University of Glasgow c/o 2024

[elephants&cows]

Just declined my acceptance so I hope someone gets some good news soon 🙂

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[Eclectic Teal]

Accepted my offer here. I'm so excited to start and a bit anxious to start all the paperwork for my passport and visa. This is such a great opportunity!

 

[vtechgirl]

I got accepted to both Glasgow and UCD Dublin and I'm having a difficult time deciding between the two. I was initially leaning towards Glasgow but now there are things pulling me towards UCD. Anyone have any advice they can offer me or even just why you chose glasgow (if you also got into UCD)? Thanks in advance!

 

[Eclectic Teal]

I got accepted to both Glasgow and UCD Dublin and I'm having a difficult time deciding between the two. I was initially leaning towards Glasgow but now there are things pulling me towards UCD. Anyone have any advice they can offer me or even just why you chose glasgow (if you also got into UCD)? Thanks in advance!

I had to choose between Glasgow and a US school, not two international schools, so there are probably different factors not listed here. That being said, I can sum up how I weighed options:
Is cost a factor/how different is each price (also consider exchange rate)
Where did you feel was a better match for you (personality, learning style) and your goals (career, areas of interest, clubs potentially);
Does an extra year make a difference;
What about curriculum style, if there are differences
Personally, I think they're both great schools. I can't remember why I didn't apply to Dublin. Maybe it was an additional course, or CoL. This is definitely a decision I don't envy 🙂

 

[lexyhohenshell]

Hi everyone! I’m currently a pre-vet student that really would like to go to UofG. I will be applying next year, would anyone mind giving me some advice? The amount of shadowing hours to strive for/GPA/ other tips? I don’t know personally know anyone else interested in UofG and I would greatly appreciate any help.

 

[lexyhohenshell]

Hi everyone! I’m currently a pre-vet student that really would like to go to UofG. I will be applying next year, would anyone mind giving me some advice? The amount of shadowing hours to strive for/GPA/ other tips? I don’t know personally know anyone else interested in UofG and I would greatly appreciate any help.

By the way, I am an international student from the US!

 

[elephants&cows]

Hi everyone! I’m currently a pre-vet student that really would like to go to UofG. I will be applying next year, would anyone mind giving me some advice? The amount of shadowing hours to strive for/GPA/ other tips? I don’t know personally know anyone else interested in UofG and I would greatly appreciate any help.

You can feel free to DM me, I ended up declining my acceptance but was offered a seat if you would like an idea of my grades/extra-curriculars/interview skills!

 

[Vetdkc0707]

By the way, I am an international student from the US!

Hey I'm a first year vet student at UofG and I have lived in Illinois all my life! Remember that this is a 5 year program which allows for lots more time getting used to the handling aspects of the veterinary field. When I talk to my peers, they've either worked as vet techs or in my case I've had a lot of varied experiences. I've done the Safari4U program in South Africa, volunteered with milking goats, volunteered at humane societies, helped with horse husbandry at stables. Roughly all my experiences got me to 2500 animal experience hours. I think I had about 600 hours shadowing vets. My GPA was about 3.4 overall and 3.6 science. Take any animal experience you can and write it down.

They either like seeing vet tech jobs or varied experiences. It's nice to get lots of experiences with companion animals, but also try finding experiences that have other animals since vet school is more than dogs and cats. There's definitely not a minimum or maximum. Just be honest 🙂 you can also DM me for more specific questions as well!

 

[Ilovemycats]

Hi, just wondering has anyone applied this year? : )

 

[Eclectic Teal]

Hi, just wondering has anyone applied this year? : )

I don't know that anyone has made a new thread yet for the next class, but we can (hopefully) answer questions if you have any

 

[Ilovemycats]

I don't know that anyone has made a new thread yet for the next class, but we can (hopefully) answer questions if you have any

That’s so nice of you! Thank you 🙂

I don’t have any specific questions right now. I have done my interview this week and am waiting anxiously. I try not to think/judge/doubt so much about what I have said in the interview. Overall it went pretty smooth. Ugh, I am so anxious about the result and crazy wish that they like me as much as I like them.

 

[Eclectic Teal]

That’s so nice of you! Thank you 🙂

I don’t have any specific questions right now. I have done my interview this week and am waiting anxiously. I try not to think/judge/doubt so much about what I have said in the interview. Overall it went pretty smooth. Ugh, I am so anxious about the result and crazy wish that they like me as much as I like them.

