MB BS Medicine Phase 1 spotlight: Lyn's week

We asked Phase i HULL-based medicine student lyn to share her journey to medicine, and talk us through HER typical week.

"I’m originally from Manchester, and Medicine has always been part of my world. My dad is a doctor, and several of my relatives are in healthcare too, so I grew up with a clear sense of what the profession looks like. That definitely made it easier for me to access work experience and understand the pathway – but my motivation to study medicine runs deeper than that. Part of my inspiration comes from my family in Syria. My grandfather runs a hospital there, and seeing how much he’s given back to his community really shaped my perspective.

"I didn’t get into medical school on my first attempt, so I decided to take a gap year – and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I could have made. During that year, I trained and worked as a phlebotomist, which gave me real clinical exposure and helped build my confidence. Alongside that, I spent time preparing properly for interviews and also focused on things I love – like volleyball.

"Looking back, the gap year made me much more prepared and mature."

Why Hull York Medical School?

"When I was applying, I was really drawn to the course structure at Hull York Medical School. I liked the idea of problem-based learning (PBL) and the fact that we get early clinical exposure.

"Medicine isn’t something you can learn in isolation – it’s a team-based profession. Some universities focus heavily on lectures and independent study, but that didn’t suit me. At Hull York, you’re working in groups from the start, learning collaboratively, and applying knowledge to real-life scenarios. That felt much more aligned with the kind of doctor I want to become."

The transition to university life

"Starting medical school was exciting – and a little overwhelming. I went from a very relaxed, unstructured gap year to a packed schedule filled with lectures, clinical sessions and new people. Moving away from home, meeting new flatmates and adjusting to a completely different routine was a lot to take in.

"I can get quite anxious with new situations, so I made a conscious effort to ease the transition. I spoke to tutors early on, stayed connected with a friend from college who also came to Hull York, and joined societies straight away – including volleyball. Having something familiar really helped ground me.

"The support from both tutors and peers has been amazing. Even when things felt overwhelming, I never felt completely lost."

What my week looks like

"Our week actually starts on a Thursday, and it’s definitely the busiest day. We begin with clinical skills, where we practise examinations and consultations – often with simulated patients (actors). Then we move into PBL sessions, working through clinical cases in small groups, followed by anatomy, which is very hands-on and interactive. It’s a full-on day, so I usually prepare in advance on Wednesdays and take Thursday evenings to rest.

"Fridays are more lecture-based, sometimes in Hull and sometimes streamed from York. The weekends are a mix of volleyball training, matches, and revision. Sunday is my reset day – I go over everything we covered during the week and prepare for Monday.

"On Mondays, we return to PBL, and Tuesdays are for clinical placements. We alternate between GP and hospital settings, which I really enjoy. Wednesdays are usually quieter, giving me time to prepare for the next cycle."

Clinical placements and real-life learning

"One of my favourite parts of the course is clinical placement. We work in groups, speaking to patients together and learning how to ask the right questions, and we’re always supervised and supported by a clinical tutor. What I love most is seeing how conditions affect people’s everyday lives. That’s something you just can’t fully grasp from lectures. Talking to patients, understanding their experiences, and seeing how they adapt – it really brings everything together."

Finding balance: Life beyond Medicine

"Before starting medical school, I was worried I wouldn’t have a social life – but that hasn’t been the case at all. Volleyball has been a huge part of maintaining that balance for me. We train weekly, have matches regularly, and organise socials like nights out, ice skating, or just spending time together. It’s a great way to switch off and meet people outside of Medicine.

"I also enjoy exploring Hull. Coming from a big city like Manchester, Hull feels smaller and more close-knit, which I really like. There are plenty of cafés, places to go out, and spots to relax with friends. It’s a very student-friendly city, and I’ve found it easy to settle in."

What I Wish I Knew Before Applying

"If I could give advice to prospective students, it would be this: have a backup plan.

"The first time I applied, I wasn’t prepared for things not going my way. I didn’t fully understand alternative options, and that added a lot of stress. Now I realise how important it is to research all possible pathways—whether that’s taking a gap year, or considering related courses.

"Things don’t always go to plan, and that’s okay. What matters is being informed and prepared so you can make the best decision for yourself."

This story reflects the views and experiences of the individual; details may not apply to all Hull York Medical School students. Programme information was accurate at time of publication (April 2026). For the latest programme details, please visit the relevant section of the Hull York Medical School website.