Nottingham MedSoc is an all-inclusive student run union that every medical student here in Nottingham is automatically part of. It is designed to support medical students of all years in making the most of their time at university. Whether it be providing extra support and tutoring for students who are struggling academically, or putting on the best socials the university has to offer (NOTE: Medic’s Cocktail Party is COMING!!), MedSoc is here to support YOU!
1st Year Rep
2nd Year Reps Could be you?!
3rd Year Rep Short of hair, but strong of heart, Will is the rock that holds us all together. Disregarding his rugged exterior, he will always be there to listen to your problems and be that shoulder to cry on – just as long as you promise to be his. His continuing efforts to train for medics rugby despite a string of injuries is just one of many examples of Will’s immense physical (and emotional) resilience. If not for his positive demeanour, friendly attitude and good humour (questionable) we wouldn’t enjoy MedSoc anywhere near as much as we would without him. And nor would you!
After being First Year Rep last year, Anita loves everything MedSoc - from Cocktail to Boat Party, you’re bound to see her partying away at MedSoc events, not to mention her commitment to Ocean! This girl is the definition of keen, always involved with everything, but somehow never tired! She has huge passions for tennis and baking, and is an eager member of the Acapella society. Being a bubble of enthusiasm, as Second Year Rep Anita will help make your first year unbeatable! Emily is one of the nicest and most helpful people you will meet here. She has such a big heart, and not only is a MedSoc Supporter and Peer Mentor, but also volunteered for Mission Zambia this summer. She enjoys a chat with a warm cup of tea and some delicious baked goodies, so make sure to give her a shout! She loves skiing, sailing, windsurfing, and dedicates her free time to NUDance society. Being a Second Year Rep, this girl will work extremely hard to make sure that you have the happiest year possible!
4th Year Rep
Have you met Mouse? Don’t’ worry, med school isn’t infested, but you absolutely HAVE to meet MedSoc's resident Oprah; Miss Alice 'Mouse' Barnes. Starting out as MedSoc’s welfare rep, and now a year older and wiser, she will take on the role of our 4th year rep with as much enthusiasm and open mindedness as she applies to every aspect of life. When something goes on around med school, Mouse will probably be involved in some way; which is why she is more than qualified to look after our 4th years.
5th Year Rep
Emily is our hardened veteran on committee this year - she’s done it all, having been a karni rep, and now in for her second stint on MedSoc. A thai boxing master this girl isn’t one to get on the wrong side of, but don’t let that fool you: Emily is one of the loveliest and most caring people in the Medical School, she would go out of her way to help anyone, and she will be such an asset to the committee this year. Make sure you get the chance to meet her – she’ll be your boss in 5 years’ time!
26th – 30th September 2016 Your first week – Welcome Week – is amazing, and so is being a Medic, so Medic Welcome Week should be incredible! There’s loads going on for everyone to get involved in, like the Welcome Festival on University Park where you can sign up for sports and societies or join a volunteering group, and of course the legendary nights out! Welcome Week is the warm up to what should be an amazing first year at Medical School for you with Cocktail Party, Meet Your Family and many other fantastic events.
Welcome Mentors Keep your eyes out for our QMC Welcome Mentors, they’ll be easy to spot in B Floor Café and on A Floor outside LT1 in their colourful t-shirts. Come and introduce yourself to them, have a chat, and ask them any questions you have during Welcome Week. It’s their job to get to know you and look out for you – they want to make sure you have the best possible first week! You will meet your lead Welcome Mentor and the rest of your QMC Welcome Mentors when you arrive at Medical School, so be sure to keep an eye for them in your first week for top tips, advice and a warm welcome!
Walking Bus There will also be some friendly second years waiting to walk you to the QMC from your halls on the first Monday so look out for them – you’ll find out more about this before term starts! Medics Fresher’s Fair Don’t forget that we will be having our own Welcome Fair during the second week of term in the A Floor foyer for all the Medic sports and societies.
A Medic Must Have!
Just £45 for all 5 years!