Don't worry, that's pretty much how everyone feels after. It's never as bad as you think. They usually respond pretty fast, assuming you have already done the online exam (I think it was done before the interview, if it's still a component). 1.5-3 weeks, depending on the year.
The people doing the interviews are some of our staff and faculty. It's a very supportive environment here and there's definitely a focus on mental health and student wellbeing.

 

[Ilovemycats]

Don't worry, that's pretty much how everyone feels after. It's never as bad as you think. They usually respond pretty fast, assuming you have already done the online exam (I think it was done before the interview, if it's still a component). 1.5-3 weeks, depending on the year.
The people doing the interviews are some of our staff and faculty. It's a very supportive environment here and there's definitely a focus on mental health and student wellbeing.

I agree with you on Glasgow is a supportive environment. There were couple questions in the interview that I felt they want to make sure I know what I got myself into and I know how to ask for help if I have any. ;p

 

[12344321vet]

Hello! I recently received an offer to Glasgow for the class of 2026!! I'm super excited but while I'm waiting to hear from other programs I'm trying to learn more about Glasgow.

In the interview and info session they talked about how the first two years have really integrated coursework rather than separate classes. Does this translate to a lot of problem-based learning or is it still largely didactic? I'm especially curious about anatomy as I'm interested in anatomic pathology/pursuing further education in anatomy after vet school.

Also, how is living in Glasgow? I'm in the US and I'll be 22 when I'm starting so I'm hoping to find a flat I could live in with my partner and our cat. From what I've seen online, COL seems to be relatively affordable compared to where I'm from but I'm not super familiar with the area.

Any advice people have on where to learn more about the school would be so appreciated! I really fell in love with the school when I went to the info session and I'm so excited I could be going there next year.

 

[Ilovemycats]

I also received an offer from Glasgow this week!

how is living in Glasgow? I'm in the US and I'll be 22 when I'm starting so I'm hoping to find a flat I could live in with my partner and our cat

I would like to know more about bring immediately family member with us as well. Does any international student in the vet medicine program have family with them? The criteria for dependent visa isn’t clear to me; I have asked the school but hasn’t gotten a solid answer yet. : )

I am also planning on bring our cats with us! Due to UK’s policy, they can only get in through cargo, so we might choose to fly to Paris and hire a pet taxi - so many planning to do! How difficult is to find a flat that is pet friendly?

I really love how supportive I felt during the info session and the interview. Can’t wait to start the adventure next year!

 

[12344321vet]

I am also planning on bring our cats with us! Due to UK’s policy, they can only get in through cargo, so we might choose to fly to Paris and hire a pet taxi - so many planning to do! How difficult is to find a flat that is pet friendly?

I really love how supportive I felt during the info session and the interview. Can’t wait to start the adventure next year!

I hadn't even thought of the pet taxi! Relieved to hear we won't have to take a boat. A bit frustrating to not be able to fly directly to the UK but I knew that before applying!!

Adding another question--does anyone know about the access to veterinary specialty care in or around Glasgow? I'm assuming we can bring our pets to see vets at the teaching hospital. My cat needs an echo every 6 months and I like being within 20 minutes or so of a cardiologist for him so that's definitely a very important factor for me.

 

[vetsquared]

I just received an interview invitation for Glasgow! The email said that the interview will only last 20 minutes! I was wondering if anyone who has interviewed with them this year has advice or could let me know what the format is. Open file or closed file, how many interviewers, what type of questions they ask. I imagine for such a short timeframe it will be more rapid fire questions than conversational? Thanks!!

 

[Ilovemycats]

I hadn't even thought of the pet taxi! Relieved to hear we won't have to take a boat. A bit frustrating to not be able to fly directly to the UK but I knew that before applying!!

Haha, I feel you! We accidentally found out about pet taxi when we were doing our researches and were so relieved that we don't have to use cargo or boat!

I just received an interview invitation for Glasgow! The email said that the interview will only last 20 minutes! I was wondering if anyone who has interviewed with them this year has advice or could let me know what the format is. Open file or closed file, how many interviewers, what type of questions they ask. I imagine for such a short timeframe it will be more rapid fire questions than conversational? Thanks!!

How wonderful! I did practice all the questions on SDN Resources in front of the mirror and my family before my interview. The interview itself is not meant to trick you or anything; during my interview, I felt they were very friendly, and genuinely wanted to know more about me, my background and my goals. It was more like a nice conversation than "I'm judging you if you can be a good vet" kind of vibe. My biggest advice would be, know your materials, practice (x1000) all the common interview questions, and be yourself during the interview! Good lucks!!

