Student Stories: “Everyone here is approachable and willing to support you”
First-year MBChB (ScotCOM) student Milly Hogg shares her experience of starting her medical degree at St Andrews.
My name is Milly, and I’m a first-year medical student on the MBChB (ScotCOM) programme at the University of St Andrews.
Why St Andrews?
When deciding where I wanted to study medicine, it was important to me to choose somewhere I would enjoy living for the next five-to-six years. I chose St Andrews because the idea of studying in a smaller coastal town with such a close-knit community really appealed to me. One of my favourite traditions here is the academic family system; it has been such a unique way to connect with people in different years and such a lovely way to build friendships.
University experience
My first impressions have been amazing. The town is beautiful and has such a friendly feel to it! Joining the hockey club has been one of the best decisions I’ve made; it’s been a great way to meet people outside of medicine and have a fun time away from studying. I’ve also enjoyed taking part in St Andrews traditions like Raisin Weekend and the foam fight; they’re experiences I’ll never forget! I am lucky to be part of a wonderful academic family, which made the whole weekend even more fun!
Studying medicine
Studying medicine was a decision that came naturally to me. I’ve always been interested in science and helping others, so medicine felt like the right path. So far, it has been an exciting and rewarding experience. I chose the MBChB (ScotCOM) course because I preferred the idea of staying in one place for all five years over switching universities midway through.
The course is well structured, with a great mix of lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions that make the learning really engaging. From the start, we’ve been encouraged to connect what we learn in class to real clinical situations, which makes everything more meaningful.
We also get the chance to practise communication and clinical skills right from the start, which has made me feel more confident for future placements. One of the highlights for me was the opportunity we had to meet some of the patient partners early on. I liked being able to speak to the patients and hear from them about their experiences in healthcare.
Life at St Andrews
Life as a medical student here is busy but very rewarding. My days are filled with lectures, group sessions, and studying, but there is always time to get involved in clubs, societies and social events. Everything in St Andrews is close by, which makes it easy to balance studying with social life.
Advice for prospective students
The most important thing for anyone considering medicine is to have a genuine passion for it. Medicine is a demanding course that requires motivation and commitment to stay on top of the workload, but it is also incredibly rewarding.
Finding balance is essential. It can feel busy and overwhelming at first, so making good use of the time between lectures and classes can help free up your evenings to relax. Getting involved in sports clubs or societies is a great way to meet people outside of medicine and settle in quickly, and it really makes a difference. Most importantly, remember to take time for yourself. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it; everyone here is approachable and willing to support you.
Would I recommend St Andrews?
Yes, absolutely! The student community at St Andrews is incredibly friendly and welcoming, and you quickly feel part of a close and supportive environment. Everyone supports one another, and it is easy to find your place and build genuine friendships. There is always something to get involved in, from sports and societies to the unique traditions that make life here so memorable. What stands out to me is the sense of connection among students – it is a place where you can challenge yourself academically while feeling encouraged and supported along the way. I’m so glad I chose St Andrews, studying medicine here has given me the perfect mix of learning, friendship, and unforgettable experiences.