Termtime/holiday hours at UEA

[Nicecatch22]

I am a parent of young children who is thinking of applying for medicine at UEA. I am wondering whether medical students at UEA are more or less free during university holidays or whether there are placements etc? I need to take into account whether I could afford childcare (and whether I would ever see my kids).
Thanks for any advice.

[Nestea]

2011-12 term dates.docx download - 2shared

Here are the term dates if you are interested to download

There are some students on our course with young children who cope well with the course. I don't think they have a problem with seeing their kids ever. University holidays are free time - occasionally they are prior to exams and may have to be spent revising. Placements take place during term time...the only exception really is if you are doing remedial (if you have missed a big chunk of placement); this may have to be done during your holiday. The other time is the elective, which is in 4th year, where you break up after exams toward the end of May, and you are required to do a 2 month elective period anywhere in the world (you can choose to do this in UK as well)

Hope this helps

[Nicecatch22]

Thank you so much, that is hugely reassuring!

[Obs or peads]

I have three kids under 7 and am starting in Sept, so I have been asking around about this. Terms generally start and end a week before/after the rest of uni. Holidays are free like the previous poster said. Then only thing I would add is that I was told that if you fail your end of year exam you have to study for the resit over the summer holidays (so I am not going to let that happen!) Wednesdays are mostly free: there is anatomy in the morning, but not all students do this, and in any case the afternoon is free (cue a day to pick the kids up from nursery/school and spend some quality time with them <3 ).

I found this summary by an UEA med student extremely helpful:
A Week in the Life of a Medical Student - The Student Room