Hello everyone, I’m Hoyee and I’m a second year vet student from Hong Kong.
TRANSITIONING TO SECOND YEAR…
The biggest change this year is having more time on campus! Hybrid teaching is still being carried out, we have more in-person practicals compared to last year and some of our lectures are on campus at limited capacity. Sitting in a lecture theatre, seeing the other years on campus, going to school multiple times a week- it finally feels like I’m in university.
The volume of information is overwhelming but I’ve accepted I’ll never know everything, so the most important thing is to understand the bigger picture and not get bogged down by details. Writing down the learning objectives for each lecture and trying to answer them when reviewing them has really helped.
We’re working through the Animal Body 3 module this semester, and so far we’ve had lectures on the digestive system, metabolism, locomotion and cardiovascular systems. We’ve also had lectures on exotic animal husbandry and principles of nutrition- both I find incredibly interesting!
IT’S NOT ALL STUDYING…
Although social distancing and masks are still required in most places, I’m happy that things in Edinburgh are pretty much opened up! I joined the university’s hillwalking club and went on a day trip to the Trossachs, where we
climbed the Cobbler! Although it was very, very wet and windy (Scottish weather is the best), trudging through bog and balancing on slippery rocks made for a surprisingly enjoyable bonding experience. 
Pubs and clubs are also open, and I’ve definitely had a few good night-outs! The Dick Vet has a ‘Vet Parents’ scheme where Year 2 vets adopt a few ‘children’, i.e. freshers, in which we can support and advise them as they acclimatize to vet school and life in Edinburgh. Our Vet Parents night this year was ‘Cowboys and Cows’, and I was extremely impressed by how committed everyone was to their roles! Safe to say this was my first time seeing ear tag earrings in a club 😉
At home, I’ve also been baking and cooking with my flatmates a lot! It’s a great way to wind down and relax after a long day of lectures and I love trying new recipes.
It’s been a nice start to the semester and although exams are 1.5 months away, I’m determined to work hard, but also make the most of my spare time enjoying Edinburgh.
Till next time,
Hoyee x
