What's it like living in King's Lynn?

[catmando]

Helllloooo people,

Having lived in or around the big smoke all my life I'm somewhat apprehensive about living in Kings Lynn (should I even get accepted!!). Anyone out there who is living and studying in KL?

What do you think of it? Where would you recommend etc?

All top tips or general opinions gratefully received!

[DH2005]

Hello Cat... me again.

I've only been to King's Lynn once (for my interview) so I can only offer a narrow insight, which is as follows: it looks extremely quiet and uneventful. I've lived in Birmingham all of my life, and I expect that I'll suffer quite a culture shock.

[Marky Mark]

What's it like living in the mighty kl?

I have first hand experience, having lived here since the start of the access course last september. i moved from london, so yes a wee bit of a culture shock, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Ultimately kl is a very very small town, in terms of both geographic map and social scene. once here you will tend to mix solely with your comrades on the course, which is not a bad thing! lets face it, you will all have a lot in common, you all have given up whatever for medicine. these people will be your friends throughout the year, i doubt you will ever meet such a bunch of like-minded, modest, pleasant people ever again.

the nightlife is bearable, loads of 'local' pubs, we tend to congregate in only a few places on a night out, and i'm sure the people on previous years will have done and also future years will do the same. the globe and the hogshead are two cheap as chip pubs (the globe is a weatherspoon pub so is not too bad), then we head to chicagos, which is great, as is anywhere, when drunk.

there is a nightclub just out of town called zoots which is full to the brim with under 18's. there is also another club - diva - which is full of people at the other end of the age spectrum.

in terms of shopping, you have all you need to get by, no extravagancies though.

the college itself is your typical HE college, a mix of student builders (complete with cracks on display), student health and beauty students, student dancers, actors, and all those other vocational courses they offer. then there are the access to med students. these tend to be the slightly older, more reserved type.

the one major annoyance is the amount of chavs and their bloody chav cars zooming about the mean streets of kings lynn. sometimes i wonder what on earth they think as they add another stripe or stick yet another plastic aerofoil onto their citroen saxos, then tear off from the lights, happy hardcore blaring out of their 'ice'. still, it's another reason that makes going home for the weekend that much more pleasant.

it is a great course, speaking to other access to med students from other people around the country, this seems to be not only the most recognised by med schools but also the most organised. we work hard, as do the teachers.

it is a difficult year, both is terms of what you are giving up and what you are attempting to get into. you really are in limbo for this year. the end result, that is to able to start medical school this coming september, will, i hope, taste all the more sweeter.

best of luck. marc.

[Leicester Medic]

Having lived in king's Lynn a while back, it a very interesting place!!! Anybody out there looking to do a genetics study would be lost forever in the wonderful world of KL. They ask you to leave your passport there and breed so they can widen their incredibly small gene pool. The locals are all very nice and friendly with their 11 fingers and 3 feet.!.
On a serious note KL is a massive culture shock and seems to be stuck back in the fifties. Social seen is ok with only a couple of pubs we regularly frequented and only really mixed with other medics. The course does put alot of pressure on you and you all understand each others stresses.
I luckily didn't live in the centre, but 15miles out and it like escaping to another world after college.
Just remember its only 10months of your life and it passes you at mach 3.
Enjoy.

[DH2005]

Thanks for the advice, both of you.

Marc - that's not the first time that I've heard King's Lynn's reputation for being Chav Central. I find that rather curious for such a sleepy little place that's stuck in the middle of nowhere... are you beginning to prepare yourself for the exams?

[catmando]

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for the info on KL. I'm fairly certain that it will, as you said, be a massive culture shock. However, it's really pleasing to hear you say that it passes at the speed of Mach 3!!!

10 months should be just about do-able and as you said, there's a light at the end of the tunnel if it means you can get on a course for 2006.

I'm going to apply for West Sussex too. You never know, the gods might have to decide my fate on this one!

Cheers

Cat

[MollyMouse]

I actually liked living in King's Lynn! It's very conducive to studying, which is what you're going there for, and everything you need is close by.
I suppose it's like anywhere, you meet your fair share of like-minded people, and those you'd rather not spend too much time with. Those at the college are MORE than willing to help in whatever capacity. I liked the cheap gym on site, tiny, but CHEAP!
Just remember, the less distractions the better. This is a fantastic opportunity to get into medical school, if you work hard.
All the best for those going to KL this September
x

[Dimples]

Guys I need a little bit of feedback here!

I was bitten pretty hard by the "money worry bug" this weekend and I am kidna reeling from the shock of it all!

To the current and past KL students whats the average dent to the pocket like?

And on the subject of money - has anyone worked in the Hospital at all - if so whats the pay scales like and is it possible to fit a couple of hours in over the weekend. Also has anyone else done anyother jobs while in KL.

Anywa feedback will be very appreciated!

Thankful
D

[christie]

Anyone starting in September had a response fron the QEHL yet? I sent my application form a few months back and heard nothing so far...

[Dimples]

Hey C

I have heard zipideedoda back and all! If it had an A&E department I would be in business but it does not Cest la vie!