 

[Eclectic Teal]

I'll try to answer your questions as best as I can and maybe see if I can get answers from classmates or older students. As an aside, we have an optional Big Vet Wee Vet program, where you answer a questionnaire and get matched to an older student who helps you find your feet and make connections. Really lovely program, I highly recommend signing up if you choose to attend here.

Regarding coursework layout:
Yeah, we don't have a class that spans a whole term (ex. parasitology). Instead, we have "themes" that last several weeks and go fairly in-depth. The first few weeks are a crash course overview that hits a lot of topics you've covered in biology or animal science, as well as the pre-reqs. After that the body systems are somewhat broken up, but everything is really integrated (don't worry, the curriculum spirals and you touch on topics again as they relate to another area). There may be weeks where almost all your lectures are taught by one person because of their specialty. As an example, our current theme (we call them modules) revolves around the immune system. So we have organ systems, genetics, cells, pathology, biochemistry, and some therapeutics thrown in. A module would look like a mind map if you were to write it out on paper. Running parallel to the lectures are practicals/labs, additional reading/videos, interactive programs, and case-based learning that has you answer essay-style questions every week. There is not a lot to turn in. Most of the resources given are for you to use for studying. Side note: I'm also interested in pathology/a related specialty.

Regarding CoL:
It is more affordable than where I went to undergrad. Flats tend to be better quality in terms of how they have been maintained and their features (you get more for the same monthly rent). Washers in unit are pretty standard, dryers and dishwashers are less common. There is a very well developed bus system here but a lot of services are within walking distance. Individual grocery item pricing may be higher or lower, depending on what it is, and you'll be surprised by what is or is not available here. You'll probably end up in Anniesland, Maryhill, Bearsden, or Kelvinside.

Regarding bringing a partner/dependent:
I haven't figured out the details on that just yet. I think it's more straightforward if they're a dependent. From what I can tell, you need proof you and your partner have been living together several years (I think lease agreements count). I think they may need to be able to financially support themselves so your loan money isn't paying for both of you to live (it's been a few months since I read about that so I may be wrong).
Unfortunately, I don't know many people who brought someone else with them due to Covid making it hard to travel. I think people may make the move once things settle down (my own partner may, as well).

Regarding pet care/travel:
The UK leaves the EU in January, so travel and pet passport requirements may change a bit (no deal Brexit, etc.). As for seeing a specialist, the small animal hospital at the vet school is by referral only. Typically if you need to see a specialist, you may have to go to a specialty clinic (by referral only), or some specialists travel to clinics for appointments (sort of how farm vets do visits).

More info about the school:
It was a bit of a struggle to find information when I looked. It may take some digging on the school website and Google. Feel free to ask here, especially if the question will help you decide whether or not to attend. Emailing admissions staff is a great way to get info, as well. During the summer, after you accept the offer, you get added to a Facebook group for your year. There are live events for asking questions and you get more emails as the school year approaches. Also check The Student Room, kind of like the UK SDN.

 

[Ilovemycats]

I'll try to answer your questions as best as I can and maybe see if I can get answers from classmates or older students. As an aside, we have an optional Big Vet Wee Vet program, where you answer a questionnaire and get matched to an older student who helps you find your feet and make connections. Really lovely program, I highly recommend signing up if you choose to attend here.

Eclectic Teal, Thank you so much for sharing all these information! It is so very helpful. 🙂 Really excited to join Glasgow next year!

 

[angelbluestar95]

Hi! I just got my acceptance email this morning! So excited to possibly be going to Glasgow!

 

[vetsquared]

Just got accepted for the class of 2026! So excited about the possibility to study in Scotland! For current students, I’d love to know how you made the decision to attend Glasgow over a four-year program in the states and if you are happy with your decision. Thanks!!

 

[Eclectic Teal]

Just got accepted for the class of 2026! So excited about the possibility to study in Scotland! For current students, I’d love to know how you made the decision to attend Glasgow over a four-year program in the states and if you are happy with your decision. Thanks!!

TL;DR answer here. If you want a long explanation, feel free to click on my profile and follow the tabs to get to my posts on other threads about my thought process. Hope this helps!
When making my decision I considered:
-cost (tuition, living/bills, travel),
-environment of the school (curriculum presentation, support, student well-being, clubs, events),
-climate (geographic, political),
-opportunities for exploration (non-GP careers, EMS, new perspectives on practices, also budget-friendly travel)
In the end I decided that, despite the pandemic, if I didn't come here it would be something I'd think back to the rest of my life (that may be me adding unnecessary gravity a to a simple decision ). I also considered how long I'd be away from family and my partner in a normal year and due to Covid (painful at times, regardless of where you attend). I don't regret my decision. I had already been out of school for a year when I made it, so the extra year doesn't feel like a big deal. For other people who are fresh out of school or who have been out of school a lot longer, that extra year may make a big difference. I appreciate the spiral curriculum and the community (lots of club events, talks, holiday support for those of us not traveling this winter).

