Krishna
I am from
India
I study Medicine at Aston University· United Kingdom
Medicine in United Kingdom
Doctor
Hello, I'm Krishna and I'm a first year medical student at Aston University, Birmingham. I enjoy reading and art. IFG was a great experience for me as it really helped me strengthen my application.
Ask me about
Krishna is a former student and verified International Foundation Group ambassador
Why Krishna chose this path
“I've wanted to be a doctor since I was a child in Chennai. Seeing family members struggle with access to specialist care made me determined to be part of the solution. Medicine isn't just a career for me - it's a calling.”
What attracted me
The NHS training pathway is world-class. The UK offers an incredible breadth of clinical exposure, and the medical culture here values both research and patient care.
My background before
I completed secondary education in Chennai with strong science grades, but needed a UK-recognised Foundation Year to meet entry requirements for British medical schools.
How I got in
IFG made the application process straightforward. The admissions team guided me through the personal statement, helped me prepare for interviews, and matched me to a university that suited my profile.
Top tips for getting accepted
Start your personal statement early and make it genuine - admissions tutors read thousands and the authentic ones stand out. Prepare seriously for interviews; IFG's coaching was invaluable for me.
Common mistakes to avoid
Leaving the personal statement too late. Applying to universities that don't fit your profile. Not preparing adequately for interviews - practice mock interviews until they feel natural.
My recommendation to you
Receiving my offer from Aston was one of the proudest moments of my life. Trust the process, put in the work, and your moment will come.
What Krishna wishes they knew
Things I wish I knew before starting
How demanding the academic pace in Year 1 would be - and also how supportive the small class environment is. The contrast between those two is what defines the Foundation experience.
What surprised me most
How quickly Birmingham started to feel like home. I expected to feel lost but the international student community is genuinely welcoming.
The hardest part
The volume of material in first year at Aston. Anatomy alone could fill a library. Staying on top of it requires real discipline.
The best decision I made
Choosing IFG. The Foundation Year prepared me not just academically but personally - I arrived at Aston confident and ready.
Biggest misconception people have
That Foundation Year students are somehow less capable than direct entry students. By the time we arrive at university, we are often better prepared.
What helped me most
Staying consistent. Medicine rewards daily effort more than cramming. I reviewed notes every single day, even on weekends.
What it's actually like
A typical day
I start with a 7am run around Cannon Hill Park, then head to lectures by 9 - usually anatomy or physiology. Afternoons for small-group tutorials, lab work, or clinical skills. Evenings I cook with flatmates, then 2-3 hours of studying.
The reality vs. the expectation
More collaborative than I expected. Medicine in Birmingham is very team-based - you work closely with the same small group all year.
My favourite part
Clinical skills sessions. The moment you start practising actual medical procedures - even in simulation - you remember exactly why you chose this path.
Most challenging part
Managing the volume. There's always more to learn. The key is accepting you'll never know everything and focusing on mastering the fundamentals.
Where it's taken me
Skills I've gained
Analytical thinking, time management, the ability to absorb large volumes of complex information, and clinical communication skills.
How it's helped my career
I'm now in my third year at Aston. The pathway IFG provided has been crucial to getting here.
Opportunities it has opened
Clinical placements in Birmingham's hospitals, research opportunities, and a strong peer network spanning medicine, engineering, and business.
Topics Krishna can help with
Questions students ask Krishna
Is the IFG Foundation Year accepted by all UK medical schools?
How did you find living away from home for the first time?
Ready to ask Krishna a question?