As part of Nottingham med school you have the opportunity to purchase the one and only MedSoc card and what does that mean? CHEAP STUFF!!!!!! (just for being a medic). From queue jumps, to dinner in the finest restaurants, to the trendiest haircuts available, the MedSoc card is your equivalent of a golden ticket. Not only do you get discounts in a variety of places around Nottingham, you will also get discounted entry to MedSoc events. The card is just a single cost of £45, and will last you all of your five years of Uni. That’s just £9 a year and totally worth it! If you needed any more persuading, every penny that you pay for cards will go straight back into MedSoc, allowing us to give you better socials, sports, and societies. So how do you take advantage of this fabulous offer? Log on to www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/healthcare/medsoc/shop/card to purchase it online (this needs to be done when you have registered with the university and have been assigned a university email address)
Some of the great offers available include: OCEAN QUEUE JUMP (Fridays until full capacity) MFA Bowling – 2 games for £7, student drinks deals Savoy Cinema – 10% off student ticket FitSpace Gym – No joining fee (save £29) and free FitSpace Padlock (save £5) Art of Flowers – 10% off flowers or 10% extra in a bouquet (see MedSoc website for details), 20 free cupcakes when you order a birthday cake
Pudding Pantry – 10% off food when eating out and 10% off drinks Warsaw Diner – 20% discount Tues – Thurs Curtis & York Unisex Salon – 20% discount Smythson’s Deli – Free cake & hot drink token & 10% discount (except meal deal)
And so many more! (check out the MedSoc website for the full list)
Hello and welcome to Medics Karni! Karnival is the largest student-run charity organization in the UK, hosting events mainly for first years and raising money for a huge number of charities. We will host several events throughout your first term, making it as action-packed, stress free and, most of all, memorable as possible. From balls to bar crawls, rag raids to sky dives and even trekking Machu Pichu, there’s something for everyone to get involved with. But what is a ‘rag raid’? Whilst at other universities Saturdays may be seen as time to catch up on sleep or recover from the night before, at Nottingham they mean only one thing - rag raid time. Every Saturday of your first term, we will journey to the big cities around the UK, wearing in all manner of fancy dress. After a day of doing good, collecting money for charity, you will be well rewarded for your hard work - and what’s a better reward than a bus journey home complete with challenges, prizes and a few other surprises! These bus journeys are definitely not to be missed! On our return to our beloved city the party carries on at one of our favourite venues well into the night. Last year Karnival raised over 1.6 million pounds for charity, and we hope to do just as well – if not better - this year!
If there’s a job that needs doing, I’d wager Kate Deans will be on top of it. The only member of the team not originating from Uni Park, the fact that she was stuck in the distant world of SPC by no means diminished her ability to organise and whip the rest of the team into shape. If you find yourself on a rag bus (lucky you!) then Kate is certain to take the time to get to know you and make sure you have a brilliant time.
You’re most likely to come across Jake Coles staggering bleary eyed around Ocean. However, what you may mistake for inebriation is in fact infatuation. A hopeless romantic, when Jake’s not after ‘the one’, or hurling himself at other members of the Medic Rugby team, he’s devoting all of his energy to Karni and the Med School. A great collector, from roaming a freezing Oxford in tights to racing through a sodden Birmingham armed with poppies, Jake is one of the best sources of help available. Crazy, mad, and a hell of a lot of fun, find Jake and you won’t regret it.
Holly Richardson is easily one of the most dangerously enthusiastic and excitable people you’ll ever meet. Her devotion to Medics Karni is matched only by her determination to get into Ocean’s DJ booth to drop her new mixtape. She’ll happily make friends with anyone, and you’d be wise to, as she’s a great one at that. Whilst being the happiest, bubbliest soul around during the day, when night descends and Baywatch comes on Holly’s wild half appears (be it after only 1 drink) and you’ll get to meet the mad, unstoppable but loving Medic that you’ll see every weekend on rag.
Short, but to the point, Jamie is without a doubt the unstoppable force pushing the team forewords. He breaks boundaries, always gives 110% and many other clichés. But really, some say he sleeps in the QMC library and will bring his hockey bag even to a Crisis all-nighter in preparation. Is he doing all this as an attempt to shake the nickname of ‘boring’ or is he truly an inspiration to us all? We can only speculate, but one things for sure, you’ll find he’s as far from boring as possible on rag and a great guy to buy a drink for afterwards. Holly Lyle will go to extremes for charity and Medics Karni, having already leapt out of a plane and wandered through a week of lectures disguised as a Christmas tree in the first semester alone! But don’t think the action stops there, she will often be found doing her signature dance move of the splits across the Ocean dance floor, that is when she’s not kissing the owner (Andy Hoe, praise be upon him). And as for the rag bus, well you’ll just have to wait and see! Whatever she’s up to I can say for certain that our team (and our total) would be at a loss without her.
There’s no one who’ll have your back this year quite like Rory Page. When he’s not saving lives in the swimming pool or taking a dip in the mighty Ocean, this easy-going rag veteran and all-round lovely guy can be found trawling the streets using only his wit, charm and Jedi mind tricks to part the public from their cash. His past fundraising endeavours include leg-waxing, a skinhead phase (we thought you looked great Rory!) and a literal fishy incident. And who knows what else may be on the horizon for this pillar of medics’ bar? He's not just the hero Karni deserves, but the one we need!
Medics are always over-achievers in all aspects of life, including sport. Unfortunately, due to our ‘fun’ packed timetable, our elite sportsmen and women always struggle to find time to play for the university teams meaning our MedSoc teams are always of a very high standard. MedSoc sports teams participate in the national (NAMS) league and university (IMS) league and training fits in with our jam-packed lifestyles. As well as playing in the leagues, a varsity series has been set up with the Leicester medics, which this year is being hosted at home here in Nottingham…so be sure to get involved in medics varsity in some way! Whether you’re a competitor, spectator or just up for an amazing social afterwards, varsity is set to be amazing this year! The sports that MedSoc has to offer include: Badminton, Basketball, Cheerleading, Cricket, Cross Country, Cycling, Football (men’s & women’s), Futsal, Hockey, Netball, Rowing, Rugby, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball. If we don’t have already have your sport, feel free to come and speak to us and we’ll see what we can do! Although we can get quite serious on the pitch, we all know how to have a great time off it. We have many team socials throughout the year and are aiming to have even bigger, better socials this year. The highlight of every year is alumni; a day of student verses doctor matches, followed by a huge social in the evening, usually combining many of our teams. This is not a night to be missed!
Netball
Nottingham University Medics’ Netball Club (NUMNC) is a very friendly and social club. We train on Monday evenings and welcome players of all abilities with a consistently high intake of first years. NUMNC enter teams into the NAMS league (against other medical schools) and the IMS league (against other teams at UoN) - matches for both leagues are played at the weekend. We have had great success in both of these tournaments recently, coming a narrow 2nd in IMS and reaching NAMS finals. We also have plenty of socials which are not to be missed! So feel free to come along and try it out - we can’t wait to meet you! You can find our stand at the MedSoc Freshers Fayre.
Football NUMFC is the biggest medics' sports club at Nottingham, with 3 men's teams and a ladies' team formed from students and doctors. We have been highly successful in local and national competitions in recent years and we are always looking for new players. Off the field we have a lively social calendar, highlights being our weekend away in Europe and our alumni day. Whether you have played to a high standard or never kicked a ball before, all are welcome to get involved. Keep an eye out for information about training in week one.
Table Tennis Medics Table Tennis is a new friendly club, which welcomes students and doctors of all abilities. There are sessions every weekend, where tables, bats and balls will all be provided! These sessions consist of free play for social players and matches with coaching for the more serious players. Whether you want to try a new sport or brush up your skills, you can be sure to have fun by coming along!
Basketball
Medics basketball is a very friendly club that welcomes players of all abilities. Whether you have played regularly in the past or if you are just starting now, come along to our training sessions on Wednesday evenings. Training is adjusted to everyone’s abilities and it involves training drills and casual matches amongst ourselves. It is a great opportunity to meet medics from other years and even some of our awesome alumni that always come back! And if you are a more serious player, we have the IMS league on Sundays during term time and the NAMS league twice a year where we play against other med schools.
Rugby Nottingham Medics RUFC is a friendly, welcoming club, which has enjoyed a number of recent tournament successes on the field, coupled with a strong social feel off it. There is a great history at the club, a history you are welcome to be part of. We train at Casuals RUFC on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm. We are always on the lookout for more players and anyone interested should contact us.
Cheerleading Medics cheerleading is a fun, sociable and relaxed society that meets for a couple of hours a week, our main session being Tuesdays at 7pm. We learn routines of dancing and lifts throughout the year, do several performances and enjoy regular socials, including performing annually at the medic rugby alumni match (with a great joint rugby and cheer social afterwards!). No previous experience is required and we love getting new members. It’s a great opportunity to meet medics from all years, and we guarantee that if you come along to one of our sessions you will have a great time and meet some lovely people!
Tennis
Medics Tennis is a very friendly and fun society. We love to have players of all abilities joining us weekly down at the Park Tennis Club in Nottingham. With a variety of sessions including match play, cardio and coaching, we’ve got something for everyone. Whether you’ve played the sport for years or you want to try something new at uni, make sure you come along to our fresher’s event. We train on Sundays from 1-3pm and on Tuesday evenings in the warmer months. With termly tournaments and smashing socials, we can’t wait for you fresher’s to join us.
Badminton Looking to play badminton? Medic's Badminton meets once a week for a social and friendly few hours at Jubilee campus. Our Saturday sessions are relaxed, but we have competitive matches throughout the year against other medical schools. All abilities are welcome, whether you're a beginner or a pro, just looking to play casually or competitively, there's something for everyone.
Kicking off the medics’ socials this year on Thursday 6th October the infamous Cocktail Party is guaranteed to be a great night! Attracting all five years of the Medical school, we invade Ocean for an evening of fancy dress and fancy-ish cocktails! We’ve seen everything – circuses, animals, Scooby doo and an army of Crayola crayons to name a few! Get your thinking caps on and start planning your costume for the biggest and best way to kick off your time at med school.
If you haven't been satisfied with the amount of blood and gore within the year so far, this event might just fulfil your needs! Another chance to get dressed up and enjoy your night as a vampire, ghoul or whatever other costume you have lying around!
Ever fancied yourself to be the new pop sensation? This night is all about enjoy some great music and becoming a star! A little bit different and definitely not to be missed!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Medics’ Winter Ball is the perfect way to end first term before you disappear home for Christmas buried deep in snow, turkey and textbooks. One of the few annual events with attendance from all five years in the med school, everyone always enjoys swapping stethoscopes for sophistication and a chance to socialize and be merry! With the stunning Colwick Hall already set as the venue – watch out, tickets always sell fast!
Dear Future 1st Years, Welcome to Notts Medical School! Supporting every student throughout five years of medical school is one of MedSoc’s biggest aims. Medical school is a lot of fun but can also be very challenging, we know that better than anyone. The phrase “work hard, play hard” is certainly applicable to most medics! For when times get a bit tough there are plenty of people in and around the medical school to help you out.
Welfare Officer:
Welfare Website:
As this year’s Medsoc Welfare Officer I’m always happy to have a chat with a cup of tea and a biscuit, whether the problem is big or small nothing is worth suffering in silence for! Come and say hello around QMC or feel free to contact me (Beth Griffiths) on Facebook or by email on medsocwelfare@nottingham.ac.uk.
When you become a bit more familiar with Moodle (don’t worry it’s not as tricky as it looks!) there is a link to the Student Welfare and Support Area which has a number of personal stories and information about problems that students frequently encounter at university, just remember that whatever you are going through, you’re not alone! There’s also links and information about who there is to speak to within the medical school, university and externally.
Medic Parents:
Nightline:
Everyone who comes to Notts Medical School is assigned a medic parent from the year above in the first week you arrive, as a sort of guardian angel to make sure you get as much as you can out of first year. You probably all have lots of questions ranging from ‘Where’s the best night out?’ to ‘How much work should I be doing?’ and ‘How am I going to figure this timetable out?’ and who better to answer them than your very own mum or dad from the year above who was in your shoes just a year ago! So be sure to pick the brains of your medic mum or dad on any help or advice you want, or even just an insight into what 1st year is actually like! They are really useful for notes and exam tips having done it so recently, you might also be able to meet your grandparents and great grandparents from the years above. Use and abuse your parents as much as possible, they are there to help!