 

[KodaBear2]

Hello! I just got my acceptance to Glasgow and I'm so excited this is definitely one of my top schools. However, I'm having some trouble comparing what the cost would be against other universities. We were given the tuition cost but I was wondering what the cost of living and extra costs (books, food ect) are like as I would come in as an international student. If anyone has any information on this I'd appreciate the help!

 

[Eclectic Teal]

Hello! I just got my acceptance to Glasgow and I'm so excited this is definitely one of my top schools. However, I'm having some trouble comparing what the cost would be against other universities. We were given the tuition cost but I was wondering what the cost of living and extra costs (books, food ect) are like as I would come in as an international student. If anyone has any information on this I'd appreciate the help!

We don't have any mandatory books; everything is free in the library or by download. First year supplies aren't too bad: scrubs, wellies, steel toe ankle boots (think Romeos), surgery/clinical clogs, lab coat, name badge, suture/dissection kit., locker padlock, wrist watch. There are color restrictions on some of these, so you may have to get new stuff. Total school supplies cost is 200-500 pounds, depending on what you already own. To account for exchange rate, budget about 1000 USD for your first month here for start up costs (includes school supplies, groceries and take-out until groceries arrive, household items, phone if yours won't unlock). After this first month, extra costs drop a lot. As for rent + utilities, I pay about average at 430 pounds. I've seen places as cheap as 290 and places over 600, depending on where you live.
For comparing cost of living I recommend Numbeo Cost of Living Index 2020 Mid-Year
For theoretical housing budgeting (and checking availability), check SpareRoom or RightMove
SpareRoom - the UK's No. 1 flatsharing site

Rightmove.co.uk

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[Ilovemycats]

Hi! I'm wondering how international students plan for their career. Is it feasible to stay working in UK or Europe after graduation? How's work/intern opportunity around the area during the school break? Or does the majority of international students go back to their home country during the break and after school?

Thank you!

 

[Eclectic Teal]

Hi! I'm wondering how international students plan for their career. Is it feasible to stay working in UK or Europe after graduation? How's work/intern opportunity around the area during the school break? Or does the majority of international students go back to their home country during the break and after school?

Thank you!

Depending on your loans or plans, it is doable to stay after graduation or go elsewhere. With the accreditation, the world is your oyster.
People get some experience in their home countries, some in the UK or elsewhere. They recommend broadening your exposure to different species or ideas when you're gaining experience. We have a database for EMS for getting our required weeks in, but you can go places outside the database with a little paperwork. There are also research study opportunities. The school encourages lots of career exploration. It really just depends on what you're interested in after vet school.
There are vet clinics in the area if you want a job, though you should make sure EMS is taken care/scheduled.

 

[newestman1]

Hello!
I also received an offer this week and am super excited about the program! My main concern is about how it would be going into a program with kids straight out of high school. I'm 24 now so I don't know how many other mature students will be close to my age. It most likely shouldn't be a concern of mine, seeing that my education is what I put into it, but the question of that dynamic still looms in the back of my mind.

 

[Eclectic Teal]

Hello!
I also received an offer this week and am super excited about the program! My main concern is about how it would be going into a program with kids straight out of high school. I'm 24 now so I don't know how many other mature students will be close to my age. It most likely shouldn't be a concern of mine, seeing that my education is what I put into it, but the question of that dynamic still looms in the back of my mind.

Don't worry, we have a whole span of ages. A few people with young kids/babies in the upper years. 21-26 is pretty average for the North American students starting their first year (1/3 -1/2 the class). There are people in other years who started older than that. There is definitely a difference in maturity between some of the younger students and the older, but they don't all act like kids. Besides, we all age prematurely as we go through vet school.

 

[marialtus]

hi everyone! i was just accepted this morning to Glasgow and i am so excited at the possibility to study in Scotland!! I was wondering what people's thoughts are on sending Joyce a thank-you email in response to her acceptance offer email, or if that would appear as if I'm committing to the school? (there are a few programs i'm still waiting to hear from before i make my final decision) thanks!

 

[lexyhohenshell]

Did anyone here apply through FEEPass or have any experience with the program??

 

[Eclectic Teal]

Did anyone here apply through FEEPass or have any experience with the program??

I did not, though my school had the program. A number of students come in through that route. I can only answer broad overview questions on it, so if someone has applied through that route they would probably be good to ask.