Day in the life, Charlotte Gray

Nov 11

If you've ever wondered what it is like to study in Australia, veterinary student, Charlotte Gray shares a typical day in her campus life.

I live in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales and attend Charles Sturt University. As a student studying in Australia, the best part of vet school is definitely the opportunities to apply all our hard work and knowledge in a clinical environment. The worst part is the workload and the time commitment that it demands. During the school year there are many times that I have to say no to doing fun things with my friends or family so I can prioritize by school work. But, in the end, all this hard work will pay off!

This is what I get up to on a typical day as a veterinary student:

Breakfast – the beginning of a new day

I live in a share house which is around the corner from the uni. Living in a share house is great, it is spacious and dog friendly. I start my day at 5:30 am and go to the gym for an hour workout class. Then, I come home and make myself a fresh fruit smoothie to go. I take my dogs for about an hour long walk and go over notes on my phone before coming home and getting ready for uni. I get to uni by 9am to start classes for the day.

Class time: As I am still in the earlier years of the degree we are still based on campus and have a mix of lectures, tutorials and practical classes. My favorite class this year has been physiology, I have found it so interesting to understand how the body functions.

Lunch time:

I usually pack lunch so I can eat with friends at uni and spend sometime studying before my next class. My favorite lunch is full of veggies, usually a salad or a stir fry with some fruit and of course a coffee to get me through my afternoon classes!

Back to class:

My afternoon classes were mainly full of practical in the labs last year which is always a good way to finish the day.

Afternoon catch up:

When I get home after uni I normally take my dogs for another walk before coming home and having dinner. Because I live away from my family, I usually spend this afternoon walk FaceTiming family and friends to catch up.

Dinner and beyond:

Dinner in a share house is nice because there is always someone to talk to. I love making a healthy and early dinner to fuel my brain for some more study before bed.

If I've just got some notes to catch up with I just study at home with my housemates. But, if we have an exam coming up, my friends are I meet in the library to smash out some group study! Every night when I've finished with studying I find it so important to let my brain shutdown so I try to watch some tv before bed to relax.

How I spend my weekend:

On the weekends if I'm not working at the local vet clinic I love to stay active by getting to the gym and taking my dogs on big walks. While at uni I try to be productive on the weekends so I can fit in some study and still get to do things I enjoy. Often, I go back home for the weekend to spend time with my friends, family and partner. If not, usually my boyfriend comes to Wagga to visit. I love to go out for a nice dinner on the weekend with friends, which is something we usually don't have time for during the week!

What I think needs to change in our profession:

In Australia, the veterinary profession has been battling the devastatingly high rate of suicide, which is four times higher than that of the general public. While support and awareness for mental health has increased within the profession and in vet schools, I believe it is extremely important to educate clients and the public of this issue as well. In 2020, this conversation has transitioned from within the industry to popular media. While this battle is ongoing, I think steps are being taken in the right direction.

What the future holds for me:

I'm so excited for what the next ten years brings and I definitely can't predict what's coming. I do know that I plan to specialize in a subject, however, I am not sure what that subject will be. There are so many options that I find appealing. I will follow the opportunities that come my way and see where they take me!