Nightline is student-run confidential listening services who offer telephone, email and instant messenger support. Keep an eye out for the Nightline Bear out and about – particularly in Ocean on a Friday night! www.nottinghamnightline.co.uk www.studentminds.org.uk
Student Supporters:
These lovely people are available for you at any time to talk about anything, from family or friendship problems and financial trouble, to stress, depression and mental health issues. They’ve all been trained so they know where you can go for help, can answer course related queries, and they’re willing to listen to anything you want to get off your chest. Anything you tell them will be confidential. The names and contact details of all student supporters can be found on the welfare website or around QMC. Alternatively you can always drop me an email and I’ll put you in touch!
Tutors
Your health is important too! You’ll learn all about signs, symptom, diagnosis and treatment of disease in patients (which is great!) but don’t forget that your health is important too. Register with the GP as soon as possible and remember to take time to eat well and sleep enough! The University Counselling Service is free for all students and offers professional, confidential support for any problems you might experience.
A message for international students from our international rep:
As an international student, sometimes adjusting can be a little difficult - but don't worry, I'm here to make the transition a little easier! If you guys ever have any questions, feel free to Facebook message, email or even just catch me around med school - remember, no question is too small!
I hope you all have an amazing fresher’s week and a fab year, have lots of fun and learn some interesting stuff. Remember to ask for help whenever and always remember the immortal words of the Baywatch song which you’ll learn to love after spending every Friday night in the Big O… I’ll be ready (I’ll be ready) Never you fear (no don’t you fear) I’ll be ready Forever and always I’m always here (But seriously I am – get in touch any time) Medsoc Love, Beth Griffiths x
Got an issue with the course that you want to raise?
Know of something that requires change
or improvement?
Want provision of better facilities and other services?
Student voice is an elected committee of medical students from all year groups. We are part of the Student Union’s Education network and our reps sit on over a dozen of different faculty committees. We ensure that your feedback is being listened to and acted upon. We bring issues to the attention of the medical school, ranging from suggestions on improving the facilities through to feedback about the course itself. Elections for new course reps take place in the first few weeks of term so keep an eye out for these and come say hello during welcome week! For more information about student voice or if there is anything you wish to change email: MZ-iscchair@nottingham.ac.uk
Find us on Facebook: Nottingham Medics Student Voice
Leaving home to start University can seem like an exciting but crazily daunting concept. That's why MedSoc 2016 have created for you a survival guide to ensure you are clued up on all the Medic inside info before you even step foot in the QMC!
1. Don’t buy a load of books (the library has loads and you can always buy later if you think you will need it) 2. If you’re getting a stethoscope most people go for the Littmann Classic II 3. Get a MedSoc card for Ocean queue jump (be the ultimate envy of your non-medic friends and never have to stress about getting tickets for Nottingham’s biggest Friday night!) 4. You will always find medics in “medics bar” of Ocean nightclub (through the door on the left of the main room); come say hi! 5. Go on a medics rag raid (you’ll find out about these when you come to Nottingham) – they’re a great way to meet other medics from different halls 6. Don’t forget your fancy dress for Medics Cocktail Party (Don’t worry, not much is expected of 1st years but keep an eye out for the spectacular props and costumes of the 4th and 5th years!) 7. You can also get a load of discounts with your NHS card (this will be administered by the Med School) – most importantly 50% off Dominoes!! 8. As Medics your course starts on the Monday of first week so DON’T FORGET to attend your introductory lectures!!
Find out more at http://www.nottsmedsoc.com Also like us on Facebook (Nottingham MedSoc) and follow us on Twitter & our new Instagram account to be kept up to date with everything NottsMedSoc related! Any questions email us at nottsmedsoc@gmail.com or tweet us at @nottsmedsoc. Also don’t forget to join your Facebook group: OFFICIAL NOTTINGHAM MEDICS - FRESHERS 2016-2017 We can’t wait to meet you all, let’s get excited!!!