If you’re lucky enough to receive more than one medical school offer, congratulations! But now comes a tough choice — picking your firm and insurance offers. You’re not just choosing a course; you’re choosing the next five or six years of your life.
This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider, so you can make a smart, confident decision — whether you’re staying in the UK or thinking about studying medicine abroad.
1. Teaching Style: Which One Suits You?
When shortlisting medical school, you probably considered teaching styles — but now’s the time to take that seriously. Do you thrive with Problem-Based Learning? Prefer traditional lectures? Or like a blend?
Also look into:
- When clinical exposure starts (some schools offer it from year one)
- How anatomy is taught (cadavers vs. virtual simulations)
- Whether the structure feels supportive or overwhelming
Remember: You’ll be living this course for 5–6 years. If you find the teaching style demotivating, it’ll feel like a lifetime.
2. Class Size & Student Experience
The size of your Medical School affects everything — from social life to placement quality.
Large Medical Schools:
✅ More people to meet
✅ More societies, events and opportunities
⚠️ Clinical placements might be far from campus
⚠️ Less personalised attention
Smaller Medical Schools:
✅ More 1:1 support
✅ Placements often closer to home base
⚠️ Fewer students = potentially fewer networking opportunities
There’s no right or wrong here — just what suits your learning style and social preference best.
3. Location, Lifestyle, and Vibe
Where you study matters — not just academically, but personally. Ask yourself:
- Do I prefer a campus university or a city-based one?
- Would I enjoy a big city or feel more comfortable in a quieter town?
- How far is it from home? Can I visit family easily?
- What’s the vibe? Could I see myself thriving there?
Think beyond just medicine — this is your home for the next few years.
4. What Do Current Medical Students Say?
One of the best ways to get a real sense of what life is like is to speak to current students.
You can:
- Join forums like The Student Room
- DM students on social media
- Attend open days or offer holder events
Ask honest questions:
- What surprised you about the course?
- What do you wish you knew before starting?
5. Attend Offer Holder Events — and Trust Your Gut
Whether it’s virtual or in person, offer holder events help you see beyond the prospectus. It’s your chance to:
- Meet lecturers and students
- Ask detailed questions
- Get a feel for the campus and the culture
Sometimes, your gut reaction during these visits tells you more than any checklist.
6. Choose a Strategic Insurance Option
Your insurance choice should be realistic — not just another dream option. Here’s how to make it work for you:
- Pick a course with lower entry requirements
- If your firm choice is Medicine, your insurance could be:
- Another Medical School with slightly lower offers
- A fifth UCAS choice like Biomedical Science
- Another Medical School with slightly lower offers
Don’t waste your insurance slot on a course that requires the exact same grades as your firm — it defeats the purpose.
Bonus: Considering Medicine Abroad?
If none of your offers feel like the perfect fit — or if you’re worried about missing grades — studying Medicine abroad might be worth exploring.
At Medconnect Europe, we help UK students secure places at accredited Medical Universities across Europe, where you can study in English and get a globally recognised degree. With lower tuition fees and smaller class sizes it’s an excellent alternative for students who want a fresh start without compromising on quality.
➤ Find out how to apply to study Medicine in Europe with Medconnect Europe
We’ll guide you through the process — from application to enrollment and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between medical schooll offers is exciting — but stressful. Focus on the environment where you’ll feel supported, challenged, and happy. Whether that’s a top-ranking UK university or a world-class Medical School abroad, the most important thing is that it feels right for you.
If you’re still unsure, or want to keep more options open, talk to our advisors at Medconnect Europe about studying medicine abroad. You’d be surprised how many students wish they knew about it sooner.
