Q&A with RUMC Student:
Jarren Yi Sheng Lu
Programme / Course: MB BCh BAO
Graduation Year: Class of 2025
Jarren was awarded the prestigious Reuben Harvey Prize by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI), class of 2025 at UCD. He was also President of the 2021/2022 UCD Malaysian Society.
Why did you choose to study at RUMC?
RUMC offers a twinning programme with the opportunity to complete my pre-clinical years in Dublin and clinical years in Penang. I wanted the experience of studying abroad but also to spend time with my family in Penang, so this undergraduate program was the ideal choice for me.
What did you enjoy most about studying at the UCD School of Medicine?
I really enjoyed the way our curriculum was planned out during pre-clinical years. We had comparatively less number of lecture hours than other medical schools, but this meant I had more time for self-development, and I was able to manage my own time to complete both curricular and extra-curricular activities.
How would you describe the quality of teaching staff at UCD School of Medicine? How did they support you during your studies?
The quality of teaching staff at UCD was certainly high. I am confident in saying that I felt well-supported during my time of study there - the academic lecturers were always responsive and happy to answer any academic queries, either in-person or via email.
What career do you hope to pursue once you have finished your degree?
I aspire to become a Neurosurgeon!
Provide an example where you used the University’s academic or social support services while studying.
The Peer Mentor Program in my opinion was a valuable support service for seniors to help juniors accommodate and settle into their new environment. I was a Peer Mentor with a few of my friends in 2nd year of medical school and we had the chance to bring a few freshmen around for a campus and city tour. It was a really fun experience!
Tell us about any social activities on or off campus you have become involved in.
I was part of the UCD Malaysian Society committee which frequently hosted social nights. We incorporated various cultural cuisines and elements into our networking events, and certainly had the opportunity to meet and make new friends with other students from all around the world. These are memories I look back very fondly upon.
Tell us which campus facilities you used. Did you have a favourite place on campus at UCD?
It’s likely no surprise that my favourite place on campus would be the James Joyce Library! I did also enjoy using the campus gyms, swimming pool, and sauna. Attending 9am lectures after a morning swim session was peak university student experience.
What was your first impression of studying in the UCD School of Medicine?
It took some time for me to adapt to the curriculum. I wasn’t used to having more self-study time than lecture time, and certainly never had the chance to self-select an elective module of my own interest every semester. I had more autonomy over what I wanted to learn and when I wanted to learn them, which was very different from previous education styles I’ve received.
What was the biggest cultural or lifestyle change in coming to UCD School of Medicine and how did you adapt?
Studying abroad as an international student meant I had to relearn how to live life on my own. It was not an easy journey, but the 2.5 years I spent studying at UCD School of Medicine helped me grow and find my own direction in life. I owe everything to the unwavering support of my family and friends.
What advice would you give a student considering study at RUMC/UCD School of Medicine?
I think Medicine is a difficult but rewarding career to pursue. RUMC/UCD School of Medicine is a good choice if you lean towards self-directed learning.
My top tip would be to have grit and persevere until the end if you do decide to enrol into medical school – everyone comes out of it learning valuable life lessons.