Yuki Yoshioka

Why did you choose to study your degree at Swansea?

Swansea’s reputation as a medical school was second to none in the UK, and as someone who preferred a quieter location to that of a large city, Swansea seemed like the perfect fit. I was also aware of Swansea’s reputation for having some of the best prepared and most confident doctors in the country, something which I considered very important for my future development.

How did you find the process of moving to Swansea?

As with any international move, the challenges were in understanding the geography of my environment. Fortunately, Swansea’s size is relatively small compared to other places I have stayed at previously, making the transition and adaptation to my new home a fast one. The people I met were friendly and open as well, making it easy for me not to feel too lonely away from home.

What are your top 3 favourite things about Swansea (the city/area)?

• Location – Everything is within walking distance and the location right by the coast gives Swansea a very beautiful look especially during the summer months.
• People – Practically everyone I have met so far has been friendly and cheery, bringing a level of energy to conversations that I found quite refreshing. The town feels small enough in some respects that there’s a real sense of community amongst everyone here.
• The Markets – Although there’s only really one major hub in the area, that being city centre, it’s a place that gets so incredibly lively and festive especially around holidays. I always found myself being surprised to see entire areas redone or decorated in anticipation of some event or other. Always a pleasant surprise!

What is your favourite thing about your course?

The hands-on clinical approach many of our courses take have done wonders to really cement the fact that we will be doctors one day. Being able to learn and be exposed to the tools of the trade so early on with real patients gives me confidence for the future. The passion and dedication our educators show us is quite heart-warming as well.

What are you planning/hoping to do after you graduate?

As of now, it’s difficult to say anything concrete. However, I do know that I am very interested in the field of psychiatry and will definitely seek clinical opportunities for it in the future. If my interest bears fruit, then I can easily see myself pursuing that career path after graduation.

Would you recommend Swansea University to other students? Why?

I would definitely recommend Swansea Uni to other students. I find that being separated slightly from the hustle and bustle of a more urban environment can really help focus the mind on learning. And as far as quality of education goes, Swansea does not lose out to the very best out there. If the opportunity does present itself, I cannot recommend Swansea any more than this.

What top tips would you give to international students who are considering applying to Swansea?

Obviously, a good academic showing is an important part of the process, but if you are truly passionate about studying medicine here, my only tip is to develop strongly your professionalism and empathy. Knowledge is what the university can provide, but those soft skills are an irreplaceable facet of medicine and one that universities, Swansea included, must see in you for you to excel in their course.

Are you part of a club or society?

I am a member of the Swansea Gaming Club, a group that likes to bond over shared interests in video games, tabletop games, and card games. It is a great way for me to relax after a difficult day of learning and I recommend it to anyone who is interested.