned to speak English. As German became more and more of a second language I felt I really wanted to go to a country that spoke English. Because I went to an international school I was always surrounded by a large diversity of students. I felt the need for a change and this is why I decided to move abroad.  

What was the application process like?

I found the application process to be pretty standard. All the information was easy to find and explained very well.  

What stands out in your mind from your experience at Edinburgh and studying Veterinary Medicine so far?

Just the amount of support there is within the school and how everybody is looking out for each other. Most of the lecturers are very approachable which makes it easy to ask questions. And generally there is always something fun going on.  

Has Edinburgh become your home away from home?

I think for me it has become more than that. I absolutely love Edinburgh and I am 100% hoping to stay here after graduation. I have fallen in love with the city and the people here.  

Was it difficult to transition into life in Edinburgh and studying abroad?

I moved to London in 2012 for my BSc and then up to Edinburgh in 2015. I found the transition to Edinburgh to be a lot easier as Edinburgh is small and easy to manoeuvre. I really enjoy studying abroad. I love learning about all the differences and similarities. Austria isn’t half way across the world but we do things differently and I have loved finding all these differences and trying to incorporate them into my life – scotch eggs, haggis – yum. I think the transition was very positive, even my original move to London – it opened up this whole new world for me.  

What aspect of the BVM&S degree do you enjoy the most and why?

I love the practical work we do. All the animal handling is fantastic but I also enjoy the lab work. I think being able to get hands on experience really helps me learn as well as just enjoy myself.  

Have your EMS placements helped to shape your studies so far?

EMS has been really helpful in giving me an insight into how the veterinary practice. It has helped bring to life what we are learning in the classroom and just show how truly important these things are.  

How is your programme equipping you for your future career?

It is equipping us for the future in many ways. We receive professional skills such as communication which are vital, we get practical experience as well as help from the years above us. The close knit community is a huge benefit to our learning and is really preparing us for the future.  

If you could give one piece of advice to any prospective students thinking of applying to the R(D)SVS, what would it be?

I would highly recommend getting in touch with some students and come to an open day (if you can).