Hi! my name is Zahid.

It has been a long and great adventure starting out at university as an 18-year-old studying Biomedical Sciences back in 2012 to graduating as a Dentist.

Zahid, Dental Surgery

University has been a life-changing experience for me. Starting out, straight out of 6th form, I’d never properly lived away from home let alone hundreds of miles away. But moving down to Plymouth from London was a huge step in my independence, self-discovery, and personal and professional growth, all while finding life-long friends and enjoying unforgettable experiences.

Although both of my courses have been a little intense at times, over the years I have tried to make the most of the sports and societies that university has to offer, which believe me, is a crazy amount! - So there’s definitely something for everyone! For me, I’ve been part of the Badminton Society for many years! It’s a great opportunity to make new friends as well as work up a bit of a sweat playing some badminton, while also giving me a much-needed break from uni and working life. I’ve also been part of other incredible societies from Adventure and Expo (A&E), which is great for those adrenaline seekers out there, to course societies like DentSoc which helps support extracurricular activities and events outside of the course.

The life comforts of Plymouth have really made me feel at home with all the shops and restaurants that you can find back home (plus some more unique and tasty ones you can’t!). My favourite part of living in Plymouth has to be the stunning beaches in Devon and Cornwall which are super close and only a short train or bus journey away, as well as the infamous Plymouth Hoe and Barbican which I love to go to for a walk, or to hang out with friends after a long day of clinics.

Plymouth is so unique as a coastal city within the South West. It’s pretty big and so it has most of the comforts I was used to back home but with the added luxury of the stunning British coastline. It’s also really convenient; having had a driving licence for many years now, I didn’t need to get a car whilst living in Plymouth as everything is practically walking distance, and if I needed a bus to the hospital for clinics this is prepaid by the University, which is really convenient and a huge help financially.