Caitlyn Randles

I’d never really been away from home, and I find change a little daunting. But since I’ve been at Edge Hill, I’ve made sure to take up every opportunity that’s been given to me and thrown myself into everything. I just thought, ‘why not, what have I got to lose?’

They say things happen for a reason and I can certainly relate to that since coming to Edge Hill. I had a bad start to sixth form as my grandma, who I was very close to, passed away. It affected my studies for a period of time. When I didn’t quite achieve the grades I’d hoped for, I was devastated and thought studying Medicine was out of the question.

It may seem like a bit of a cliché but as one door closed, another extremely exciting door was opening for me. I applied for the Medicine Foundation Programme at Edge Hill through clearing and was successful.

I’ve been amazed at how quickly I’ve settled in and made friends. As the Medicine degree is quite new, my cohort is quite small, so we’ve all got to know each other and become friends.

The tutors are all fantastic. I love how passionate they are in each of their subjects and they clearly want us – and the course – to be successful. They take as much pride in our achievements as we do.

I’ve become a Student Ambassador as I want to share my positive experience with students who are considering studying at Edge Hill. It’s an absolute honour to be able to represent the University at open days and other events, and to promote all of the fantastic opportunities that are available.

As someone who was rather nervous about moving away, I can’t believe how much I’m enjoying my independence. I’ve got such a nice living and working environment here – it’s like my own little home and, on top of that, I get to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor.